AN: As usual, I don't own Harry Potter and I hope you all enjoy this chapter. I've got quite a bit of spare time in the next week so I should be able to update relatively quickly. Reviews are my personal brand of heroin. No better feeling than getting an email alert for a review. Yes, that was my not so subtle hint. Enjoy folks :)

An eerie silence spread throughout the room as his words sunk in. Several eyes were fixed on the table, only three people brave enough to look at the snake-like man. Lucius Malfoy watched his Lord eagerly, willing to do almost anything to prove himself worthy. Rodolphus Lestrange casually smirked, he could easily out do Lucius. The blonde man was like a lap dog, pouncing at every opportunity. No, he was no competition the remaining person however, may be a threat. Bellatrix Black was leaning back in her chair, face void of any emotion. Rodolphus knew Bellatrix to be cunning and sly, a slytherin through and through. Not only that but she was fierce and talented. He couldn't help but think that she held unbelievable power for a female. They were the perfect match according to the majority of the wizarding world. Dark, dangerous, powerful, pureblooded and skilful. It seemed Bellatrix was one of the very few that didn't approve of the match. She avoided Rodolphus like dragon-pox, only seeing him when absolutely necessary. Of course there was no way she could object to the arrangement, it was made long before she could have her own opinion on anything. Also, her sister, Amdromeda had recently dirtied the Black name. It was now up to Bellatrix to prove the Noble house of Black was still pure. The dark haired man smirked. Her loss was his gain.

'M-my Lord... I believe that... I am the perfect candidate for your offer.'
Bellatrix scoffed.
'Come off it Malfoy. You're pathetic and spineless.'
Rodolphus waited as the two squabbled, he waited for his opportunity. He'd let the two throw insults at each other a little longer, he knew they'd eventually start to lose their composure and things could get ugly and he'd use that to his advantage.
'A woman has no place here Bellatrix. You shall never have the same power as us men and shouldn't be eligible for such an honoured position.'
The dark witch's breathing was becoming erratic and her voice was growing in volume. Seizing his opportunity Rodolphus spoke.
'My Lord if I may.'
Lord Voldemort nodded, signalling for both Lucius and Bellatrix to stop and listen.
'I do not think it wise for either Lucius or Bellatrix to have the position. As what we have just witnessed has proven that they are far to hot-headed. Whoever is to have such an honour must be able to keep calm in all situations.'
'Ha... You may be able to keep calm Lestrange but you're intelligence is severely lacking. One could have better conversation with a blast ended skrewt.'
Rodolphus nostrils flared at his betrothed's words. How dare she embarrass him in front of his Lord.
'Enough. It would seem only you three yearn for this honour. Each of you must give me one reason as to why you are most suited. Lucius you first.'
'M-my Lord, I have contacts within the ministry, contacts that would be highly useful for when you come into power.'
'Rodolphus, you may go next.'
'I'm powerful. Few wizards could best me in a duel.'
Bellatrix had to hold back her laughter, the man was fairly strong but to say he was a great duelist was ridiculous. Give her five minutes with him and he'd be reduced to a blubbering heap.
'Bella.'
'I would do anything for you My Lord, I would devote myself to you and your cause.'

Albus Dumbledore was sat at the staff table in the great hall. The students had all congregated for dinner. He watched with a smile as their faces were overcome with awe. Christmas was coming and several of the staff had spent the afternoon decorating the great hall accordingly. His merry thoughts were disturbed by an all black owl swooping towards him. Recognising it immediately, Dumbledore cast all thoughts of Christmas aside. His mind now focused on his protege. Hastily he removed the parchment from the owl's leg. His heart filled with worry for the young woman he was so fond of. They had agreed they would only write during usual times unless something was urgent. Dinner time was no usual time for post and Albus couldn't keep his anxiety at bay. His hands shook slightly as he unwrapped the parchment. Bellatrix meant a great deal to him, he had trained her since she was 16. Resulting in a close friendship. He thought of her as the daughter he didn't have the pleasure of having. The wizard took a deep breath before reading.

A.
I have done it. I'm his right hand. I'll be able to tell you more tomorrow. This could be a remarkable opportunity.
With love,
B
.

