My Dear Bellatrix,

Your flattery precedes you, daughter, may it take you far. As to your Grandmother Rosier, she was always a very perplexing woman of waning morals in her later years and also her younger ones. She was a Ravenclaw, ironically. However, she would speak on a woman's aging as a mastery of grace if done correctly. Then, of course, she would begin to feed a dead bird crumbs from an empty bag, so her wizened advice was fragile in comparison. There is no need for you to worry, though; if you are anything like the Blacks you will age gracefully and not descend into madness like my mother.

Believe me, my daughter, I anxiously await a visit from you. All the books in the small library here have yet to keep my interest for longer than a few hours, and your father is out at times of the day, meeting with colleagues. I barely know what to do with myself! Your mother-in-law is desitute; and if she does not learn her place soon, send word and I will be there in two days time.

The money, Bellatrix, I do trust you with it, but I feel it is necessary to reiterate its importance is not for frivolity but purpose. Your husband will not have access to it, unless you wish him to. It is for keeping you well in times when I can not personally assist in that matter. Such circumstances as those mentioned in your letter as urgent.

Serving in the Dark Lord's ranks is a great honor, my child, but also a great burden. It will take from doing the deeds a wife should be doing such as arranging social events and taking to the family's affairs. You must do these tasks dutifully and with the utmost conviction to your husband.

I spoke with your father on the matter, briefly at tea. He was quite adamant that you not join; he does not wish either of his daughters to be fighting the most certainly bloody war that the Dark Lord wishes. As a woman and your mother, I will speak in his opposite. You will gain respect, along with your husband, for joining. There is an honor in that work, a pride for our blood and our people as well. It will also ensure your safety and your children's safety, as well as your sister's and my own. Rodolphus may even have your safety at heart in this endeavor, or he could quite easily relish the fight – I wish that it is for your safety, Bellatrix; there is no use in an husband who has no interest in your living or dying.

There would be not an ounce of shame in joining his ranks, but there will be much hardship, which you will need your wits about you at all times in order to overcome. You are smart and very skilled with magic, but you are human. You will live and breathe and one day die. As your mother, I can only hope your death comes after mine. By joining him that may happen more easily, but by not, the same result could occur.

You ask for my opinion on this matter, so I shall give it. He will raise your status, he will bring you honor, and in turn, you will bring this family great honor and respect. Join and I believe you will rise, my child, but stay true. I will only have regret if you fail.

I must also mention that your father sends more gruff regards to your new husband and yourself. I believe he did send you the knife, though my certainty on the matter wanes. He did mention, quite clearly, after dinner that it was yours and yours alone. I have doubts that you need a muggle weapon to defend you, so perhaps it is to simply look pretty.

Your Mother,

Druella Black

A/N:

Third story today, second letter (with three more to go!)

WC- 654

Prompts -

(word) desitute: QP

(word) Books: DC

and the Owlery challenge too

Hoots, Owls

P.S. Read Bellatrix's response here: s/12050177/2/Letters-from-Bellatrix-to-Druella