It was only just midnight when the turbulent storm once again unleashed it's furry on the castle, winds swirling wildly causing the tower to creak and howl. The rain pounded viciously on the windows and thick walls of the school as if even it were desperate to get out of the sudden cold that had set in. The halls of the school were silent and deserted as the torchlight had begun to die from the neglect of the sleeping castle.
The Gryffindor dorms had gone quiet rather early after the exhausting day of celebration and confrontation leaving the room where the fifth year boys slept lulling with breathy sighs of comfort and peace. The icy storm raged on madly outside but with no effect on the sleeping boys as the room was exquisitely warm from a roaring fire in the small hearth that Remus had enchanted to burn intensely without fading.
Warmth from the large dorm room hit Sirius' cold wet skin in a wave that caused him to shudder against the sudden difference only just fully realizing how completely frozen he was from the storm. Sirius gazed across the room from the partially open door checking for any signs of life among his dorm mates. After a moment of breathlessly waiting for either James or Remus to sit up and take notice of him he finally entered cautiously not taking his eyes from Remus. Once Sirius was completely inside the room he looked back to the doorway to signal Bella that it was her turn to enter the den of slumbering Gryffindor boys.
Bella entered soundlessly gliding quickly passed Sirius to throw her sopping cloak off on to the dry stone floor and kneeling into the fire so closely Sirius was sure that she would be consumed. Her eyes were closed and her lips quivered from the utter cold that incased her body, her wet garments painful to her raw skin. Sirius gently pulled her face back from the fire and she opened her eyes to look at him with his dark wet hair hanging in his eyes and clinging to his skin. Her heart throbbed slightly when she saw the look of concern on his face but quickly smiled when she realized that concern was due to her appearance.
Bella had become ghost like all of the color gone from her face the deep rosy pallor of her lips and cheeks having faded to nothing looking stark in contrast to her dripping hair, which if possible looked to be an even darker shade of black than usual. Sirius face relaxed at her smile but he quickly began pulling at her to remove her wet things. Bella gave him a shocked look her brow furrowed in disapproval as she grasped her sweater shaking her head no and indicating the sleeping boys in the beds around them.
Sirius removed his hands from her and rolled his eyes in exasperation as he started to peel his own sodden clothing mercifully away from his body. Bella gazed at him in envy desperately wanting to be free of the cold that she had carried in with her but again glancing uncomfortably about the room weighing her options a look of pitiful despair on her face. Sirius grinned at her already feeling the biting cold in his veins beginning to subside as the flames from the fire began to warm his freshly bared chest, his hair still sending icy droplets of water trickling down his neck.
"Trust me, now is not the time to be shy." He whispered as he placed his hand on her neck and pulled her towards him kissing her passionately then releasing her to turn and grab dry cloths leaving Bella starring longingly after him by the fire. She made a quiet whimper of displeasure as she eyed the beds of Gideon and Frank, which were closest to her again searching for movement in the thick piles of covers. Resigning that she would suffer hypothermia if she were to remain in her wet cloths a moment more she began removing them swiftly at first keeping here eyes on the beds then becoming focused on removing every wet thing from her body.
She gasped at the heat from the fire beginning to do it's work as she removed her faded jeans leaving her with only the black lace panties still causing the delicate area of her body to tremble from the freezing dampness. Bella stood looking around the room uneasily her long dripping ringlets hiding her as she decided to rid herself of the last bit of clothing. The heat from the fire caressed her skin as she felt the life starting to return to her limbs deciding that her physical well-being was much more important than her modesty. She twisted her thick locks of hair to the top of her head now standing facing the blaze and allowing herself to become lost in the comfort of warmth.
Sirius stood quietly behind her drinking in the supple glow of her skin which was beginning to take on it's usual creamy tone the ghostly white melting away as her temperature steadily rose. Sirius was now in loose black sweatpants his hair still damp as he reached out to drag his finger down the curve of her back causing her to turn slowly. His eyes poured over her body like the beads of water that fell from here mass of hair tracing the long line of her stomach and hips. Unable to resist he pulled here bare form against him making her gasp and glance around garbing for the cloths he brought her that he was now hiding teasingly behind his back.
"Sirius this is not funny!" She said nervously her eyes imploring him to allow her to dress but as she gazed in to his intense blue eyes she abandoned her fight to let her breast press softly against him. Sirius let the cloths fall to the floor so that he could run his hands down her delicate figure to rest on her hips pulling her to him. Bella put her cold hand on Sirius' warm cheek guiding him to meet her lips, kissing him with every fiber of her being silently praying that love would be enough to protect them from the world. Suddenly Sirius pulled away from her with a quick gasp of breath his chest heaving and picking up the cloths from the floor he held them out to her.
"Here put these on, before I do something we both regret." He said with a reassuring look but a definite show of strain in having to repress his urges to ravage her. Bella quickly pulled on the warm light gray sweatpants cinching them tightly with the draw string so they fell low around her hips and tugging the white ribbed undershirt over her head. The shirt clung to her body so tightly that it did not do much in the way of hiding the shape of her breasts or the subtle contour of her stomach.
"That will have to be good enough." He whispered shaking his head with a smile, seeing her now dressed in his cloths standing next to the glow of the fire he could have sworn his desire to make love to her had only grown.
"Let's just hope that I fall asleep quickly." He said trying hard not to look at her as she grinned wickedly at his attempts to control himself. She stepped towards him the color back in her lips and cheeks and laid her head against his bare chest listening to the resounding beat of his heart and loving the feel and smell of his skin.
