Summary: 'Here she stands today, in her brilliant shiny way; stronger than her pain, in her brilliant shiny way.' A series of drabbles and one-shots about Bellatrix, from the moment of her Marking to the moment of her death.

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by J.K. Rowling. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. (This doesn't mean I haven't tried to own it. Though obviously, I have been unsuccessful.) Song does not equal mine.

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-Bellatrix receives the Dark Mark.-

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"The tension is here, the tension is here
Between who you are, and who you could be
Between how it is, and how it should be." – Switchfoot, "Dare You To Move"

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Confidently, Bellatrix holds out her arm to the hooded figure; he raises his wand, preparing to create the unbreakable bond between him and Death Eater. She shivers, not from fear, but from excitement - what was about to happen would bring out her full potential; it would change everything.

The Dark Lord begins to draw the pattern in the air, the skull with the snake protruding from its mouth. Bellatrix watches in utter fascination as the image burns itself into her arm. The pain is excruciating, but no sign of revulsion shows on her face, because she simply doesn't feel any - the Mark is the greatest honor that can be bestowed upon her.

Without speaking, the Dark Lord Disapparates; this is the cue for the Death Eaters to leave. When Rodolphus glances at her, she meets his gaze, letting a cruel smile spread across her features. She doesn't need Legilimency to know that they are thinking the same thing – now that she has also received the Mark, they would work to change the world into the way it should be. Now, they would be unstoppable.

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Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, set goals and charge after them in an unstoppable manner. - Les Brown


Author's Note(s): Opinions on the series? Suggestions for scenes? I might do them if I am inspired. Speak now or forever hold your peace. jk. But this will be in chronological order, so... Please R&R!