Rain fell. Dark hard rain that pelted against glass as if each drop aimed to shatter. He lay very still suddenly conscious to the world around him but not yet able to force his eyes open. Sirius parted his lips to take a dry breath of the cold air that surrounded him and then stopped. He had just noticed a noise, one that had been there all along but was low and mingled with the storm making it virtually undetectable.
Whispering, eerie haunting whispers that were so light that one could be forced to believe that they were imagined, but as Sirius contemplated weather this was a dream or not he began to feel horribly uneasy. He knew that something was not right. He could feel the darkness closing around him threatening to engulf him if he didn't open his eyes. Not wanting to move for fear of whatever lurked near to him taking notice, Sirius struggled inwardly to open his eyes, almost reluctant to see what awaited him beyond the shelter of his eyelids.
Shadows of rain rolling down the surface of the long windows reflected on the white sheets of Sirius' hospital bed as he remembered in a gasp of relief where he was and all that had happened to him earlier that day. It was dark in the infirmary without as much as a single candle lit for guidance and the weak light issuing into the window from the waxing moon obscured by the hammering rainfall. Sirius forced his body to relax understanding that even though he could no longer feel the pain in his side that his three broken ribs could very well still be working to mend.
He adjusted his head on the pillow once again closing his eyes and listening to the rain smacking soundly against the roof of the chamber. In astonishment Sirius realized that he could again hear the faint whispering that had spooked him in to full consciousness only moments before. His eyes shot open now sure that what he heard was not at all imagined. He anxiously gazed around the room silently attempting to work out where the unnerving noise was coming from. Sirius' eyes fell upon a rolling cloth screen that had been situated to the left of his bed and was suddenly positive that the whispering was coming from the other side.
Unable to control his curiosity Sirius sat up from his bed and slipped to the floor which felt like ice under his warm bare feet. Stealthily he made his way to peek around the screen unsure of who he would find awake at this apparently late hour.
Bella lay curled on her side resting peacefully from the sleeping draught that had been administered to both of them directly after Dr. Dashid's initial examination. She looked so radiant beneath the moving shadows of the obnoxiously loud rain with her angelic face and soft shoulders exposed from her blankets. Sirius stepped around the screen to get a closer look at Bella still able to hear the unobtrusive whispering but not certain if it was coming from her.
As Sirius bent to look closely at Bella's face to assess weather her lips were indeed moving, he gasped stumbling backwards in fright knocking into the screen which rolled away easily as if fleeing the scene. Sirius stood looking at what he did not understand his heart throbbing violently in his chest causing his side to ache. Bella's eyes had opened ever so slightly to reveal dull green light emitting from them casting a green hue onto her pillow and causing her to look terrifyingly unhuman.
"Bella wake up! What's wrong with you?" Sirius said in an urgent yet hushed cry, feeling as though he should run but unable to leave her behind. Bella jolted up at Sirius' words quickly coming to consciousness.
"Sirius? What is it?" She asked groggily but sounding shaken at her sudden and unexpected awakening. Hearing her voice come out of the darkness sounding quite normal and for the first time noticeably hearing the absence of the whispering Sirius ran to her grabbing her face in his hands forcing her to stare up into his intense questioning eyes. Sirius could see a dull light drifting through the iris of her eyes then dissipating around her pupils, leaving nothing but a bewildered girl looking up at him.
"What are you doing?" She asked Sirius, uneasy fear mounting in her voice.
"Your eyes…there was something wrong with them, and whispering…I heard whispering until just now when you sat up." Sirius said not taking his hands from the firm yet caring grip he held on her face. Bella stiffened and averted her gaze, he could swear that he was able to feel the heat rise into her cheeks.
"No, don't look away. Tell me what that was about." Sirius commanded her tenderly momentarily brushing his thumb against her face and wanting badly to grip her in his arms in protection. Bella's eyes were focused on the windows and the storm ensuing beyond them dressed only in a tank top and panties both cut from the same soft ribbed gray material. Her bare legs fully exposed as she sat at the edge of the hospital bed with Sirius temptingly close to her wearing a pair of long gray cotton pajama pants his chest bare due to his injuries and looking strikingly defined in the contrasting light.
"It was my Dark Lord, he comes to me sometimes in my sleep. I never remember what it is that he shares with me in my dreams but…" Bella trailed off. Sirius turned her face to his again. He was looking concernedly into her eyes hating what he was hearing but not interrupting, wanting to understand what was going on.
"I've been told about the light before, although I'm never aware of when it happens. Andromeda was the first to notice and swore that I was possessed, she must have avoided me for 3 weeks straight until she noticed that I was refusing to let myself fall asleep anymore." Bella had been very casual in speaking about the evil master for whom she served but her face saddened at the mention of Andromeda.
"After that Andromeda would always tell me that it wasn't my fault what they were forcing me to become and that she hated them all for what they were doing to me. I never really understood because…well…everyone was just so proud of me and I liked feeling so important." With this she smiled.
"It's not easy being noticed in my family especially when your two older sisters are Narcissa and Andromeda Black, I know that must sound so childish." Bella said her smile fading.
