x-x
Rodolphus arrived by eleven the next morning. He stared at her as he walked towards her, his eyes drifting down to her feet. He looked back up to her with raised eyebrows as he noticed she was not wearing any shoes at all.
"Miss Black," he said, kissing her hand again. She felt his tongue against her fingers, and as he straightened she could see the look of desire in his eyes.
"Mr Lestrange," Bellatrix replied, smirking at him. "My Father wishes to speak to you in his study."
"Of course," Rodolphus responded, nodding coolly. "Perhaps he has some good news for me." He raised his eyebrows at her again, following her down the corridor.
"Perhaps," Bellatrix replied, opening the door for him with a grin.
"Ah, Rodolphus…" she heard her Father say as Rodolphus entered the room. Rodolphus turned around, smirking at her as he shut the door.
Bellatrix leant against the wall, smirking to herself. She summoned her shoes to her, carefully putting them on. They were actually lower than the ones from last night, but he had specified he wanted her in them the next time they were out. She was excited that she had another opportunity to wind him up; there was something very satisfying about it.
Narcissa came around the corner, frowning as she saw her sister there. "Are you in disgrace?" she asked, slightly unsure of herself.
"No," Bellatrix responded, moving them away from the door. "Rodolphus is in there asking if we might be married before I return to school."
Narcissa gasped. "Oh, Bellatrix! How wonderful! I wish Lucius would make such a grand gesture."
"I don't know why he doesn't," Bellatrix replied, frowning. "You are perfect for each other."
"Is Rodolphus what you thought he would be?" Narcissa asked.
Bellatrix shrugged. "He's attractive, intelligent and has good blood."
"There must be more than that, if he will not wait for you," Narcissa replied.
"Well…" Bellatrix smiled. "He's very attractive." The door behind them opened and Rodolphus came out. Narcissa giggled softly behind her hand as she saw him. Bellatrix bit her lip, knowing he wouldn't like to think they were talking about him. "Mr Lestrange, this is my sister Narcissa," Bellatrix said. "She is betrothed to Lucius."
Rodolphus nodded, not replying. Bellatrix hadn't really expected him to. He wasn't charming; he was no interested in charming anyone. "Do you want to come with me for lunch?" he asked abruptly. "Then Rabastan is coming over for dinner. You could meet him."
"Is that agreed with my Father?" she asked him.
"Of course, Miss Black," Rodolphus replied, his tone slightly cold again. She thought that perhaps he didn't like the fact she still had to have her Father's permission for everything.
"Er, well, I.." She glanced at Narcissa for a moment, who seemed more composed now. "I have to get my things, perhaps I can meet you outside in a moment?"
Rodolphus shot her a look of calculation, before nodding and heading outside. Narcissa giggled again. "Bellatrix, he is so handsome!" she said, following Bellatrix up the stairs.
"I know!" Bellatrix replied, grinning.
"He doesn't say very much though."
Bellatrix entered her bedroom, grabbing her handbag and putting her wand into it. Then she picked up a handful of gold, shoving that in as well. "I don't mind that," she said softly. She hurried from the room, not wanting to keep him waiting. "See you tonight, Cissa," she called over her shoulder.
She stepped out of the front door, noticing him stood with a cigarette in his hand. "Ready?" he asked, staring at her shoes. "You don't look ready."
Bellatrix rolled her eyes. "Come on." She headed down the garden path, hearing him following her. Then as they reached the apparation point, he put the cigarette out and grabbed her wrist, disapparating them away.
The reappeared inside of his house, where he let go of her quickly and headed into a different room. As she followed him, she realised it was his study. He opened a drawer, pulling out some strange looking coins. "What is that?" she asked.
"French money," he said, looking up at her. "I'm not going to lunch with you looking like that."
Bellatrix glanced down at herself, before looking back up at him with a smile. "Which bit don't you like?" she asked.
Rodolphus slammed the drawer shut, moving closer to her. "Your shoes and robes," he snapped, grabbing her hair and pulling her into a rough kiss. "I told you what I like, Bellatrix."
"You told me which shoes you like," Bellatrix replied, grinning, loving how much she'd wound him up.
"I expect you to look your best, at all times," he informed her, hitching up her robes and thrusting his fingers inside of her. Bellatrix gasped, moaning at the sensation. She reached out, fingering his waistband. He batted her hands away with his free hand, moving backwards and slamming her against the wall. "Last night, when I got home, I wanked myself into a frenzy. I could not come."
Bellatrix laughed. "Is that why you're so irritable?"
