À qui trouverait mon journal, si je mourrais avant la fin de ce foutu conflit: Mon nom est Bellatrix Druella Black et je ne suis pas - et n'ai jamais été - une mangemort.

Aujourd'hui, le professeur Dumbledore m'a approché avec une opportunité…

The sound of my shoes on the cobblestones is ridiculously loud to my own ears. I've been through the halls alone before, of course - more often than not, even - but I can't seem to shake the solemnity of the moment. I hate it. Headmaster Dumbledore has singled me out in a way that will undoubtedly get the whispers going once more. I'd just gotten them to leave Cissy alone, and now this?

Of all the places to ask, in the Great Hall? He should have owled me this morning, instead. I'll probably have to answer to Father about this, now, and I can't imagine Cissy or Andie will leave this alone either. They're already worried about me leaving with Rodolphus, they don't need this on top of everything.

I arrive in front of the phoenix statue and wait for a moment before I say, "Sherbet Lemon." Ridiculous.

This certainly isn't the first time I've visited Headmaster Dumbledore's office, and it likely won't be the last - even if it is my last year. I enter his office calmly, careful not to let my frustration show. "You wanted to see me, Headmaster?"

Dumbledore looks up over his glasses with a gentle smile on his face, then stands from his desk. "Welcome, Miss Black. Care for a-"

"Not particularly, Headmaster, thank you. I just ate." After a moment's pause, he gestures me over to his desk, shuffling through documents for a particular roll of parchment whilst I walk.

"Right to business as always." He opens the scroll and looks over it once before seating himself once more. I let him sit in silence while he thinks, well aware that I won't get anywhere by rushing him.

The silence stretches uncomfortably thin. I don't want to be here, and he knows that. He must be dragging this out. I watch with thinly veiled annoyance as he reaches and takes one of the candies he has on his desk, unwraps it, and makes a show of eating it.

"How are things going with Mr. Lestrange?" I don't let my surprise show on my face. He hasn't so much as acknowledged my sisters and I since the Parkinsons withdrew from Cissy's betrothal. Why now?

"I suppose they are progressing as expected. Our wedding is planned for one week after graduation, as I'm sure you know, and nothing seems to be interfering with that plan." I let silence settle over the room, curious what the Headmaster's next question will be.

"That is good news, dear. You have my sincerest congratulations - Mr. Lestrange is an exceptional wizard." I bite my tongue firmly to keep the rising vitriol in my throat - Rodolphus isn't half as skilled with magic as I am, though nearly everyone I talk to implies he's my equal. "He attracts the attention of many important people, from my understanding. As do you."

I see. There's little doubt who he's talking about - very few people enter the realm of "important" for Albus Dumbledore. "Indeed, we do." I meet his eyes, gleaming in the firelight. "I'm not sure that is particularly relevant, though, Headmaster."

"Isn't it? A witch as gifted as yourself, in these times? I'm sure a great many people have their eyes on you." So this isn't about Rodolphus at all. I might have guessed that, if not for the fact that everyone seems to be pretending we're the same person already. Headmaster Dumbledore leans forward, resting his elbows on the desk between us. "It would be disingenuous if I didn't mention that I count myself amongst them. You are in a rather unique position, Miss Black."

I stand abruptly, entirely disinterested in being his pawn - for whatever he may be planning. In fact, the less I know about it, the better. Despite my annoyance, I have no ill will towards the Headmaster. I wouldn't want to endanger him. "Excuse me, Headmaster, but curfew will be soon, and I need to be ready to make my rounds as Prefect. My apologies." I turn and walk away, quietly contemplating if I know too much already.

"Bellatrix." I pause mid-step, but don't turn around. Rarely does Dumbledore sound anything other than lighthearted, but the way he called my name just now was… sharp. "How is Andromeda handling her betrothal?"

Handling? "As well as expected. Why do you ask?"

I hear him stand and shuffle around behind me, though I don't think he comes any closer. "Well, considering how harshly you dealt with an… unfavorable match for your other sister, I'm surprised to see how subdued your response to this one has been."

