Bellatrix laid on the floor for over an hour sobbing and laughing. The bouts of manic laughter and crying only stopped when there was a knock on the bedroom door.
"What?!" Bellatrix screamed as she hopped up from her position on the floor and snatched open her bedroom door. Wormtail jumped slightly with his hands up as if expecting to be hit.
"What do you want you filthy beast?!" Bellatrix roared gripping the side of the doorframe her eyes bucked, puffy and red with her hair scattered about her head.
"The Dark Lord sent me…" Wormtail started keeping his hands up in a defensive position, "he said he wants to see you, now."
"Fine!" she slammed the door and headed to the bathroom to dress properly.
Bellatrix reached the door of the study the Dark Lord currently occupied dressed in her usual black dress, corset and heels. She knocked softly listening for permission to enter.
"Enter!" Bellatrix entered the dark room gently closing the door behind her. She was overcome with immense pain and was on the floor screaming. Bellatrix lay rolling on the floor gripping her stomach. After five long minutes, the Dark Lord lifted the curse. Bellatrix grapple for air and slowly rose up onto her knees.
"You are late. I sent Wormtail after you 15 minutes ago," the Dark Lord said slowing making his way into the light. "You of all my followers should know that I don't tolerate tardiness."
"I am sorry my lord. I…" Bellatrix began but was cut off by Voldemort.
"Silence, I did not summon you for chit-chat. Tonight, I want you, that beast, Greyback, and a few others to go and pay the giants a visit. Tell them that if they can be counted upon when I decide to strike Hogwarts, then with my victory they shall have all of the rights that have been so vehemently denied. Now, get out!" Voldemort spat.
Bellatrix bowed her head low and whispered, "yes my lord" before rising to her feet and backing out of the study.
Hermione apparated on the outskirts of the forbidden forest and quickly made her way up the hill and back into the castle. It was after curfew so the halls were dark and empty. Quietly and quickly as possible she made her way to Gryffindor Tower. Sliding past the portrait, she made her way into the common room. Sitting on the floor by the fire was Ron.
"Hermione, where have you been?" he asked rising from the floor and walking over to her. "We have been looking for you for over an hour."
Hermione drew in a deep breath, "I was out clearing my head that's all."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Ron asked gesturing toward the couch nearby. "We can talk if you want. About whatever you want, you know," Ron placed his hands inside his pockets.
"Thanks Ron but no, I'm fine that's all just nervous about the upcoming exams and stuff. You know, just me being…me. That's all," Hermione quickly made her way around Ron and headed up stairs toward the girls' dormitory.
Not bothering to remove her shoes or clothes, she got into bed and stared out the window at the night sky letting silent tears fall.
Bellatrix slowly made her way back to her room. She entered and stood with her back up against the door. Closing her eyes, she inhaled. She smelled her. The smell of their love making was still heavy in the air. Bellatrix could no longer take it. She began to pace and formulate a plan. She had to get her back somehow. She had to see her…tonight!
Bellatrix rushed over to her vanity and rumbled around in the drawer until she found a piece of clean parchment. She sat and stared at the blank sheet before her. This was out of her element. Fourteen years void of a coherent thought and a lifetime void of love and affection, Bellatrix was unpracticed in the arena of sharing her emotions.