Blue eyes twinkled as a smile spread. She had done it. They had aimed for her to become a lieutenant to Voldemort. That way they could have access to all kinds of information and Lord Voldemort's downfall may be easier if not sooner. The old man pocketed the parchment, now aware that eyes were upon him. Looking up he saw hazel eyes filled with emotion watching him intently. The young girl must have recognised Bella's owl. Dumbledore smiled reassuringly at the girl. The girl who seemed to have captured Bellatrix's heart. He could not have been more thrilled. Bella deserved happiness and Hermione was perfect for her. Even if there was a slight problem concerning the future and death.

Tears flowed down pale cheeks as an ageing hand tightly grasped a young, pale one. Dark eyes found that bright blue full of tears threatening to spill.
'Its not your fault.' Bellatrix's usually confident voice broke.
'Of course it is Bella. I should have taken you and your sisters far away when this all started. The truth is I was scared.'
Bellatrix watched intently as the woman who usually showed no emotion broke down in front of her. Her mother was usually the ideal pureblooded woman. She had an air of grace and superiority. Not now. Now she was broken, defeated. Her voice weak and her eyes full of sadness and regret.
'I was scared that he would find us and things would get worse. It wasn't just that but... I was raised a true woman. I have an education but no experience, I wouldn't last in a job. How is a woman to raise 3 children alone and without a job?.'
Bellatrix squeezed her mother's hand reassuringly.
'When he first raised his fist to you I actually did pack our bags. I planned on running away then. Reality always catches up though dear, it didn't take long for me to realise there was nowhere we could have gone. I can't help but feel responsible for all of this. For you.'
'Mum...'
'I cannot deny my devastation at the path you have chosen my darling. I hoped you would see past your father's ideology. See past the prejudice and darkness. I dreaded the thought of you becoming like him and you have. If I'd been brave enough and taken you away from all of that you might have had the chance of a normal life. Now you're destined to be a death eater, destined to ruin lives like yours was.'
'Don't say that...'
'No Bella. It is true, whether you want to face truths or not. How I envy Andy. She had the courage to leave and find happiness. I wish you and Cissy could have the same my darling I do.'
Bellatrix's heart clenched as fresh tears escaped her mothers eyes. Her arms wrapped around the older woman's body as she began sobbing.
'Shhhh... It's okay mum. I'm going to fix everything. You just have to trust me. Trust me. Please trust me.'
Druella Black barely heard her daughters pleads as the sobs racked through her body. She felt Bella's tears soak through her robes to her skin. Tears that seemed to never end. Guilt flooded through her system at the realisation that if it wasn't for her fear, her daughters may have had a normal life. A chance at happiness.
'I do... Bella I do.'

Bellatrix remained lying next to her mother much longer than she intended. The dark witch had held the older woman until she calmed and then slipped her a sleeping draught. Anger bubbled inside her at the thought of her father. Her father who had put her mother in that state to begin with. He was lucky to have left by the time his eldest daughter arrived. There was no way Bellatrix would have been able to control her hatred towards the man. Especially after seeing the dark purple bruise that had formed on the side of her mother's head. Too often had the man she had to call father gotten away with the abuse. All three of the Black sisters hated their father. They were all too familiar with the physical and mental abuse he so frequently dished out. The three of them were worthless to him. He yearned for a son and got three daughters. His wife did not go unpunished and neither did the girls. Bella thought of Andromeda and how right her mother had been. Andy had true courage, courage worthy of a Gryffindor. Bellatrix desperately wanted the life Andromeda was going to have. She wanted nothing more than to wake up with the love of her life. Soft brown curls and hazel eyes invaded her mind. She might not have known Hermione long but she knew the girl was one of a kind. For the first time that day a smile graced the dark witch's features. Her heart seemed to melt at the thought of the girl who she was undoubtedly falling for. Gently, she kissed her mothers head and whispered.
'I'll be back later tonight. I have something to do first. I love you mum.'
She would take her mother's advice, she would be happy. She was going to put an end to the abuse her father dished out, in whatever way she could. But first, she was going to make the most of her happiness. Merlin knows how long it was going to last. Thinking of the grand castle hidden away in Scotland the dark witch turned and with a slight pop disapparated.