"So where's your bed?" She smiled up at him innocently letting her fingers trace the line of definition on his stomach. He closed his eyes breathing in deeply and gritting his teeth against the dizzying feelings that he was experiencing then taking her hand without a word he led her to the one empty bed in the room. Sirius kept his eyes on Remus looking a bit uneasy as Bella, who tip-toed past Remus as if he were a sleeping guard dog, slipped under the thick covers of Sirius' bed. Sirius stood and starred at the still form of Remus sure that his friends eyes would fly open at any second but Remus did not move causing Sirius to smile mischievously knowing that he was going way beyond Remus' line of reasonable rule breaking.
Sirius hopped up in the bed securing the thick velvet curtains closed on all sides and settling in to put his arms about Bella feeling so happy and secure to have her right there in his very own bed sure that she was safe. He absently let out a heavy sigh of comfort and satisfaction causing Bella to giggle lightly feeling the same feelings of joyous elation at not having to face the night alone. Bella turned over with one quick movement surprising Sirius who was still very mindful that his feelings of lust didn't spin out of control. He could just make out her face with her huge sparkling eyes gazing up at him as she let her body press seductively against him leaning close to his ear to whisper.
"I wish I could spend every night like this, I love you." Saying this she began kissing Sirius roughly on his neck right bellow his ear sending his senses into a frenzy. Sirius pulled her forcefully against him, his body not comprehending the pointless struggle with his mind and finely completely disregarding his mental warnings. Almost without thought he uncinched the waist of her pants slipping them down making Bella suck in a quick breath trembling in reaction to his advance. Sirius was entranced finally able to handle Bella as he wished he dragged his lips over her tight shirt biting and kissing her flesh through the thin cotton barrier.
"Sirius, I thought we agreed not to do this here. You said there was no way that we would get away with it." She whispered heatedly to him having a hard time focusing on her own words as Sirius slipped inside her causing Bella's back to arch her body tensing against his. She had braced her self for the pain that she had felt each time Sirius began making love to her but this time the pain never came it had instead been replaced with an intense feeling of euphoria making her gasp letting a light moan escape her lips. Sirius quickly covered her mouth with his hand and whispered low in her ear.
"We have to be absolutely silent my love." He said a devilish smile forming on his face as she let out a breath trying to relax letting her eyes close. He removed his hand to be replaced by his lips continuing to move rhythmically with her keeping his lips carefully on hers to fight the quick gasps of breath that were uncontrollably issuing from them both.
Thunder grumbled loudly outside as the entire room lay awake in absolute amazement at what was going on. No one had meant to over hear the couple sneak in together and they may have been able to ignore the whole situation shoving there heads under their pillows or covering their faces with their blankets if it had not been for Bella. The moment that she had begun to peel her wet cloths off not one eye was able to blink as the boys all peered beyond the safety of their beds and blankets. The only boy not secretly mesmerized by the beautiful young Slytherin girl unknowingly baring herself to the entire room was Peter who had a knack for sleeping through anything and still lay curled in his bed snoring loudly.
Remus had not noticed Sirius and Bella enter the room but had lifted his head when he heard Sirius whispering to Bella. He was so shocked to see that Sirius had brought her into their dorm room that he couldn't even think of what to do about it. He lay in bed watching them praying that they would not do anything stupid, as he did not feel like having another argument with Sirius over his obsession with his seductress cousin, not after the day he had just had. Blowing it off he decided that he was too tired and his body ached too much to worry with what trouble Sirius was getting himself into with that girl.
Remus nestled deeper into his pillow only to see Sirius walk toward his bed leaving Bella standing in the firelight. Remus knew as soon as he saw her begin to pull her sweater over her head that he should be the gentle man and look away, but the prefect in him was not strong enough to stop the situation or stop himself from watching it unfold. Remus had quickly shut his eyes feigning sleep as the couple headed to climb behind the curtains of Sirius' bed, thinking to himself, at least I can understand why he is attracted to her, cousin or no cousin.
The boys all tried desperately not to listen to what was happening to there friend beyond the velvet curtains of the bed but no one had taken a breath for fear of missing the whispered sounds they were all straining to hear.
The unbound passion between them escalating with every slight movement was driving Bella to the brink. She was no longer able to focus on her surroundings or being discreet she could only feel and those feelings were quickly causing her to loose control. Sirius slid his hand around to her back pressing her to him as they intensified causing him to bury his face in her now warm damp hair. Bella bit her lip desperate to hold back the cries that were escaping her finally biting into Sirius' shoulder in an unsuccessful attempt to stifle her reaction as the first throngs of her climax hit her. Bella's muted cries, which had been severely quiet compared to Peter's snoring, caused Peter sit up suddenly from his deep slumber looking confused and still half-asleep.
"What'dya say? What happened?" Peter yelled to no one in particular causing the entire room to break into fits of laughter at the situation, loudest of all Remus and James who were instantly in tears from the hilarity. Bella gasped with the realization that they were being spied on but began to giggle herself as Sirius smiled leaning in to kiss her reassuringly as he continued to make love to her not letting the other boys in the room deter him from his focus.
Sirius awoke feeling warm, his arms wrapped tightly about Bella's back hugging her sleeping body against him. He opened his eyes to gaze lovingly down in to her angelic face as she slept breathing in the sweet sent of her hair and skin now completely warm and dry. To his surprise he was sure that he could hear movement beyond the protection of the bed curtains even though it could not have been five am and the room was still dark. Sirius listened for a moment trying to pinpoint who was up and moving about the room as he let his head tilt to kiss Bella softly on the top of her head causing her to smile in her sleep and cuddle closely to him sighing gently as she moved.