"Bella you were a child, your family took advantage of that. Andromeda was right it isn't your fault, but you can't let them continue to control you like this. You said that you were proud of Andromeda for taking her life into her own hands, don't you realize that you must do the same." Sirius answered insistently. At this Bella's smile grew and she turned her head kissing the palm of Sirius' hand that had been holding her face. Her satin lips connected with his skin sending chills through his body.
Sirius pushed aside his feelings of longing towards Bella still very aware of the incidents that had occurred earlier that day. Removing his hands from her face Sirius' eyes feel on the wicked ring ensconced on Bella's delicate hand, which sat glinting in the obscured light taunting him.
"Please don't." Sirius said quietly, the grief that he had felt rushing back to him so quickly that it made his stomach lurch.
"I can't play these games with you." He said turning away from her and wanting to put the screen back in place so that he would not be forced to look at her alluring figure. Bella quickly grabbed up his hand before he had time to put enough space between them and locked eyes with him pleadingly.
"Sirius you have to know that this was not what I wanted." She said, her voice trembling a bit in nervous desperation.
"Don't worry Bella you made everything perfectly clear today, you evidently belong to him and …" Sirius stopped himself not able to continue on this subject without becoming overwrought with emotion, something that he refused to do in front of her.
Bella pulled the reluctant Sirius to her wrapping her arm around his bare waist and pressing her body to his. She reached her hand up bending his gaze to meet hers; he stood looking down on Bella fighting his greedy need to ravage her.
"I love you Sirius and I hate Rudolphus that will never change no matter what I'm forced to do." Bella's eyes were wide begging for Sirius to believe her knowing all to well the pain that she had already inflicted upon him and hating her self for it.
Bella forced her hand around Sirius' neck puling it down to her lips still holding him firmly against her body. She softly grazed her lips against the warm skin of his neck refusing to release him as he tried halfheartedly to pull away.
"You're absolutely evil." He sighed gently. He could feel her smile against him knowing that he would give in to her.
"I'm okay with that…if you are." Bella spoke the words teasingly beneath the lobe of his ear causing Sirius to tense and grab on to her partially exposed hips pulling her towards him no longer able to control his passion for her.
"I'll learn to live with it." He said, roughly catching a mass of Bella's tangled hair in his fist and pressing his lips to hers in a kiss that had been twenty-four hours in the making.
Sirius pulled her head back using untamed force causing Bella to cry out as his lips slipped from her mouth too trace the line of her jaw. Caught off guard by his forcefulness Bella hushed her cry swallowing hard against her nervous apprehension of what was to come. Sirius allowed a hand to slip along her spin lightly, causing furious chills to over take Bella's senses. She had utterly relinquished control letting her hands run softly over the exposed skin of Sirius' back and shoulders as he bent her back letting his kisses fall progressively lower towards her collar bone.
Bella inhaled desperately overwhelmed by the intensity of her feelings eyes wide in fear of her actions but her body begging for his touch. She had seen the anguish in his eyes in the practice arena and she knew of the deep sorrow she felt every time that she was forced to separate from him. Bella's heart ached in a mixture of pleasure and pain loving to feel his body against hers, to kiss his soft perfect lips, but loathing the end when they would again be torn apart forced to fight there way back to one another. She pushed her hands back into the bed preventing her decent into the tangle of colorless sheets now waging a small battle against Sirius' insistence.
Sirius was no longer thinking logically he was lost in the sweet smell of her clean skin and the feel of her hair caressing his arms as he released his grip moving his hand down to her neck again pulling her mouth to him. He kissed her more softly this time wanting nothing more than to linger there on her lips for eternity. He gave no thought to the possibility of being caught there in the open Hospital Wing where they were vulnerable to prying eyes. He didn't care, he loved her beyond all doubt and he was unafraid of anyone else's opinion of that.
"I belong to someone else Sirius I must be sure that you understand that, I refuse to be the cause of your unhappiness by misleading you." Bella whispered her lips brushing lightly against the corner of Sirius' mouth as she spoke. He pulled back from her suddenly gazing into her eyes sensing the obvious battle that was being fought between her heart and mind. He placed his hand on her face and perched his thumb over her mouth moving to lightly kiss the other side of her neck and gently whispered.
"You belong to me Bellatrix Black…not your parents or your prophecy. I love you to much to allow you to get away so easily." At hearing this Bella let herself fall back slowly on to the bed wrapping her arms around Sirius' neck pulling him on to her kissing him passionately. Bella surrendered to Sirius, mind, body, and soul knowing in her heart that she would never give herself to another.
The next morning came all to quickly for the young couple who had waited out the storm in each others arms unsure if the opportunity would present itself again. Sirius awoke to the sounds of Dr. Dashid speaking with Remus at his bedside both of them realizing in unison that Sirius' eyes had begun to blink open. Lifting his hand to shield his face Sirius scowled at the amount of light that was pouring in through the many open windows. Crisp cool morning air was blowing through the chamber causing the long white sheers that hung to either side of each window to billow forward dancing in the flood of sunlight.
"Ah good morning Sirius, how are you feeling today?" Asked Dr. Dashid as he eyed a potion that he had been stirring and handed it down to his patient. Sirius excepted it and tipped it back swilling the contents in no time and handing the vial back to Dr. Dashid absently as his face contorted against the foul taste and burning sensation of the potion.