I didn't attend Andromeda's betrothal meeting - she's older than Cissy, after all. Honestly, I can't believe they promised Cissy away so early. Even I wasn't betrothed until sixteen. I half-turn back to Dumbledore, "Andromeda is old enough," and dangerous enough, "to handle herself." Cissy is still just a kid.

"I don't disagree." I resume my path away, thinking the conversation finally finished. As I exit down the stairs, though, he continues, "Doesn't she seem… discontented, though?"

I can't sleep. The words bounce around my mind like a spark seeking tinder. Slowly, a very vague idea begins forming in the back of my mind. Vague, but terrifying.

Is Andie not content in her match? She certainly hasn't said anything to the contrary, but then again, why would she? I can hear her fight with Maman like it's happening right now.

"Do you have any love in that lump of troll fat you call a heart?! She's terrified of him!" Her voice is muffled through the walls as I sit with my arm around Cissy, who is still shaking with half-suppressed sobs. "Don't! Speak! Nothing you say could justify it! Your own daughter, and you care more about the gold behind the contract than her? Typical!"

"How dare-"

"Oh do shut up, Maman. I really don't need you to-" I flick my wand at the wall and silence the room, then pull Cissy a little closer to me. Andie is tough. I trust her with this.

I remember listening to Andie continue to bicker even after Cissy had cried herself to sleep. It only got worse from there, until eventually Maman threatened to disown her. Andie took a breath to respond, but she didn't get a chance to. I helped patch her up after, even though she complained that she didn't need the help. Too independent for her own good. We need each other.

She doesn't like being stuck in this life. None of us do, really. I've accepted my fate - there isn't another option if I want to keep my place in the family. I have to stick through it. Andie needs me, even if she won't admit it, and so does Cissy.

Andie is much more vocal about her dissent than either of us are, though. I'd always guessed she would fall in line eventually, but why should she? Why should any of us?

My mind drifts to the meetings and galas that Rodolphus has been inviting me to recently. There is trouble - violence - thrumming through the veins of the world right now. I don't know when it is going to start, but I know it will before I die. I can feel it in the air when I shake hands with the others.

Especially Lord Voldemort. Every time I've met with him, the atmosphere has been distinctly different. Angry. He sweeps the crowd up in his presence, bemoans the loss of our way of life, and brings attention to the reason for it: the mudbloods.

That is why we should fall in line, no matter how much like a prison it may feel. Without doing so, we will inevitably be overtaken by them. If it falls on our backs to accept that burden, then so be it.

I roll over with perhaps more force than necessary, and try to make my mind be silent. Even then, I cannot escape the lingering worry. Flashes of half-forgotten doubts, moments of potential indiscretion I'd previously written off. Now, with Headmaster Dumbledore's words painting things in a different light…

I resolve myself to watch Andie. He's just trying to get into my head. I'll keep an eye out and dismiss this as soon as I can.

When I manage to force myself awake, I find that all of the others are still sleeping. It's impossible to tell the time by the sun, so far under the lake, but I can guess it is far too early. Even so, I make myself get up and dress. May as well get things done.

It wouldn't be out of the question for me to wander the halls so early. I do have some discretion as a Prefect, and if necessary I could always say that I suspected members of my house of breaking curfew. I'm sure the professors would be pleased to see me putting the position to good use.

So, that thought in mind, I give myself a once-over in the mirror and leave. The hallways are just as empty at this time of the morning as they are when I make my rounds in the evening - perhaps even more deserted. The usual troublemakers aren't the kind to be awake quite so early in the morning… "Quiet, I hear someone walking!" Most of them, at any rate.

I draw my wand just in case - some of these idiot mudbloods don't understand how dangerous magic can be - and round the corner to see three red-trimmed robes scampering around a corner. The area here seems clean after a quick check, and I'm not in the business of stopping pranks on other houses, so I decide to leave them be. I'll just stay here and make sure they don't come back.

