Bellatrix blasts at the dummies, trying to get rid of all her thoughts. She was tired of thinking. Thinking never got her anywhere. She just wanted to sink into the comfort of dueling and the monotony of the physical movements.
Damn Rodolphus. She wasn't sure what for, but damn him.
Her body twitched a moment too soon and she missed the dummy, letting the spell blast the wall behind it. Dammit, she thought to herself, taking a moment to catch her breath. She had worked up quite the sweat this past hour, pushing herself far more than she should have, but she still just felt too in-her-head. She should be satisfied. She knew she should be satisfied. But she wasn't.
Bellatrix knew she'd be top of her class this year, or at least close to it. She had been studying hard and magic had always come easy to her. And things with Rodolphus were going good. He was supportive and kind and good looking and she hated every minute of it. Damn him for being better than her.
Bellatrix sighs and gathers her things, leaving the training room. She walks for a while, deep in thought, before seeing Walden out of the corner of her eye. Her lip twists up in a snarl out of impulse. She hadn't been able to get him expelled-his family was too prestigious for that- and she hated that he was still allowed to wander these halls, to look at Narcissa, to think about Narcissa. Her blood boiled picturing it. Given the opportunity, Bellatrix would gladly see him bend in pain under her cruciatus curse, the sanity seeping from his eyes.
Something inside her told her that he wasn't done with her little sister. He had been too determined, too thorough in his plans. She worried that she had only taught him to be more careful. It was that bottle of love potion. The Snape boy had said it himself, it wasn't a common thing. That was an expensive, powerful potion. As terrifying as Bellatrix believed herself to be, she feared that all her threats would do little to dissuade him.
It was strange that he was out here this late. A part of her wanted to follow Walden. In fact, Bellatrix had taken a few stealthy steps in his direction before stopping herself. This was crazy. She was being paranoid. Walden couldn't do anything now, nor would he risk it. There was too much to lose. Bellatrix lets out a breath, letting Walden walk away. Was she truly so unsatisfied that she was imagining conspiracies just to keep herself from having to face issues?
Shaking her head, Bellatrix heads back to the Slytherin's commons. She wanted nothing more, truly, than to take a long hot shower and not emerge from her covers until the weekend was through. As if just to spite her, however, as soon as she opens the door, her eyes fall on Rodolphus. He was tucked next to a fire, a book spread out on his lap, deep in study. Bellatrix lets out a sigh, seeing that the common room is empty besides him. She could sneak back to her room, but that be cruel if she were to be caught. She shakes her head and decides to pretend to not notice him. Maybe he wouldn't look up from his book.
She's halfway across the room before Rodolphus's, "Bella?" stops her.
"Oh, Rods," she says, trying to be cheery.
"You've been avoiding me," he says, shutting his book.
"Have I?" she says, letting out a light laugh. "I've just been practicing is all."
"Whatever happened to the days where we used to practice together?" He asks, standing and going to her, book at his side.
"You couldn't keep up."
He laughs and kisses her, wrapping his arm around her despite her sweatiness. "You know that's not true. Plus, I've missed the exercise."
"You should use your time to study," Bellatrix says, not encouraging him.
"There are much more interesting things to study…" Rodolphus says, nuzzling her.
"Rodolphus," she scolds. "I'm disgusting right now. And exhausted."
"Fine, fine," he says, pulling away slightly but keeping her in his arms. "That wasn't why I was waiting up for you."
"And why were you?" she asks.
"I wanted to ask you out," he says. "Beautiful girl like you. You'd look right perfect on my arm."
Bellatrix rolls her eyes. "We're already going steady, Rods. I don't know if you really need to do this."
"There's one more Hogsmeade trip before schools out. OWLs will be over. Everyone will be all relaxed. And you'll finally have time for your handsome boyfriend. Come out with me, love. Let's have a good time."
"Rodolphus…" Bellatrix hesitates. "I was hoping to stay in the castle then. Get some packing done. Help Cissy with hers. I was excited for the chance to relax, not have to worry about things."
"You can relax with me," he protests. "We've hardly had a moment together all month and I fear I'm starting to forget your face. Not to mention, if we don't make public appearances together, some foolish boy is going to think you're on the market again, and I don't think I'd be keen to handle the competition."
Bellatrix laughs, rolling her eyes. It was tempting. As much as she hated Rodolphus for being too perfect when she was away, she felt happy when she was besides him. Things were easier with him. Damn Rodolphus for making her feel so comfortable. Damn herself for falling so easily for him, even when she had determined not to. "I'll think about it," she cedes. "But no promises, Lestrange. I'm not making a single promise here."
"Good," Rodolphus says, ignoring everything by the beginning. He leans in and kisses her. "I'll make the plans."
Bellatrix shakes her head and laughs, pulling away and heading to the girl's dormitory. "Goodnight, Lestrange, you absolute nutter."
"Goodnight, my beautiful love," he calls back with a wild grin.