Suddenly he could hear several pairs of feet coming to stop on the other side of his curtain. Making a curious face and furrowing his brow Sirius leaned forward to pull the drape back just enough to see Remus' standing with his arms folded looking down at him an eyebrow raised but a grin forcing it's way on to his face. Sirius quickly closed the drape causing giggles to come from the other side of the curtain. Sirius flushed feeling a little uncomfortable not sure how to handle things.
"Can I help you gentlemen?" He said trying not to laugh aloud at the awkward situation causing Bella to stir.
"We have something to show you Sirius." Said James sternly as if demanding that he pull the bed curtain aside.
"Come on Sirius it's not like you have anything to hide." Came Franks voice in a chuckle, causing the group to sputter in suppressed laughter.
"Yeah everything was exposed last night." Chimed in Gideon who received a sharp jab in the ribs from James but the laughter had broken free from the group once again. Sirius grimaced at this remark causing him to thrust the curtains open revealing the faces of his bruised and beaten friends all grinning wickedly at him. Sirius was immediately put off from his disgust in his friends when he saw the injuries that they were all carrying.
"What the hell happened to you all?" He whispered so as not to disturb Bella, his face quickly changing to a look of confusion as he sat up a bit to get a better view of the injuries.
"Your search party came looking for you last night." Said James with slight annoyance apparent in his voice.
"What are you talking about? What search party? Who was looking for me?" Sirius asked hesitantly his heart beginning to pound thunderously.
"Not just you." Remus said as he nodded his head towards Bella, "Your girlfriend too." Sirius starting to become uncomfortably aware of the eyes dropping on to Bella as she slept, wrapped an arm over her pulling her towards him and covering her to her neck with the soft crimson blanket. This caused Bella to sigh again absently planting a small soft kiss on Sirius' bare chest causing him and the rest of the boys to go pink in embarrassment.
"Alright, I'm outta her I am not staying for round two." Said Frank in exasperation grabbing Gideon, Benjy, and Peter and pushing them through the door to the dorm room. "We'll meet you guys on the pitch, you only have ten minutes so leave him be and get a move on." Frank said as he closed the door.
"Who's the prefect here anyway Longbottom?" Remus said indignantly with a grin, this caused Frank to open the door.
"And look at the shit job you're making of it." Laughed Frank, "I only hope I'll get the same privileges as he does."
"Oh yeah." He said as he began to close the door then opening it again he asked, "Does it only work if we're related?" This caused James and Remus to fall into a fit of silent laughter as Frank finally pulled the door closed leaving Sirius smirking and shaking his head in annoyance.
"Will it ever end? Does it matter if she is my cousin?" Sirius snapped.
"Um…" Remus started, quickly cut off by Sirius who was in no mood to hear the truth.
"I don't really need an answer Remus." Sirius said grumpily. "Can you just tell me what's going on?"
We were ambushed by the Slytherins last night as we were coming to the common room, They were lead by Lucius and he said that he was looking for you and her…they must know something's up." Said Remus looking concerned.
"Don't worry though, we gave um what for! Remus here decked Rodolphus dead in the jaw. Damn near knocked him out and then proceeded to pound on him. It was choice! I couldn't believe it, you would have been so proud, he threw the punch that started the fight!" Said James excitedly causing Remus to grin with pride. Sirius eyed Remus' lip and black eye with new found reverence, smiling thankfully.
"Good job Remus, I owe you one." Said Sirius
"Actually after the events of last night you owe me two!" Said Remus smiling down on his best friend then glancing up at the clock on the wall Remus grimaced. "We need to go James, Mac'll kill us if we're late."
"What's going on, where are you all off to?" Asked Sirius once again looking confused.
"Oh yeah didn't we tell ya, after our little party with the Slytherins last night Mac gave us all detention running the grounds at 5 am…for the next two months." Said James in annoyance at having to be up so early. "Would'ya like to join us." He finished sarcastically.
"Are you kidding? I get the whole room to myself." Laughed Sirius with a huge grin causing James and Remus to scowl.
"Just stay off my bed!" Demanded Remus with a smirk causing James and Sirius to laugh as the two boys headed out the door. Just as Sirius had begun to settle in Remus peeked his head around the edge of the door once more.
"I'd suggest that if you don't want to get caught you'll get up and find a way to sneak her back down to her dorm. Just a suggestion." With that Remus secured the heavy door with a click and Sirius looked down to gaze at Bella who was starring intently up at him.
"He's right you know?" Sirius said smiling down at her brushing her thick black hair from her face. Bella just looked up into his eyes ignoring his words.
"I love you Sirius." She said pulling him into a warm kiss.
Bella blew into the room quickly throwing off her cloths and pulling on her fluffy white robe to head off to the showers while the sky was still dark and there was no threat of being discovered by Rodolphus who was serving his detention with the rest of the boys caught in the fight. Bella smiled broadly as her bare feet made their way up the cold stone steps to the girl's bathroom thinking about how completely loyal the Gryffindor's were to one another. She was still amazed that even Remus, who never seemed to want to meet her eyes and clearly did not approve of her being so close with Sirius, still protected them by keeping their secret.
Bella had spent a long time convincing Sirius to let her return to her room while Rodolphus and the others were so conveniently tied up with other responsibilities. He had finally agreed but realizing that he would not be able to escort her to her common room Sirius had made her promise to meet with him later that afternoon to be sure that she was safe. He would know if she did not appear it would mean that something had happened he would know to go to Bella by way of their secret passage. Bella had agreed and spent several minutes kissing him good-bye before stealing into the silent hall outside of Gryffindor Tower.
