The Lack of House Elves
Chapter1: An unusual request
"That will be all for tonight. You are dismissed."
The Dark Lord leaned back in his chair and watched the Death Eaters as they jumped of their seats trying to leave his presence as fast as they could.
Only one figure, positioned at his immediate right, stayed behind.
It was a woman with dark curly hair, hollowed cheeks and heavy eyelids.
Her name was Bellatrix Lestrange and she savoured every moment she was near him.
But what else would one expect from the Dark Lord's most loyal servant.
Bellatrix slowly stood up and began walking to the door which lead into the Great Hall of Malfoy Manor.
"Bella. A moment if you please."
Immediately she turned back and stood in front of him bowing her head.
"Yes, my lord?"
"I need your help with something, Bellatrix."
"Of course, everything for you master."
"Well nice to hear that. I wouldn't want to upset you. It is quite an unusual request I have…"
At this word Bellatrix' mind started to wander. Pictures of pale hands touching her, red eyes staring into hers, a four poster bed,… crossed her mind.
"Bellatrix."
His voice brought her back to the conversation they were having.
"I need your assistance to clean the Riddle Manor."
"WHAT?!"
The shock and surprise obvious on her face, Bellatrix tried to understand what her master had just said.
"Sorry my lord, but did you just say…"
"Yes Bellatrix", he interrupted her, "that I need your help to clean the old Riddle House. Is that a problem for you?"
"No, no! Of course not! I just didn't expect you to ask something like that, my lord."
"I know. Your expectations weren't really well hidden."
Bellatrix couldn't stop a blush rising to her cheeks at her Lord's words and lowered her head in embarrassment.
"You can go now, Bella. I will see you tomorrow morning straight at 9 at my manor."
"Yes, my lord."
She bowed quickly and left the room not hearing a chuckle leaving the Dark Lord's lips.