A/N - sorry for the longer wait, I have added a slightly longer chapter to try and make up for it. I have a feeling when some of people read it they will hate me, eek. Just a warning there is some very disturbing content related to childhood abuse half way through the chapter, it can easily be skipped without missing much.


With a pop, Lord Voldemort apparated into the parlour of his manor. He dropped the unconscious house elf with a thud onto the forest green carpet before he stumbled into the nearest chair. With aching bones he summoned his housemaid. It was clear he still hadn't recovered from creating his latest horcrux.

Attempting to sit up straighter, he tried to appear nonchalant, Bellatrix had already seen him far too vulnerable in the last couple of days. She swiftly entered the room, alarmed when she noticed the house elf on the floor. She came to stand before him, asking in her distinctly feminine voice.

"How can I serve you master?"

"Call Regulus, tell him he needs to collect his house elf, use the floo." He waved over to the unlit fireplace, if he had more energy he might have found her raised eyebrows entertaining. Voldemort pulled out his wand as she unsteadily moved, just as she grabbed a handful of the powder, he flicked his wand and long whip appeared, wrapping around her ankle. She dropped the powder in fright but it didn't hurt her. It was merely a precaution to prevent her disappearing into the fire. He didn't have the time or energy to chase after her.

Quickly recovering from her shock, she chucked the floo powder in the fireplace and kneeled down. He vaguely heard her calling out for her cousin and a few murmured words before she jumped back out of the way, tumbling back off the hearth. She landed on the hard floor and glanced up at him, her cheeks pinking with embarrassment.

She cautiously brushed her ebony hair back out of her eyes, offering him an explanation. "My aunt… she wasn't too happy to see me."

He watched her collect herself off the ground in surprise, she never voluntarily spoke to him, not without prompting. It appeared she hadn't even realised what she had done but he didn't draw attention to it. It almost felt natural.

"You can deal with Regulus, just get him to take that thing home, it likely won't survive the night."

The whip receded from her leg and he was able to reinstate the wards on the fireplace to prevent her escape. He stood slowly, trying to stop himself moving so stiffly but unable to prevent it from just looking awkward. The journey to his room seemed to drain the last of his energy and with utter exhaustion he settled himself in his comfiest armchair in front of the fireplace. Fortunately Bellatrix had had the sense to light it before his return. He did not want to analyse his motivations but aimed his wand at the large ornate mirror above the fireplace. The reflective surface seemed to shudder for a moment before it rippled and changed, from the reflection of his room to the view from the large mirror in the parlour.

Bellatrix had yet to learn of this magic, originally created as something of an alarm system in his home. He had not had much use to watch her through it, he did not have time to observe chores being completed and there was no receptive mirror in the kitchen or her quarters.

The woman herself currently had her back to him, she was leaning over the unconscious elf, presumably to see if there were any signs of life. There was a roar from the fire and she swivelled around, unconsciously wiping dust from her skirt before clasping her hands in front of herself.

Regulus stepped out with grace from the fireplace, he quickly searched the room before realising the Dark Lord was not present and approached his cousin, smiling kindly. She seemed hesitant as he moved towards her but he stopped suddenly and gasped upon seeing his house elf.

"Bella, my god, what happened to Kreacher?" The young man crouched beside the decrepit beast and seemed to make a quick assessment of its status. Alarmed, but at least relieved to find some indication that it was still alive, he looked up at his cousin as she spoke.

"I don't know. He wanted you to collect Kreacher and take him home, he said he will probably die." Her voice was neutral, it was difficult to tell if she had feelings either way about that prospect.

"Jesus." The young man sounded appalled. There was a natural pause for a moment before he spoke, his words carefully considered as he stood to face the dark haired woman. He seemed hesitant to face her.

"How are you doing Bella?"

She blinked at him for a moment before attempting to answer. "I…" She seemed unsure whether to continue, the words caught in her throat and as Voldemort watched, he considered if perhaps she suspected that he was still listening in on the conversation. She gave in at last and answered dismissively, not quite looking the younger man in the eye. "I'm alright Reggie."

The dark haired man moved as if to embrace his cousin but she stepped back away from him. Hurt was written across his face but she was too busy looking at her feet to even see. She spoke with a deep shuddering breath. "Please, Reg, it's okay. I am kept busy."

This did not soothe his concern at all but he gave up trying to physically reach out to her. "Bellatrix, please. Forget I am a death eater for a minute, we are cousins. I hate knowing you are here, he is volatile and has no compunctions about killing. You are not safe."