"God!" gasped Sirius, "you really should warn people before drinking that." He yelled in disgust. Dashid began to laugh as he cleared away some of the ingredients that he had been mixing.
"Then no one would ever take it, besides you feel better now don't you?" He asked now glancing up to meet Sirius' eyes. Sirius put a hand on his formerly injured side and took a few deep breaths.
"Yeah, I guess I do." He said slightly astonished to feel completely rested and rejuvenated with out even a hint of pain in his side. He looked back to Dr. Dashid who had continued to watch him test the mended ribs, and smiled. "Thanks for that." Dashid returned Sirius' smile.
"No need to thank me Mr. Black. Just next time try to break your opponent's bones and keep your own in tact. Now you best be off, I won't be excusing you from classes today as your mother is sure you will fall behind in your studies. So I will…" Sirius suddenly cut into the doctor's train of thought.
"I'm sorry Sir, did you say my mother?" Sirius asked sounding worried and confused.
"Yes. I contacted your mother last night to let her know about your injuries. She was ready to have you pulled form your Defense Against the Dark Arts class." Sirius locked eyes with Remus in horror at the thought of not being able to take his favorite class with the rest of his friends. Dashid sensing Sirius' distress walked back to the end of his bed giving him a confident smile.
"Don't worry Sirius, I assured her that you would not graduate with out that credit. She won't allow that to happen, will she?" He directed the question to Remus to help put Sirius' mind at ease.
"Right, don't worry about it. Now come on let's go I'm starved." Remus said chucking Sirius' cloths at him. Sirius sat up facing the screen that once again separated him from Bella, remembering how hard it had been to set it back in it's spot before they both drifted off to sleep, he had wanted her to be the last thing he saw before closing his eyes. Dr. Dashid had wandered back into his office on the far side of the breezy Hospital Wing giving Sirius the chance he needed. Before he could make his move for her a voice came to him suddenly.
"What the hell happened to your back?" Remus asked in concern. Sirius turned trying to look at his shoulder.
"What are you talking about?" He asked dismissively but quickly taking notice to several red puncture wounds on his shoulder where Bella had dug her fingernails into him as they had climaxed. Sirius realizing this quickly pulled his shirt on while receiving the most menacingly calculating look from Remus.
Sirius was dressed in a flash looking amazingly well for someone who had spent the night in the infirmary. He turned to leave heading to walk past Remus and out the door, when Remus caught him on the shoulder as he passed.
"I suggest that you at least say good morning to her…I mean after all she's done for you." Remus said this with a mischievous smile to his friend who was looking completely thunder struck. A huge grin appeared on Sirius' face as he quickly strode to duck behind the screen where Bella lay.
She was sleeping looking beautifully peaceful as he leaned over her the breeze from the electric blue sky rushing between them causing strands of Bella's shinning hair to reach up and hold on to Sirius as if they wanted to keep him there. Her eyes opened slowly on his face causing a faint smile to stir at her lips as she stretched her arms over her head.
"I have to go, but I will see you later today, I promise." Bella sat up silently planting her lips solidly on to his and kissing him mercilessly.
"Sirius could you get dressed any slower?" Remus called exasperatedly from the other side of the screen. Sirius smiled pulling away from Bella
.
"Sorry Moony, be right there." He said casually before stealing one last kiss and escaping around the edge of the rolling screen.
Bella sat on the bed her gaze transfixed on the world beyond the windows, the chamber in its momentary emptiness giving her a calm feeling of joyous control. Taking a deep breath of the cool steady breeze she closed her eyes as it lovingly brushed against her skin reminding her of his touch. Hearing footsteps nearing her she glanced up to meet Dr. Dashid's withered yet warm face looking at her appraisingly as he set various jars open at Bella's bedside table.
"Dr. Dashid, may I go as well?" Bella asked letting her mind clear and giving Dashid a warm smile.
"I'm afraid not Miss Black." Bella's look turned to immediate concern for herself.
"But Sir I feel fine, there's nothing wrong with me is there? I really should attend my classes." Bella argued feeling as though she were suddenly being jailed in the open bright Hospital Wing.
"Now calm down Bella, you're fine but your mother has requested that you remain here until she arrives to check in on you." Dashid gave Bella a quick reassuring smile while saying this before he turned back to the concoction that he was mixing. Bella's heart began to pound as she drew her chilled fingers to her warm lips in quiet panic her eyes wide in terror trying to contemplate what would make her mother come to the school. Dr. Dashid turned holding out a vial of murky amber liquid for Bella to take but she only starred at it not realizing that it was in front of her lost in the mad spiral of her churning thoughts and fears.
"Now that I look more closely I'm glad that I didn't release you. Are you feeling all right?" asked Dr. Dashid in sudden alarm at Bella's disoriented gaze and ghostly white pallor. Bella snapped to her senses instantly grabbing the vial from Dashid as if the liquid would be a welcome distraction. Bella tossed back the potion without a hint of distaste apparent on her face her eyes still locked on the window directly across from her bed.
"I'm fine." She said without any emotion apparent in her voice, Dashid gave her a suspicious look as he turned to head back to his office with the empty vial.