It isn't much later when I hear a set of footsteps coming from behind me. It's still too early for students to be roaming the halls, so I slip behind a tapestry and hide my presence with a quick concealment charm. Must be a first year. Surely all the other Slytherin know how to be quiet.

A head of dark hair peeks around the corner, carefully scanning the hallway for several seconds before taking a tentative step out. Andie? She darts down the hallway with the least amount of stealth I've seen from someone in our family, barely even pausing at the next turn before scampering off. Now, where are you headed?

I sidle up to the corner and peer around it to see that she's long gone. I'm not even sure which way she went. It's just a coincidence. Andie's a Slytherin, it's only to be expected that she'd get up to trouble. In fact, if Dumbledore hadn't planted these doubts in my mind, I wouldn't even think twice about it.

I'll ask her about it later. For now, I'll head back to the common room. May as well study whilst I'm awake.

The first sign of life from any of the others is a questioning voice behind me. "Bella? What are you doing up so early?"

It could only be Cissy - she's been an early riser since she was a baby. "Just studying, Cissy. Even I can be diligent at times." She sits in the chair next to me and gives me a critical look, but doesn't pry. I appreciate that about Cissy - Andie would undoubtedly be tugging at the thread.

"I suppose so." She sits in the chair next to mine and unrolls her own sheet of parchment - probably the potions essay she was working on yesterday. The soft scratching of her quill intermingles with the crackling fireplace almost immediately. This is a scene we've played our parts in many times back at the manor - though usually Andie is with us. Andie… Where is she? I expected she would be back by now, regardless of whatever she's doing.

Just then, the door to the common room opens and Andie slips in, grinning like an idiot. As soon as her eyes land on Cissy and I, though, her face flickers with emotion, but I'm too far away to pinpoint anything specific. "Bella! You're up early," she says as she sits nearby, "and good morning as always, Cissy."

"As always?" I wipe my quill off and lean to look Andie in the eyes. "You sneak out every morning, then?"

Andie shoots me a smug look. "You would, too, if Rodolphus was half as good at-"

"Andie, gross!" Cissy accompanies her shout by clapping her hand on the table in front of her.

"Just wait, little flower." I nudge her in the side with my elbow. "You'll grow up one day." Andie shares a laugh with me at poor Cissy's expense, then waves her wand with a whispered Accio. A roll of parchment comes flying through the air a moment later.

See, Dumbledore? She's just fine.

My eyes track Andie as she walks into the Great Hall. She's late. Why?

She didn't mention having a punishment with any professors - not that it would be much of a surprise if she did - and she doesn't come straight to us. I watch as she lurches to a stop and says something over her shoulder, then grins far too sweetly to quiet my suspicions. I can't see who she's talking to, who has her looking quite that smitten.

When Andie starts to turn towards us, I tune back into the conversation around me. Not watching who comes in behind her is almost painful. It can't be her betrothed - he's been absolutely frigid in public with her. When she sits down, she's still got a ghost of that smile on her face.

That, more than anything else, convinces me that I need to know just who this is. "Andie, how kind of you to join us." I point in her direction with my fork, earning a halfhearted scolding from Cissy about table manners. Watching the smile fade into worry makes a cold pit of guilt settle in my gut. I'm just looking out for her. If I don't, she may end up on the wrong side of this.

"Sorry, I got caught up answering a classmate's question after Potions." The placating grin she says it with is… off. I probably wouldn't have noticed if I hadn't grown up with her, but…

You're overthinking things. It's Andie. She likes to rock the boat, but she's not going to sink it. "Kind of you, Andie. Don't give away any of Cissy's secrets, though. Wouldn't want to ruin her chances at her Mastery."

Despite myself, I find my eyes wandering over to Andie throughout the meal. She seems normal, but at times I catch her zoning out of the conversation and staring off to the other three tables. The sheer volume of students makes it impossible to tell if she's staring at one person in particular, and I refuse to use Legilimency against my own sister.