She quickly slipped a long thick black wool cloak onto her shoulders and pulled the oversized hood up to cover her thick mass of hair. Her movements had become very swift and calculated as she glided over to the nightstand pouring herself a drink from the crystal perfume decanter and removing the lid to a tall silver container. Emptying the glass of brandy in one gratifying drink Bella replaced it lightly on the table and let her hand dip cautiously into the silver container. Her hand filled with the soft sparkling powder that she would use to make her much-needed journey then briskly stepping into the fireplace she pulled the thick cloak closed so as not to dirty her fine clothing during whirlwind journey.
"Kaala Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas" She said commanding the floo, her accent sounding strange in her own head as she spoke the words. Bella closed her eyes trying to stay focused on where she had been forbidden to go because of the danger of drawing attention to one of the most guarded secrets of her Dark Lord. She felt a jolt as her body settled from the trip, Bella detested traveling by the Floo network but if she was planning to get off of school grounds she didn't have much choice.
Flinging her cloak off in a cloud of dust and ash she let her eyes adjust to the cool shadowy room, tiny streams of light breaking through the ancient intricately carved Jalis. A sweet breeze whipped through the room smelling of incents and blossoms sending the dust and ash of the fireplace swirling away from Bella. She smiled for a moment breathing deeply, her senses comforted to be back in her home, then quickly remembering her reason for the risky journey she let her eyes glide around the room in search of him.
Bella's eyes fell upon him watching her silently seated behind a great gilded desk his hands folded under his chin gazing at her with narrowing eyes his long dark waves of hair hanging perfectly about his face. Bella felt anger well in her at seeing his face so smug and distant and tossed her dusty cloak roughly at a young servant girl who rushed to receive it as if she had been watching for Bella's cue. The girl caught the heavy cloak easily and quickly fell to kneel at Bella's feet in reverence as Bella strode hastily by the girl never even glancing in her general direction."Hat jao!" Bella yelled to the two large male guards that stood at the entrance to the wide chamber who faltered nervously for a moment glancing at their master seated at the great desk and then back at the small ruthless form of Bella who was heading straight for them. Their master did not move but watched as Bella fiercely commanded them noting the fear that she brought to their eyes.
"Abhi!" She roared her chest heaving in rage as she raised her wand. The men looked to their master for a sign of what to do seeing a small smile begin to form on his face he put a hand up nonchalantly waving them out.
"Jao." He said smoothly, sending the guards as well as every other petrified servant in the great chamber heading unobtrusively out the nearest exits.
Bella stood before her Dark Lord ready to explode out of anger and frustration at his calm manner sitting in the large high backed chair assessing her without a word as she glared back at him. After several moments he let the hint of a smile reappear on his face rubbing his fingers over his long soft goatee.
"What are you doing here Bella?" He asked in an almost light, careless tone. Bella continued to let her anger rise , how can he sit there and ask such questions after all of the treacherous things he has done, she thought now seething with rage, her jaw clinched so tightly that her face was beginning to hurt.
"Very easily Bella." he said, his face going cold, "Because you answer to me, not the other way around." Bella averted her eyes receiving a quick jolt of fear at his gaze knowing that she was pressing the boundaries of his patience. Noticing Bella's sudden attempt to put herself in check Voldemort smiled openly eyeing her from head to toe with interest as he rose from his seat to move around to the front of the desk. Bella's eyes became large focusing back on her master as he stepped around the desk but she remained silent unable to remember her reasons for coming to him as he approached her.
"Well it must have been something fairly important to make you travel by Floo." He said letting that same mocking smile dance on his lips. He had the smoothest face, beautifully masculine and refined, his eyes full of power and desire as they beheld Bella. He could taste her apprehension as she began to regret coming to him but not allowing her fear to show in her expression she held her head high as if she had never been sorry for anything that she had ever done in her life, just as he had taught her.
"Wait, let me take a stab at it…let's see…you're unhappy with your future husband and you would like me to do something about it." He said giving her a smug all knowing look. Bella could feel her anger returning to her as she raised an eyebrow at her Dark Lord indicating that he was very clever to know her mind so well, and what exactly did he intend to do about it. Voldemort smiled settling to lean casually against the front side of the desk.
"Well my darling, I don't intend to do anything about it." He said lightly, "The Lestrange's were chosen by your parents, and Rodolphus was chosen by his, I'm afraid I really had very little to do with the whole thing." Bella scoffed in disgust and extended her arm exposing the huge diamond engagement ring that hung like a weight on her finger.
"What do you call this then? I know your work when I see it." Bella said coolly watching the amusement on her master's face grow with her frustration.
"Do you think that it is entertaining that I am unable to defend myself against him? How could you take my powers away from me against the one man in the world that I truly need them with?" She asked this quietly a betrayed look in her eyes. His smirk had faded as her eyes searched for the answers that she was looking for in his face, she was the only person that looked him so fearlessly questioning his motives, exciting and infuriating him at the same time. He drew close to her, the spicy warm breeze curling around them as he reached forward to let his fingers lightly stroke her ebony hair then grazing gently on to the smooth flesh of her cheek.
"Do you really need magic to control someone as simple as Rodolphus?" He asked softly, his eyes locked on her, gauging her response. Bella slowly coiled her hair to her back to expose the fading bruises on her slender neck noting her master's eyes darken much in the same way that Sirius' had upon finding the wounds. Bella flinched slightly as her masters eyes flicked up to meet hers forcing her to push the thoughts of Sirius to the dark recesses of her mind. His eyes focused back to her throat after a moment dragging the back of his fingers along her discolored skin making a grimace of obvious annoyance.