The last thing Hermione expected was to see a silver panther stride into her chambers that night. The hour was getting late and she had no idea as to who's patronus it was. There was no point in trying to stop her smile as the cat spoke. That voice was a symphony to her ears. Bella. Hurriedly she grabbed a jumper and headed to the astronomy tower where her dark beauty was awaiting. Her and Bellatrix had made no plans to meet that night so the young witch was surprised to say the least.

At the top of the tower sat her Bella. Surrounded by candles and holding a small basket.
'I know it's short notice and a little late but I needed to see you.'
'Is everything okay Bella?'
'Yes... Fine. I missed you is all.'
The brunette beamed and placed a chaste kiss to the dark witch's lips.
'I won't lie. I'm glad you did.'
'I brought food, I imagine you ate at dinner so I brought sweeter things.'
The dark witch wrapped her arms around a small waist as she spoke before leaning in for another kiss from the girl.
'However, I'm beginning to think that was pointless because the sweetest thing has to be you. And I am quite content to taste you over and over again.'
Bella smirked at the blush rising on the girls cheeks before capturing her soft lips again. The brunette giggled and let herself relax, safe in the strong arms of her love. Bellatrix gazed up at the sky, content with Hermione wrapped in her arms and close to her chest.
'The stars have always fascinated me. I think it's because of my family's obsession with them.' The dark witch chuckled.
'That and they're truly magnificent. They're magical, part of me doesn't like to believe the muggle view. That they're gas balls burning in space. I prefer the magical outlook that they are special and influence life.'
The brunette smiled.
'You sure you're not part centaur?'
'Oh haha... I'm from the most Ancient and Noble house of Black. Toujours Pur dearie.' The dark witch joked.
'I do agree though, the stars are incredible. I have to say, I do actually like the tradition of naming children after stars. Maybe the only tradition of your families that I do approve of.'
Bellatrix snorted.
'Its unique I'll admit that. I have yet to meet another Bellatrix. I think Andy got the best deal though.'
'Why?'
'Well, female warrior is rather feisty but she's the leader of men. She's named after an entire constellation. Her name even has a back story.'
'You're just more unique. You are a well known star, the 27th brightest in the sky if my reading is correct.'
'You researched my star?' Shock was evident in the dark witch's voice.
'Yes. I disagree with facts though.'
'Wait a minute... You... Disagree with facts. I'm beginning to think you've been imperiused.' The dark witch laughed.
'Very funny Miss Black... Yes, I disagree with facts. Mainly because to me, you are the brightest star that will ever be.'
Bellatrix froze. It felt as though a herd of hippogriff were stampeding through her stomach. The term butterflies became non existent, it just didn't cover the emotion she felt. Not trusting her words the dark witch turned the girl to face her. Dark eyes looked deep into hazel before she closed the small gap between them. Their lips meeting once more.

Their tongues melted together as their kiss became more passionate.
Hermione found her hands woven into dark curls, holding Bellatrix close. A low moan escaping her lips as pale hands slid underneath her jumper, caressing the soft skin of her hips before journeying to the small of her back. Tongues and teeth collided as the two women lost themselves in sensation. Their need growing as their actions became more heated. Hermione gasped as Bella's hand found her breast. She revelled in the feel of the dark witch's fingers gently playing with a hardening nipple hidden by a flimsy, lace bra.

Bellatrix quickly pulled the jumper over the brunette's head, pulling back, her eyes filled with lust as she took in the sight of a bra clad Hermione. Her lips attached to the soft skin of the girl's neck leaving her mark. Lips, teeth and tongue began a journey south. Leaving small marks and trails over a collarbone and down to a toned stomach. Bellatrix knelt in front of the brunette, her hands keeping the girl in place while her mouth worked wonders on the girl's abdomen. The brunette's hands continued to hold onto the other woman's curls. It felt so good to have her Bella again. Her heart stopped. Was this her Bella? Sure they were technically the same person. Or at least would be. There was no denying her feeling for this Bella, she was the same as future Bella just younger. How could she not love her? Hermione's mind was reeling. This might technically be my Bella but who am I to her? She was Hermione McGonagall. She wasn't even a real person.
'Wait.'
The dark witch froze and hesitantly looked up, her eyes desperately seeking hazel ones.
'I can't do this.'
Bellatrix stood. Her fingers linked with those of the brunette, showing her support for the girl as well as making the most of the contact between them.
'Not without telling you the truth.'