He grabbed her face with his free hand, moving his fingers roughly inside of her. "Do not mock me," he said, letting go so he could unbuckle his belt. Bellatrix watched in interest as he pulled his cock out of his pants, her eyes wide. It really was huge; she could hardly believe that had fitted inside of her. She took his length in her hand, running it up and down.
"Can I suck it?" she asked, feeling him insert another finger into her.
"Isn't that what whores are for?" he asked, moving forwards and rubbing himself on her.
Bellatrix moaned as his fingers curled inside of her. "I don't know," she replied, squeezing him. Rodolphus grunted, pulling his fingers out of her and slamming his length inside of her. He thrust a couple of times, his hand reaching around and slapping the underside of her arse. Bellatrix came undone, leaning forwards to rest her head on his shoulder. He continued to move, and before long Bellatrix could feel him tense beneath her. She pulled back, looking up at his face, pleased to see he looked a lot more relaxed. "Better?" she asked him, her voice soft.
Rodolphus nodded, stepped back from her and putting himself away. Bellatrix pulled out her wand and murmured some cleaning spells, watching him carefully as she did. "None of my shoes were higher," she said, after a moment.
He looked up at her. "It's alright. I shouldn't be too pushy with you."
"So you'll take me shopping?"
Rodolphus came closer and kissed her again. "Yes," he said, squeezing her gently to him. "I like your robes really."
Bellatrix smiled up at him. "I didn't see how you couldn't," she replied, looking down. They were actually tighter fitting than the ones from last night and complimentary to her skin tone in a shade of deep red. "I have a feeling you'll like what is underneath them, too."
Rodolphus stared at her, shaking his head. "I'm not sure my cock can keep up with you."
Bellatrix laughed. "I'm sure it can, darling." She leant forwards, kissing him again. "You're not that much older than me."
"No." He gazed at her hungrily for a moment, before tilting his head back. "Do you want to see the rest of the house?" he asked, taking her hand and leading her from the room.
"I'm sure you'll give me a guided tour soon," Bellatrix replied, her eyes on his arse. It was very sexy.
"Yep," he replied, turning to face her. He ran a finger down her cheek, his dark gaze on her own. Bellatrix tilted her head, taking his finger into her mouth and biting it. He smirked, shaking his head slightly. "Bad girl," he said, although he didn't look very upset. He put his arm around her, disapparating them.
Bellatrix was so excited when they reappeared. She could hear a different language being spoken, and she could tell they were not in England because of a change of temperature.
"Welcome to la Rue de Sorcière," he murmured, and Bellatrix felt her heart flutter a bit at his deep voice speaking in French. "This is a street you'll like," he continued, taking her hand and walking straight ahead. He pulled her to the left slightly, opening the door to one of the shops. Bellatrix was instantly struck at how beautiful all of the clothes were, and she found herself staring at a beautiful purple robe.
"Ah, bonjour Monsieur Lestrange," she heard a female voice call. Bellatrix turned and noticed an older woman with greying hair coming towards them.
"Bonjour Madame Sylvie," Rodolphus responded, smiling slightly at her. "Êtes-vous bien?"
"Occupé," she replied.
"This is my fiancée, Bellatrix Black," Rodolphus said, continuing in English.
"Enchanté," Sylvie said, stepping closer to Bellatrix. "Elle est belle."
Rodolphus chuckled. "Yep," he replied, smirking at Bellatrix. "She can have whatever she wants." He took a step away, glancing over his shoulder at her. "I need some new robes as well. I've expanded." Then he turned and was walking up some steps, to what Bellatrix assumed was the men's section.
"I'm afraid I don't speak French," Bellatrix said, smiling apologetically.
"I am sure Monsieur will teach you," Sylvie replied, smiling. She picked the purple robes Bellatrix had been staring at up. "These are perfect for you. So beautiful…" She hung them up on the peg in the dressing room, watching as Bellatrix walked around.
"Has Rodolphus brought other women here?" she asked, trying to keep her tone light.
"Only one," Sylvie replied. Bellatrix looked over her shoulder at her, frowning. "His Maman, many years ago now. He was a young boy."
Bellatrix nodded, understanding now. "What was she like?"
"Quiet," Sylvie responded. "Belle. Married to a man older than her, forced to live in a strange country."
"Was she English?" Bellatrix asked.
"Oui. Monsieur's Père was not such a kind man." Sylvie waved her hand dismissively, but Bellatrix suddenly understood why Rodolphus didn't want to talk about it just yet. "Ah, ce!" Sylvie said suddenly. Bellatrix could see a set of dark green robes in Sylvie's arms. "Très belle." Bellatrix nodded in agreement.
