Introduction : Les Liaisons Dangereuses

"Well, Black family tradition decreed that the house was handed down the direct line, to the next male with the name of 'Black.' Sirius was the very last of the line as his younger brother, Regulus, predeceased him and both were childless. While his will makes it perfectly plain that he wants you to have the house, it is nevertheless possible that some spell or enchantment has been set upon the place to ensure that it cannot be owned by anyone other than a pureblood...And if such an enchantment exists, then the ownership of the house is most likely to pass to the eldest of Sirius's living relatives, which would mean his cousin, Bellatrix Lestrange."

But what if the relationship between Sirius and Bellatrix weren't always this way?

This plot draws heavily from Cruel Intentions, a cinematic adaptation of the original French tale to American high school students.

Vicomte de Valmont – Sirius Black

Madame de Mertuil – Bellatrix Black

Madame de Tourvel – Cornelia Crouch

Cécile Volanges – Narcissa Black

The Chevalier Danceny – Severus Snape

Madame de Rosemonde – Lillian Evans

Comte de Gercourt – Lucius Malfoy

Characters added for the purpose of setting –

James Potter, Remus Lupin, Professors, Sirius' family, Lily's family

In which Sirius, Narcissa, Severus, and Lily are fifth years at Hogwarts. Lily and Remus are Prefects.

In which Lucius Malfoy has recently graduated from Hogwarts, but visits on "Official Capacity".

In which Bellatrix Black is a seventh year and Head Girl.

In which Cornelia Crouch is a fifth year in Ravenclaw.

Although Sirius Black has not been converted to Slytherin as his family may have preferred, he harbors certain dark tendencies all the same. He is on good terms with a fair number of Slytherins, but is still a member of the Marauders we all know and love. Recall that pureblood wizarding families have no issue with practicing incest…

Chapter One: A Dangerous Proposition

Sirius lounged lazily upon his bed. His last girlfriend, a simpering Hufflepuff, had left him after he had refused to spend winter vacation with her after sleeping together a number of times. His best friend, James Potter was musing about his crush, Lillian Evans and planning their next set of adventures on a moonlit night. Girlfriend or no – life was divine for Sirius Black.

"We're staying at Lily's for winter break, right?" asked James as Sirius got up to leave the boys' dormitory.

"Sounds fantastic. Who else will be there?"

"Mary Macdonald and her friend from Ravenclaw, Cornelia." James uttered the latter name very slowly, knowing the effect that it would have on his best friend. The Crouches were prominent members of the Council of Fourteen (2).

Sirius looked annoyed. If there was one girl he didn't want to see—it was Cornelia Crouch. Unsufferably sure of herself—and extremely good at school—Cornelia was absolutely no fun at parties. In fact, she was quite the opposite of most of the pureblood witches, it seemed, who would like nothing better than to spend an evening with Sirius Black.

"Don't drag me to another one of these events just because you want to spend time with your precious Lily-flower," returned Sirius, "I'll be in the Heads' Suite."

James glared at his retreating back.

"For all the times that you've made me play a first year to get girls-you owe me!"

It was not really Sirius' fault that his elder cousin Bellatrix was unforgivably beautiful. She had inherited the same haughty looks that he himself possessed, but rather than being a softer, more feminine version, she was beautiful by virtue of her cruelty. With heavily lidded eyes and long, thick, black tresses, the vast majority of the seventh year males were besotted with her. That is, unless they had been destroyed by her sharp tongue and sharper personality. However, in the same way that she had charmed them, she had somehow charmed the teachers and female members of her class. It was a trait she shared with her future master, Tom Riddle.

"Hello, dear cousin," whispered Bellatrix as Sirius entered the Heads' Suite. Sirius kissed her on both cheeks as a greeting, and she smiled.

"How fares life as teacher's pet?" asked Sirius, knowing that this would disturb her.

"Deliciously."

"I just told James about the inner workings of Miss Sophie, Ravenclaw prefect."

"How queer you two are," replied Bellatrix disdainfully.

"How desperate you are to know what we discuss," returned Sirius skillfully, "In any case, I am tired of the Hogwarts hoi polloi. Where is the challenge is pursuing sycophantic girls?"

"There is none, dear cousin."

"Perhaps if my classes weren't so blasé, I might spend more time on them. At least Minerva never tires of my banter," mused Sirius, lounging on Bellatrix's bed.

Bellatrix rolled her eyes.

"If you require a diversion other than Minerva, I have a proposition."

"Do tell."

"My sister is becoming engaged to Lucius Malfoy."

"How horrible! Won't Lucius be disappointed? Narcissa is terribly inexperienced," lamented Sirius, staring at Bellatrix to derive her true intentions.

"But more importantly, Lucius was mine. And now my dear, pathetic, mother has betrothed little Narcissa to influential Lucius Malfoy."

"Why not you?"

"It's exactly that – I already have a position in society, but poor Narcissa does not. Why can't Narcissa be a prefect like you, Bellatrix?" mocked Bellatrix, imitating her mother's simpering tone.

"And no intervention from Lucius, I assume."

"Never – why choose something he's already enjoyed over the blossoming fruit of youth," jeered Bellatrix.

"Or, more specifically, something no one else has enjoyed," offered Sirius, sitting elegantly, "he's not the most loyal of boyfriends, I think."

"Exactly."

"I assume that is where I come in, no?"

"I always knew you were the most intelligent of my cousins."

"One must forgive Regulus for being so young. However, this pursuit is far too easy. I shall have to determine another goal for myself."

It was Bellatrix's turn to show curiosity.

"And who might that be."

"Cornelia Crouch."

Bellatrix laughed hysterically—in a way that made Sirius think that she was unhinged.

"First—I don't understand why you would want to even spend time with her. Secondly, she thinks that you are the most arrogant wizard who walked these halls—so no problems, really!"

"So you think I can't do it?"

"Of course not! The thought of Cornelia Crouch with you! Oh I see where this is going—well dear, if we're going to make a bet of it—let's make the stakes high."

"What are the terms?"

Bellatrix thought dangerously.

"If you can't—you have to come with me to a meeting with my dear Lord."

Sirius grimaced. He knew that Bellatrix and he differed on their views about the ultimate aims of one who styled himself Lord Voldemort. Bellatrix thought it was a terrible waste that he, the scion of the Black family, would not join the movement. But he knew how wrong the mission was, and how they must aim to stop it. But he also thought that the joy of seeing her handsome cousin might make dear Bellatrix more pliable in other areas. And so he nodded.

"And quid pro quo, my dear. If I win—you must leave him."