Chapter One

One more Candles lit the vast dining room of the Malfoy manor in their low, flickering light. The house-elves had laid out a lovely dinner for two on the antique table. With a flick of his wand 15-year-old Lucius lit the last candle and stood back to admire his work. It was a romantic moment in time. Not that he cared a lick about romance. But that was what most girls wanted and he doubted Bellatrix Black would be any different. Even a witty, strong heiress like her would melt once Lucius turned up the charm.
DONG. The magic doorbell announced her arrival throughout the whole manor. If his parents had been home, Lucius would have answered the door for her himself and then led her to a collective dinner. They would have shared private jokes while the elder Higgs attempted to make political small talk. How goes the potions business? What classes are you taking? Any new clients? As he waited for a house-elf to escort her in, Luciu imagine the fake smile she would paste on as she answered their questions. But there she was, entering the room, and he didn t have to imagine anymore.

Patiently, Bellatrix waited for somebody to come to the door. As she waited, her toyed with the end of her dark green summer dress. The wide belt at her waist, muggle fashion, gave an extra sway to her hips and oomph to her bust. Not that she needed it. Even at 14, Eme was 5 feet and 4 inches of appeal. It was in her careful breeding, as was her delicate bone structure and perfectly pouted lips. The only accident on her was her volumes of dark, curly hair. She would have been a pretty little princess if her curls didn t have a wild take me vibe to them.

An elf opened the large door to the Malfoy s Manor and gestured Bella inside silently. She followed him to the dining room and stopped at the entrance. Intelligent hazel eyes took in the romantic dinner and the candlelight with a sort of numb disbelief. Champagne at each plate and a well-dressed Lucius Malfoy completed the serious air. What is this? Bellatrix asked in disbelief, crossing her arms over her chest despite the small smile that played on her lips. Neither she nor Lucius were the romance sort so a dinner for two was a little out of the norm.
He made his way to his girlfriend, lovely in a light dress, and smiled, What? My parents are out of town so I thought we could pretend to be a normal couple for awhile. Malfoy shrugged, stopped in front of Bellatrix, and lifted her hand to his lips, I can be sweet too, Bella. He kissed her hand and raised a brow, grinning, I get lonely by myself too.

His fingers wrapped around Bella's hand as he guided her to the table and pulled out her chair for her. As she sat, he moved around to the other side and sat as well. I hope the elves did a good job. I told them it was for a special occasion.

And what s the occasion? Bellatrix arched an eyebrow at him across the table. In one slender hand she grasped the glass of champagne casually. In the world of aristocratic wizardry, even children drank wine with supper and champagne at events. It was simply part of her world. She sipped her drink and made a face, setting it back down, That tastes off.

Bella crossed her legs and smiled at the boy she considered herself to be dating. Her parents vigorously approved of what was going on and, sometimes, Bellatrix wondered if she wasn t just dating him to make them happy. Bella and Lucius certainly had enough in common. Both of their families claimed allegiance with the dark lord and both of their heirs were being raised to do the same.
Lucius chuckled and took a drink of his own champagne, It s just the vintage. You re just not used to this year, Bella. The glass flute hit the table with a clink as he aimed his best, most charming smile and Bellatrix, And it s a very special occasion. Let s eat dinner and then I ll tell you what it is. Manners and good breeding took over as Lucius cut into his food without really paying attention to what it was. He made small talk with Bellatrix every now and then. After twenty minutes, both of their food was gone and most of Bella's champagne as well. A toast? To us? Lucius asked with a smirk, raising his half-full glass.
Lucius watched his girlfriend with clear blue eyes as the drugged champagne took effect. With her small form it had only taken a single dose of the potion to completely cloud her brain. The occasion is the beginning of the rest of our lives, Bella. He smiled, expression sweet and wicked at the same moment. He would take her tonight and claim her as his forever more. And, just like both of their families desired, they would get married. He would never share his witty, cruel, and beautiful Bellatrix.

He pushed back his chair silently and moved to stand behind her. With calm and sure hands he lifted her mass of curls and moved it to one side of her head, I love you, Bella. He muttered before kissing her neck.
Something seemed wrong. Bellatrix frowned as those three little words left his lips. She had never even heard him say that to his parents. Why was he saying it to her now? And what did he mean by the rest of their lives? The petite brunette shied away from the kiss to her sensitive neck and tried to clear her fogged brain. I I don t know what Unsuccessfully, Bella tried to form a sentence. She was rapidly loosing what little brain power she had left. It was like somebody had flipped off the thought switch in her head.

Lucius Malfoy grinned and then kissed her neck again. His right hand came to hold her still and he bit the spot where her shoulder met her neck. His tongue darted out to lick the little red markings from his teeth. Mmm, she tasted almost sweet and she smelled wonderful. Lucius trailed his other hand down her bare arm and was not-surprised at the softness of her skin. There s no need to fret, Bella. I love you. Surely those three words would quell whatever trouble she was having. Even if Lucius didn t mean it, some part of Bellatrix would relax at hearing that.

Stop saying that! Bella wanted to scream but she couldn t manage more than an incoherent mumble. I love you was just three stupid words. Words she knew he didn t mean. So why say them at all? Her neck felt cold where his teeth had been. Almost numb, even. His hand raised goosebumps on her arms. If she had been able to, she would have yanked her arm away, stood up, and left.

But Bellatrix was trapped. Trapped in her own body without enough willpower to speak or struggle. But it wasn t like she was with a stranger or anything. Bella had known Lucius for the better part of her life. He didn t need her money or influence. The whole thing was probably just a prank. She relaxed slightly, feeling that her logic was sound. Even if her nerves clamored and what was left of her foggy thought process told her this was all wrong, Lucius didn t have any reason to hurt her. Or so she thought.