Surprise! It's an early chapter for you guys because I'll be at work during my normal post time on Tuesday. There will still be another chapter, but just around 7/8pm Eastern Standard.

I just wanted to point out that there might be some confusion, so I wanted to clear it up. I understand that the murders that Voldemort committed (in the books) was blamed on his cousin, but here I've tried to establish that Voldemort wasn't able to pin the crimes, and therefore the majority of the wizarding world already suspects him. He was a poorly written Slytherin to begin with, I might as well add fuel to the dumpster fire.

I AM NOT PROFITING FROM THIS. ANY RECOGNIZABLE CHARACTERS, PLACES, AND EVENTS BELONG TO J.K. ROWLING

Chapter Nine:

In his office, Dumbledore sorted through mail that owls had dropped by. He was pleasantly surprised to see a letter from Minister Leach. Opening it, he frowned at the news on crisp Ministry stationary.

Dear Headmaster Albus Dumbledore

It is with great difficulty I convey to you that we unfortunately will not be able to see you and Miss Damonne until February. The Ministry does not doubt the serious nature of your current situation, however we are unable to facilitate a questioning and assessment session at this time. Our records also indicate that Miss Damonne is of age, and therefore would have to come to the Ministry of her own free will. Currently, we suggest that you talk it over with your student. Should she refuse, we must abide by her decision or risk serious legal backlash. However, should she prove to be a threat to the safety of other at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, then the Ministry reserves the right to bring her in. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

Regards,

Minister for Magic, Nobby Leach

Dumbledore folded the letter back into its envelope and paused his usual evening tea to think of a way where this would end with minimum student casualties and the downfall of an incredibly dangerous wizard. He had already gone through this once, and it cost him a sister. No, Tom Riddle had to be stopped. After calling for her, McGonagall stepped into his office and sat in the chair across from him, waiting for what he had to say.

"Albus, you look troubled. What is it?" she asked. Dumbledore smiled sadly and offered her some tea, which she accepted.

"I have reason to believe that Tom Riddle is influencing some of the students. Rather, one student in particular." he started. McGonagall nodded and sipped from the delicate china cup.

"I too feared that the eldest Black would be a target, should he ever reappear. What should we do? Surely, something must be done to help her." the Scottish woman said in hushed tones. Dumbledore couldn't help a small chuckle, despite the nature of the situation.

"No Minerva, I don't believe it's Bellatrix Black. Actually, I was speaking of your student, Rose Damonne."

"Rose? But she's so quiet, and a Gryffindor! Nor is she a pureblood. Granted, her little outburst in the Forbidden Forest was a tad out of character, and I'll admit her confronting a student in their own common room was bizarre, but surely she's just being a little rebellious? Why would she attract his attention?" Minerva's voice increased in pitch slightly, giving away her worried nature. Dumbledore shook his head.

"They are similar in enough ways for him to see her as a worthy addition to his cause. They practically have the same wand, and her skill in dueling and potions make her a formidable opponent, should she choose to use her gifts in a negative manner. Fortunately, she seems adverse to harming others." Dumbledore dipped a biscuit into his tea. The transfiguration professor stopped at this and her eyes bugged a little.

"But she was going to attack Miss Black! Unless you're saying that it was staged, she clearly meant harm."

"But Minerva, you are forgetting that she never remembered what happened, or even registered why she was in the hospital wing. Or the forest for that matter. In fact, anything that's happened out of the ordinary, she has no memory of whatsoever. Her behavior has been reported during these times as 'highly irregular'."

"Reported by whom? Miss Black? You can't be serious Albus." McGonagall scoffed. She seemed clearly distraught at the idea of one of her students being in danger, and an animagus at that. A minuscule part of her felt protective of the incredibly awkward seventh year, who seemed to make new friends rather quickly. But whenever she would see Rose, she very rarely looked happy. It was like she was just in the background of her own life.

"Bellatrix Black may be rather violent. Perhaps immature. But she is brilliant, and not known for making up fantastic stories for nothing. I have also witnessed this. After I spoke to her about the Forbidden Forest, there was something peculiar in her behavior, like she didn't want me to know something…" he trailed off uncharacteristically, his soft voice barely above a whisper as he remembered it. He could feel the change in the air, like a rope had been snapped taught, and Rose looked at him differently. A glimmer of something caught his eye as she stared him down, and if reminded him of the look Riddle had given him years ago. It was hatred. Which nearly confirmed his theory; Rose hadn't been at Hogwarts nearly long enough to get to know the Headmaster or anybody for that matter, so why would she hate him? It didn't add up.

"Minerva, I need your utmost trust and cooperation when I ask that you convince Rose to come with me to the Ministry in February. I want to help her, and prevent any unnecessary deaths if I can. If Riddle is trying to recruit students, then the entire wizarding world may be in danger." he looked to his old friend pointedly, and she drew herself up a little as she sighed.