Bella sensed the doctor leaving although her eyes did not move to follow him, she was desperate to run but something was hanging on tight to her keeping her securely in place. Bella felt the wind from the window behind her blow like ice on her bare neck she turned slowly fearing to see what had blotted out the sun's warmth. Her eyes met the powerful stare of a strong regal falcon peering at her with his head slightly turned perched on the white metal head of her hospital bed. Bella turned very gently onto her knees to face the falcon so as not to upset it from it's perch, her eye's brightened slightly and color rushed to her cheeks in excitement.
"Vishnu!" she whispered in thrilled surprise. The falcon continued to gaze at her without reaction, Bella's excitement subsided like the tide pulled back to the depths of the ocean as the bird stood in silent judgment on her. Never breaking it's cold gaze Vishnu stuck out his left talon releasing a small dark gray leather pouch on to the pillow of the hospital bed then turning the bird took flight silently out of the window. Bella looked stricken as she sat watching the beloved friend fly off without as much as a call to her.
"What the hell is going on?" Bella asked herself quietly as her eyes fell to the small drawstring pouch. Hesitantly she opened it knowing what she would find. A small smooth scroll of parchment, which unrolled easily in her hands as her eyes took in the familiar scrawl of the handwriting exposed on the page.
My dear, something is not right with you I can sense it. Please stop trying to block everyone out especially me. I understand that you are upset over the arrangements with the Lestrange's but you must see the full potential of this union. The bond that we forge with their family secures a strong position from which you can take your command and eventually you will understand how much more important that is than all other things. You must begin to realize your place and the sacrifices that come with becoming a superior being and an unvanquished warrior.
We have come so far my angel I would hate for you to make a mistake that would jeopardize all that your family and I have worked towards. Even as I write this I can feel you withdrawing from me and it is infuriating. I no longer have the time or patience to coddle you with explanations my darling, you accepted your destiny now you must truly learn what that means. Please do not force my hand. I would not find any pleasure in your punishment.
I have sent your mother to you because I no longer trust that you are safe. I will bring you back if things are not corrected immediately or if she senses that anything is at all wrong with you. I sincerely dread that outcome, as do your parents, so heed my warning whatever has distracted you should either be abandon or destroyed.
There was no signature at the finish of the letter but she needed none to know her masters written commands. Bella glared at the parchment as it burst into flame and ash in front of her and blow out the window on a fierce wind that caused the beds to rattle and the long shears to flap wildly. Consumed by anger Bella leaped forward clutching the headboard where Vishnu had delivered his masters letter and screamed viciously into the unnaturally gusty wind rolling through the ward.
"I don't belong to you!" Bella's eyes searched the sky in rage as if awaiting a reaction from the clouds themselves.
"Bellatrix Black! Control yourself! Have you lost your mind?" screeched a shrill hateful voice rushing in from the door of the infirmary.
"Bella twisted around so quickly at the shock of hearing the chilling voice that she almost sent her self sprawling off the side of the bed.
"Mum!" she gasped in alarm instantly throwing up a mental shield to block her mothers prying mind.
Gwendolyn Black rushed towards her daughter, white blond hair trailing like mist behind her. She seemed enraged but desperate to quiet Bella as she grabbed her fiercely by her forearms jerking her body roughly towards her so that she could speak only inches from her face.
"I suggest you secure your tongue!" Gwendolyn growled in a vicious whisper so as not to attract the doctor's attention her green eyes narrowed and glinting evilly. Bella felt her arms would certainly break under her mother's steel grip and wisely decided against taunting her in the hopes of avoiding any physical damage. She swallowed hard, her eyes wide in fear of her mother's wrath as Gwendolyn Black continued to speak in her hateful whispers, the rolling screen hiding the heated reunion.
"I don't know what your intentions are but I hope you know that I will find the reason behind your sudden interest in destroying our family's name." She released Bella's arms with an exasperated push bringing her own hands up to rest on her brow dramatically as if no longer able to endure her anger.
"Maybe it's the fact that you've sold me to the highest bidder!" Bella hissed back regaining her strength of will and glaring at her mother wishing her dead. Gwendolyn was very still for a moment then quickly snatching Bella's jaw up forcefully in one hand continued.
"You were bought before I brought you into this world so if you intend to stay I insist that you stop talking of things that you ought not speak of." A noise suddenly came from the far corner of the room where the elderly doctor was shuffling around refilling jars of herbs and ingredients. Upon hearing the doctor Gwendolyn released her grip on her daughters stricken face then composing herself with a forced smile her eyes more treacherous than before she spoke to Bella in an airy lighthearted voice.
"Well you seem like your ankle has healed nicely." Bella could tell that she spoke these planned words for Dr. Dashid's benefit and for no other reason.
"Dr. Dashid you have done a wonderful job of looking after my baby girl, she seems right as rain." Gwendolyn said as her small girlish face turned towards Dashid as he waddled to where his young patient sat. Dashid nodded his head showing a momentary smile.
"It was just a small fracture. Really quite easy to heal. Are you feeling better now my dear?" Dashid directed his warm gaze to Bella still a little worried about her uneasy condition.
"She'll be fine doctor, I'm sure. It's high time she were back to her studies I would hate for her to fall behind in any of her classes." Gwendolyn replied as if Bella were a child incapable of answering for her self.
