Author's Note: As it's been such a long time since this fic was updated, I've added two new chapters! Please let me know what you think!
June 1974.
As had been ordered, Bellatrix awoke the next day to house elves packing her things, ready to move her to the room nearest to Lord Voldemort's. She found herself relocated to the dungeons, to a room that was three times the size of her previous one, containing a large four-poster bed with luxurious bedclothes, a dressing table and a wardrobe, and a bathroom with a bath that was almost the size of a swimming pool. Bellatrix leant against the dressing table with a satisfied smile upon her face, fiddling with a quill that she found inside one of the drawers; she knew that it must have been very expensive, for it was made from a beautiful peacock feather.
"Tell me," Bellatrix said to one of the house elves who were slowly filling the wardrobe with her clothes, "Why have I been moved to this room?"
"The Dark Lord is demanding it, miss." The house elf replied. Bellatrix gave a delighted giggle to herself and walked over to the bed, still clutching the quill as she flopped ungracefully onto it. Suddenly, she noticed a door opposite the bed, which she had heretofore not seen. Bellatrix sat up and looked at it, frowning.
"Where does that door lead to?"
"That door is leading through to the Dark Lord's room, miss. He is saying that you is not using it unless he is giving permission."
"But he can use it whenever he chooses?"
"Oh yes, miss."
Bellatrix felt her stomach flip at the very idea. She was thrilled, of course, that the Dark Lord had done such a thing for her, but it also confused her greatly. Bellatrix supposed that it was his way of encouraging her to stay, of proving to her that she was, as he had said, important. Folding her arms and fixing her eyes on the door, Bellatrix willed him to come through it. After a moment or two of being unsuccessful, however, she gave another sigh and fell backwards again.
"If Lucius and Narcissa come to the house, will you tell them that I'm here? Invite them to visit?" She asked, uncertain as to whether the house elf was still there, for she could not see it.
"Of course, miss. But I has to tell you, miss, that the Dark Lord is asking you to join him for dinner in his quarters this evening." Bellatrix bit her lip in a bid to hide her triumphant smile.
"I see...what time?"
"You is having to go through to the next room at 7:30 prompt in your very best dress, miss."
"If you see him, elf, you must tell him that I can barely wait."
Bellatrix dined with him that evening, and almost every other evening for the next three months. She became his confidante; there was no greater thrill for Bellatrix than when he approached her with a problem, as if she were the only person in the whole world on whom he could depend. But she was his lover too, and as he thrust into her as if enraged, she would cry out that she belonged to him again and again and again. Bellatrix found herself wishing that she could keep the nature of their relationship a secret; she swore that he was different when he was with her, that she could discreetly control him in a way that would not be permissible in any of the other Death Eaters. But this fact did not remain a secret for long – everyone who served the Dark Lord, who visited that house, knew of Bellatrix Black's influence. If they wanted to be included in the next raid, a casual mention of it to Bellatrix would be sufficient to ensure it, or if they had complaints or grumbles about how things were being done...the surest way to be crucioed by Lord Voldemort himself was to mention such a thing around her.
But it was not solely amongst the ranks of the Death Eaters that Bellatrix was gaining a reputation. In the wider Wizarding World, she was becoming increasingly known for her violence. In the daily newspapers, a mention of her name alone was enough to send shudders; she burned down houses, she cursed children, and murdered their parents in the most brutal ways imaginable. It was also becoming increasingly known that she was high in the Death Eater ranks; some had even taken to calling her the Dark Lord's right hand man, so favoured and so feared was she. Her wanted poster was plastered all over the walls of Diagon Alley, but anyone who had ever experienced an encounter with Bellatrix Black usually came out of it dead or unable to tell anyone about it.
One afternoon in the middle of May, Bellatrix had been walking in the garden, and came back inside to find a group of Death Eaters gathered in the hallway. She walked past them expecting, as usual, the typical greeting of a bow and a murmured 'hello'; however, the men simply looked at her, staring blankly as she passed. Bellatrix came to a stop and turned to look at them, frowning slightly and folding her arms. The men, who had been whispering amongst themselves, stopped when they realised she was looking.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" She snapped. "You should remember who exactly I am."
"Aye, perhaps you should too." One of the men shouted, chuckling. "The sister of a mudblood-marrying whore." Bellatrix's face flushed red with rage, and she strode towards the Death Eater, waving her wand briskly. The man was being choked by invisible ropes, and he scrambled with his hands as if trying to remove them.
"What are you talking about?" She demanded. "My sister is married to Lucius Malfoy who, I assure you, is as pure-blooded as the Dark Lord himself!"
"What about your other sister?" One of the other men shouted, the rest of them laughing and jeering. Suddenly, however, they fell silent, and all of them stared in horror at something behind Bellatrix's back.