"I'll speak to the girl, Albus." she said. Dumbledore smiled and nodded his thanks, and offered more tea before she declined and said she had to get her students ready to leave for holiday.

"Students! Please, bring your belongings down to the common room, and be ready to leave for the station!" McGonagall commanded loudly, not needing the use of the sonorous charm. Rose had already been ready, and was waiting patiently and quietly in the large room with a few other students. Sunday had passed without a single sighting of Bellatrix. Not that it mattered, because Rose certainly wasn't making rounds of Hogwarts all day trying to catch her or anything.

"Good morning, Miss Damonne." McGonagall greeted, and for a brief moment, Rose wondered if she was in trouble for something. The transfiguration professor had that effect on people. But she smiled cooly in response and said good morning. When she woke up that morning, Rose decided to drink more of the calming draught, just to keep Tom at bay while she was on vacation. Her parents might question how placid she was acting, but Rose didn't worry about that too much.

"Good morning professor. Was there something you needed?" she asked politely, and the Scott seemed to consider something for a brief second before shaking her head.

"No child, I believe it can wait until after the holidays. Might I ask how you've been feeling though?" this caught Rose a little by surprise. Where was this sudden concern for her health coming from? Shifting from foot to foot a little uncomfortably, Rose remembered that McGonagall had been there when she was in the infirmary on Halloween. Maybe that was what she meant?

"I've been feeling better. Uh, how are you…?" Rose was always a little awkward around kids her age, but talking to adults was nearly impossible. Even though she was technically and adult now, that didn't negate the fact that she felt like anybody older than twenty had some sort of seniority. McGonagall, prim as ever, gave her a curt nod and a "hmph" in response before going up to a group of younger students who were unsuccessful levitating their trunks down the stone spiral stairs. Shrugging off the bizarre interaction, Rose waited with her fellow Gryffindors before their head of house led them down to the train station. The ride was uneventful, and the endless passing of snow covered fields was relaxing. Terri fell asleep, having stayed up late the night before trying to find a missing sock that she "positively had to have for a holiday party" that she was attending. It turned out that she had already packed them and was worried for nothing. There was nobody else in the booth with them, so Rose stretched out across her seat and relaxed. The calming draught made it easy, but her thoughts still wandered. Toying with a braid, she wondered how she would deal with Tom. She could see a soul healer, but that could be expensive, and possibly not even the solution.

There was also the fact that she could be possessed by some sort of vengeful ghost. She shook her head at this; Rose didn't know too much about ghosts, but there was something startlingly real about Tom that she knew he couldn't be a ghost. Was it some hybrid spell? A mix of imperio and obliviate? Or maybe a very twisted form of legilimency? Maybe she would study it more over break. When she got back, she would ask Bellatrix's opinion. The Slytherin was intelligent, and perhaps she would know something about darker magic. The House of Black, while known for being powerful, must have knowledge about more dangerous magic. They were without a doubt the most famous and prestigious, but if any family knew more about the Dark Arts, it was them. She wandered back to the consideration of Bellatrix, and what her friends had pestered her about before. Were they friends? They didn't hang out, and Bellatrix was more likely to swat her then give her a friendly pat on the back. They didn't offer each other good advice, or even really talk that much outside of the occasional catastrophe that Rose happened to be a part of. But at the same time, they weren't mortal enemies. Rose couldn't really recall a time where Bellatrix had outright bullied her for anything. Yes, in the beginning, she had hexed the Gryffindor a few times, and warned her against going near her sisters, but they were more empty threats than anything. The oldest Black had never really done any serious damage.

"Surprising, given the reputation that everybody talks about." Rose snorted quietly. Terri stirred a little bit, her glasses tilted at a funny angle on her face as she snored gently. Rose watched her for a moment before crossing her arms behind her head and sighing. Her necklace fell off to the side and the cold metal from her ring alerted her to Peppers. He needed to be cared for daily. Leaving him home wouldn't cut it, her parents both worked and he needed companionship. It irked her a little now that she spoiled him so much. Suddenly, she bolted upright and smacked her fist. Uncle Jesse back in America! He hadn't been working because the family inheritance was left to him, and he loved animals. Rose took the ring off the chain and transformed it back into her faithful ball python, who seemed unconcerned that he had been a piece of jewelry for the past couple weeks. Rose gave him a kiss on the head and cooed to him before holding him up so that she could look the snake in the eyes.

"Hey little guy…" she started, and her heart felt a little heavy "I know I said I was going to send you back to Uncle Jesse, but I can't do that. We'd both miss each other." A young Slytherin walked past her booth and looked at her quickly before making a face and walking away, but she didn't care. Peppers gazed back at her, and he seemed to agree. Heaving a sigh of relief, Rose was glad that this was one safety net she didn't have to get rid of. She cradled the reptile while she sat against the window. Eventually, Terri woke up and wiped drool off her face in disgust.

