Arthur gulped as the hat touched his head. Bellatrix stared at him, her apathetic facade set in place. She had been sorted into Slytherin. He flicked his blue eyes towards his happy brothers. They hated Slytherins. Alderic was the eldest, he was in his sixth year, Billius was in his fourth, and Richard would be in his second. They were all Gryffindors.
'All for a girl...You're a true Gryffindor. You'd get eaten alive in Slytherin.' The hat spoke within his mind.
Arthur shook his head, ' I have to be with her. The look of loneliness in her eyes, that shouldn't be with anyone. Especially not an eleven year old.'
Bellatrix was a Black. As a Weasley he was taught that Blacks were pure evil. Bellatrix didn't have the aura of evil around her though. She seemed nice enough. Arthur was sure she was taught that Weasleys were not someone one of her caliber should be hanging out with. They weren't exactly known as the richest wizarding family.
'Fine.'
"SLYTHERIN!" The hat hollered. Arthur could see the light shine out of Alderic's eyes. Billius grew a dark look, one of hatred. Richard bent his head down. Arthur saw Bellatrix's eyes lighten just a shade. He would rather a shade then nothing at all.
He dragged his unwilling feet to the Slytherin table. He dared sit next to Bellatrix. Bellatrix gave a full blown out smile. It was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. She made sure Carl Crabbe and Mucis Goyle didn't sneak globs of spit into the trays they passed to him.
Bellatrix poked his shoulder, Arthur turned to look at her. "My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice."
Two weeks later, his mind was filled to the brim with Jane Austen. Arthur had actually thoroughly enjoyed her work.
Bellatrix and he conversed over their love of books, they shared nearly the same schedule, except she had charms for fourth period instead of Transfiguration. A beautiful friendship had been born.