"Bellatrix, kindly let Thacker go." Bellatrix waved her wand and spun on her heels, turning to face the Dark Lord who stood in the doorway. She licked her lips nervously and pocketed her wand.
"I apologise, my Lord." She whispered. "But these fools have been accusing me of something, but of what I am currently not entirely certain."
"Perhaps you had better come with me, Bellatrix."
Bellatrix followed him down the dark corridor and into his small study, her entire body numb. She sat down in one of the armchairs, watching carefully as he too sat down and folded his arms across his chest. He studied her for a moment, his eyes narrowed slightly, and Bellatrix knew that he was once again assessing her, as he had done that night so long ago.
"When was the last time you spoke to your younger sister Andromeda?" Bellatrix frowned.
"Not since the night I killed my father, my Lord." She replied. "Why is it that you ask?"
"I am glad that you are not in contact with her, for I have heard news that she has today become the worst kind of witch or wizard. She is a blood traitor."
"I...I don't understand." Bellatrix responded. "I know that Andromeda took the same stance as my father, but she has always been in support of pureblood superiority. I know my sister, my Lord."
"Perhaps you do not know her as well as you think." He leant over to the small table, and picked up a piece of parchment. Bellatrix recognised the seal – the letter was from her family. "I received this letter from your mother this morning, informing me that the Black family has officially disowned Andromeda for, unbeknownst to them all until this very day, she has married a mudblood by the name of Ted Tonks."
Bellatrix felt a flood of shame and anger wash over her, and she dug the edges of her nails into the leather of the armchair. The Dark Lord rose from the chair, and Bellatrix watched him silently as he paced the length of the room. She gave a sigh and closed her eyes.
"My loyalty and dedication to our cause has been questioned, I am no longer trusted by the men and so can no longer be trusted by you. My presence is now no longer required in this house." Bellatrix stated quietly. "I understand, my Lord, but I beg of you to reconsider. I am dedicated to you, my Lord; I have sacrificed everything to be at your side, and I would sacrifice yet more. I shall kill my sister and her filth of a husband with my bare hands, if that is what you require." Bellatrix's mouth snapped shut as the Dark Lord held up his hand to silence her.
"That will not be required, Bellatrix. It is true that your loyalty is currently under scrutiny amongst my followers, but anyone who openly dares to question it shall be punished by me. I have no doubts of your loyalty, and your presence here is as much of a necessity to me as it was before."
Bellatrix rushed forward and fell to her knees in front of him. She closed her eyes and gave a contented sigh, her relief threatening to overwhelm her.
"Thank you, my Lord. Thank you." He placed a hand atop her head, before sweeping it along her face and cupping her chin, tilting her head to look at him.
"Stand, Bellatrix. If I desired for you to genuflect before me, I would demand it." Bellatrix did as she was told, dusting off her robes before linking her hands behind her back. "However, I do have a request to make of you. A task that, should you accept it, ought to confirm your loyalties to my Death Eaters."
"What is it, my Lord?" She asked almost desperately. "As I have sworn to you many times before, I would do anything for you..."
"It cannot be revealed to you as yet, Bellatrix. You must be patient; you must wait for the proper time." Bellatrix felt her heart drop slightly, and her feelings must have flashed upon her face, for the Dark Lord dragged a fingernail along the length of her chin, smirking at her in a way that could only be described as fond. "You are afraid, I know. But you must trust me, Bellatrix. You must trust me when I say that, when the time comes, the whole world will be in no doubt that it is you I trust above all others."
New Years Eve 1974
Thousands and thousands of stars, stretching out as far as Bellatrix could see, blinking in the darkness, surrounding the moon. Bellatrix gave a great sigh, her breath puffing out in front of her, visible in the winter night's air. She found it easy to understand the weakness and frailty of humankind when she looked at the night sky; it showed just how insignificant human life was, and how very little it took to destroy it. The very thought of this made Bellatrix's heart ache with longing, although for what she pined she could not be certain. She had everything she had ever wanted – what more could she possibly need? A hand on her shoulder distracted her from her reverie, and Bellatrix turned to see Lucius standing behind her. Bellatrix folded her arms and narrowed her eyes.
"What are you doing here, Lucius? I thought the Dark Lord had given you leave this evening. You are not listed for this mission."
"Indeed I was not supposed to be here, but the Dark Lord requested my presence here specifically; Rodolphus Lestrange and I are to lead the mission."
"That is an honour for you." Bellatrix replied, shifting slightly. A heavy sensation of dread settled in the pit of her stomach.
"Yes. Rodolphus and I believe we are in line for some kind of promotion." Lucius turned slightly, and cast a fleeting glance towards the gathered group of men that waited for his instruction. "That is not the only reason I am here...the Dark Lord also requested that you return to Headquarters."
"What?" Bellatrix hissed, narrowing her eyes. "Did he say why? Is this a punishment?"