"Oh, your snake is back? Where did he go?" she asked drowsily. Rose gave her an abridged version of her situation and she ruffled her short curly hair.

"I suppose Dumbledore's decision makes sense, but being without your familiar would be heartbreaking. Hopefully keeping him transfigured will keep him safe after holiday." she opened a box of peppermint toads and gave one to Rose. They ate in silence for a moment before Terry went back to sleep and Rose spent more time talking to Peppers. Another Slytherin walked by her booth, and this time she gave him a calm stare. Why were they all lurking around her?

When the train station came into view, Rose turned Peppers back and slid the ring onto her chain.

"Terri, we're here come on." she lightly jostled her friend's shoulder, then got her things down from the overhead compartment. Taking a small potion from her coverall pocket, she swallowed it discreetly and tugged her beanie over her ears. Out on the platform, her mother was standing with her father, and they looked overjoyed to see her. Her father was wearing his old sherpa jacket and a colorful scarf, his worried eyes brightening as she ran to him and hugged him tightly. Her mother joined in the hug and laughed, a sound so familiar and welcoming that it made Rose's eyes tear up.

"Oh, baby! No crying here!" her mother chortled, and brushed her daughter's tears away. Her dad jostled her shoulder warmly and picked up her suitcase.

"Come on, let's go back so we can get this show on the road." he hefted the suitcase and looked to his wife, who nodded and apparated all of them back to their quaint home in Glasgow. Rose couldn't help a sigh of relief when they arrived, and she closed her eyes, taking in the smell of nutmeg. It also smelled like her mother was cooking a ham.

"Mom, isn't it a little early for ham? Christmas isn't for a few days." Rose laughed a little, taking her suitcase from her father and sending it to her bedroom. Her mom shrugged and smiled broadly, unbuttoning her woolen coat and tossing it haphazardly to the couch.

"So what? We're all adults here, I think we can indulge in some early Christmas spirit if we want. Plus, it'll go great with all the stories you're going to tell us at dinner." there was a dull thud from upstairs "Oh, I think your bedroom door is closed." she laughed a little when Rose realized that the trunk was probably bumping into her bedroom door. Her father removed his scarf and jacket and hung them on a hook next to the fireplace before looking at his daughter, his usual concerned demeanor on his face.

"Hey mom? I had a question about Peppers. He does this thing now where he can grow really big without me preforming a spell. What's that all about?"

"I really hoped that wouldn't happen. I thought the charm was permanent." she said slowly, and Rose gave her a confused frown. It made sense that her mother knew something about it; Uncle Jesse had procured the snake for Rose's first birthday. That's why she had first thought of him when she decided to send Peppers away.

"So, what, he's just a big python? And clearly not dangerous if you felt that I could have him as a present as a baby." Rose scoffed a little. Her father scratched his chin.

"Well, I didn't exactly agree with it. A reptile for a baby, that's just not natural." he said lamely, and his wife shot him a look.

"John, you know damn well that it's a tradition in my family to give babies their familiars at a young age. Jesse thought that his crossbred python would be the best choice. He's part basilisk at some point, if I remember correctly just without the venom. The only reason it broke the charm now is if he was protecting you..." she trailed off and looked at Rose, who studied her shoes as Peppers coiled tighter around her wrist in a comforting gesture.

"It's nothing serious mom, I just had a disagreement with a girl from class and he broke the charm. I'm fine I swear. I'm even friends with her now!" Rose stretched the truth a little, and her mother's worried look disappeared immediately as she shouted with joy.

"Oh my goodness, my little baby has made a new friend!" she squealed and embraced Rose tightly, squeezing the air out of her. Rose raised her arm above her mother's hug so Peppers wouldn't get squashed in the process.

"Mom, I'm not a little kid, and I've made other friends." she managed. Her father steered the two into the kitchen after he gave a tentative sniff.

"You two talk while I fix up our lunch...dinner...linner? Dunch?" he mused to himself as they sat at the table, her mother grasping Rose's hands excitedly. While her father nervously watched the ham in the oven and prodded at the self-stirring pots of squash and turnip on the stove, Rose's mother held her hands and squeezed them excitedly.

"So who is this girl? Is she in your house? Your classes? What's her name? Do we know them? Oh that's a stupid question; we barely know any families from around here." he mother chattered, and Rose couldn't suppress a helpless sigh. She waited until her mother had gotten everything out of her system before clearing her throat to speak. Why did she feel so nervous? This batch of calming draught must have been botched.

