This is set during Deathly Hallows, on the night of "The Dark Lord Ascending" in Malfoy Manner. Bellamort oneshot.
It had been nigh on silent for so long that the chime of the clock seemed ten times louder than usual. The sound of it reverberated off every wall and echoed chillingly. He may have jumped at the sudden noise if he was weak enough to succumb to such petty fears as mere mortals frequently were.
The clock's chime continued until it had rang twelve times and then it stopped, leaving a more pronounced silence than ever in its wake.
His hands, which until now had been clasped together in his lap, unfurled as he placed one on each of the arm-rests of the high-backed chair in which he sat. The only source of light in the room was that of the flames flickering in the fire he had conjured. He had been sat in front of it for an hour now, but the pale skin was still unnaturally cold.
He could hear the creak of a stair and turned his head towards the door which stood ajar, though the lack of light made it almost indiscernible.
Then, quite suddenly;
"My Lord!"
It was a female voice; a voice of shock and fear, but also of passion and admiration. He did not need to ask who had disturbed him.
"My Lord, I do apologize, I was not aware of your presence." The woman spoke breathlessly into the darkness.
"Come, Bella." The high voice commanded and Bellatrix Lestrange stepped out of the gloom to greet her master. She bowed deeply and her eyes never left his as she did so, reminding him fleetingly of a house-elf, although such creatures were little more than vermin. He let the thought escape from his mind and conjured another chair for Bellatrix who sat at it with a mumbled thanks.
He considered her for a moment. He had humiliated her earlier with talk of her niece and the werewolf. He knew of her shame and it had amused him to see her pride drowned amongst the jeers and contempt of her fellows. It did not trouble him to see the anger that had flushed her face, because he knew she would always be faithful, no matter what cruelty he subjected her too.
"You are prepared for the plan regarding Harry Potter?" he asked finally, his voice sounding almost as harsh as the chime of the clock.
"Absolutely, My Lord." She gushed, nodding her head and gazing at him adoringly. "With any luck the blood-traitor and the werewolf will be subjected to my mercy along the way." she added viciously. It was clear she hadn't forgotten the earlier discretion either.
"Don't let your mind stray from the task at hand, Bella." he hissed warningly.
"My Lord, you know that I will not let anything distract me from doing your bidding. I am in your service. Always."
The smile that curved his thin lips was an evil leer of self-importance and amusement at her blind devotion. But Bellatrix saw it as a sign of fondness and gratitude, and her eyes lit up with fascination and something her master both feared and repulsed. The light from the flames danced in her eyes as she beamed back at him, leaning ever closer to that snake-like face.
And all she could see were those deep red pitiless eyes, captivating her. Her lips were aching to touch… She was close.
And then cold, cruel hands were wrapped onto her wrist and she could feel those long fingers at the place where the mark of her devotion was burned into her skin forevermore.
The pain was almost unendurable and yet pain was what she knew...pain was her sanctuary.
And through the pain he could see the passion and the fear and the longing.
He let go of her and turned his eyes to the fire.
"Go." He snarled, his voice mingling with the crackle and spit of the flames.
She nodded and exited the room as the clock chimed once more.
Hmmm I'm not so sure I'm pleased with it really… oh well. Feedback much appreciated. x