I try to put it out of mind. I can't blame Andie for the desire to make a choice for herself - even if she's seeing someone, so long as she is secretive about it, there won't be any issues. I'll keep an eye on her, make sure she doesn't do anything too obvious.

"Bella, where are your Potions notes for sixth year? I remember you working on a project similar to the potion I'm researching… what in Merlin's name are you doing?" I jerk with surprise, focus shattered.

"I was… mediating." Cissy's face remains entirely unimpressed. "Fine, I was practicing Occlumency."

"By yourself?" Her surprise isn't unwarranted - it's not like we're short Legilimens in this family. Even here, back at the manor for break, I could have a partner.

"Yes. Apparently," I lay my hand atop a book I've retrieved from the library - Magicks of the Mind, "it is possible to strengthen your shields by practicing focus, even without someone attempting to break in."

"But it would be more effective if someone were actually trying your shields, no?" Cissy has a wicked gleam in her eye. She knows she's a damn good Legilimens - eventually one of the best, I have no doubt - and she's surely looking to show off a bit.

"It would be, yes. But only if you use more than brute force. You've gotten by without much finesse until now, little flower, but I won't be overcome by that alone any longer!"

"You two!" This time, Cissy and I both flinch. I didn't even hear Andie come in, we'd been so focused on our mental duel. "Stop with the practicing and studying! It's been less than a day since we got back. Surely there's something more interesting to do?"

I look over at Andie, massaging the soreness in my neck. "When has there ever been anything interesting to do here?" She jumps up to sit on my desk, knocking a pile of loose scrolls over. I'll fix it later. "Tormenting the elves? Boring."

"We could…" Andie trails off, looking around my study as though it will sprout some form of entertainment. There's only so much magic we can get away with here - even our name can't entirely scare off the Ministry from investigating the Trace if it goes off too much. "Fine. What are you working on?"

For a very brief moment, a spark of an idea flies across my mind. I could use this as an opportunity to see exactly what is going on. It's immediately followed by nauseating guilt. I couldn't betray my sisters like that - either of them. "Cissy here was trying to break past my Occlumency and say what card I'm picturing."

"Trying to?"

"Cissy, you still haven't made a guess. I don't think you've managed just yet." I feel a flicker at the edge of my consciousness. "And I am currently distracted, so I won't count if you guess right now."

"Ah, Bella," Andie cuts in, "wouldn't being distracted be more realistic? You won't always know when someone is attacking you. That was lesson one from our tutor."

"Yes, yes. Fine, you two can team up against me." It almost feels like the times before Hogwarts, wedding dates, and familial responsibility. Almost.

A hand lands on my waist. "Bella, sweet-" I whirl on him with fire licking through my veins, hand outstretched to wrap into the neck of his robes.

"Do. Not. Touch. Me." Only when he looks away do I release him and take a step back. "What do you want, Rodolphus?" I almost managed to finish my rounds before he found me. I'll have to be faster next time.

"We came back from break a week ago and I still haven't gotten to see you-"

"Which is normal for us. I've made it very clear that I'm doing this because I have to. Nothing about this is a relationship. It's a business deal." If we weren't alone, I'd take a step closer for emphasis, but I don't want to be within arm's reach of him - he gets unpredictable when I challenge him. "Is that clear?"

Several silent moments pass, the smug look never fading from his face, before he responds. "What about our heir, then, Bella?"

Even the thought of him - or anyone, for that matter - touching me like that is enough to make my stomach churn. I ignore it. An heir is part of the contract, after all. "You'll have your heir when we're thirty. That's it."

That manages to shake his confidence a bit. He bites out, "Fine, you wretched-"

I am not fond of social gatherings of all varieties, but the Yule Ball is undoubtedly one of my least favorites. It's mandatory, I don't even have the comfort of being the host, and I absolutely loathe the music. But Andie and Cissy are both excited.

I still don't like the man Cissy has chosen to go with - he seems a bit too interested in his own reflection, to me, but she sees something in him. Lucius Malfoy… At least she isn't scared of him.