"Well, her name is Bellatrix Black, and I'm friends with her younger sisters too. She's in Slytherin not, Gryffindor…" Rose didn't realize she had talked about Bellatrix for about an hour. Which was arguably odd because she knew relatively nothing about the other girl. Rose almost shrieked when she remembered she had a few letters to write.

"Mom, I need to do some things before we eat, it shouldn't take me too long. I'm just sending out gifts, don't worry." she reassured her mother when she gave her daughter a searching look. Her dad waved from the stove.

"Alright, but hurry up kiddo, the food looks done...I think. Barb, do these spoons stop by themselves?" he asked over his shoulder as Rose ran past him and took two steps at a time to her room. The trunk had given up bumping into her door, but now there was a mark from where it hit. Opening her door and dragging her belongings in, she unclasped the case and tossed the top open, throwing clothing out until she uncovered the presents she bought, as well as her quill and some paper. Wait, did her mom buy an owl? Rose couldn't recall actually shopping for one at the beginning of the year. Sighing in frustration, she sat on her bed with her things and used a small softcover novel as a writing desk and dipped the quill in a small bottle of ink. Words of sentiment flowed easily as she addressed several letters to Terri, Cyril, Henrietta, and Hugo. Laying their gifts with the notes, she started with a letter for little Narcissa. Tapping her chin before writing.

Dear Narcissa Black,

I'm sorry I couldn't go sledding with you, but I promise I will when I come back after Christmas! I hope that you like your gift when you open it; I didn't know exactly what to get, but Bellatrix told me it was a good choice. You should write back to me when you can, I haven't heard from you in awhile. I hope you have an amazing break!

Rose Damonne

P.S. Peppers is doing fine. I'm keeping him with me in secret, so don't tell anybody!

Rose sealed the note with wax and laid it with the box vanilla creme fudge. She smiled to herself when she started Andromeda's letter.

Dear Andromeda Black,

Not to be corny, but I miss you, and your sisters. I'm sorry you're at Hogwarts instead of at home for Christmas, but I promise I'll come back as soon as I can so I can hang out with you guys. I know Narcissa wanted to go sledding, so maybe we can do that?

You should write to me, I promise I'll write back. Besides, I'm very curious about you and your little friend. Don't worry, I haven't told anybody, and I never will.

Rose Damonne

Sealing this letter and putting it with the strawberry fudge, she took out some clean parchment and started writing to the eldest sister. She already knew this letter would be the longest. If Bellatrix wasn't going to open up, maybe she would through writing. It was worth a shot at this point.

Bellatrix,

First off, I wanted to thank you properly for keeping an eye on me in Hogsmeade. I could have put people in danger, and you probably prevented damage more than once. Second, I wanted to apologize for my outburst in the clothing store. I don't know what your life at home is like, and I'm not going to try and assume anything. But this also made me think; I barely know anything about you, except for your name. Yet, you managed to get so much information out of me that night in detention. Granted, it wasn't anything incriminating, but still, I feel like we should get to know each other better. I mean, you say you're going to help me, but I want to know my partner in crime a little better first. I don't mean that you should tell me all your darkest secrets, just that we should find some common ground. I just don't want to risk making you upset with me, because it wasn't my intention to hurt you. Again, really sorry about everything.

I bought you a present, and before you throw it out a window or something, just know that it's actually useful. I got you a gift because I'm glad that you're here. Or, not physically here with me, that would be weird, but you always seem to be around when trouble strikes, and you help out in one way or another. I'm eternally grateful. Have a nice Christmas.

Rose

She looked it over a thousand times as the ink dried, and saw how childish it sounded, but she didn't care, and hoped that Bellatrix would actually read it and not use it as fuel for the fireplace in the Slytherin common room. Gathering everything together and setting it on her bed, she poked her head out of her room and shouted down to her parents.

"Mom, dad? Do we have an owl? I have to send out some mail." she waited for a response. It was quiet for a moment before her mother called back up.

"Yeah, we do. Open your window and do a pig call. Or make a turkey noise. Your father trained it with some animal noise–what honey?–oh, make an owl noise. John, sweetie an owl noise, are you serious?" she could hear her father splutter as her mother laughed hysterically. Rose grimaced in embarrassment as she went to her bedroom window and stuck her head into the frigid twilight air. Nervously, she uttered a half-assed hoot. When nothing happened, she tried again louder, and this time a brown owl with disturbingly long legs landed on her windowsill. She heard footsteps, and her dad came into her room behind her.

"His name is Legs." he laughed, and gave the bird a pat. Rose almost died from laughter, tears streaming down her face. The wide eyed creature bobbed a little and stretched a leg out. Legs was more reminiscent of a hawk than an owl.