"I'm not safe. That's why I've come to you, even though I was forbidden. I need your protection my lord I cannot fight them all." Bowing her head trying to sound strong, "I am at your mercy." Voldemort smiled, pleased to have his young apprentice back with him looking and acting so much more mature than she had been before.
"You are not meant to fight them Bella, you are meant to control them. There is a staggering difference, my darling, to fight them you make yourself their equal, to command them you make them fight for you." He took her hand without warning leading her down a few low steps decorated in multicolored mosaic tile, to a long carved mahogany bench covered in pearly silk cushions.
"There is something that I can give you." He said looking intensely into her seemingly innocent eyes. " But it will have to be our secret, your mother would…no approve if she knew." He grinned knowing just the right words to peak Bella's interest. She returned the grin cautiously arching an eyebrow out of curiosity.
"What is it?" she asked hesitantly, fear and excitement building in her at the prospect of a gift from her master. Voldemort kept his eyes affixed on hers, her hand still held easily in his as he lifted the other hand silently causing the light breaking into the room from beyond the Jalis to go instantly dark leaving them in shadow. Torches flickered weakly casting an odd glow through out the ancient room causing Bella to look like an exotic beauty with her dark hair and lashes against her milky skin.
Bella became immediately uneasy about what was going to happen, her hand now trembling in his as her heart began to pound in her chest. The Dark Lord lifted her right hand to his lips, kissing it gently then turning it to expose her supple wrist he let his lips touch down again. An exquisite feeling of excitement mingled with terror flooded Bella's senses as Voldemort pressed her back into the silky cushions keeping hold of her hand.
"Relax Bella, I will give you the thing that you are destine for, your life as my hand begins today." Saying this he procured a small wicked black blade from thin air causing Bella to gasp her eyes going wide as she began to sit up. Voldemort ignored the horrified look on her face as he pierced the soft skin of her wrist causing her to whimper in fear as gushes of crimson began to spill forth from the wound. He pulled her head close to him whispering softly to her as if to comfort her.
"Be brave my angel, remember all that I have taught you for this is your test." He let her drop in to the pillows once more as she watched feeling suddenly very dizzy as if she were drugged. She could hear her heartbeat raging in her head as she watched through eyes barley able to stay open.
He let the blade slice the center of his right palm allowing the blood to pool a strange light emitting from the wound as he mumbled something concentrating all of his focus on the gathering blood. Bella was barely conscious fighting hard not to slip away noticing her master reach roughly for her injured wrist once again. His movements were swift and efficient as Bella made a futile attempt to struggle only to be caught by his strong left hand pulling her arm forward to expose her wrist now pouring blood, which had covered them both.
Voldemort hastily raised Bella's bloodied wrist to his mouth kissing it and allowing her blood to flow over his tongue then quickly placing his wounded palm about her bleeding wrist. The Dark Lord began an incantation that Bella was trying desperately to make out but the moment their blood began to intertwine Bella was blinded by white-hot light unable to hear her own shrieks of pain.
The world was suddenly replaced with raw feeling, the only thing that existed was agony as she felt her body tense, sure that she was beginning to die. Her thoughts began to fly through her mind at unbelievable speed as if she stood in a whirlwind of visions. It was a trap! I've been betrayed! The searing pain from the gash made on her wrist could be felt swirling down her arm on an excruciating rampage through her body hunting for her very soul.
"I'm here Bella, come to me. I'll protect you, I can take away the pain but you must come to me. Swear that you belong only to me and I will give you what you desire." A cool yet breathless voice came to her ears. She almost screamed for Sirius but even through her dizzying pain she continued to battle her thoughts of him to the back of her mind being sure that her Dark Lord would not pick up on her feelings for her cousin. She could feel herself beginning to break down unable to handle much more finally reaching out and screaming so loudly that she could feel the sound like thunder reverberating through her ears and throat.
"My Lord I swear I belong to you! For as long as I live I swear! Please stop this! Please make it stop!" She screamed out through her sobs lost in the wrenching pain engulfing her, clouding her mind.
"That's it my darling, good girl, I'm here, all that you will ever need, I'm here for you always." The words seemed like cool water to the torturous fire raging though her body stirring another totally contrasting feeling starting in her soul and radiating out overtaking her senses completely. She was so suddenly thrust from the crushing pain into unbound bliss, passion unlike anything that she had ever felt.
Bella could feel his exquisite lips caressing her neck his tense hot skin against her bare flesh as she wrapped her body around him, pressing him into her, crying out filled with the intensity of pleasure and pain that thrust against her relentlessly. She could still feel the agony as if every nerve in her body were being torn to shreds only now that pain was adding itself to the ecstasy building at her core pushing her further towards her sexual high.
Bella tumbled uncontrollably through nothingness praying for death loathing the forced feelings of pleasure more than the pain as they claimed her body. She cried in anguish against the thrill of the climax coursing through her causing the throbbing pain and pleasure to dissolve leaving her gasping for her breath.
She lay for a long time sobbing quietly finally recovering enough strength to open her eyes slowly. Her vision was blurred but she could still sense the raw burn of the wound on her wrist only now the pain was superficial compared to the relief of the cool silent room and the comfort that was now settling over her tense body. She blinked trying desperately to make sense of what she was seeing as her vision cleared.
The Dark Lord sat staring down on her his hand warped tightly about her wrist as if nothing had happened. As Bella began to take in more of her surroundings her panic set in, nothing had happened! She sat up quickly in shock gazing down at herself still in her cloths which were clean with not even a droplet of blood marring the crisp fabric of her pants or the soft weave of her sweater. She looked to her Dark Lord who was sitting motionless in his black robes, assessing her bewildered face. Bella felt the heat of intense embarrassment rise to her skin wondering how much of the vision he had seen and feeling that if he had not been sitting there that she would have broken down after the draining experience.