Her voice, though lowered, didn't sound any less angry for it. Her eyes blazed in fury, it was the first time Voldemort had really seen her rage when it wasn't directed at himself. She looked like a beautiful storm. "Do you think I want to be here?! I'm not like you Regulus, I didn't get a choice. He was going to kill me, in fact one day I know he will. Just because of all this stupid blood purity ideology." Her voice became bitter but more subdued as she continued. "I thought you were better than that Reggie."

The younger boy looked as if he had been slapped. Taking a moment to regain his voice he spoke desperately, beseeching his cousin. "You have to believe me Bella, it wasn't my idea to join. He is always recruiting and you know mother, she forced me into it. I mean some of what he is saying makes sense but I never expected there to be such brutality. Or so much bloodshed."

Voldemort had always known Regulus wasn't the most eager follower he had. In fact many of his followers had been pressured into joining his side, they may not have the greatest loyalty but he needed the numbers and regardless, fear had always been a sufficient motivator. This discussion was bordering on treason and normally he wouldn't stand for it. This once, he decided to wait and see where this went, he needed to fully understand the betrayal.

"God, Reggie, you always were so naive." Though her voice was exasperated, he could still detect an underlying hint of affection. She carefully brushed her hair out of her eyes, watching the man opposite, her curls were always trying to break free from her up-do.

"Please, I want to help you. You have to come with me now." Regulus was wringing his hands in anxiety, obviously very aware how dangerous the conversation was, particularly given that it was taking place in the Dark Lord's own manor.

"You can't help me. He has warded the manor to stop me leaving, I can't even step out onto the grounds."

"But there has to be a way. I can't just leave you here." He looked gutted at her apparent lack of interest in escaping and his own impotence.

Bellatrix turned to move away from him, her back to Regulus now but the Dark Lord could still clearly see her face. She was utterly without hope but wanted to shield her cousin from it, she knew it would make him feel even guiltier. "I have accepted my lot. Maybe you should be a bit more concerned about yourself, you are too young to be caught up on all of this." She gave an angry huff. "And what about Sirius? You know he is part of the resistance, what if you have to face him? If you are asked to kill him?"

Regulus scrunched his noise up in disgust at the name. "I don't care about him, he is an arse and deserves all he gets."

She gave a quick half-smile. "I know you don't really mean that."

There was a long silence, as tension filled the room, neither of the occupants sure how to proceed. It ended up taking Bellatrix to break it. She looked over her shoulder at her younger cousin before pointing at the forgotten elf on the floor.

"You better get Kreacher out of here, I don't think he is going to last very long and your mother would want him returned so he can join his family on the wall."

Regulus gave a tired sigh. "I am going to take him but I promise I will come back for you. You have to believe me that I will get you out of here. I will think of a way." He reached for her again, this time she didn't move away. He grasped her elbow to turn her towards him and held onto her hand. She didn't pull back but still avoided eye contact.

"Please don't Reggie, don't make promises you can't keep."

"I do promise, I will come back for you. Just stay out of his way, stay safe." He pulled her forward for an embrace, he tightly held onto her but Voldemort noticed she only weakly returned it. Regulus buried his head into her hair and gripped her so tightly, it was almost as if he was hoping she would rescue him. After an age, he finally released her, she was biting her lip as she watched him collect up the elf.

Regulus made his way to the fireplace, pausing for a last moment and speaking with conviction. "I will be back soon Bella."

He disappeared in a roar of fire leaving the dark haired woman alone. The Dark Lord could hear her rattling breathing as if she was trying not to cry. It took her a moment to gather herself enough before she knelt to fix the rug that had been crumpled when the house elf had been lain on it.

It was strange for Voldemort to see her when she thought she was alone. It pleased him that she was still dutiful in her work but her entire body language had changed. She was much more at ease as she pottered around, he could tell her thoughts were miles away. Everything about her became softer as her cold, fearful countenance gave way. It was startling but it made her appear younger to him, more vulnerable and he felt a strange kind of empathy for her. Well, not empathy, he wasn't capable of that but perhaps an understanding.

That was when he noticed something unusual. The young woman suspiciously glanced around the room to ensure she was alone before she silently walked over to the small glass bookcase against the wall. He knew from experience that there were only a few texts of any worth, a few books detailing the historical magical persecution by muggles - just the type of thing that would be expected to be found in a dark pureblood family. In fact they had duplicate copies in the library. The rest of the literature were poorly written romance novels, the type that could usually be got free at the bookstore after collecting a coupon in the Daily Prophet.