"He's a burrowing owl, which, according to you mother, makes it hard for the owlery to keep up with consistent housing for him, since he doesn't really roost like the other birds. Jesse sent him over in October for us since we realized we didn't have a way of sending mail." her father scratched his chin nervously. Rose looked at her pile of packages and letters hesitantly, and then back at the long-legged bird, who cocked its head at her curiously.

"I'm sure if you ask nicely, he'll deliver your mail kiddo." he laughed, and Rose made a face at him, but she did ask Legs if he would bring each package to their respective recipients. After copious amounts of treats, he took off with a hoot and a flap before Rose shut her bedroom window. It was too cold to have it open, and Legs would just return to the Ministry owlery when he was done.

"Alright, now it's time for a late lunch, early dinner." he clapped her on the shoulder, and she grabbed onto his slim arm and pulled him in for a hug. Taken by surprise, he hugged her back gingerly. Ruffling her hair, he leaned his head back to look at her face.

"You okay? You never want to hug your old man." he laughed gently. She hugged him harder.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just missed you." she said quietly into his rough wool sweater. Despite how distant she had begun to feel from her parents, being away from them and starting at a new school with several unforeseen problems made her happier to return home and just enjoy some time with them. Back in the dining room, the three of them sat at the table. Peppers was wreathed around Rose's shoulders, tongue flickering as they passed food to each other and laughed about the various things they had encountered so far. Her mother was greatly enjoying her job, but she didn't like how things were looking for Minister Leech.

"I'm telling you, they'll get him out of there one way or another. Apparently he fixed some scores during a Quidditch game, and now a big portion of the public doesn't see him as trustworthy. Also, they have this fixation with 'blood-purity'. I guess both his parents were No-Maj's, so some of those rich fancy people don't like him either just for that. Which means less support in the next election." her mother deduced as she cut into a slice of ham. Her father nodded solemnly. They tried their best to keep him in the know on all things magical, but he couldn't help getting lost sometimes. On the flip side, it was his job to educate them on the rest of the world. No-Maj America was still embroiled with war in an Asian country below China.

"Vietnam." her father shook his head 'A damn shame. Too many young guys out there, and for what? Some mindless slaughter in a country that doesn't want us, or need us." he sighed and picked up a forkful of mashed potatoes. He pointed at Rose with it, sending potatoes on the tabletop with a splat.

"Rose, should the time come, you think long and hard about what side you're on in a war. If I were you, I wouldn't pick a side. War just ends in senseless death. And what happens in the end? Some fat cats get more money, more land, more power. And all it cost was a generation of perfectly good young people."

"John, you're making a mess." her mother admonished. Rose took his advice to heart, but almost snorted her glass of water when her father got lost in his rant, carelessly tossing food off his fork. Rose vanished it with a wave of her wand. Her mother raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"Hey, you didn't even say anything. Spellwork is getting better." she said approvingly. Rose beamed and told them excitedly about how she's practically the top of her class.

"The only thing is that I'm competing with Bellatrix for the top spot. We're so evenly matched, we always manage to outrank each other a little bit in some places and not so well in others. I could pick up extra classes…" but she stopped. Getting more classes would definitely put her above Bellatrix, and the idea of ruining their rivalry made her a little somber.

"Bellatrix….Black? You said that was her last name?" her mother asked casually, spooning some peas onto her plate. Rose nodded.

"They're a pretty big deal you know. Or so I've heard. I've dealt with their solicitor once or twice, and he was a real piece of work. One thing is for sure; whatever they're up to, they mean business, and I'm not sure if it's entirely legal." Barbara said, mixing her peas and potatoes together, eliciting a groan of disgust from her daughter and husband.

"What do you mean 'up to'?" Rose asked, interested in learning more about Bellatrix's family. Maybe it would explain why she was always so pissed off.

"Well I don't know for sure, but it looks like they're getting ready for something big. Like a party maybe. I hope. Usually you don't send a solicitor before a party to cover things." her mother shrugged indifferently.

"They sound like a suspicious bunch...Rose, this girl isn't a bad influence on you, is she?" her father asked, concerned again. Rose let out a short barked laugh and blushed.

"No way. No she's been fine. I actually appreciate her hanging around." she reassured him. Ironically, Bellatrix wasn't the problematic one. They chatted on until the ham was almost gone and their stomachs were nearly full to bursting. The warmth of the kitchen and the quite droning of her parents' conversation made Rose sleepy, and she yawned.

"You already tired kiddo?" her father asked, smiling gently. She nodded and sighed. Excusing herself from the table, she figured that she would be spending the whole week with them, and going to bed a little early wouldn't hurt anything. She looked at Peppers in his terrarium and smiled privately to herself.

"I'm not sending you anywhere, although you're going to have to get used to being a ring for awhile. I guess I could turn you into a cat, but you didn't like it the last time I tried." she watched as the reptile just stared at her and flickered his tongue at her. He couldn't hear her, but Rose was sure he would have to agree. She decided she would simply write a letter to her uncle wishing him a Merry Christmas.

