I stayed behind the couch until Bellatrix went to bed last night. Every one else left the common room when they'd finished talking but she'd stayed up, reading something I was certain had nothing to do with homework. I hadn't found out anything else from the conversation, just formed even more questions.

This particular morning doesn't look promising either, but I've began planning something. Bellatrix mentioned sneaking out again tonight and I'm considering following her, but I want to talk to Alecto first.

I find her sitting on the armrest of one of the common room couches, sit down next to her, and ask if she's okay. She nods and asks if I found out anything else. I inform her of some of my new questions as well as my plan then ask if she and Amycus are on better terms now.

"No," she tells me with a sigh. "Bellatrix forbade him to speak to me. He takes orders from her! I don't get it, she's only a year older and not that much-"

"I know," I interrupt because I'm not really in the mood to listen to whatever complaints she has against Bellatrix. "But she wasn't always like this. When we were going out, she called herself Trixie. She used to-"

"Roddy," Alecto whines, "Can we please talk about something other than Bellatrix for once... Look, I like you, okay?"

"I-I... Alecto...What?" I stutter.

"I know, Roddy. You were with her for more than a year and she broke your heart. You need time to get over that, I know you do, and I can wait. And I'm here for you." She covers my hand with hers and I cringe away from that touch, apparently hurting her feelings.

"It's that I don't... It's... It's complicated." I finally manage that useless string of words.

I had no idea she had feelings for me, feelings that I can never return, because, as stupid as it sounds, I really can't imagine loving anyone but Bellatrix for the rest of my life.

"But..." Alecto starts to object, weakly, and trails off, looking like she might cry. Now I feel terrible. I wrap my arms around her in an awkward- though strictly platonic -hug. I whisper a few words but finally give up trying to explain.

"You're still so obsessed with her," Alecto sniffles. "Why? All she's going to do is hurt you again and again. But, me... I..." She sighs and shakes her head, sensing defeat.

I sigh too and pull her closer, "I'm sorry," I whisper, pathetically, before releasing her.

"Good morning," Says the bittersweet voice I know almost as well as my own. I look up to find Bellatrix standing over us, though I hadn't heard her approach. She's in her usual school uniform but her hair and makeup are styled like she's going to the Yule Ball and not just to class.

"Hi, Bella," I murmur in acknowledgement, choosing to ignore her over dramatic appearance and glancing at Alecto's now tear-steaked face warily. "Um, we were kind of in the middle of something..."

"Seems important," She remarks sarcastically. "But I have something urgent to tell you. Alecto, dear, do you mind if I talk to Rod privately for a moment." Of course, it's not really a request.

"No!" Alecto jumps to her feet. "He just now got over you, Bellatrix. If you have a heart at all, you'll leave him alone."

"And what if I don't have a heart," Bellatrix smirks deviously. I stand up too, trying to get between the so no one gets hurt, but other than that I really can't think of anything to do or say.

"You're poison," Alecto snaps. "I'm not letting you anywhere near him."

"I'm not asking your permission, Carrow."

"Alecto," I manage, fearing for her safety. "Please, just go, I can take care of myself and I'll talk to you later, I promise."

Surprising all three of us, Alecto leans in to plant a kiss on my forehead. I pull away in shock but she's already up and walking away.

Bellatrix calls after her, "You will pay for that," She emphasizes each word threateningly. Then she turns her attention to me.