"Well then it's settled. I release you from my care but if you are feeling any pain in that ankle you come and see me right away, and don't be to hard on Sirius these things do happen in Defense Against the Dark Arts class." Gwendolyn's prim facade faltered at hearing Sirius' name causing her to knit her brow in question.
"Sirius? My nephew…Sirius Black?" she asked uncertain if she had heard the doctor's words. Bella grimaced pleadingly at Dr. Dashid praying that he would just stop speaking. The doctor feeling the sudden tension in the room decided that he would make his exit.
"Um…yes. Well…good day ladies." Dashid said uncomfortably turning to head back towards his office.
"Dr. Dashid, please it has been ever so long since I have seen my dear nephew. Do you think that it would be possible for you to have him sent to me. I fear his mother would never forgive me if she knew I was here and did not look in on him." Bella heard her mothers words spoken so genuinely ringing with maternal concern but knew all to well that this was just another show to manipulate the innocent unsuspecting old wizard. The doctor had stopped and turned to face her.
"Of course, where should I send him?" asked Dashid. Gwendolyn turned to rest her gaze on Bella who was doing everything to hold tight to her apparent indifference at the prospect of being in the same room with Sirius and her mother.
"Send him to Professor Beltane's office." She answered the doctor giving Bella a hard searching look.
~
The Great Hall was teaming with noise and life as Sirius and Remus tailed by James and Peter headed out to Transfiguration, but were abruptly stopped by the tall and very pretty Gryffindor Prefect Lily Evans who purposely avoided making eye contact with any of them aside from Remus.
"Good morning Lily." Remus said trying once again to sound official causing a hint of a smile to form on Lily's face.
"Hello Remus," Lily answered then shifting her gaze to Sirius she raised one of her perfect eyebrows, "I have a message for you." She said in a somewhat superior tone, Sirius just looked at her stunned to be spoken to.
"Your presence is requested in Professor Beltane's office. You're to go right away. I'll excuse you with Professor McGonagall, and Remus would you be sure to collect his assignments for him?"
"Sure I will, but what's he done?" asked Remus in stunned curiosity. Lily smirked eyeing Sirius with mild distaste.
"How should I know, honestly who can keep up?"
The boys all snorted in laughter at the unexpected comment from Lily who usually paid them no attention what so ever. Sirius crinkled his brow at the remark as Lily walked away her copper hair swinging as she tossed it confidently.
"Well that was uncalled for." Said Sirius indignantly after her, the only one not chuckling.
"God she's perfect." Said James coming to lean on Sirius shoulder as he admired Lily walking away trailed by a small group of giggling Gryffindor girls.
"Yeah, she's just wonderful." Sirius said sarcastically now beginning to wonder what Beltane wanted with him.
"You best not keep him waiting Sirius." Said Remus also focused on the lovely little gang of girls heading further down the hall towards Transfiguration.
"Show's what you know. Beltane's no morning person I'd be smart to wait till noon. Damn do you think Dumbledor told him about the common room and my prank on Snivillus?" Sirius asked looking very concerned for himself.
"You'll be lucky if that's all he knows." Said Remus in a hushed voice as he and James exchanged devilish smiles. Sirius rolled his eyes appalled at his friends for their mention of such a subject but had to fight back the evil grin that was taking over his face as he turned to head in the opposite direction.
"I'll see you in Potions class," called Sirius over his shoulder, "I hope." He said quietly to himself. Sirius trudged up the steps to Professor Beltane's office dreading what awaited him. Nothing good ever came out of a visit with Beltane.
"Isn't it enough that I have to endure a week's worth of detention with Severus." Sirius grumbled in annoyance as he opened the door to Beltane's office and strode casually into the spacious room decorated in dark wood and leather with thick green velvet curtains about the high ornate window behind the desk.
White light poured in through the window invading the shadowy chamber threatening to expose all secrets. The tall desk chair was turned away from the door silhouetted perfectly against the now overcast sky. Sirius stopped for a moment waiting for Beltane to turn but when he didn't Sirius continued to walk forward to the desk. He came to stop just between the two high-backed chairs set in front of the desk as his eyes quickly took notice to someone seated in one of them. Sirius gazed in alarmed confusion down into Bella's anxious eyes suddenly beginning to worry about the reason he was here. She quickly averted her eyes from his and pointed her focus to where the professor sat. In a soft yet strong voice Sirius addressed the Head of Slytherin House without breaking away from Bella's uneasy face.
"Professor Beltane Sir, you wanted to see me?" Sirius' voice trailed off as he looked up to see Gwendolyn Black leaning comfortably back in the chair which had been silently turned to face him, her emerald eyes glinting with superiority. The color drained from Sirius' face as he tried desperately to think up an appropriate reaction to this uncomfortable situation with no luck. He stood there completely speechless causing Gwendolyn to smile proud of her effect on her unruly nephew. She raised and eyebrow at Sirius in priggish judgement.
"Well I see there has been no improvement in your manners since last I saw you." Snapping to realization Sirius straightened his posture and forced a pained and questioning smile.
"Aunt Gwendolyn?" he asked furrowing his brow in concern for her reasons of business, "is everything okay?" Sirius asked this question as a sick churning took over in his stomach.
