"My Lord, he's there." Bellatrix pointed at a black bundle of robes. She watched as her master's face curled in satisfaction.

Everyone knew what was coming.

She knew what was coming.

She followed his footsteps until he reached Regulas. His voice seemed distant to her as she gazed at the unforgivable sin she had committed. Bellatrix fumbled over the words as she answered in the usual way. "I live to please you, my Lord."

"Leave us," he commanded.

"My Lord?" Her face looked downward, avoiding his eyes. She heard the approaching footsteps. She felt his rough hands on her chin, forcing her to look upward. She saw the malice in his eyes as he sifted through her mind.

"You wouldn't disobey me, isn't that right, Bellatrix?" His finger tailed across her face, scratching it slightly with his nail.

"I would rather die, my Lord."

"And what about your family? Would you try to stop me from killing them?"

"My Lord, you wouldn't be able to because I would have already killed them myself."

"Bellatrix, we both had to endure the pain and humilation of having flithy blood in our families. I have already disposed of mine. It's time to rid the world of one of yours."

"I want the honor of doing so." She forced a chuckle. "Regulus proved to be worthy once, but it seems he followed his brother's path."

"No, I must be the one, Bellatrix. I will show the traitor that you cannot hide from Lord Voldemort. He will always have his revenge."

"My Lord!" She protested.

"Not another word, Bellatrix. It's time you left anyway." He dropped his hand to his side.

"Yes, my Lord." Bellatrix marched toward the steel gates. She turned around once more. "I want to hear his screams, my Lord. At least grant me that."

"As you wish." His eyes narrowed as he looked at the black mud around her shoes.

Casting a final bow, she walked back to her place. She could hear the Dark Lord speaking to Regulus, waiting for his reply, but there wasn't one.

And there wouldn't be one.

As the piercing scream went up in the air, she allowed herself to finally smirk.

Dark Lord: 0

Bellatrix: 1

It felt so good to win.