"Have you got any shoes?" she asked. Sylvie nodded, leading her into a second room. Bellatrix gasped, the walls were just filled with shoes.
"Size?"
"Four," Bellatrix said. "Rodolphus likes high heels."
Sylvie laughed. "Zee men all do," she responded. "Which ones do you like?"
"All of them," Bellatrix replied, laughing softly. She spotted a pair in the same purple as the robes and pointed them out. They zoomed into Bellatrix's hands, and she instantly knew they were perfect. She spotted another pair, with very high and thin heels, black with a red bottom.
"Ah, le Christian Louboutin," Sylvie said. "How do you say… Non magical?"
"Muggle?" Bellatrix asked, frowning.
"Oui," Sylvie replied, nodding. "Muggle made shoes."
Bellatrix paused, unsure of what to do. "They're so sexy," she murmured.
"Oui," Sylvie said, laughing. "Many French witches wear them."
"Oui, then," Bellatrix said, laughing back. "I'll need some boots."
Sylvie nodded, raising her hand and summoning a pair. "These?" she asked, handing them to Bellatrix. They were black suede, knee length and laced up the front. Bellatrix tilted her head to look and the heel and thought they must be at least five inches tall.
"Oui," Bellatrix replied. She glanced up, hearing Rodolphus coming down the stairs. She quickly handed them back to Sylvie, not quite ready for Rodolphus to see what she had chosen yet, and went to see him.
"I'm going to another shop," he said abruptly, looking at her carefully. "Tell Sylvie I'll take the robes hanging up."
Bellatrix nodded. "Is there anything you wanted me to get?" she asked him softly.
Rodolphus shrugged. "Whatever you want. Buy the whole shop if it pleases you."
"Thank you," Bellatrix said, smiling slightly. "You're very kind."
Rodolphus shook his head a little bit, before turning and leaving the shop. Bellatrix sighed lightly; he did seem a little bit uncomfortable and his abruptness seemed to be his way of coping. She hoped he would relax a little more around her soon. "Sylvie," Bellatrix called. "Have you anything to match my ring?"
Sylvie stepped into the room, her arms filled with shoes. She took one look at Bellatrix's finger and smiled. "Oui!" she said. "Madame Lestrange's ring! Très approprié." She rummaged around on one of the hangers, before pulling out a beautiful dress robe. It was midnight blue, spangled with tiny silver shiny crystals.
"Perfect," Bellatrix replied, smiling. She fingered the material, seeing it was silk. Sylvie had rushed into the other room, and emerged a moment later with another pair of shoes. They were dark blue shoes with a platform and were also strewn with tiny silver crystals. "Rodolphus said he'll take what is hanging up," she said, after a moment.
"Of course," Sylvie murmured, nodding slightly. "I will have all of this sent to his home. I will package your things up tight, so you can reveal them to him in good time."
"Merci," Bellatrix replied, suddenly distracted by a wedding boutique across the street. There was a gorgeous silk gown in the front of the window. "If… Rodolphus comes back, would you tell him I'm in that shop?" she said, beckoning. Sylvie nodded. "Au Revior," Bellatrix said, waving as she left. She crossed the street, glad that she couldn't see Rodolphus. As she entered the boutique, she knew that she needed that dress.
"Bonjour," she said, noticing a very beautiful blonde woman. "Do you speak English?"
"Of course," the woman replied, slightly snappily. "How can I help?"
"The dress in the window," Bellatrix said. "Could I try it?"
The woman rolled her eyes, but with the help of her colleague they soon had it hanging in the dressing room for Bellatrix to try. As soon as she tried it, she knew it was perfect. The silk clung to her figure and fanned out into a long train. It had a low back and was of a dark ivory colour. One of the women pulled out a long lace veil and pinned that into her hair.
"It looks beautiful," the second woman said, her voice hushed.
"Do you think you could have it sent to my parents house?" she asked. "You can charge it to Rodolphus Lestrange."
The blonde woman instantly looked up at her, and Bellatrix could see her expression was suddenly not as cold. "Lestrange?" she asked.
"Oui," Bellatrix replied, raising her eyebrows. "My intended."
"We can do anything for you, Mademoiselle," she said, suddenly friendly. "Anything. What is the address?"
Bellatrix told her, whilst changing out of the dress. She hoped her Mother would approve. When she was changed, she glanced out of the window and noticed Rodolphus stood outside the shop, smoking. She smiled. "Merci," she called to the women as she left the shop.