She was looking in his eyes in confusion, lost in her own thoughts. Finally Voldemort stirred reaching forward to stroke her face gently.
"That was a completely unexpected reaction." He said, a smile forming on his face. Her heart pounded and Bella felt that she would be sick, her eyes rolling back from her dizziness at her exhaustion and humiliation. Voldimort caught her in her swoon her face falling to rest against his chest, he closed his eyes and breathed deeply allowing her a moment to collect herself.
"I'm so sorry." She said, sounding defeated, her eyes holding back tears of shame. Voldemort released her wrist for the first time to turn her face to look up into his pale stormy eyes.
"No Bella, don't ever be sorry." He said almost in a whisper, there was a new level of intimacy between them that had not existed before, Bella felt like she was one with him and strangely calmed by his presence. Bella knew that her vision had not really taken place but the Dark Lord had been there and the thoughts had not come from her own mind. Bella tried to quietly sort out her thoughts when the Dark Lord turned her wrist to face her.
She could not believe what she saw in the center of the soft pale skin at her wrist, it was the deep dark image of a perfect black star. As she focused her attention on the star for the first time, she could feel a surge of the powerful feelings of pain and pleasure shoot through her once again making her body shudder against her Dark Lord's chest. He also took a quick labored breath as if feeling the same reaction as she studied the star.
"It is your mark Bella." He said flatly letting his finger slip down to trace the skin surrounding it waking Bella's senses causing her to squirm in his arms.
"It's different from the others." She stated questioning the reason. Voldemort sighed and let a smooth laugh escape his lips.
"It marks you as my chosen one, you must learn to lead them now. I'm afraid it will not be easy but I know that you would never ever let me down. This is the greatest gift I could bestow on anyone Bella it will protect you and I will know if you are in danger. You will learn to use it over time." Voldemort said releasing Bella to stand with his back to her igniting the sky beyond the Jalis as if saying that there meeting was adjourned.
"I only hope that I am worthy of such a gift." Bella said distractedly as she continued to study the perfect dark shape that was beginning to fade into her skin.
"I hope so as well for the sake of you and your family." He laughed menacingly causing Bella to look up in worry not feeling at all confident.
"I'd like to know who stole your innocence Bella? I think I can be fairly sure that it was not Rodolphus and quite frankly I would not be the least bit interested aside from the fact that you are so set on hiding his identity from me. It makes me wonder why he is so important." He said turning to smile at her with a look of warning in his eyes.
"I hate secrets Bella especially when it is you who's keeping them from me. I seriously hope that you are not falling in love with this man because that would be a most unfortunate mistake." He stated sternly watching her for hints to her mind that was currently void of all thought.
"No my Lord I would not make such a mistake." She lied the strength returning to her voice as she held her head high as if in assurance of her false answer.
"Alright then…one last thing before you go…" He stepped easily to stand in front of Bella once again holding his own hand out to her palm up. Her eyes were drawn to a small black star in the flesh at the center of his palm were Voldemort had drawn his own blood. Bella glanced up to meet his now dark distrusting eyes confused as to the small marks meaning.
"I don't understand my Lord…" Bella shook her head her forehead crinkled.
"It's a black star…in the palm of my hand." He said smiling wickedly then glancing into his unmarked hand, "I have two hands to hold black stars." Bella's face went immediately pale feeling the betrayal of her master all over again but feigning continued confusion she began to answer but was cut off by his hand rising to quiet her.
"Just remember what I've said, now go before you are missed and cause me problems." He said with no feeling, striding back to his desk as if Bella had already left the room.
Bella woke with a jump from the violent and vivid scenes that had plagued her dreams, sitting up quickly she looked around her room trying to figure how long she had been asleep. She had returned from Kaala Mahal while the morning sun still hung low on the horizon feeling confused and overwhelmed by what had transpired between her and the Dark Lord. Bella found that by the time she reached the dorm room she was completely exhausted to the point that she could barley focus to remove her cloths as she crawled into her bed. She had awoken to find herself laying atop the covers of the ornately dressed bed still in the soft black sweater and her underwear
Allowing herself to drop back into her piles of velvety pillows she released a deep exhale, her hair sprawling in every direction as she breathed trying desperately to push the morning's events to the back of her mind. Judging by the small patch of sky that was visible through her window the day looked to be nearly over but not yet dusk, the time when she had promised to meet with Sirius. Bella's heart leapt at the thought of him but in the midst of her excitement she began to feel the pressing weight of guilt coupled with shame descending upon her.
Bella knew that although she had no intentions of acquiring the dark mark from her master when she had set out to request his assistance that Sirius would not understand the uncontrollable circumstances that she had fallen victim to. Thrusting her hand to her forehead she released another breath in frustration with herself.
"Everyone is right, you are such a stupid girl! What have you gotten yourself into?" Bella could feel her shame when she thought of Sirius as if it were attempting to suffocate her for being so unfaithful to her own heart. She winced thinking back on the nightmarish vision she had experienced while her Lord marked her as his own, just wanting the memories of all of it to disappear forever.
"If he ever finds out he'll hate me." She spoke again allowed to no one. Bella rolled over to curl into a ball letting her fingers trace the velvety creases of the pillows as she lost herself in thoughts of Sirius. It wasn't fair, all she wanted was to scream out his name so that he would come to her rescue, alas by bringing him into that arena of her life she was signing his death warrant and she refused to be the reason for his death or unhappiness.