It was a testament to her taste that once she had the glass panel front opened, she ogled the non-fiction, lightly fingering the ancient spines. That was not even what really drew his attention. Subconsciously, or perhaps not, behind her the cushions on the sofa were straightening themselves and soot and dirt was disappearing from the recently used hearth as the tub of floo powder reorganising itself. They were all small adjustments but without a wand it was very impressive. A sense of self-satisfaction filled him, he knew she was talented, yet again his instincts were proved correct.

Oblivious to what was going on behind her, she pulled out one of the old books with great care. Glancing around again before she opened it up, the spine creaking from its long neglect. He watched her stood over the bookcase, absorbed in the text but managing to pull herself from the words every few minutes to ensure she was still alone.

Voldemort had to admire her courage, she knew the severe punishment that would be in store for her if she were caught slacking and amusing herself with his possessions, it was a huge risk. Despite the half of him that wanted to go straight back down and torture her even in his exhausted state, the other half of him was immensely enjoying watching her. He understood why her father had something of a soft spot for her despite her blood, she was beautiful as she concentrated, biting her plump red lower lip. Her soft curls were barely held back by her hair clip and framed her classic Black face, strong jaw and pale skin.

He was captivated by her, he only stopped watching her when she finally came to her senses and returned the book. When everything had been left as it had been she stepped out of the range of view from the mirror so he finally swished his wand to return it to its natural state. He had been observing his captive for longer than he had realised, the bedroom was dim as the last of the days light spilled through the window.

With a measured snap of his wand the candles in the room lit as he pondered all he had witnessed. Such blatant disobedience and disloyalty, however expected, could not go unpunished from either Regulus or Bellatrix. He had to remind them both of the reason he is to be feared and eradicate all harboured ideas of escape from her mind. First he just needed to regain his strength.


A young Bellatrix stood alone on the green grass in the meticulously manicured lawns of the Black Manor. The sun was shining and it was obviously the height of summer, butterflies were flying around the florid blossoms bordering the small section of the gardens. The rest of the family were standing on the steps leading towards the manor, stiff and awkward as they grouped together. Voldemort felt this must not have been long before the middle girl ran away judging from their apparent ages.

Cygnus and Druella were stood behind Andromeda and Narcissa, the older woman had a hand affectionately rested on the younger blonde's shoulder. A hired photographer stood before them, calling out directions as his magical camera clicked and emitted little puffs of smoke.

"Just a couple more now, don't forget to smile Mrs Black."

Druella merely sneered at the man before returning to her neutral expression masking her thin face again. With her older, thin face and her thick hair scraped right back he thought it gave her a very stern appearance.

Bellatrix kicked the ground petulantly with her shiny patent black shoes, she didn't like the things, far too flashy for her taste and Druella was always quick to notice when they got dirty. She was fed up watching them but she hadn't got permission to return to the manor. She had been permitted to be in the first photograph, stood beside Andy in front of her father so that all his daughters were in order of age. After the moment had been snapped she was promptly asked to step away. These photos would be kept for prosperity with extras sent to other families and friends so they did not want a half-blood sullying them.

Although the dark haired girl was used to it, it still stung. The uncomfortable heaviness had settled in her stomach and would stay there for the rest of the day. She never understood why she was made to watch, part of her thought maybe they didn't realise how upsetting she found it, to be excluded. Another part of her thought it was much more likely that they didn't want her to get confused, so that she truly understood that she was not a real part of the family. With a heavy sigh she turned her back to them to admire the grounds, the clicking sound still firing off in the background.

Witnessing the scene, Voldemort understood how she felt, always an outcast. At least she had a family though. At the orphanage, he clearly remembered the prospective parents playing and amusing themselves with the other children. It was rare for people to visit, most people were still recovering from the war and there wasn't much money around for an extra family member. He had always felt unwanted, even more so than the other children as they, the staff and the visitors gave him a wide berth as they enjoyed themselves. It had hurt at the time, when he was very young but as he got older, he realised it was a good thing. It made him stronger, alone he could accomplish so much more and had eliminated the weaknesses that plagued others. It was a shame her experiences hadn't similarly toughened her up.

Rapidly the scene changed as the Dark Lord sifted through her mind to find another memory. Instead of the usual sense of hurt or anger attracting him towards various memories as he barricaded through her mind, it was in fact the hint of shame that drew him to the next.

The room was different from those he had already seen at the Black manor. This was decorated on much darker tones, grey and navy gave the large room an oppressive feel and from the heavily curtained long windows little light got in, the day outside was overcast as light rain hit the glass. He guessed this house belonged to the other Black family as the three girls were accompanied by their male cousins.