"Bella!" My focus is ripped away from my musings. "Too tight!"

"Sorry, got lost in thought." I re-tie the ribbon around Andie's waist, careful to leave a little bit of breathing room this time.

"That's been happening more and more. Are you quite sure those corsets aren't depriving you of air?" I'm tempted to charm the ribbon to tighten over the course of the night, but I don't want to ruin this for her. Merlin knows why she's excited - she's attending alone, as her betrothed is in Bulgaria for a business deal.

It's been several months since the meeting with Dumbledore, and I still can't chase the thoughts away entirely. Ever since that day, it's been hard not to notice just how often Andie is late, or when she isn't quite telling the truth. I hate it, hate this wriggling doubt at the back of my mind. Hate that it isn't entirely unjustified.

Andie is definitely seeing someone other than her betrothed. There's very little doubt in my mind at this point. If she were genuinely spending time with him, she wouldn't need to hide it from Cissy and myself, but she does. I can't blame her for the urge, but her emotions for whoever it is are making her… careless. Sloppy. Then it occurs to me - she must be seeing him tonight, this mystery suitor. "Watch it, Andie, or I'll transfigure your shoes to different heights when I see you dancing."

"You wouldn't dare." She's right - I'd never do anything to actually hurt her.

"Want to find out?" Not that she needs to know that. I'll keep a close eye on her. Maybe I can figure out who it is.

After a nearly-painful dance - most of which I spent trying to keep Rodolphus's hands in appropriate places - I hide in the crowd as best I can. Andie… where are you? My eyes scan over the heads of the crowd, searching for the dark curls of her hair or the viridian cloth of her dress. There! I spot her skirt as she slips through a door. At least, I'm mostly sure it's her - she's certainly not the only one wearing green.

I count to thirty before slowly making my way through the crowd, taking time to speak to anyone who might stop me. The way Andie has been acting recently, it won't be hard to find her.

Eventually, I shut the door behind me without making a sound. I slip my heels off and vanish them back to my room, as I have no intention of returning to the ball if I can at all help it. A silent charm later, and even the rustling of my dress is as silent as death.

There are only three places Andie can realistically be. The greenhouses are an obvious choice, but that means they'll be well patrolled. She's been careless, not stupid, so I know she won't be there. The Slytherin dorm is my next choice, but she's got a boy with her - no dice there.

That only leaves the Prefect's bathroom. Really starting to regret giving her the password. Under no circumstances do I want to see what she's doing with him, but waiting near it should be fine. Well… maybe not too close.

It takes ages. Long enough that I worry about the ball ending, or someone noticing us missing. The door glides open, spilling two voices into the empty hallway, which allows them to echo clearly to my hiding spot in an alcove behind a tapestry. "…d we finally got to spend more than a few moments together." Andie. I'd recognize her voice anywhere.

"Finally is right." A deep, unfamiliar voice. I can hear the smiles in both of their voices, but his sounds… friendly. Amicable. "But now we'll have to go back to-"

"I know, Ted, but it's worth it. We can go back, because we won't always have to." For the first time in the past several months, I feel a sharp fear settle in my gut. I'd always assumed this was a fling - a sloppy, risky fling, but… temporary. Andie sounds lovesick.

"I know, Andie." Something about hearing that stranger say her nickname makes bile rise at the back of my throat. A creeping sense of dread grips me by the heart. "Just… gonna be difficult for a while." There's a lull in the giddy voices. "Go on back first - the dancing must be almost over. I'll come in a few."

Nearly a minute passes before they share a few more whispers, and I hear Andie's shoes clacking on the stone, back towards the ball. The boy must sit on the ground with all his weight - I'm not sure what else could make so much noise.

After Andie's footsteps fade into the distance, I risk peeking out from behind my spot. He looks like he might be tall, though it's hard to tell while he's sitting, and his hair is a dark blond. I don't recognize him, and that sets the sharp fear in like a barb. He's not pure of blood - maybe an offshoot of one of the Sacred? But I can't tell from so far away.