"Actually now that you mention it…NO." She said becoming severe. The hateful smile washing from her face as quickly as it had appeared. Sirius flinched at her answer terrified at what she might know about his feelings for Bella or any of the sins that he had enacted upon her.
"Where the Hell do you get off handling my daughter the way you did! She's your cousin Sirius! Isn't there anyone else in this whole school that you could damage besides her?" Yelled Gwendolyn standing up so violently that the desk chair pushed backwards smacking into one of the tall bookcases set to the side of the window. Feeling suddenly very weak in the knees Sirius sat in the empty chair facing his wicked aunt letting his eyes fall to the floor, he was sure he would be sick at any moment.
"Mum please," Bella pleaded "this is so embarrassing, are you going to do this every time I get hurt in one of my classes? It's Defense Against the Dark Arts! I must practice what I've been taught!" Bella said this last bit stressing words as if to make her mother understand some higher meaning. Gwendolyn was now pacing, her hand dramatically messaging her forehead while shading her eyes.
Sirius looked up quickly to meet Bella's almost smiling eyes gazing lovingly at him as she shook her head quietly wanting to laugh. Sirius' heart leapt, he could not believe that this was about Bella's injury from class. He was so relieved and overjoyed that he could have jumped up and kissed her right then and there. Instead he relaxed his posture and let a smile warm his face mouthing the words I love you while his aunt's back was turned.
Bella smiled brightly still trying to keep her amusement at the situation under control as Gwendolyn continued to spout angrily. Suddenly in a surge of confidence from Bella's smile Sirius jumped up and glided smoothly over to his aunt lightly taking hold of her hand and giving her an irresistibly pitiful look.
"I'm so sorry Aunt Gwen. It was an accident I swear to you I will never allow anything like that to happen again, but please don't be angry with us." Sirius said allowing his eyes to soften and his grin to become charmingly hansom. Gwendolyn starred at Sirius for a moment unsure of what to say. She had not expected an apology from him and was a little thrown off course in her lecture.
"Besides it was all I could do to protect myself, your daughter is a force to be reckoned with in combat. She was about to take my head off." Sirius said with charm dripping from his smooth voice as he pulled his hands through his shiny dark hair still grinning at his aunt.
"Yes, and that would have been such a loss." Gwendolyn answered sharply as she eyed Sirius cautiously, annoyed at his attempt to charm her.
"Well then you'll be happy to know that directly after that Rudolphus Lestrange proceeded to break three of my ribs in honor of your daughter." Sirius said this as if he were proud to have had Rudolphus punish him for his injury of Bella, but this had the effect Sirius had been searching for. Gwendolyn brightened at hearing Rudolphus named as Bella's champion. She rushed to Bella's side
"Is that true? Did he defend you there in front of everyone?" a greedy smile forming on her youthful face. Bella grimaced slightly at her mother's sudden interest.
"Yes." She answered pulling her hand away from where her mother clutched at it on the arm of the chair.
"Oh Bella dear how exciting, why didn't you say anything before. He must really like you." Gwendolyn sighed seeming suddenly very childish. A knock came at the door and Professor Beltane entered looking extremely dashing with his long hair pulled into a ponytail and dressed completely in black aside from the simple gleaming buckle on his belt.
"Is everything alright Gwendolyn." Beltane asked giving Bella's mother a pointed look. Gwendolyn stood smiling broadly straightening her robes and smoothing her hair.
"Oh yes I believe that we've worked everything out have we not children?" She gazed back and forth between Bella and Sirius who both answered in solemn unison feeling like a couple of five year olds.
"Yes Mamma."
"Well then you two should head off to class." Beltane said dismissing the cousins.
Bella and Sirius quickly made their way toward the door never looking back to say their farewells as Gwendolyn's focus was now on the young good looking professor. Bella breezed through the door clicking it closed behind her and turning quickly to have her small face caught up in Sirius' hands pulling her to him and kissing her passionately pressing her body against the door to Beltane's office recklessly unconcerned with being caught.
"Are you insane?" questioned Bella giggling, her lips dragging teasingly across Sirius' as she spoke, eagerly returning his affection. The hall was empty and haunted with Bella's sparkling laughter ebbing away, as their desire for one another grew stronger and more insistent.
"We should get to class before Beltane finds out." Bella said forcing her mouth away from Sirius to speak. Sirius pulled away and was just about to say something when there was a loud thump on the door to Beltane's office. Bella and Sirius both jumped back from the door extremely startled. Sirius had almost forgotten that they had been so carelessly intertwined in one of the worst places imaginable.
The two inched backwards, Bella glancing in confusion at Sirius and then back at the door sure it would be flung open and afraid to run for fear of seeming suspicious if someone did come out. To Bella's surprise nothing happened she bent towards the door again her curiosity getting the better of her, she was determined to know what had happened beyond the closed door. Sirius grabbed Bella's hand firmly and tried to pull her away.
"Come on Bella let's get out of here before something does happen." Sirius begged her in a low whisper seeming suddenly desperate to remove Bella from ominous open hall. She stood her eyes transfixed on the large oak door noticing the faint moans of ecstasy that were issuing from the other side in her mothers hated voice. Bella's face darkened instantly and an evil glint of light rose to her narrowed eyes.