Regulus was only an infant and was sat up on the couch with Narcissa beside him, petting him and ensuring he didn't roll off. Andromeda lay on the carpet, Sirius sat on the floor beside her feet, leaning against the opposite sofa with Bellatrix beside him.

"I am so bored, why is there never anything to do at your house Sirius?" Andy questioned as she traced patterns on the ceiling with her gaze. "At least if I had been allowed to bring a book it wouldn't have been so bad."

Narcissa rolled her eyes at her sisters annoyed remark. "Can we please dress Reggie up then, like I suggested an hour ago."

Andromeda actually raised her head at that as she exclaimed. "Merlin no, I'm not that bored."

Sirius piped up as he narrowed his eyes at his brother. "And you don't want to make him cry, otherwise he will never shut up."

Bella blew a curl out of her face distractedly before offering a suggestion. "Why don't we make up a game or something?"

"What about one where I can be a princess?" Narcissa asked hopefully.

"Cissy you already are a princess." Andy smirked at her younger sister.

"Hey."

They were ignored as Sirius exclaimed excitedly. "Can I be an auror then? I can save the princess from evil."

Cissy squealed enthusiastically at the idea and her middle sister spoke. "I want to be an auror too. We need a prince though, you could do that instead Sirius."

"No, I don't want to be a prince, I am an auror, I said it first." The young boy crossed his arms and pouted dramatically, it was clear he usually got his way.

Bellatrix became the mediator after she gave an irritated glance at her cousin. "Why don't we make Regulus the prince, that way you can both be aurors if you want?"

Sirius smiled triumphantly but Andy frowned. "Well, what are you going to do then Bella, you can't just be a referee."

"Obviously she has to be the evil sorceress otherwise who would the aurors fight. She tries to kill me because of my beauty and my magic." The young girl held a hand up to show off her face, as if to show off her good looks. It was a surprise how vain Narcissa was already, even at such a young age.

"What? I don't want to be the bad guy again." It was a weak complaint, a tiny frown had appeared on her face but Bellatrix knew she had already given in. It was always the role she played, she usually didn't mind but it would occasionally be nice to be someone different.

"Please Bella?" Cissy gave her sister her best puppy dog look knowing it was guaranteed to work.

The dark haired girl gave a huff in defeat. "Fine. But if I'm evil you better get away from me because I am coming after you!" She jumped up enthusiastically, pouncing towards Narcissa on the sofa who jumped slightly. Sirius immediately sprung into action, jumping on top of her back and forcing her to the ground.

The young boy squealed enthusiastically as he managed to hang on to his older cousin who was laughing good-naturedly. "Come on Andy, I've got her now, we have to save princess Cissy."

Narcissa was fawning at the attention on the couch as Regulus tried to grab onto a lock of her golden hair. Andromeda gathered herself up from the ground to clasp onto her sisters legs to stop her struggling.

"We have nearly killed the evil witch Andy." The young dark haired boy reached into Bella's immense curls, twisting his hand into them and yanking.

Immediately Bella flinched and yelled out at the sharp pain. "Ow, Sirius, get off." She tried to bat the boy's hand away from her, all Sirius did was tug harder, a mischievous smirk on his face.

"You have to die first Bella."

The pain gave way to anger and as the oldest she was well able to throw the younger boy off her and kick her sister away. It did little good as Sirius had his hand wrapped so well that he simply pulled it as he tumbled back onto the ground.

"Ahh, you little brat, let go." With lightening speed she tried to rip his sticky hands from her, when this did nothing she grabbed his throat.

"Let go of me!" Sirius merely smirked at her despite her hands tightening around his neck. He always enjoyed antagonising people especially his eldest cousin who was always the odd one out. It gave her a thrill as she noticed his arrogant expression fill with the first glimmer of fear as breathing became a challenge.

"Stop." His plea came out garbled but she was close enough to understand as she hovered over him, enjoying his panic. The hand in her hair had loosened now but she had forgotten about that now. His face had become deep red and his eyes looked like they were starting to bulge. Her knuckles were white as she put all her weight on his neck. His hands finally left her hair and grabbed her own hands trying to get them off his throat to give him relief.

"Bella, stop. What are you doing?" Andromeda had come up behind her and was gently but insistently trying to pull her away. Narcissa was nervously watching and had shuffled closer to the infant boy beside her for comfort.