Fear makes people do stupid things. I step out from behind the tapestry when he looks away, wand in hand, and call out. "Boy. What are you doing here?"

He jumps to his feet with an impressive display of agility and puts his hands in front of him, curled into fists. Once his eyes land on me, though, his posture relaxes - only his posture. His face remains locked in terror. "I- I wasn't- I'm not-"

"I asked you a question." I take a step forward, lock eyes with him. He's clearly panicking.

The boy clears his throat before responding. "I'm just- um, exploring. You know, still finding new hallways and such." He gestures vaguely behind himself. "Not used to all the… magic… stuff… yet." A moment passes before I fully process his words.

A fucking mudblood?! Another step forward. He backs into the wall, panic turning to fear as my anger rises. "Don't lie to me." Even I'm surprised by how low my voice is, but I don't show it.

Instead of backing off again, my fury seems to galvanize him. "Well if you know, why are you asking?! Thought you were at least as smart as your sister."

"Watch it, mudblood." He doesn't back down, even with my wand pointed at him. Stupid.

"Oh, resorting to name calling now? Mature, for the eldest." Despite myself, I don't find his unfounded confidence infuriating. Instead, something entirely unexpected arises in my gut. Guilt. Can I really be the one to steal that happy voice away from Andie?

I let my wand fall to my side, anger extinguished. I couldn't hurt him. Andie would be distraught. "Fine. Name?" I already know it, but I want to see how truthful he is.

A baffled look crosses his face before it splits into a grin. He takes a step forward and reaches out with one hand. "Ted Tonks, pleased to meet you."

"Bellatrix." I realize after a moment that he must be trying to shake my hand. Reluctantly, I meet his grip and let him wag my arm like an excited dog with a stick.

"Yeah, Andie's mentioned you." I doubt it was favorable, based on his reaction. "I'm surprised you didn't hex my face off, to be honest." Right.

"I still can, if you want me to." It's a lie and I know it, but he doesn't need to.

Ted laughs and shakes his head, "No, thanks. Think I like it the way it is." Uncomfortable silence settles over us, neither sure how to proceed.

Nearly a minute passes before Ted's sad voice fills the air. "You're going to tell me to leave her, aren't you?"

I want to. Every part of me wants to, but I know it will break Andie's heart. I open my mouth to answer, but my throat constricts and won't let me speak. There's no answer that doesn't end poorly here.

Love makes people do things more stupid than even fear does. As stubborn as Andie is… I've no doubt she'll do anything for this, and that's not something I can stop. She won't listen to me if I try to convince her, and she may realize that I'm behind the breakup if he leaves her. Both would be… very, very bad.

My conversation with Dumbledore filters through the back of my mind… There is an option after all. "Yes," I answer at length. "I am." I lock eyes with him and let the sentence hang in the air.

Ted doesn't reply, nor does he look away. We continue staring at each other for several minutes, neither willing to budge. I need him to take the bait.

Eventually, he does - either due to impatience or frustration. It doesn't matter which. "No."

Perfect. I can obscure my thoughts more easily than my actions. "You will, or someone will be in grave danger."

"Then so be it. Danger can be overcome." I don't think he gets it yet. What house is he in, Gryffindor?

"Keeping secrets, living a lie… those aren't skills that either of you are specialized in." Andie's far too in love for that. "You'll be risking her life."

That makes him genuinely falter - the opposite of what I wanted. "No- she's just as good at it as you are."

"I was able to figure her out and find you in less than a year." Come on, Ted. Don't let my faith in Andie's choice be misplaced.

"You're her sister, you know her better than anyone!" Close…

I let my tone of voice shift very slightly, "I'm very good at this, Ted." Then I continue normally, "There are others just as good, if not better."

I can see when the realization hits him. Please, don't be a Gryffindor about this. "Oh? Well up yours, I'm not doing it." A bit hamfisted, but it works.

