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. Song's not mine, quote's not mine.

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"I close my eyes and the flashback starts -
I'm standing there, on a balcony in summer air
I see the lights; see the party, the ball gowns
I see you make your way through the crowd." – Taylor Swift, "Love Story"

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Running away from a problem never solves anything. But as the scenery blurs past her, Bellatrix cannot help but try - especially with a problem like the one she has just been presented with. How dare he, how dare he threaten to ruin what they had with a proposal? He wanted to control her, make her stay at home and be a dutiful, obedient wife, didn't he? What other reason would he have to try and make such a commitment? What was wrong with what they had now, what they had before, what they had discovered at their first real meeting?

That night had been astounding for two reasons - she had found someone who she could consider her equal, and she felt both a spark (though one she couldn't identify at the time) and an exhilarating sense of freedom when she was with him.

It had been at a midsummer's ball during their Hogwarts years; she had been a third year, while he had been a fourth. Though they hadn't run in the same circle of friends, they knew who each other were, of course. Who didn't know the volatile, beautiful elder sister of the Noble House of Black? And who didn't know Rodolphus, the charming and equally handsome elder brother of House Lestrange?

Bellatrix sighs, staring out into the distance moodily, as she realizes that standing on the balcony is not any more interesting than the ball that is taking place inside. It is only seven in the evening, and she is already sorely lacking in any sort of entertainment. She idly wonders how long it will take for her to die of boredom, and if there is any sort of reckless behavior that she can indulge in to prevent that. Just as she considers making a commotion that will temporarily amuse her, but will result in some sort of chastisement (and her Mother having an apoplexy), she hears footsteps approaching.

"Ms. Black," he drawls. "And why aren't you inside, enjoying this splendid engagement?" he asks dryly, but with no visible dislike, as far as she can tell. With her family being the host, it would be extremely distasteful (not to mention downright stupid) for him to be insulting. And when the family in question is one of the most influential members of the aristocracy, well, it is important for him to be nothing but courteous.

But that didn't mean she couldn't express her opinions. Turning to face him, she suggests coolly, "You really think that? Then how about you go back inside and leave me alone?" Then, as if anyone would overhear and accuse her of being rude to a guest, she adds, "Mr. Lestrange."

He lets a small smirk grace his handsome features. "Yes, because you look like you're having such a wonderful time yourself," he quips.

"It's none of your concern," she snaps back. Although she is bored, she can't say she appreciates an interruption from someone she barely knows, even if all that he is interrupting is her pessimistic thinking.

"Quite contrary. In fact, I was thinking of requesting a tour of some sort of your family's Manor. Are you interested in accompanying me, Ms. Black?" he inquires.

She muses over it silently, and reluctantly gives him some credit. Not only has he found a way to get her out of this ball, but he has found one that would not break any rules of propriety - not that she cares about that very much, but it does make things easier. Why wouldn't the Blacks take extreme pride and glory in their House, to the point where they would want to boast about it? Trying to hide the gleam in her eyes at this brilliant idea, but failing miserably, she gives up all pretenses of indifference and replies eagerly, "Alright. Let's go then."

As Bellatrix proceeds to lead him outside, she offers explanations of the places of interest. Then, as if getting along with her was too much to ask for, he interrupts mockingly, "Who would've thought? Bellatrix Black actually makes for pleasant company."

"Well, you would've known that earlier if I had thought you important enough to grace you with my time, wouldn't you?" she retorts.

The rest of the evening proceeds in a similar fashion, as Bellatrix leads him through the rest of the grounds surrounding the Manor. One of them says something, the other quips back, and Bellatrix finds herself unable to remember the last time she had this much fun. Most of the time, people cower under her retorts in fear of her temper, but Rodolphus doesn't seem to feel the same hesitation - and she's glad about that, she really is.

Later, she shows him the flower garden in the middle of the hedge maze, a place she considers one of her favorite locations for its privacy and subtle beauty. She is not sure how it happens, but in the midst of one of his stories, Rodolphus accidentally grazes her hair mid-gesture. After a long silent pause, he slowly brings a hand up to cradle her cheek and leaning in, presses his lips against hers. She kisses him back almost instinctively, and it feels simply breathtaking.

When they break apart for air, he mutters softly, "Perhaps, one of these days I may come see you again?"

Trying to keep her voice even, she replies, "I suppose that wouldn't be too inappropriate." Her heart is racing, and she tries unsuccessfully to calm herself down; after deciding that it is a lost cause, she takes the liberty of initiating another kiss, one that Rodolphus seems all too glad to reciprocate.

In the distance, the grand clock strikes midnight and they both look up. The ball is coming to an end, and all the parents will soon be looking for their children. Unfortunately for her, that includes present company. Straightening up, he raises her hand to his lips and kisses the back of it. Releasing her, he declares softly, "Until the next time we meet, dear Bellatrix." And then, favoring her with one last arrogant grin, he is gone, leaving her with only the memories of a night that turned out to be a lot better than she had expected.

She finally reaches the Manor, and she pulls the doors open and enters. Slamming them shut again, she leans against it, trying to catch her breath.

That ball had changed everything. Over the next two years, they had spent countless days together, revisiting the feelings they had ignited in each other that night. She resists the urge to snort; what had happened to that recklessness, to that thrilling freedom? Now, he just wanted to keep her tied down, but there was no way she would let him. Nobody tries to control Bellatrix Black.

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LADY CAPULET: Tell me, daughter Juliet,
How stands your disposition to be married?
JULIET: It is an honour that I dream not of.
- Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, I. iii . 64-6


Author's Note(s): I am seriously in love with this song. It's on my most played playlist, cuz it's AMAZING. And I've been waiting FOREVER to use this song for Bella/Roddy. I just couldn't think of the right situation until now. So, please R&R!