Chapter 7

A thrill of anticipation went through Bellatrix as she was led down a long, black curtained hallway. The only light was from the candle in sconces in the wall and the stone floor was cool under her bare feet.

She couldn't help shivering slightly in her inadequately thin black silk shift. As instructed she had worn nothing else… no makeup… jewelry… or even underwear. Her long dark hair hung in unruly waves down her back.

Bella was flanked on either side by masked, black robed figures. As they reached the large double door they motioned for her to wait.

A few moments after they had entered the room the doors slid open of their own accord.

The rooms was large and circular. Like the hallway it was hung in black drapes and lit by candles.

There was little furniture in the room save what looked like an altar in the middle and a large throne like chair on the other side of the room. The Dark Lord was lounging in it. As she took a few steps into the room he watched her like a cat watching a small bird. He beckoned her closer with long white fingers.

As she walked towards him she saw walls were lined with masked and hooded Death Eaters. More than she even known there were. She was sure one of them was her Father.

She would try to do him proud.

Bella reached the throne and inclined her neck in a graceful bow.

"All you of are gathered here to witness the induction of a new member to our ranks" said Voldemort, his raspy voice carrying around the room.

"Who here offers this woman to us?" he asked. "I do. My Lord" said her Father's voice from somewhere behind her.

"And are there any who pose any objection to Bellatrix Black joining our ranks?" he asked, tone suggesting it would very unwise for anyone to speak. Unsurprisingly no-one did.

He got to his feet and withdrew his wand. "You come here tonight of your own free will… and in full understanding of the solemnity of the vows you are about to take?" he asked. "Yes My Lord" she said softly.

"Then let us begin!" he announced. She feel the attention of the watching Death Eater's like a tangible force as Voldmort glided closer … taking her hand as she knelt at his feet.

He placed the tip of his wand at her wrist and a rope of green fire slid out of it, twining around both of their hands. It reminded her very much of the Unbreakable Vow… except it was green… and there wasn't a bonder…

"Do you… Bellatrix Black… agree to uphold the traditions and creed… both of our great organization… and your own pure blood heritage?" he said in a strangely seductive hiss.

"I do" she replied softly but firmly.

"Do you agree to acknowledge me as your one and only Master… accepting my word as law?" he said in that same tone. "I do" she replied once more.

"And do you… agree to put your commitment to me before all else… to serve me faithfully… even until death?" he asked, something like anticipation in his voice.

She hesitated for just a moment before whispering "I do."

The green strands of flame faded. The tip of the wand dug into her flesh. The skin seared as what looked like black ink flowed out of it… tracing a pattern on her skin.

She had to bite her lip hard to stop from making a sound. It felt the skin was being burned off. When finally the pain started to fade she tasted the coppery tang of blood. And there on her wrist was the sign of her allegiance to the Dark Lord… the Dark Mark.

And even though it still throbbed she felt a fierce surge of pride.

She became suddenly aware that the Death Eater's were cheering her. "You may rise" said Voldemort.

"Robe her" he said to the Death Eater's nearest to him. As the robes settled around her they cheered her once more… but all she was aware of was the Dark Lord's eyes on her… and the knowledge she was now his.