Rodolphus watched her approaching him. "Got a wedding dress?" he asked, raising his eyebrows.
"Yes," Bellatrix replied, taking his hand. "You seem rather well known around here."
Rodolphus scowled. "My father was," he said shortly. "Where do you want to go for lunch?"
"Anywhere you want," Bellatrix replied, wishing that she hadn't suggested he bring her here. Apparently there were lots of memories.
"We'll go home," he said, stopping where he was and putting his arm around her to disapparate them. Bellatrix stumbled slightly as they apparated into his house, feeling like he might have let her go to early. He pressed a bell on the door, and Bellatrix assumed it was to tell the elves that they would require lunch. Then he led her up the stairs and into the first room ahead of them. "This is the informal dining room," he said, sitting himself down. "Pour me a drink, please."
Bellatrix noticed the cabinet in the corner, and crossed the room hastily to get him a whiskey. She turned to look at him, placing it in front of him, before pressing her hands onto his shoulders and kissing the top of his head. He swallowed it in one, and Bellatrix was a bit stung at his behaviour. "Rodolphus," she murmured. "Please don't shut me out."
Rodolphus looked up at her, his eyes softening slightly. "Come and sit," he said, and Bellatrix plonked herself into his lap. He looked surprised, but then slightly pleased. "I would appreciate it if you could try not to mention where we have been to my brother," he said after a moment. "I'd rather not tell you about my family history just yet."
Bellatrix smiled, kissing him briefly. "Of course," she replied, nodding.
"It is not something we talk of," he said, shaking his head.
"Why don't you tell me about what you do for the Dark Lord?" Bellatrix said, running her fingers through his short hair.
Rodolphus chuckled. "To be frank, I kill people for him," he said, smirking at her. "Sometimes because they've wronged him, sometimes because he is suspicious of them, and other times just because I can."
"I can't wait to meet him," Bellatrix responded. "I hope he will be impressed by me."
"He's away at the moment," Rodolphus said. "I think he'll be a while, so he might not be at our wedding." He paused. "Bella, he's never marked a woman before, please don't get your hopes up."
"You'll tell him about me thought, won't you?" she pressed.
"I will," Rodolphus replied, smiling slightly.
"Is Rabastan a Death Eater too?" she asked him.
"Yes," Rodolphus replied. "Rab is four years younger than me and has only recently joined. He needs a bit of practice." He shifted slightly. "Food is here."
Bellatrix sat in the chair next to him, seeing two huge prawn sandwiches on the table with a mixed salad. "Wow," she said, taking a bite. "I'm going to like living here."
"It's going to take me a while to get used to that," Rodolphus replied, eating his sandwich as well. "I've lived here for eight years by myself."
"Haven't you had a girlfriend?" Bellatrix asked him, interested.
"I've had a series of fucks," he replied, smirking.
"Well, I'm thankful for them," Bellatrix replied. "You're amazing in that department." She sat back, finished with her sandwich.
"How many have you fucked?" he asked her, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"Three," Bellatrix replied, standing up and getting him another drink. She poured herself one too. As she set the glass down in front of him, she slid her arm around his neck. "But only one man." She pressed a kiss against his cheek, before pulling back to drink the whiskey.
"I don't like it," Rodolphus said shortly.
"Would you have preferred a virgin?" Bellatrix asked, smirking.
"Not necessarily," Rodolphus responded. "I'd just like to see the three of them dead before me."
Bellatrix laughed. "What shall we do this afternoon?"
Rodolphus smiled at her, his eyes alight once again. "Well, you've yet to see our bedroom," he responded, standing up.
Bellatrix stood up too, following him from the room. They walked up another staircase, and down a twisting corridor. Rodolphus opened the door to a huge room, with light streaming in through large windows. There was a four-poster bed by the far wall with two big wardrobes on either side. Bellatrix instantly noticed several packages on the sofa at the end of the bed, and she knew they were from Sylvie. She headed towards them, knowing what she wanted to show him first.
"Shut your eyes a minute," she said, looking over her shoulder at him.
"Why?"
"Trust me," Bellatrix replied, and she saw him turn away and look out of the window. With one arm tugging her robes off, Bellatrix found the package containing the muggle made shoes and she quickly slipped them onto her feet. She was amazed at how comfortable they were. She turned and admired herself in the mirror for a moment, pulling her hair forwards. She was wearing a black corset with a tiny set of panties, complete with stockings and suspenders. She knew it was going to make him crazy.
Slowly, she walked towards him, pressing her hands on his back. "You can look now," she said after a moment.