Christmas Eve, the Black sisters were staying up and trying to enjoy each other's company, since they had never usually been away from home during Christmas. Bellatrix was moping on a couch in the common room, trying to read, but she couldn't find the concentration she needed. Andromeda and Narcissa were on the stone floor, eating gingerbread that the elves had brought.

The youngest sister talked excitedly about all the gifts she hoped she would get, while Andromeda told her gently that she should be grateful for whatever she received. Bellatrix smirked at this; Andromeda had always been so different from her and Narcissa. She, unlike Bellatrix, had always gone to music lessons, always ate properly at the dinner table, and she never spoke back. But there was always this underlying quality about her that set her apart, Bellatrix could tell. All three of them were proud, but Narcissa was still young, Bellatrix was "problematic", and yet Andromeda had a sort of grace about her that made her more likable. Bellatrix ground her teeth a little in frustration. "Problematic" was how her mother referred to her when she set her bed on fire. How she had reacted when she received the letter announcing that she was to be married to that idiot Lestrange boy when she left Hogwarts. Her parents had described it as a necessity in such dark times for pureblood families. There was a "looming threat" from mudbloods and half bloods, something that needed to be kept at bay.

"Our time will come, we have a leader, and will offer our utmost support. I expect you to play your part." Cygnus Black said the weekend after she received the letter. They met in Dumbledore's office, the headmaster giving them privacy. Bellatrix resisted the urge to throw something at her father. Perhaps one of the many heavy tomes on the shelves.

"Well what does my part entail? Because I'm not particularly keen on playing some dumb little housewitch." she spat. Her father whipped to face her, his black eyes glaring daggers. Any other person would have shrunk away in an instant, but Bellatrix's ire matched her father's in this moment, and so she stared him down defiantly.

"You will do as you are told, Bellatrix Black! This family has suffered enough of your antics, what with destroying family property and harassing callers. You're lucky we got the Malfoys to still consider a marriage, seeing as how you threatened to scalp Lucius. Honestly, Bellatrix, the nerve." Cygnus hissed. Bellatrix's nostrils flared, and she shouted.

"If I'm not marrying that pale idiot, then who...you wouldn't dare." she stopped and jabbed a finger at his chest. With blinding speed, he struck her across the face, sending her sprawling backwards onto the floor. Bellatrix pressed her hand to her face, the sting of the blow making her eyes water. Glancing quickly at the opposite wall, it looked like Dumbledore had drawn the curtains over the portraits to allow the conversation to happen in relative privacy. Cygnus had a wild, uncontrolled look in his eyes, though his face remained stone cold. Grabbing her wrist, he yanked her back to her feet. Bellatrix stumbled, and he took her other wrist and gripped them both tightly, shaking her and shouting in her face.

"You will do what you were born to do! You follow what I say without question! You foul little bitch, you are a disgrace to the House of Black." he spat with disgust before throwing her back to the floor. Breathing hard, Bellatrix scrambled away and stood, brushing off her skirts. Her father left the office without a word, and she followed only a moment later to return to her dormitory.

Shaking her head to clear the memory, she gazed at her sisters, and something in her heart ached for them. They were so much better than her, they didn't deserve to be pawned off like cattle to market, regardless of keeping the family pure. She chewed her lip and furrowed her brow. Bellatrix knew that all pureblood families did this, and it only made sense that her parents would continue to arrange marriages for their daughters as well. But that didn't make it any less unfair; they still had no say in their lives.

"Bella?" Narcissa was sitting on the other end of the sofa now, peering at her oldest sister over her book. Bellatrix put the book down and raised an eyebrow, but it didn't have the usual bite to it. Narcissa offered one of her sincerest smiles and scooted closer to Bellatrix, taking up both her cold pale hands and squeezing them excitedly.

"What do you think Father Christmas will bring you?" she asked, ice blue eyes sparkling in the glow of the fire. Andromeda leaned back a little to give Bellatrix a look, and the oldest girl stifled a sigh before shrugging.

"Socks I suppose." she rolled her eyes. Narcissa looked put out.

"Socks? Don't you want anything else?" she whined a little.

"Indulge her, Bella." Andromeda chastised gently. Bellatrix grumbled and mustered some glimmer of positive emotion before scrunching up her face in an attempt at a smile.

"I hope I get…" she paused because a thought came to her head that she wasn't prepared to confront "...some new boots. With heels." she grinned. Narcissa gave her a sly look and giggled.