"He did not seem angry, Bellatrix, but I suggest that you do not tarry. He is waiting for you."
Bellatrix pushed Lucius out of the way and stormed past the group of men, disapparating mid-stride. She reappeared at the gate of the Headquarters, flinging it open moodily and storming up to the house. When she came into the hallway, however, she came to an abrupt halt at the sight of the Dark Lord waiting for her. He did not speak, but simply stood staring at her in stoic silence.
"My Lord..." She said quietly. "Lucius told me to return. I hope I have not displeased you."
"You have not. You have pleased me greatly, as you so often do. Come with me, Bellatrix."
Bellatrix followed him down the hallway in silence, before they entered the sitting room. He motioned for her to sit down, and Bellatrix did so as she watched the Dark Lord pour two tumblers of Scotch. The Dark Lord took a seat opposite her, and watched Bellatrix in silence for what seemed like an eternity. Bellatrix could stand it no longer, and she broke the silence.
"My Lord, I do not understand. Why did you pull me from the mission tonight? I was looking forward to it; I'm just as capable as completing the job as any of the other men, I –"
"I'm sorry that I disappointed you, Bellatrix." The Dark Lord said. "But Lucius and Rodolphus deserve their chance to prove themselves; I have high hopes for both of them, but they must show that they are worthy of it first. Don't you want your sister's husband to have the chance to better himself, for the benefit of your family?"
"Of course, my Lord, of course!" Bellatrix replied with a sigh. "But I want the chance to prove myself to you too; I can do this, my Lord, I swear I can."
"Your eagerness to serve me is pleasing, but you are proving yourself by staying here with me, Bellatrix. Remember, that is why you are here – to do as I say, for I am your master." Bellatrix nodded slowly, but she could not keep the disappointment from her face. The Dark Lord gave a deep chuckle. "Very well. If you wish for something to occupy you, there is something you can do for me."
"Anything, my Lord." Bellatrix replied eagerly, leaning forwards in her chair. "What is it you wish for me to do?"
"As you know, the mission tonight is an important one. The Bones family have much influence in Dumbledore's little army, and they are known for being one of the worst family of blood traitors in the country. If my men kill them tonight, eradicate them from the earth, it will send a big sign to Dumbledore and those mudbloods he loves so much."
"Of course, my Lord, and I look forward to your victory." Bellatrix licked her lips. "But if I am not to be part of this mission, what can I do?"
"If this victory is made, Bellatrix, I want my men to celebrate like kings. Organise a party for them, a grand celebration, for when they return."
"A...a party?" Bellatrix mumbled numbly. "You want me to organise a party?"
"Indeed. I have already summoned Narcissa here to help you. I suggest you start immediately, if you wish to be ready for when the Death Eaters return."
"Of...of course." Bellatrix stood hastily. "Thank you, my Lord. I will try my best to please you."
As Bellatrix left the room, it took every ounce of her being not to scream in frustration. She was a Death Eater, just like the others. The Dark Lord had said himself that she was powerful, she had trained under his own tutelage, learnt her magic from his own books. And yet, all he deemed her good for was organising frivolous parties for the real warriors? Bellatrix flung open the doors of the dining room and gave a throaty growl, which scared Narcissa who was waiting for her there. Her younger sister turned around and gave her a weak smile, holding out her hands to her. Bellatrix took them, giving Narcissa a small hug before sighing.
"I had a feeling you would be displeased about this." Narcissa said quietly.
"Of course I am displeased! I fought to be here, Cissy, I did things of which I am not proud and for what? To sit around all day organising parties for men who are doing the real work? Merlin!" Bellatrix pointed her wand at the window and growled in satisfaction as it shattered into tiny pieces. Narcissa gave an impatient sigh and removed her own wand, waving it gently and watching as the window repaired itself.
"I don't believe destroying the house will change the Dark Lord's mind, Bellatrix." Narcissa said with a small shrug. "Just go along with his plans, and who knows how you will be rewarded..."
"But I don't even know where to start!" Bellatrix cried, flopping into the chair. "This is not the kind of thing I do – this isn't me. I thought he knew that, but..."
"That's why I'm here to help you, Bellatrix. Now, take this parchment and take it to the house elves in the kitchen. We don't have much time."
Two hours later, with the help of Narcissa and the house elves, Bellatrix had decorated the entirety of Headquarters to the theme of Arabian Nights. The dining hall was full of hanging drapes, plush cushions, delicate lanterns and a whole menagerie of animals including snakes and peacocks, roaming freely around the house. In spite of her reluctance, Bellatrix was proud of what she and Narcissa had accomplished; the house looked truly magical, a party fit for victors. The men returned from the mission, having completed exactly what they had set out to do. Edgar and Carlotta Bones, as well as their two children Maud and Maxwell, were dead – two more powerful members of the Order of the Phoenix destroyed as a message to everyone that the Death Eaters were on the rise. The Dark Lord was in the highest of spirits, laughing and conversing with everyone, moving around the room as powerful as ever. Bellatrix sat in the centre of the room, watching as he circled her, wishing that it would not be so insolent to approach him.
