Chapter Four: Preparations

"He will pay for what he has done," remarked Sirius, his eyes darkening in anger. James decided to tread carefully around the problem.

"It was really helpful for you to give me so much information about it. But I'm glad that whatever it is—it's made you forget about this stupid Cornelia Crouch bet."

James' hazel eyes twinkled in merriment. Sirius himself became slightly more lighthearted with James jesting.

"Oh—but it hasn't! You just want me to stop annoying Lily's friends so that she'll give you the time of day."

It was now James's turn to embarrassed.

"In any case, he is my dear friend Lucius, but the she who will pay is my dear cousin."

"Bellatrix?" asked James hopefully, knowing of the erstwhile romance between the current Head Girl and the past Slytherin Prefect. James had always found Sirius' relationship with his cousin infuriating and largely puzzling, and hoped that one day Sirius would come to his senses. It was an open secret that Bellatrix would be joining Lord Voldemort upon her rapidly approaching graduation from Hogwarts—and James only hoped that Sirius would not do the same.

"You wish."

With this appropriately mysterious answer, Sirius disappeared from the Gryffindor Boys' dormitory.

"Hello Trixie," remarked Sirius Black, as his handsome form glided across her floor.

"Hello…damnit, I can't make a ridiculous form of your name. You know how I hate being called Trixie."

"That is because I am not ridiculous, my love."

"You are always ridiculous."

Impulsively, Sirius kissed Bellatrix.

"Don't worry; I'm saving it for your dear sister."

For a moment, it seemed that Bellatrix would prefer that it would not be saved for her sister, but she soon smiled, and gave a nod towards the door. On cue, it opened, revealing the Narcissa Black.

"Oh, Bella, I have so much to tell you." Her eyes glanced towards Sirius. Once more, she wondered just what went on between her beautiful sister and her handsome cousin. Bellatrix smiled, as though she understood her younger sisters' thoughts.

"My darling Cissa, Sirius is here at my request. He will aid our mission."

"Our…mission?"

"Yes, my dear sister. As you recall, we agreed to carry correspondence between you and, Severus," forced out Bellatrix, as though it was quite distasteful to refer to Narcissa's boyfriend by his first name. Sirius was merely calm and elegant, betraying no whit of his emotions.

"Oh, Bellatrix, you are my true sister."

For a moment, Bellatrix was afraid that Narcissa would bestow her with another hug, that dreaded bastion of affection, but she desisted.

Sirius spoke for the first time since Narcissa had entered.

"Here is a letter from Severus."

Narcissa, recognizing that Sirius and Severus were less than friends, looked upon the ornate envelope skeptically.

"Severus would never give such a letter to you."

Sirius smirked. He gave a condescending glare to his cousin, and arched an elegant eyebrow.

"He wrote it here, so he didn't need to give it to me."

Bellatrix, who appeared to be taking pity on her younger sister, added,

"You don't need to read it here, if you don't feel comfortable, dear. We'll send you an owl if the need arises."

The next morning, Narcissa received a letter from a beautiful tawny owl she recognized as Bellatrix's.

My Darling Narcissa,

I hope your last letter brought you a great deal of joy and satisfaction. I understand that this was Severus' intent when he was writing the letter. So that my dear sister and my favorite couple may be able to enjoy greater happiness in their relationship, I suggest that you go to the lovely room across from the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy on the Seventh Floor at eight o'clock this evening.

All my love,

Bellatrix

Narcissa was about to pen a reply that stated her resounding assent, but soon realized that however saccharine sweet her sister may sound, when she "suggested" something, it was nothing short of an order. However, her unchecked enthusiasm was dampened by the subsequent owl she received.

Narcissa,

I have heard from Bellatrix that you are no longer gallivanting with that dreadful boy, Spate. I was very gladdened by this news. Now, my dear, I would be very pleased if you could meet with Lucius tomorrow morning. I shall be arriving at seven o'clock, promptly, and whisk you away to Malfoy Manor. You must remember that this is a very fine match, my dear.

Love,

Druella Rosier Black

Severus Snape was, for the second time that week, in the private quarters of Bellatrix Black. He was rather pleased about the influence he appeared to exercise over one of the most influential girls at school. Today, she seemed particularly pleased with herself.

"Why, Severus, you do not seem to be as sure of yourself today as you usually are."

"Well, I have not spoken to Narcissa in a long time."

"That should not matter," replied Bellatrix, rather bitterly. It was exactly what had always happened to her, the confidence, powerful woman was passed over for a simpering, serving, innocent girl.

Severus soon realized what a faux pas he had made. He attempted to rectify it,

"Oh, it's not that I don't like spending time with you, only that I am afraid for Narcissa."

"Is that so?"

"Of course. You are much more experienced and satisfying than she."

"Very well, you may write her as soon as you like. You are dismissed."

Narcissa did not take much notice of this announcement, but merely filed away this information. From across the room, Sirius was taking more careful notice of the Slytherin table than was customary. Remus noticed, and waved a hand conspicuously in front of his friend's face.

"Now, I know that we're going to prank Snape today, but there's no need to be quite so obvious about it," remarked Remus, jibing his friend.

"Oh, I'm afraid that there has never been a prank quite as brilliant as the one today," replied Sirius rather darkly. His handsome face was filled with mischievous enthusiasm, but the happiness was marred by an emotion that Remus had never seen on his friend's visage, and could not quite place.

"I would hardly call it such, it's merely one of the old standbys, right Sirius?" continued Remus, confused.

"But this old standby is far older than one might suspect. It dates back to the times of Caesar, my dear history buff," answered Sirius even more inexplicably. Once again, there was a flash of something in his light grey eyes.

"I don't think Caesar dyed his enemies' cloaks bright pink, Sirius," laughed Remus, expecting a similar response from his dark-haired friend.

"Is that what you thought the prank was? I had hoped to save you from this, my dear Remus."