Bellatrix walked down the stairs, avoiding house elves and flying objects, being rearranged for the evening. Making her way to the library, she wanted to at all costs, avoid being roped in by her mother into doing something...other than staying out of the way. Her father was in his private study, doing the same, most probably. It was the evening the mystery guest was coming to Manor Noire for dinner. She couldn't wait, anything to break up the monotonous bore of the summer, then again she hoped it wasn't Malfoy or a potential suitor. She lay down on one of the plush chaises, picking a book to pass the time.

She neared the end of the book when Narcissa appeared in the doorway. 'Bellatrix, come on the guest will be arriving soon, we're waiting in the entrance'

'I have been waiting since this morning Cissy' She dropped the book on a table and walked out with her sister. The family stood in the entrance, facing a grand fireplace, situated near the front door, only used for guests arriving by floo or exiting. Cygnus stood at one end, Druella at his side. Narssisa took her place by her mother and Andromeda next to her. Bellatrix swept to stand next to her father, as soon as she stepped into place the hearth burst into green flames and a figure stepped out. Bellatrix did little to hide her shock.

'My Lord' Cygnus stepped forward, bowing to him as he brushed off imaginary dust. Voldemort inclined his head, looking at the other members of the Black family.

'Druella' He stepped forward and took her hand, placing a whisper of a kiss on it.

'An honor to have you in our home, my Lord'

'Indeed' He smirked.

Cygnus put out his hand to his daughters. 'My youngest Narcissa, and Andromeda' Voldemort inclined his head to them as they curtsied to him in turn. Cygnus then turned back to Bellatrix.

'And my eldest, Bellatrix'

Voldemort smiled slyly, amused at her reaction, the one he was expecting as soon as he stepped out of the fire. 'We have met' He bent to take her hand and placed a kiss on it. She nodded, but found herself at a loss of words. Why had mother been so pedantic about the state of the house and dinner? And why was her father referring to him and 'My lord'?

'Shall we' Cygnus put his hand to the dining room, Druella along with the girls led the way, the men following soon after. Before they entered, Voldemort paused, watching Bellatrix through the doorway. 'I wish to become better acquainted with her Cygnus, Privately'

'Then perhaps a tour of the Manor is in order after dinner, I am sure Bellatrix would eagerly rise to it' He smiled and they entered the dining room.

The meal was a quiet affair, though some conversation between Voldemort and Cygnus, occasionally Druella broke the silence. Bellatrix and Narcissa were having their own, silent argument across the table, earning a disapproving look form Druella when she caught them. Soon the last plates were cleared and their meal ended.

'Cygnus, I wish to see more of your splendid home, if I could, I imagine it would be most fascinating' He sipped from his glass, keeping eye contact with Cygnus.

'Of course my Lord, Bellatrix, you are best suited, and have met the Dark Lord before too, I am sure will have plenty to talk about' Cygnus watched as Bellatrix looked up from a particularly venomous look at Narcissa. She looked from her father to Voldemort who gave her his sly smile and then back to her father 'Of course father, I would be glad to'
Voldemort stood, holding out his hand, which she took, he placed her hand on his arm and they left the room.

'Do you think that was a wise move Cygnus' Druella asked, relaxing a little.

'He asked for a chance to talk to her in private, and yes, it was a very wise move' He looked at the closed door.

'Narcissa, that was very unbecoming of you, Glaring at your sister like that, and in front of the Dark Lord, I dread to think if he saw' Druella scolded her

'But Bella was doing it too' She protested

'The both of you, you should know better. I will have words with her later when she is finished'

'I think the Dark Lord found it quite amusing Druella, don't fret. We won't lose favour over a few glaring looks between siblings' He smirked at his wife, taking a sip of his wine.

'What were you two conversing about to silently anyway?' He asked plainly, looking at his youngest

'Oh, how terribly she hides the fact she so obviously likes him father, though she kept trying to deny it'

Cygnus chuckled, Bellatrix was indeed struggling with her emotions around him, very few if any man had that effect on her.

As they walked across the hall Voldemort spoke, breaking the silence. 'What were you and Narcissa so viciously arguing about across the table?' Bellatrix nearly faltered, nearly.

'You saw that?'

'Yes'

'Forgive me, Narcissa enjoys winding me up, it was nothing to bother you about my Lord'

'My Lord is it now?' He smirked at her.

She attempted not to look at him, but as they reached the base of the stairs he stopped her 'I had no idea it was you I was with my Lord. If I had known...'

'You would have acted differently, which is what I would not have wanted'

She finally looked at him, falling into his dark eyes. 'But our conversation...' She blushed ever so slightly.

'Was duly noted Bellatrix' He interrupted. 'And I am wondering now if you would have changed what you had said, under different circumstances'

'I most likely would have change the context of what I said, spoken less boldly'

'I liked your boldness, and fierceness, it would have been a shame to have missed out on it'

'I am flattered my Lord. My mother makes a habit of scolding such behaviour. Perhaps we should precede' She led them up the stairs to the next floor.

'Of course, lead on'

He watched her as they walked around the house, Bellatrix felt his eyes on her constantly and it sent not entirely unpleasant shivers through her.

'My Lord, you said our conversation was 'duly noted'...?'

'I am considering you. Your eagerness and forwardness are inspiring. Someone like you among my followers might put them in their place'

'You flatter me once again, but are not my father and uncle among them?'

'They do not bare my mark, however support the cause financially, mostly'

She nodded in understanding. 'But, then to what purpose would there be in having me in your ranks, marked?'

'You are a smart woman, so you must see my need to have a Black permanently under me as beneficial'

'To both parties, I would imagine'

'Knowing you would be so willing to accept a place would be securing my steps in attaining it'

'So you would make me a Death Eater, your servant?' She realised she had betrayed too much eagerness and gathered herself. Voldemort's face remained passive as she looked at him. Though she swore she saw the ghost of a frown cross his features. 'Forgive me, that was out of order, I should not rush such matters, or to any conclusions'

'Do not apologize, I admire your persistence, though you are still young and inexperienced in much of the dark arts' He looked down on her, she moved in front of him, turning to face him.

'I don't take back a word I said, I would do and give anything, a life devoted to your cause and you would be worth everything'

'All that remains is for me to discuss this option with my closest circle, I wish to see their views. Also that of your father's, even though it seems he is more than prepared to give you to me, you still belong to him'

'I should belong to you' She whispered, barely audible, but it didn't go unnoticed by him, he backed her up against the wall, surrounding her with his auror.

'And you shall, my Bellatrix' He gave her such a cold smile, that it warmed her. Though the surprise that he had heard her was evident in her eyes. He took hold of her chin and raised her face to his, leaning in to they were an inch apart, he warmed her with his breath has he spoke.

'My Beautiful warrior'. He let go of her and stood back up straight, leaving her to let out a shaky breath. 'Is there much more of your home to see or shall we conclude this tour and return to you family, we have, I imagine been gone quite some time'

She nodded, returning to her usual composed self. She looked at his lips briefly, then his eyes, then looked away, taking his arm they made their way back the way they came.
'Perhaps that would be best my Lord, I assume you wish also to speak with my father before you depart'

R&R PLease, i hope that they are in character, especially Voldemort. I'm attempting to stick by the books as best as possible. getting all the timelines right was pain in the butt, but, i think it's made this so much better. THANK YOU.