"But I cannot be without him, not ever, it would destroy me." Bella could feel the hot tears rising to her eyes burning as they came and could hear her father's voice sounding stern in her ear. "You let those tears fall so easily that they stop meaning anything after a while." His voice sound so aloof and distant causing her throat to seize up as she tried to hold back against sobs that were threatening to spill forth at any moment.
"I have no one." Bella whispered steadying herself starring at the intricate pattern in the crystal Brandi decanter that was begging her to wash her sins away. A severe chill shot through Bella as she heard yet another voice ringing in her ears. "I'm here, all that you will ever need, I'm here for you always." She could feel his warm breath on her cheek as her master reassured her of his dedication. Bella lashed out at the air as if to push the ghostly whisperer away.
"Your lies and promises mean nothing!" She screamed, the tears now flowing freely from the corners of her eyes as she brought her hands up to hold her head willing her thoughts to stop. Bella focused on her breathing, clearing her mind of every stray thought, searching for silent tranquility even if only for a moment. Suddenly without realizing what she was doing she lifted the thick ring that Sirius had given to her to meet her lips as the sound of his voice crept into her mind causing her heart to pound but her rigid body to relax.
"I won't pretend that I'm not completely in love with you Bella, I can't just turn my back like nothing has happened. It would be far worse to live without you than any punishment that your Dark Lord could inflict upon me." Bella calmed immediately at the thought of Sirius' voice and she smiled through the tears still spilling from her eyes.
"I'm so glad that you are just as naive as I am." She laughed through the bitter tears, hating herself for everything she was.
Suddenly Bella's eyes stole over the small clock that sat on the bedside table showing her that sunset was nearing and she should get ready to meet with Sirius. She had so eagerly promised him that morning that she would meet him thinking at the time that it would be the highlight of her day. Now, as she looked toward the prospect of having to face him, she sat up quickly filling her glass twice and downing the thick amber colored liquor as if it were water.
Bella waited for the warmth to over take her chilled blood, and when it did not come quickly enough she urged it on with another drink letting the taste rest on her lips and burn as it rolled across her tongue. She then flew into action pulling on roomy dark gray pants that hung dangerously low about her hips leaving the legs to drag on the floor. Next she tugged a thin clingy red sweater over a long whit tank top which could be easily made out through the sweater covering it. Bella grabbed a black mink lined robe from her freestanding antique wardrobe and pulled it around her shoulders securing it with a thick silky black ribbon at her chest.
She had thought the robe pretentious when her father had given it to her, already baring the Slytherin crest before she had set out to Hogwarts, but at the moment Caesar Black was the only man she wanted to see or confide in. Bella hugged herself beneath robes feeling slightly dizzy as she built up the courage to throw open her door and venture out into the Slytherin dorms for the first time since she had been attacked by Rodolphus. She had stopped just before exiting her room expecting to find the whole of the Slytherin Quidditch team waiting for her on the other side of the door, her eyes falling upon the dark curved blade of her father's knife.
"Maybe it's time I started listening to you daddy." She said securing the clip to the waist of her pants at her back causing them to dip low under the weight of the blade. Bella pushed through the door into silence then closing her eyes and taking another deep breath as she again absently brought the ring to her lips she straightened her back and strode out into the hall. As she paced steadily out of the long gloomy stone hallway she began to hear the signs of her fellow housemates talking and laughing loudly in the common room. She took a quick jagged breath as two third year boys ran excitedly around the corner from the great room only to stop dead in there tracks upon seeing Bella. Both boys starred in amazement their jaws dropping then their little faces hardening as they regained their composure and stepped to each side as Bella breezed past.
"I wouldn't go out there if I were you." Sniggered one of the boys in a mocking tone as she went by catching his eye with her determined gaze. Bella faltered for a moment wanting to take the boy's advice but hearing her master's voice speak as if at her side. "You are not meant to fight them Bella, you are meant to control them." Bella's blood ran cold at hearing the voice of her master so close once again, causing her to spin around searching the hall making the two young boys jump not expecting her to turn on them. Bella let her gaze fall menacingly on them, her eyes wild from confusion and a smile curling her lips at there surprise, she could sense fear in them as a shark senses blood in water.
"You are not me." She laughed sounding wicked and looking beautifully evil as the black mink fur brushed her cheek in her hood's descent to her shoulders where it rested in a pile soft fabric and silky fur causing her to look like a dark queen. The boys stood struck by the insanity in her eyes and were unsure if she was trying to scare them or if it had really been a mistake to stop this chilling girl. Enjoying the reaction, Bella laughed again turning on her heals ready to meet her fate beyond the stone hallway her blood pulsing feverishly with the alcohol that she had consumed.
She peeked cautiously around the corner to look out on a rather full room of Slytherin students studying in groups at the thick wide tables, several smaller groups scattered throughout the room in many of the black leather chairs. She could feel the warmth of the raging fire in the huge serpent crowned fireplace as she stepped into the great room quickly attracting the attention of many of the studying students who fell immediately silent. Bella's heart began to race as her stomach fell but she remained strong not letting anyone see her fear as she met eyes with Rodolphus now standing to face her backed by the fire. The group of boys all rose to meet her eyes as well while she tried to will her body to move forward.
"Be brave my angel remember all that I have taught you for this is your test." Bella heard the words thunder in her head, it was as if some door in her mind had been left open and all of these thoughts kept flooding out making there way to the forefront of her mind.