"I'll kill her!" she hissed heading hastily to the door. Sirius caught her shoulders before she was able to get far turning her away from the office and pushing her to the opposite end of the hall, the angry look sticking with Bella as she continued to berate the thought of her adulteress mother.
"How dare she? The repulsive woman! She's not fit to lick my father's boots." Turning quickly to face Sirius she began to head back towards the door, again Sirius place his hands on her shoulders to hold her back and looking into her evil eyes tried to calm her.
"Bella stop it, you won't do anything, think about it." Sirius starred unflinching as the hateful glare in Bella's eyes began to die away, she relaxed her body beginning to look a bit heartbroken. Sirius grimaced loathing to see that look on her face as he pulled her to him resting her head on his chest and wrapping his arms about her.
"I'm sorry Bella, I know all to well what an unhappy realization that one is." Sirius said with a sigh, Bella swallowed hard choking back miserable tears of anger.
"My poor father, all this time he's put up with her ridiculousness only for her to stab him in the back, and with one of my professors." Bella growled indignantly. Sirius grinned and moved his hands to angle her face up to his.
"Bella trust me there is nothing pitiable about Caesar Black, aside from the fact that your mother is a bit indiscrete. What do you think happens to people who are arranged into marriage? Who's to say that won't be you and I twenty years from now." With this comment Sirius' smile became wide, as Bella gazed up at him putting things straight in her head.
"Oh my Lord, your right." She said looking sick, "I don't want to become that evil wretch, I'd rather die first…and I will not marry Rudolphus!" She said looking at Sirius defiantly but feeling so weak in his hands. Sirius again tucked her head to his chest and for a moment felt his own anguish at the mention of her unavoidable marriage into the Lestrange family, and also battling the fear of ending up like his parents.
"Come on we have to get out of these halls." Sirius said reclaiming his sanity and taking her hand to lead her down the corridor.
"No, I can't go to class now…not after that." Bella said tears rolling down her face casually as she spoke.
"I know of someplace safe that we can go but we could get in a huge amount of trouble if we're caught." A mischievous smile danced on Sirius' face as he said this knowing that he had captured Bella's interest.
"I'm not afraid of trouble." Bella said with a rebellious look in her eye wiping a lone tear from her cheek. Sirius kissed her hand as he pulled her quickly down the hallway, loving her all the more for here adventuresome spirit.
They wound quickly through the school's maze of hallways and staircases to the point that Bella was completely lost. Fortunately all classes had been in session for sometime so the only eyes that they met along the way were those of the portraits that watched them suspiciously as they raced along hand in hand.
"Where are we going?" Whispered Bella feeling tense, sneaking through the seemingly deserted corridors. Sirius just grinned and hushed her as they swiftly darted across a wide hall to huddle against a tall white stone statue of a confused looking wizard. Bella peered around the statue looking for any signs of movement. Sirius standing behind her smiled to himself as he brushed his hands through her hair and rested them over her ears speaking the password to the prefect's bathroom so that she could not hear it.
A door, which had looked like it was just a continuation of the wall, became apparent and opened inward ever so slightly. Bella eyed Sirius quizzically as he shoved her through the small doorway and into the room beyond. Once Bella was safely in Sirius slipped through the door after her turning to be sure that they had not been seen entering the hidden chamber. Sirius closed and sealed the door carefully then sighed in relief for being free of the open castle.
He turned to face Bella who was wandering the small ornate room in wonder and again smiled at how pretty she looked with her masses of jet black hair contrasting beautifully against the pristine white marble that made up the room. The light from outside was muted by white shears that hung across the tall windows allowing the rosy light emitting from the delicate chandelier which hung in the center of the high ceiling to give the room a warm shadowy effect even in broad daylight.
Sirius walked easily over to Bella who was inspecting the many golden faucets that lined the large rectangular pool sized tub set into the floor of the chamber. She crouched down running her finger along a pink jewel inset on one of the taps and as soon as she made contact with it sweet smelling pink bubbly liquid began to spill forth from the mouth of the tap filling the oversized bath. She turned her gaze from the rising bath and grinned wickedly at Sirius arching her eyebrow playfully.
"What exactly are your intentions here Mr. Black?" Bella asked in an innocent voice. Sirius tried hard to suppress his smile as he shyly ruffled his hair once again caught off guard by Bella's questioning.
"Just good clean fun." He grinned awkwardly. Noticing his comical discomfort concerning his reasoning behind being in the lavish private bath Bella smiled sweetly and stood to face him. Unexpectedly Bella reached out grabbing Sirius' burgundy and gold tie which had already been loosened allowing the button at his collar to be undone giving him his lovely relaxed appearance.
She roughly pulled him to her leaning up to kiss him lightly on his lips at the same time unclasping his robes so that they slipped easily from his shoulders into a pile on the floor. Sirius overcome by her eagerness gathered her in his arms pulling her tightly against him kissing her ferociously as they both worked diligently at freeing each other from there cloths.
It was only a moment before they were both bare and had broken away from one another to slip into the fragrant pool of pink swirling bubbles giggling like small children at there dreamlike playground. Sirius watched Bella the pink bubbles latching on to her ebony hair sparkling like tiny gems. Bella grinned playfully back at him suddenly swimming off to the far side of the tub.