"Because you want to be taller than Rosie. Because you're just soooo short." she laughed. Bellatrix's face burned, and Andromeda had to pull Narcissa back before Bellatrix could wring her little sister's neck. It was true, Rose was taller than her, even though the Gryffindor's shy, mellow attitude made her seem much smaller in comparison to her own menacing demeanor. Taller boots wouldn't hurt to give her another upper hand. While her sisters laughed about her height, she conjured up two pillows to lob at their heads, shocking them both before they retaliated. Before the fight could escalate, a house elf popped into the common room with a bowed head.

"The headmaster requests that students be sleeping now, misses." he said timidly, before snapping his fingers. The pillows and plate with gingerbread disappeared, and Andromeda gave the house elf an embarrassed smile.

"Yes of course." she said goodnight to her sisters and hurried off to bed. Narcissa pouted and looked to Bellatrix to say anything that could let them stay up later, but she tossed her black curls and said goodnight as well before taking her little sister by the hand and dragging her away. The house elf disappeared with a pop as they left the warmth of the fire and went to their respective rooms. Bellatrix tucked Narcissa in, who could barely keep her eyes open as she spoke about how she would stay up all night if she had to. Bellatrix rolled her eyes and left, walking to her own dormitory. She had it to herself, seeing as how everybody in their house had gone home on trips to Egypt or India. After getting into her nightgown and laying under the covers, Bellatrix put out the lamp near her bed and stared at the ceiling in the dark. Quietly, she wished to herself that she would get a friend, somebody, anybody to talk to for Christmas. Rage and sadness ate at her until she could no longer choke back a strangled sob. Her face was probably scrunched into a horrifying visage as she tried to compose herself, but blood rushed in her ears and she felt a familiar warmth as the carpet was lit on fire. Cursing, she wiped her tears and grabbed her wand off the nightstand, putting out the fire but leaving the burnt rug as it was. Bellatrix sat at the edge of her bed for an hour longer, sitting and fuming, her nails making crescent marks in her palms as she clenched her fists. She wanted out, she wanted any sort of escape.

"Please." she said plainly, quietly, to no one in particular.

The next morning, Bellatrix was awoken with a violent start by both her sisters, though Narcissa was the one who actually took it upon herself to start jumping on the bed and shrieking with delight.

"Bella Bella Bella! Get up! Hurry! There's presents! Come quick!" the little blonde squealed before leaping off the bed and sprinting out of the room. Andromeda called after her and followed. Grumbling, Bellatrix rolled out of her bed and laid on the floor, letting the cold stone shock her and seep into her bones, where she shivered and scowled. Narcissa called again, and Bellatrix resisted the urge to screech at the top of her lungs. It was too bloody early for this bullshit. Getting up and putting on some thick socks and a black silken robe that her mother had gotten her for Christmas last year. Her initials had been monogrammed on it in a dark green thread. Huffing, she shuffled into the common room, where she could already tell something was different. For one, the gifts hadn't been put by their beds, so that was strange in its own right. Second, her own little pile of gifts had something new on it this year. Whenever her relatives sent her gifts, everything was wrapped in dark paper with silver bows. But this time, there was a small box wrapped in...Muggle newsprint? And tied with a string. Her sisters also had similar boxes with them, and she could guess who sent them. Intrigued, she carefully pulled the string off and unwrapped the gift slowly, not wanting to damage the newspaper.

"Salazar's snake, Bella you're so slow!" Andromeda's shook her head, but she was giving her older sister a strange look. Bellatrix ignored her jab and placed the newspaper on the floor next to her before revealing a simple wooden box. When the wrapping fell away, a letter fluttered out. While she had been slow and deliberate in opening this gift, Narcissa had torn into hers and cheered when she saw that she had received fudge for Christmas.

"It's from Rosie!" she whispered in excitement, grabbing her letter and unsealing the wax. Narcissa gasped in awe when she opened it. Inside, folded with the actual letter, was a drawing of Narcissa holding Peppers. It looked like it had been done with a quill and ink, but nonetheless it was remarkable. Narcissa admired it for a moment before giving it a shake. The drawing came to life. The sketch of the python grew in size and wreathed a frame around Narcissa, who beamed at the three sisters.

"That's...wow." Andromeda breathed. She also went to her package, and found candy and a drawing. While her sisters inspected the artwork, Bellatrix went back to her box. Opening it, she found an exquisite green quill. She scowled. Why would Rose send her this? She scanned the letter quickly, then read it over again. And again, hands trembling slightly. Her heart jolted and thumped in her chest. Damonne wanted to know her better. Because it would make her feel better. Rose Damonne wanted to write to her, to exchange letters.

"Bellatrix, are you okay?" Andromeda looked at her. The raven haired girl raised an eyebrow.