Bellatrix didn't care. She didn't want to stop, Sirius deserved this. She didn't want to kill him, she hadn't even really considered that would be the end result if she continued as she was. She just enjoyed the look of terror in his eyes, the spoilt brat deserved this and she loved the thrill of power flowing through her. She barely felt Andy as she tried to pull her away. Instead she was focused on the feel of Sirius jerking awkwardly below her as he made a last attempt to claw her hands away from him. His head was thrown back in a desperate attempt to get air and his eyes were starting to roll away.

In the end she only released her hold when Andromeda slapped her hard on the side of her head, the impact causing her ear to ring. Sirius gave noisy gasps as tried to suck in as much air as possible and Andromeda was watching her sister fearfully.

The moment of power gave way acutely to shame as she saw the expression on her siblings faces. Mercifully Regulus was still too young to understand what was going on around him. Guilt settled heavy on her chest as she noticed the bruising already forming around Sirius's neck and a glance at her own hands revealed the scratches he had desperately inflicted.

Along with the shame and guilt, she felt the first pinpricks of fear. What had she done? Sirius was the heir and her younger cousin, the adults would be furious with her, especially his mother. This may even be the catalyst for them for finally just throwing her out, it had been threatened many times before.

As much for his benefit as for her own she crawled forward to embrace the still shocked boy. Andy made no move to stop her and warily watched the two of them rocking, Bella trying to soothe the young boy.

"I'm sorry Sirius, you're alright now though." She needed to calm him and try to save herself. "It's okay now. No one else needs to know about that, you would get in trouble too. How about I go and steal some of those chocolates in the kitchen you like so much? Yeah?"

Sirius nodded shyly now, the arrogance temporarily knocked out of him. It wouldn't be long before he was landing her in trouble again. Keen to get away and to keep him happy she stood, everyone still watching her. "I'll get chocolates for all of us."

Narcissa was smiling again, already forgetting the drama from a few moments ago. Bellatrix didn't look in Andy's direction but quickly scarpered from the room. Now she just had to fetch some chocolate and appease the spoilt little brat - that was always tough work.

Again Voldemort skipped the rest of the memory, he had already seen the part that would interest him. He knew it, even someone such as Bellatrix, always so insistent on doing the right thing, had a soft spot for power. Everyone does, it is the ultimate temptation. Everybody wants it but only a few people had the tenacity, the true unflinching desire, to seek it out no matter the cost. Unfortunately, unlike himself, Bellatrix did not seem that way inclined but regardless of whether she was willing to admit it to herself, the sense of control and the pleasure of inflicting pain on another thrilled her. Power however was not enough of a temptation for her but he had an idea what her true desire was. Time to move on.

Bella was stood in the dark parlour, the details of the room were cast in shadow and Cygnus with her two sisters were barely illuminated. He was sat on his favourite armchair, Andromeda was perched on the arm whilst Narcissa stood, leaning over their father and smiling at him adoringly. The dark cast eery shadows across their features as Bellatrix watched them, the two girls were dressed in their nightclothes.

"Oh look who it is, I was wondering what that stink was." Andromeda sneered at her and the other two smiled in amusement.

Narcissa added in her young whiny tone. "Eww, we don't want you coming over here and ruining everything."

"But…" Her voice trailed off weakly, embarrassed that she didn't have the strength to stop her voice from quivering. She glanced down at her bare feet, before another remark drew her attention again.

"Leave us alone smellatrix." Narcissa stuck her tongue out spitefully. Cygnus was finally provoked and patted his two daughters on the shoulder.

"Come now the pair of you that's enough." His voice didn't disguise his amusement at their antics and was not enough to scare the girls into stopping. Bellatrix could only watch in disappointment as he failed to defend her.

"But she's a, a stain the Black family tree, she shouldn't even be here." It was painful to hear Walburga's words echoed by her sister.

Cygnus seemed keen to finally put the insults to rest. "That's enough now Andy. Bella has her uses." His gazed burned on her for a moment before it turned back to her sister. "Now you two off to bed, it's late and your mother would be very unhappy to know you were still awake at this hour."

With some reluctance the two girls left their fathers side and started to head upstairs. Bellatrix moved to slowly join them, following behind them. Just as she was about to pass her father, he spoke and reached out an arm to prevent her departure.

"Come Bella, I want to speak to you for a moment." His voice was silky smooth, the same voice she recognised from when he was talking with his peers and trying to get his own way. Her sisters paused for a moment to watch but were quickly shooed away. With no room for argument she changed direction and slowly pottered towards him. When she was close enough, he grasped her around the waist and pulled her onto his knee.

It was a little uncomfortable, she was just getting to the age were she was a little too big to really sit on his lap but it was comforting when he pulled her head to lean on his chest. It soothed away the pain from moments ago. She could feel his chest rumbling as he spoke.

