Orion walked over to Cygnus who was watching his daughters around the room. 'It will please you to hear that the dark Lord still allows us to continue out support without taking his mark'
'But?'

'But, and it isn't a bad but, it could be most beneficiary to the Black's, he has spent the majority of that conversation asking about Bellatrix'

'Bellatrix?' Cygnus looked at his eldest daughter with mild surprise. 'To what purpose? '

'He has taken, I sense, quite an interest in her' Orion went over to the drinks, Cygnus followed. 'He proposed, that he wished to become more acquainted with your family, well, Bellatrix. This, brother is an opportunity you should not let pass'

'I was not planning on it Orion'

'Oh and he wished for you not to reveal that it is with the Dark Lord that she is about to accept a dance with, he wants her to find out at the evening he honours your home with his presence'
Cygnus' eyebrow quirked up. 'He must have his reasons, I do hope Bellatrix doesn't do anything rash'

'She'll only prove too tempting a challenge, if there is one wizard who stands a chance at taming your Bellatrix, it would be the Dark Lord' He chuckled. 'There may yet be hope for her Brother' They watched as he approached Bellatrix.

'Might I steal you for this dance miss Black' He held out his hand, she turned to him and without any hesitation took it. Her presence on the dancefloor was a surprise to all but him. They stepped out among the other dancers, he clasped her hand and wrapped his arm around her waist, she placed her hand on his shoulder and they moved together with such ease and grace as if they had been partners for a long time.

'Tell me Miss Black' He began.

'Bellatrix, call me Bellatrix'

'Tell me then, Bellatrix, why would a woman, beautiful as you are be conversing with you uncle when there are so many young men waiting for a chance to dance or woo you'

'Orion's conversations are far more stimulating than that of men who can barely count themselves worthy enough for me acknowledge their presence' He smirked at her boldness as they danced around the room.

'And do you think me worthy than them or simply humouring me?'

'I find how you are a mystery to me but I am not to you, I simply wish to find out who you are Sir'

'And I shall remain a mystery to you Bellatrix, until I wish to reveal myself'

'Then perhaps I have wasted my time with you' She made to part with him but his grip tightened and he pulled her closer, spinning them around as he did so.

'I'm sure you would be far less amused if you did'

'Tell me then...' She waited for a name, or title, nothing but a sly smile. 'Tell me then Sir, what made you choose me where so many other pretty women waiting for you to offer a dance, or woo them?' She bit back

'Because, Bellatrix, I am not looking for some pretty woman, I looked and found a beautiful woman, who can hold a conversation without blushing or giving a weak smile. I like a woman to know what she wants'

She raised her brow. 'You ask so much of a woman in pureblood society where nothing more is expected than to marry and bear heirs'

'And you don't want that'

'No, well, I want to make my family proud, but the idea that I would waste my day doing nothing, a trophy wife which as a Black I would be nothing more'

'What if you could do otherwise'

'Are you suggesting an alternative?'

'Perhaps, though I am sure you have one in mind'

'If I have?'

'Do enlighten me'

'One of the followers of this Dark Lord that has appeared. I feel I would put my talents and skill into such a cause that I feel strongly about, that is, if they would accept a woman'

'You think they wouldn't?' He smirked at her, baiting her.

'Pureblood supremacy, as I am sure you're aware, stems from pureblood ideas, men, they are the active members, work, fight, kill whereas women, look pretty and bear children, the next generation'

'That is true, however...'

'Are you proposing otherwise' she interrupted

'If the Dark Lord did accept women into his circle? What then?'

'I would join without hesitation' She was confident in her words.

'Do you really think he would want you' It was so blunt. She opened her mouth to retort but could think of nothing, he did have a point. 'Had you the chance to speak to him, what would you say?' He leant towards her as he said it. Their faces inches apart.

'I...I would offer him everything' She whispered leaning slightly closer. He pulled back, cheating her of the chance to get even closer and span her around quicker again, pulling her closer by her waist once more.

'Everything?'

'Anything to be one of his followers, close to him'

'But you have never met him'

'I have heard enough to want this, to follow him, to be loyal to him alone'

'He is said to be cruel and merciless, even to his followers'

'I would take it, though I wouldn't give him any reason to…I would be his most loyal, most faithful'

'Really' He said sardonically. She gripped tighter onto his shoulder, digging her nails in slightly

'I would give him me all' She gave him a sly smile, he raised a brow.

'Your all?'

'Mind, soul and…body, which is more than you'll ever get if you don't release your grip, I'm losing the feeling in my hand' He chuckled, she smiled. He released his grip and span her out. The song ended, he bowed and she curtsied and he kissed her hand. The walk off the dance floor hand in hand. 'Thank you'

'The pleasure is mine Bellatrix' With that he left her, walking away. She gathered herself and looked about, spotting her father watching her, with her uncle. She started making her way over, Orion smiled and walked away from his brother. Cygnus met her part way, handing her a glass 'It was for your mother, but she walked off before I could catch her…Something about needing to sit down a moment'

Bellatrix smiled 'I'm sure she won't miss it'

'Indeed, I don't think I have ever seen you last an entire dance with someone before, and a conversation'

'Yes, he was...Something else, but he would not tell me who he was' She said slightly indignantly and looked at her father, 'You must know him, he seems close to you in age…'

'Perhaps you will find out soon. He is older than most men we would match you with, but you did seem to work together...rather well. Druella was speechless that you even accepted' He smiled down at her. She smiled to herself, silently agreeing.

Cygnus began to walk away. 'Oh, we will be having a guest over for the evening in two days' time, do inform your sisters'

And so it begins.