"Of course I'm fine. Why are you looking at me like I've got two heads?" she asked, sneering. Andromeda shrugged, but she was smiling broadly. Narcissa was well into her pile of gifts, dark wrapping paper strewn about, fancy new cloaks and gloves and other fineries having already been tried on were tossed to the side. Andromeda had been a little more tidy, but there was still a mountain of black wrapping paper near the tree. Bellatrix looked at her other gifts before getting up with the things Rose had sent and going to the couch where she could use the low table. Brushing aside some unruly curls, she summoned a piece of parchment from her dorm and gingerly picked up the quill. It looked expensive, and Bellatrix wondered how Rose could have afforded it.

"Bella, write thank you cards after breakfast! I'm starving let's go!" Narcissa was running off to her room to get dressed. Andromeda stood and straightened out her pajamas before glancing back at Bellatrix.

"You know, I haven't seen you smile like that in a long time." she said smugly. Bellatrix growled and put the quill in its box before leaping over the arm of the couch and chasing her younger sister, who shouted in surprise and barely escaped her sister's clutches. Face aflame with embarrassment, Bellatrix slammed her door, which probably would have cracked, had it not been charmed against breaking after the house elves had to make several repairs. The second the door was closed, she bit her lip hard, clutching the letter tightly. She jumped a little on the balls of her feet and held in a squeal.

"Wait a bloody minute." she stopped her impromptu celebration and scowled at the letter. There was no way in hell Rose actually meant any of this. Who in their right mind would want to be friends with her? She was crazy, violent. A bitter seed of doubt wormed its way into her heart, and she laughed caustically at her own foolish delusions. No, Rose was a goody little Gryffindor. She already had plenty of normal, fun friends. This letter was just some sort of pleasantry, probably because Bellatrix had saved her arse so many times. Tossing the letter angrily onto her bed, she picked up the drawing of herself. It was actually pretty good, though she wasn't surprised. Rose had accidentally dropped her drawings or left them behind on several occasions. Bellatrix had meant to give them back, but it always seemed to slip her mind. In this particular sketch, Bellatrix was sitting on a sofa, reading a book. Something was unsettling about it, something she couldn't quite place. With a shake, the Bellatrix on the couch closed her book and looked up, a small smile on her face. The dark witch dropped the drawing on the floor with a start. The sketch gave her a familiar frown before picking the book up and reading again, going still. The young woman touched her mouth gingerly. She never smiled, when had Rose seen her smile enough to draw that? Something in her chest ached as she picked up the drawing, face down, and went to her bed. Underneath was a cloth covered wooden box, which she opened and placed with the rest of the forgotten sketches and doodles. Rose liked drawing different plants, but sometimes she drew people. Some were of students Bellatrix didn't recognize, others were of classmates in Potions.

"Bella! We're going ahead without you! You're taking too long!" Narcissa whined impatiently through her door, and she could hear the patter of quick footsteps before everything was silent in the Slytherin dormitory. Looking through the parchment a little longer, Bellatrix pushed the box back under the bed and cast a suspicious glance at the letter before getting dressed in her usual black dress. When she crossed back through the common room, she ignored the rest of her presents and walked out into the dungeon corridor. Twirling a curled strand of hair as she walked, she tried to wrap her mind around what Rose was playing at. What were her motives? Did she want money? Bellatrix snorted, but she couldn't buy into that idea. It didn't fit. Walking up the staircase, she was about to walk into the Great Hall, when a gasp caught her attention. Expecting some frightened first year, Bellatrix lifted her gaze from the floor with a sneer at the ready when her prickly countenance dropped to the stone tiles. Rose Damonne was sitting at the top of the staircase, just far away from the door of the Great Hall so that nobody had seen her. Her long brown hair was loose from its braids, disheveled. She was also in what Bellatrix presumed to be her nightclothes. A large grey shirt with short sleeves and red tartan pants.

"Damonne?" Bellatrix said cautiously, and Rose made the strange gasping noise and shivered violently, her hands gripping her arms so tightly little red welts were starting to appear.

"Morgana's tits…" Bellatrix breathed, and she moved towards Rose. Sniffling, Rose shied away from the Slytherin who went farther down on the stairs to try and look her in the eyes.

"Um…" Bellatrix reached out and gave the girl an awkward pat on the shoulder. In a single swift movement, Rose grasped Bellatrix's wrist and held it there. Very slowly, she looked at Bellatrix with that familiar emptiness, and the dark haired girl tried to pull away. Rose offered a small, grim smile, her face streaked with tears and eyes rimmed with red.

"It's nice to see you again Bellatrix. How's it going?" Rose asked, tone even. Bellatrix's skin crawled, but she placed her other hand on Rose's shoulder.

"Let's...let's get you cleaned up, Damonne." she looked her over quickly "And a hairbrush. That would help." and she pulled the girl to her feet and began to usher her back to the dungeons. Rose complied, and walked alongside her silently. But Bellatrix was torn between wanting to try and comfort the girl, or kick her in the back of the knees and call a professor. Something was very wrong.