"Ignore what your sisters were saying, you have your uses Bella."

She didn't really understand his meaning but didn't dwell on it. The room was silent, all she could hear was his quick heartbeat in her ear. It almost seemed as if the darkness was moving in on them, heavy and oppressive and she tried to curl herself into him as much as she could.

All of a sudden she felt his warm hand on her leg. Her blue cotton night dress didn't keep her too warm so the heat of his hand on her chilled skin almost made her jump.

"You know I love you don't you Bellatrix," his voice sounded much deeper, hoarser than she was used to hearing it. "And if you want to really belong, if you want to stay in this family, you have to show me how much you love me too."

By now his hand had crept up the inside of her thigh, pushing her nightdress up with it. It was a strange and uncomfortable sensation and she tried to still his hand with her own. She didn't like what was happening but she didn't want to be disowned.

Sensing her unease, Cygnus gave her a kiss on her forehead before pushing her hand aside. With a much smoother, faster motion, his hand reached her private parts and rubbed her through her underwear. She tensed in alarm, she knew this was wrong. The darkness was creeping in further and everything seemed to pulse for a moment.

"No, father please."

He ignored her pleading and his hand moved more vigorously. She tried to squeeze her legs together to stop him but to no avail.

"I have to get you ready Bella." His voice sounded totally unfamiliar now, menacing and unbalanced as his other arm clasped her closer against him and he buried his head into her neck. "I have to get you ready because I am going to fuck you little girl. Then you will finally have a place in my family, as my little slut." His breathing was heavy against her skin as she squirmed frantically to get away from him and everything pulsed again. The last of what dim light there was seemed to be flickering.

"This is not right." Her voice was no longer panicked and begging, she spoke with realisation. "This is not right. It's not happening."

And of course she was right. The entire scene vibrated one last time before Lord Voldemort was forcibly ejected from her mind. He reeled back away from her and hissed as a sharp pain radiated down the back of his head for a few seconds. He hadn't expected such a show of strength, or for her to understand so quickly.

As he gathered himself he heard her murmuring desperately to herself. She was curled up on the ground, her hands clasped her head as she rocked unsteadily. "It's not right, it's not real. It's not right, it's not real."

She sounded utterly demented as she repeated her mantra, her eyes squeezed shut as if trying to block out the images. He enjoyed her pain, it was all she deserved. Plotting against him, even just considering escape. This was the least of her punishment.

Bellatrix seemed to come to her senses somewhat, or perhaps she just realised he was no longer rifling through her mind. Her hands fell to reveal a furious expression on her face, it took her some moments to be able to speak, her tone accusing and outraged.

"You did this. That wasn't real, I know that never happened. My father loved me, he would never do something so vile." She spat out the last few words before a disgusted shiver ran through her. She seemed on the verge of lifting herself for further confrontation, appalled that he would twist her precious memories of her father in such a way. "How dare you? Make me, make me believe that he would ever do anything like that?"

He wagged his wand mockingly and she froze again, still sprawled on the floor. "Ah ah ah. I wouldn't do that if I were you, not unless you want to experience that again. Or worse." He slowly crept forward, closer to her and smirked when she recoiled back. His threat had the desired effect and her anger quickly dissipated to be replaced by terror. Agonisingly slowly he squatted down before her, drawing his words out achingly for maximal effect. "I will make you really feel it."

Subconsciously she shook her head, her face paled considerably at the implication. He tapped his wand against his hand as his gaze burned into her. He needed to make sure all idea of escape or of freedom were snuffed out. She belonged to him now.

A cold shiver ran through her as she watched him anxiously, her eyes flitting from his wand back to his steely gaze. "I could obliterate all those precious memories of yours, I could replace them with your worst nightmares. That is only a suggestion of what I am capable of."

Her breathing hitched in fear and he was almost sure she had stopped altogether. "Your mind is my playground and I don't mind just burning it all to the ground." Bellatrix flinched back as he rose before her again, he could see himself reflected in her eyes. Tall, imperious, shrouded in his blackest robes, he was her living nightmare. "I suggest you remember you belong to me now, for as long as I decide to show you mercy."

At last, Voldemort turned away from her, to distance himself somewhat before speaking again. His tone was calmer and more forgiving, although he doubted in her state of mind she would really notice the difference. "Consider this a lesson well learned." He gave a last dismissive wave. "Now, off with you. I'm sure you have some work you could be occupying yourself with elsewhere."