"Race ya." She laughed already well on her way.
"Cheater!" He yelled diving under the bubbles to swim quickly to the far steps, coming up just ahead of her to lounge back on his elbows submerged on the smooth marble stair.
"Ha, typical Slytherin even when you cheat you can't best me, what is that two for two now." Sirius teased pushing the dripping strands of his dark hair away from his face.
Bella swam over perching herself on the step at Sirius' feet gazing up at him with her large wondering eyes, Sirius smiled back at her knowing from the look on her face that he was about to be interrogated.
"What?" he asked her with a laugh as she fidgeted looking bothered by her own curiosity.
"I was just wondering…am I the first girl that you…well…" Bella's smile became large as her eyes twinkled with mischief at her forwardness. Sirius looked down at her immersed in the foamy pink bubbles her thick hair fanning around her and swaying with her fluid movements, his chest felt constricted for a moment and he was forced to avert his eyes.
"Um…no." he said with an embarrassed grin, quickly looking back down on her to gauge her reaction. Bella's expression didn't falter but he could tell that she was not happy with the answer.
"Oh. Am I the first girl that you have brought here?" She asked more apprehensively this time. Sirius scowled with a sigh.
"Can we talk about something else please." He said in uncomfortable annoyance feeling very exposed, all innocents had disappeared from Bella's face as she stared open mouthed at Sirius in dismayed shock.
"Am I the first anything Sirius?" She asked in annoyed despair having had her image of their relationship shattered and suddenly feeling like an inexperienced child she turned away heading for the center of the tub.
"Bella please!" Sirius groaned as he splashed in after her grabbing her about her waist and thrusting her into his arms causing her bare warm body to brush erotically against his sending a surge of arousal in him that was almost dizzying. Bella refusing to make eye contact played with a long wet strand of her hair a sullen look apparent on her face. This annoyed Sirius. Why do girls always ask questions that they don't really want the answers to? He wondered to himself. Then smiling knowing a way to get her full attention he said
"Of course you are a first…you're my first cousin." He could hardly suppress his laughter as Bella's eyes shot up to meet his in horror that he had said such a thing then pushing free of his grip in stunned anger she began to make her way back to the stairs. Sirius caught her slick arm before she could get far and forcefully turned her back to him. He had to stop to drink her in for a moment as she stood in the luscious pink sea which lapped against her hips the liquid trapped in her hair pouring down her body sweeping away the pink foam that so lovingly clung to her skin.
The look in her eyes was a bit menacing but Sirius smiled at her reassuringly and stood to embrace her, Bella set her hands on Sirius' biceps to push him away to no avail. He kissed her mercilessly along her neck making her fight against him more ruthlessly to break away. He pulled back from her pleased with himself and grinning to meet her angered eyes gleaming with hostility.
"You are the first and only girl that I have ever loved Bella." He said as his grin faded studying her demure face then he bent kissing her with all of the powerful emotions that he had only just begun to experience because of her. Bella returned his kiss at the same time pushing him back so that they both fell completely under the surface of the pool. When they again broke through the pink bubbles they were both drenched and sputtering. Whipping the water from his squinting eyes Sirius reached forward to brush away the wet strands of hair that clung to Bella's cheek. Pulling her to him, both of them covered to their necks by the warm fragrant liquid Sirius said
"I want to give you this." He produced his hand from the rose colored water and Bella watched him as he pulled a gold ring barring the Black family crest from the ring finger of his right hand. Bella glanced at him quizzically.
"What are you up to?" Sirius just grinned devilishly, grabbing Bella's right hand and slipping the large ring over her thin fingertip uttering the words "Contrahere" causing the ring to adjust itself to the proper size befitting Bella's small hand. She gazed at him with wide searching eyes as he held the ring on her hand and said softly and slowly holding her gaze with his own "Conligare desperire aeternitas" his confident smile never wavering.
As Sirius uttered the spell the candles in the chandelier above them suddenly began to flick violently only to become unnaturally still once he had finished. They both glanced at the ornate fixture suspiciously then focused back on to each other's eyes.
"Hopefully this will help give you the strength you need when I'm not with you." Then smiling wide, "and maybe make the chandelier fall into the tub." Bella giggled throwing her arms around Sirius' neck and kissing him without reserve, she loved him so much that her heart felt as if it would burst for how complete and happy she felt in his arms. She curled her fingers lovingly through his wet hair pulling back to gaze at his hansom face in overwhelming adoration, his deep blue eyes returning the same loving look.
"So exactly what spell have you cast on me, it didn't sound at all familiar?" Bella asked in a tempting tone letting her fingers slide down his glistening neck to trace his body beneath the warm water, a scandalous grin spread across Sirius' face.
"Wouldn't you like to know." He answered playfully, "Don't worry cousin dear just a little something to insure that you remain hopelessly in love with only me for the rest of your days." Sirius said in a jokingly evil voice squirming at her touch and beginning his own caressing search of her body under the rosy bubbles. Bella smiled eyeing him uncertainly.
"I love you Sirius, and I don't intend to ever stop with or with out magic." she said as she began kissing his warm damp lips.
