She was coming towards me, slowly but surely. Her usually unkempt, dark brown hair was tied back so nicely, and her heavily-lidded eyes were locked on me. The long, white dress-like robe looked beautiful; the corset was wrapped tightly around her chest, amplifying the measurement of her bosom, while long, silky material billowed behind her as she took her steps. I was smiling, and I knew I was. Bellatrix Black was going to be mine. After all of these years that I had longed for her, she was finally mine.

"She looks beautiful," my friend whispered, his harsh voice quavering in awe.

"I know," I muttered back, flashing white in a smile.

She stopped, gripping the bouquet of flowers in her hands tightly as she gave me a smile - I could have sworn that it made my heart skip a beat. Her father relinquished grip of her arm and stepped back, then she turned to face me.

Her beautiful, and yet gaunt, face was adorned with make-up that made her look like she was lit up, her dark eyes were fixed on me, the eyeliner around them amplifying the colour greatly. Her smile was wide, forced, I was sure, but still wide.

"You look terrific," I said, reaching out and letting my hand brush against her cold skin.

She said nothing, as expected, but inclined her head awkwardly. I knew she didn't want this. I knew who she actually wanted to be-wed. But I also knew she wanted to uphold the pure-blood expectations her family had of her. And I also knew just how madly in love with her I was.

"I promise," I said, letting my blue eyes lock onto her dark-brown, "That.. that if he ever.. ever reciprocates those feelings.. that I won't mind if you.. y'know.."

He smile seemed more real than the others she had ever given me, but I could still tell it was uncertain. "You know, Rudolphus," she said calmly, voice barely more than a whisper, "I think this could work. You and me."