She didn't need any further prompting. With ungainly movements she awkwardly clabbered across the room, it seemed to take a tremendous effort for her to even get to her own two feet to support her. He could see her shaking and accounted her loss of grace to that.

He sighed when he noticed a long tear in the seam of her shirt, just under the arm. It probably happened when she was jerking around, trying to expel him from her mind. He would have to fix that for her eventually, he doubted she would have any idea how to sew it and he couldn't let his guests see his maid wandering around in rags.

Without the slightest hesitation she disappeared from the room. He might just have to lay off on the legilimency for a little while, he didn't want her obstructing him too much and extended, wilful force may just addle her brains. She would definitely be worthless then.


The grand hall was quiet, the atmosphere thick. The room was dimly lit, the daylight outside was fast disappearing and the miserable weather made everything gloomier. The wind and rain beat against the long narrow windows and the single candles in the corners of the large hall offered little warmth.

The Dark Lord was sitting on a grand chair at one end of the room, positioned on a wide dais to elevate himself above his followers. He was leaning forward majestically, his wand held between both hands. He knew he cut a powerful and intimidating image. To his far left stood both Malfoy and Lestrange, despite the masks obscuring their faces, he was sure everyone present had a far idea who they were.

On his right was Bellatrix. She was frozen on her knees, her hands bound in front of her and dressed only in her simple creme nightgown. He had been reluctant to have her so flimsily dressed in front of everyone but it was vital that she was present and she had had no time to change when he had appeared in her room. Petrificus totalus had her posed in the most appropriate position for him, her face level, long hair thrown back over her shoulders. He had noticed goosebumps across her skin and imaged if she wasn't frozen in place she would be shivering.

The younger Lestrange and Dolohov were stood against the wall on the right, they practically melted into the growing darkness. Voldemort had invited a selected small number of his inner circle to witness, it was always a valuable lesson to show them the penalty for betrayal.

The reason for this meeting was standing before the Dark Lord. Regulus had not bothered to bow, his posture was defiant but Voldemort could still making out his shaking. In fact, he was surprised the young man had even turned up at all when he had been summoned. Surely he had known what was coming, it would explain his dishevelled and honestly ill appearance.

When he felt they had been stood in silence for long enough, when the atmosphere was thick and oppressive, he finally spoke. His voice was cold and chilling, it pleased him to see Lucius flinched out of the corner of his eye.

"Do you know why you have been summoned here today Regulus?"

The young man held his fists clenched by his side and tried to match the Dark Lord's intense gaze. Every so often his eyes would flit to his elder cousin, bound, paralysed and completely vulnerable without her magic.

His voice quivered despite his attempts at bravery. "I do not."

Voldemort pursed his lips, the lack of respect was hard to miss. "You have not been faithful, Regulus. I know you have been plotting behind my back, betraying my confidence, my orders. Even within my own home." He leaned over to his left and waved a hand at the young woman beside him. "Don't worry, your cousin has told me everything, I know all about your cowardice and duplicity."

Regulus frowned in confusion at Bella but she was unable to respond, her eyes merely shimmered in desperation. "Bella told you?" It was obvious he didn't want to believe it.

A smug smile was given in response. It didn't matter that it wasn't true, Voldemort only wanted to cause suffering and twist apart their close relationship.. He straightened up again on his seat. "Such actions require severe punishment, but don't worry your cousin will get her share for her involvement."

Not waiting for a response he smoothly and silently rose to his full height. The younger man took a short step back before steeling himself, he was determined to keep himself dignified.

"Crucio." He barely whispered it but it was drowned out almost immediately by high pitched yowling scream. As soon as the bright red light hit him, Regulus collapsed to the ground, his neat, expensive robes twisted around his flailing body. The death eaters watching at the side of the room shuffled uncomfortably.

He stopped for a moment, giving the young man a chance to catch his breath before unleashing the crippling curse on him again. Regulus contorted into torturous positions, his face bright red from not being able to breathe properly, the pain forcing the air from him. He was clawing at himself, trying to find someway of ripping the pain away.

After a few more seconds Voldemort lowered his wand. The room seemed eerily silent now without the sound of screams, Regulus was trying to suck in as much air as he could. He was surprised how quickly the boy recovered himself, unsteadily climbing up onto all fours.

"You can torture me all you want you bastard but you won't get away with this." He coughed pathetically but his words were solid and contemptuous.

It wasn't the first time he had heard that but there was something about the expression on the tortured man's face, a look of knowing in his eyes. Was it possible that there was some conspiracy he hadn't been aware of? Highly unlikely but it was enough to give him pause and Regulus spat out. "Kreacher survived what you made him do."