"She might have to go into hiding, or lead a double life, or worse." I hope he can tell that I'm talking about myself, here. "You'd be responsible for Andie, for her life. Do you understand?"

"I do." He meets my eyes with a very convincing challenge. "What about it? Think I can't take responsibility?"

Now to really sell it. "You overconfident, idiotic, useless mudblood! If I ever see you two together again, it will be the end of you! Now go, and don't you dare tell her about this." That should be convincing enough for any prying eyes.

He hesitates before turning around, uncertainty flickering across his features. When he leaves, I throw a stinging jinx in his direction, though not with much power behind it. I can only hope he actually understood that, and that my trust hasn't been misplaced.

I turn and walk towards the dorm, mind surprisingly calm. If it's for Andie, it's more than worth the risk - whatever it is he wants from me.

"Sherbet Lemon." Does he ever change his password? Even now, walking up the stairs to Headmaster Dumbledore's office, I feel only steely resolve. I need to do this, for Andie.

"Oh, Miss Black, I wasn't expecting you." Dumbledore is sitting behind his desk, quietly scratching away at a piece of parchment. Slowly, he wipes off his quill, places it to the side, then rolls up the document. Only once he is done does he steeple his fingers and meet my eyes. "What brings you here so urgently?" He says it with a smile, but somehow it feels like a sentencing.

"You mentioned to me several months ago that you were interested in my abilities." I sit in the chair across from him and wave a hand in front of myself. "Here I am. What do you need?"

"Are you quite sure? You seemed adamantly opposed. I do wonder what must have changed." A flick of his finger brings a kettle floating over. "Tea?"

"No, thank you." I let the silence sit while I mull over my response. "The fact of the matter is that I don't know exactly what you would like me to do. But I do know my skills, and I know that your name has been mentioned unfavorably by certain people that Rodolphus enjoys the company of." Tensions have only continued rising. Lines will be drawn soon, and I'm at least mostly confident that Dumbledore wants me on his side of the field. If his side of the conflict is the one that lets Andie be happy, then so be it.

"Ah, but you do not view me unfavorably? Curious." He stirs his tea absently. "It seemed as though you might."

"There are… extenuating circumstances." I think he knows about Andie, but I don't want to give away more than I have to. "I can't reasonably align myself with the positions of my peers."

"You can't, or you won't?" He doesn't wait for me to respond, instead continuing, "Miss Black, I would like you to work with me to gather information about Lord Voldemort. I worry for the direction he is taking the world, and I want to be prepared to react if necessary."

Lord Voldemort… he would never approve of Andie's choices. In fact, many of his group would call to exile Andie, or worse. "Exactly what kind of information are you after?"

"The kind that will likely require you to ingratiate yourself to him. I need to know what his inner circle is working on, and what his plans are." There's a finality to his words, to the task, that settles over me like a thick blanket.

"Okay." For Andie.

"And do you, Bellatrix Druella Black, take…" My feet hurt, my magic is strained, and I am already dreading the move into Lestrange Manor. I've never spent so long away from Cissy and Andie, but now it will likely be years before I can see them privately again. I'll be expected to play the part of Lady Lestrange, and that role has many duties to learn.

I'll also be expected to play a different role. Bellatrix Lestrange, follower of Lord Voldemort with my husband's endorsement. Gaining his trust and doing what is necessary to keep myself close to him.

Then, I'll come back to Dumbledore and tell him what I can. What we spoke about at the last meeting, if there are any plans, who is moving where… all in the name of keeping the peace. Or, at least, keeping Andie safe.

Andie is sitting next to her betrothed, but she's barely spared a glance to him. For his part, he seems equally uninterested - maybe they have some kind of understanding? I doubt he knows of Ted, though.

There's an unexpected twinge in my chest at the thought of Ted. Not affection or worry, but fear. He holds Andie's heart in his hands, yet I have no idea if Andie holds his. What if my trust is misplaced, and Andie is throwing her life away for nothing? Still, I can't risk her safety on chance.

I need to do this.

Les sœurs avant le sang.

For Andie.