Suddenly, the Dark Lord stopped and clapped his hands, sending the sound echoing around the room. A hush fell, and everyone turned to look at him; the urge to scratch out the eyes of everyone in that room threatened to overwhelm Bellatrix, she wanted to be the only one to see him. The only one. The Dark Lord held up his hands.
"My followers, my humble servants, my Death Eaters. You have surpassed yourselves! Tonight...we are...victorious!" The Death Eaters gave a rousing cheer, and even Bellatrix managed to summon a smile. "Now, we must celebrate, and it is all thanks to Bellatrix that we have this wonderful party tonight." Bellatrix felt her heart leap when he extended a hand towards her. She stood slowly and walked towards him, jumping a little when the room broke into a round of applause. She took the Dark Lord's hand, and he slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her body roughly against his. There was an audible gasp as the Dark Lord bent down and kissed the top of Bellatrix's head, and Bellatrix felt as if her heart had swelled so much it would burst.
"Thank you, my Lord." She whispered. "Thank you."
"You will lead the next mission, Bellatrix." He whispered to her. "The glory of victory will be entirely yours. Does this please you?"
"Yes my Lord, most definitely yes!"
"My followers!" Voldemort said loudly. "Bellatrix and I are to retire and celebrate the New Year alone. As the clock turns to midnight, remember that the year of 1975 is our year. The year we will be truly triumphant. Good night."
The Dark Lord led Bellatrix out of the dining room, heading towards his bed chambers. Bellatrix sat cross-legged on the middle of the large four-poster bed, her head tilted to one side as she watched the Dark Lord cross the room. He walked over to the chest of drawers that stood in the corner and opened the bottom one, removing from it a small locked black iron box. The box rattled of its own accord as he placed it down, and Bellatrix could feel a strange kind of pulse emitting from it; it made her feel unusual, as if her head was full of fog, and her heart full of tar.
"What is that, my Lord?" She whispered tentatively.
"It is a possession of great importance." The Dark Lord replied solemnly. He pressed his mouth against the lock of the box, and Bellatrix jumped as he made a low hissing sound. The lid of the box popped open with a quiet clicking sound, revealing a small golden cup, upon which a badger was engraved. The Dark Lord took the cup by both handles and carried it across the room, placing it in front of Bellatrix on the bed. Bellatrix reached out her hand tentatively, hesitated a moment and looked at the Dark Lord for approval, before brushing her fingertips against the engraving. Her body seemed to thrum at the touch of the metal on her skin, and it seemed to originate from the very depths of the cup. The Dark Lord's eyes were shut, and Bellatrix was surprised to see how at peace he seemed. She picked up the cup by the handles and looked at it more closely.
"I don't understand what this is, my Lord..." Voldemort opened his eyes and looked at her steadily for a moment.
"It is the cup of Helga Hufflepuff. It was a gift from a friend of mine, a gift that I received many years ago..."
"It is beautiful, my Lord...but it does something very unusual to me. I don't understand why that is."
"That is something that I will not tell you. That shall remain a secret." He tapped his finger against his lip.
"Then why have you shown this to me, my Lord?"
"Because I am giving it to you, Bella. I am entrusting this to your protection. Put it in your family vaults, secure it against being found. I am putting my most prized possession into your hands."
Bellatrix looked at the Dark Lord open-mouthed, her heart hammering wildly. She picked up the cup and held it against her chest, the sound of her own heartbeat seemingly echoing back at her. She was breathless with delight, and yet terrified at the prospect of what this meant.
"I am so...I am so grateful that you trust me with this, my Lord."
"You are my most devoted follower, Bella. And my most trusted. Some, I dare say, would call you my right-hand man."
"I cannot express how much this means to me."
"You need not try."
In the distance, a clock began to chime twelve. Bellatrix left the cup on the bed and stood up, walking slowly towards the Dark Lord. She took a deep breath, before taking the liberty of placing her hands upon his chest, reaching up onto her tiptoes and pressing her lips against his. His hand snaked up and rested at the base of her throat, gradually tightening his grip as her kiss grew more fervent and her breath became shorter. Just before she felt as if she would faint, the Dark Lord released her and gave a lusty growl, pushing her back onto the bed. Bellatrix gasped as he left a trail of bruising kisses across her arm and up onto her neck, her fingernails digging into his back.
"My Lord, this is your year, my Lord." She gasped as he lifted her robes, as his fingers tripped up her inner thigh. "Your year."
"No, Bella, it is yours."