An icy chill crept slowly down his back… it wasn't possible. He tried to keep his face neutral, he could not have his followers see even a moment of panic from their Lord.

"That is not true."

By now Regulus had managed to rise, he was barely just keeping himself upright on his trembling legs. "It is true. He told me everything, what you made him do. And why." His voice was growing in strength.

Voldemort felt queasy at the boy's words, no one was ever supposed to know about his horcrux. It was the only way he had been able to guarantee his immortality, how could he have been so careless? He had always avoided house elves, distrusted the mangy creatures and now as if to prove him right, the Black's house elf may well play a role in his downfall.

"Your dishonour and disloyalty is astounding Regulus Black. For this, you must pay with your life." He slowly raised his wand, he had been planning on killing the boy anyway, his sheer insistence in disobeying and disrespecting the Dark Lord was becoming intolerable but now, he had to do it before the fool revealed anything.

Sensing his end was near, the younger man shouted, his aching, tortured body now alive with vehemence. "He took me back, I found what you were hiding and I took it. It will be destroyed."

Panic ran through him like an icy shard before he just about reigned himself in. It was impossible, there was no way that anyone, no matter their skill could ever find his horcrux and survive. As he watched Regulus sneer at him, he noticed the exhaustion. It had been there before he had been cursed but the Dark Lord had merely dismissed it as stress at being caught out. He could not take any chances.

Regulus's mind was open entirely to him, the younger pureblood had wanted him to see everything. The elf had told him all he had witnessed, including how to reach the horcrux and the extensive protective measures placed at the cave. Regulus, the fool had returned with the sickly elf to the cave and drank the potion himself. When the horcux was revealed and they were almost overrun by his vicious inferni, the elf apparated them to safety. Much to Voldemort's horror, it seemed as soon as Regulus had been well enough he had met with the Hogwart's headmaster. Dumbledore had the horcrux, he knew about it and it wouldn't take him long to figure out there were more.

Fury wracked through him when he left the boy's mind, fear clawing at him, clouding his judgement. How had this feeble minded boy brought him so much ruin?

There was a gleam of triumph in Regulus Black's, even as the curse jetted his way, slicing open his throat. A killing curse would be too kind. Blood poured out, staining his ivory skin and expensive clothes before he collapsed to the ground. It gave the Dark Lord little pleasure.

He rubbed his hand over his face, begging himself to calm down before he slaughtered the rest of the occupants in the room. Now more than ever, he needed cold logic and reason. That being said, he needed some outlet for the rage coursing through him.

"All of you leave now." He waved a dismissive hand, not even glancing at his followers but they didn't need to be told twice and disappeared with loud pops. He returned to his seat and finally released Bellatrix from her spell.

The dark haired woman fell forward with a heavy thud, there was a hard sound of skin hitting stone as she hadn't been expecting to be freed. An anguished cry was released from her lips and disregarding her master, she crawled forward her hands still bound. She did not even seem to notice when her bonds fell away but only scrambled towards her cousins body faster. "Reggie?" It was only half a question as truly she must have known he could not answer.

Before she could reach him, Voldemort vanished the lifeless Regulus away, he couldn't bear to look at his face another moment. Bellatrix seemed utterly lost for a moment, she just froze where she was and gave the most pathetic, desperate cries.

"Pull yourself together, you are a maid. Now clean." He summoned a bucket of water and a large sponge for her and watched.

This had been his intention all along, it was to be her punishment for colluding behind his back, yet he derived very little satisfaction from it. She wept freely as she grabbed the sponge, no longer making those horrible grief-stricken noises, she began to mop up the blood. Her eyes were red raw as tears streamed down her face blotching her skin. Bella only stopped when she realised the blood was soaking through the sponge, she took a moment to inspect her hands, mesmerised and horrified by the bloodstains.

So she started the sobbing again, her entire body wracking as she cried but she still got the job done. It seemed to take her an age as the blood was just pushed around and around on the floor. Instantly, he could have vanished the stains but that would have been no fun.

Her distressing cries proved the perfect soundtrack to his thoughts as he only half observed her scrubbing on the floor. It was imperative he plan his next move, Dumbledore was sure to soon, if not already, discover how to destroy his horcrux. Although loathe as he was to admit it, it was a terrifying thought. He had no idea what would happen when it was destroyed, would he even feel a part of his soul dying?

More disturbingly, it would not be long before the old headmaster realised that there were more. He may never figure out their locations but Voldemort couldn't take the risk and leave them where they rested.