"Clear out!" Lucius commanded the frozen onlookers who all hastily gathered their things and rushed from the large room. Rodolphus was letting his wicked smile dance on his lips as Bella began to close the distance between them.
"How kind of you to grace us with your presence Bella, we have been ever so worried as to what had become of you." Rodolphus spoke the words causing the group of boys to all begin smiling, their eyes tracing the lean line of her body and lingering on her partially exposed midriff.
"The art of deception is an ancient one Bella.
Thus when he seeks advantage, lure him.
When he is in chaos, take him.
When he is substantial, prepare against him.
When he is strong, avoid him.
When he is wrathful, harass him.
Attack where he is unprepared.
Emerge where he does not expect it.
Deception is key in any attack mental, magical, or physical." Her master's words rolled around her surprisingly clear mind, the lesson had never really made sense until just now as she faced those she would be forced to crush if she intended to command.
A smile played on her lips as she felt and relished the power of addressing them as her warriors for the first time, her regal head held high as she stepped around the large sofa so that there would be no barrier between her and her men. This action of removing the barriers caught them all off guard, the group of boys had been used to using that as a scare technique but to see this single small girl employ it in what seemed to be the same manor was more than a little unnerving. All of the boys shifted restlessly aside from Lucius and Rodolphus who stood unflinching at the head of the group as Bella approached, a smile gracing her small deceptively sweet face.
"I'm flattered at your concern gentlemen." Then raising one perfect dark brow in a lofty self-assured way, "If you can really be called gentle…or men." This caused uncomfortable laughter to issue from Warren and Antonin but made the looks on Lucius and Rodolphus' faces grow dim and unamused. Bella faked a sympathetic face lifting her delicate hand to gently caress Lucius cold smooth cheek.
"What's the matter? Don't like the implication that you are not quite the noble aristocrats that everyone believes you to be?" Lucius slapped Bella's hand away with one powerful strike to end her mockery. With lightning reflexes Bella thrust her hand forward to grasp Lucius' jaw roughly in one hand just as he had done to her during their last confrontation.
"Yes well, that's about as close as you get with a Malfoy, is it not?" Bella spat these words up at the tall form of Lucius who stood several inches above her, her grip so tight on his face that her fingers dug into his soft flesh. The boys stood in shock for a moment at Bella's brash actions but as her scowl once again formed into a crazed evil grin she could feel the tension build among them and knew that they would attack.
Bella threw her hand out in the air stopping the group as they began to converge on her, then with a hateful thrust she pushed Lucius' face back taunting him, hopping to lure him into a fight. Bella's blood ran hot from the power of the drink as well as a new power that seemed to flow in conjunction with her adrenaline sending a feeling akin to rage flooding through her.
"You disgust me Lucius, your only job is to guard your master's interests and you cannot even take care of that simple task effectively." Bella's eyes were narrowed and that faint light was beginning to become noticeable in her light green irises.
"I've heard no complaints from my Lord." Lucius grinned rubbing his jaw now slightly amused at Bella's audacity.
"My Dark Lord does not complain Lucius, he finds weakness and snuffs it out. And after my little report to him this morning…well lets just say that the only interest that you need to be concerned with guarding is me." Bella paused to bask for a moment in the stricken faces about her and then continued smirking in confidence knowing that she had their attention.
"With that said, I'll see you all at diner…oh yes, and I will expect to return to my dorm room this evening undisturbed." She let her gaze fall on Rodolphus turning her nose up slightly as she did. "Is this understood?" She asked directly to Rodolphus who did not answer glaring at her in a way that might have struck fear in others but just caused Bella return his hateful look.
"I'll take that as a yes." Bella said as she pushed a clearing through the middle of the group heading out of the common room feeling thoroughly proud of her courage and unable to hide a huge brilliant smile.
"Look at her, there she goes a coward hiding behind the Dark Lord…just like her father." Bella's smile was immediately chased from her face at the words, she had not seen who had said them but she knew it was a statement that only would have come from a Lestrange. She stopped and turned, her eyes ablaze with unnatural light as a fierce feeling of rage pulsed through her veins burning as it flowed. The same feeling came to her that she had experienced when her blood had been mingled with the Dark Lord's only this time the firey pain was heading towards the suddenly vibrant mark on her wrist.
This time Bella didn't scream as she stood letting the pain roll over her and out of her, instead she floated dreamlike allowing the mark to seek her revenge as she closed her eyes searching out the pleasure hidden with in the agony. Bella drifted in a trance until she felt her soul being pulled back to the earth. She slowly let her eyes flutter open only to find that she stood gazing over sea of kneeling bodies heads all bowed as if in reverent prayer to an idol. Bella's heart began to pound as she started to realize that she was the idol and that the room was full not just with the boys which she had been dealing with but several more had joined the odd worship.
Bella's senses began to reel as the feeling began to return to her body causing nerve endings to come alive with the prickling sensation associated with loss of blood pressure. She looked down to her hands only to see an equally confusing sight. Kneeling at her feet were both Lucius and Rodolphus each holding one of her hands their foreheads pressed lightly to the back of each hand whispering a prayer like incantation that seemed to be bringing her back from where ever she had been. Both boys looked up to gaze into Bella's now calmed eyes causing calculated menacing smiles to form on their faces.
In panic Bella threw off their hands and turned to run out of the portrait hole swinging the door wide to step into a sea of Slytherins that had been originally thrown out of the common room by Lucius. Caught completely off guard by the unexpected crowd Bella stepped lightly pretending as if nothing had happened as the students all gawked at her probably not expecting for her to have ever made it out of the common room. This brought a smile to Bella's stressed face as she glided up the steps and away from the dungeons.