Rodolphus turned around, looking her up and down. He swallowed, and Bellatrix thought it almost sounded like a gulp. "Fuck," he said, staring at her. "Those shoes…" He took a step closer.
"Do you have a foot fetish or something?" Bellatrix asked him, smirking.
"Not before I met you," he said, pulling her into his arms. Bellatrix tugged at his robes. Taking the hint, Rodolphus pulled back and yanked the robes over his head. Bellatrix started to unbuckle his belt, eager to see all of him once again. "No," Rodolphus said, grabbing both her wrists and pulling them upwards. He pulled her forwards, towards the bed, and pushed her onto it.
"Why?" Bellatrix whined, looking up at him.
"I'm in charge," he said, his voice deep. "Get those knickers off and I'll see what you deserve." Bellatrix grinned, unclipping her suspenders so she could pull them off. She made sure he could see everything as she did so. "I didn't think English ladies with pure blood behaved in this way," he said, watching her. She threw her knickers at him, pleased to see him smile as he caught them. He tossed them to the ground.
"At least one of them does," she replied, resting her head on one of the pillows on the bed. Rodolphus lay on top of her, and Bellatrix was happy to feel his warm skin against hers. He kissed her gently on the lips to start with, but soon he was rougher, his teeth catching her bottom lip. He pulled back, looking down at her. "Don't stop," she murmured. He kissed her again, but this time one of his hands was on her leg. Suddenly, he was off her and had pushed her over onto her front. He slid of the bed, pulling her legs around so she was bent over the bed. "What are you doing?" she asked, looking over her shoulder at him.
His hands were at his belt, unbuckling it. His eyes were fixed firmly on her. "This is my favourite position to look at you in," he said quietly. "I can see everything I like best about you."
Bellatrix moaned slightly as she saw him removing his trousers. His thick member was released as he pulled his boxers down, and Bellatrix found she had to look away. "Please let me suck you," she said pleadingly.
She jumped as he spanked her. "You don't own me, Bellatrix," he growled, rubbing himself between her cheeks. "I own you."
Bellatrix moaned again, there was something very sexy about being owned by him. "You do," she agreed, as he hit her again. "Rodolphus…"
He grabbed a handful of her hair, forcing her to arch her back. He leant down, his tongue licking the shell of her ear. "What?" he asked, his voice dark.
"I can be your wife and your whore," she found herself saying. Something dark within her had awoken and she needed him to consume her. She didn't think she could ever be without him again.
His grip on her hair tightened. "Do you think that little mouth of yours can please me?" he asked roughly, scraping his teeth down her neck. "Do you think I will stop because you don't like it?"
Bellatrix groaned, arching her back in the hope that she would find some friction. "No," she replied, shaking her head.
"No?" he growled in her ear. "I do not stop for my whores when they beg me to," he said, releasing his hold on her hair and plucking at the laces of her corset. Bellatrix could hear him pulling the ribbon at the bottom of it out from its bow and for a moment, she could not breathe. He'd pulled the laces tighter. Then he released it, pulling the laces out and freeing her from the confines of it. "You will wear a corset every day," he growled. "I will see to it, every morning, that you are trussed up into it. And I will decide how tight you will wear it, depending on how you have behaved."
Bellatrix knew that if she had been wearing knickers right now, that they would be ruined. She could feel her entire core pulsating in desire. "Yes," she replied, still breathless, thinking about how wonderful married life was going to be with him. She felt him remove the corset from around her, and he threw it across the room. He spanked her a few more times.
"I could feel it through your robes, earlier," he said, rubbing the head of his cock up and down her arse cheeks. "This morning I bought you more of them. I will expect you to present yourself to me every morning, naked, with a corset ready."
Bellatrix moaned as he slid a finger into her, but it was his words that were making her hottest for him. She knew they were not empty threats. He inserted more fingers, curling them within her. She arched her back again, trying to reach him. "Rodolphus, please," she said, turning her head to look at him. She could see his dark eyes alight with desire.
"Tell me what you want," he demanded, removing his fingers and pressing them into her arse cheeks. He ran one hand down the length of her spine, and Bellatrix shivered. There was a heavy feeling in the pit of her stomach.
"I want you to fuck me," she replied, turning back around and grabbing the bed sheets with her fists.
With another growl, he pushed himself into her. Bellatrix cried out, grabbing the sheets even tighter. He felt amazing inside of her. After all of the foreplay, she felt herself tightening around him very quickly. He grunted, putting his hands under her hips and lifting her up slightly to get deeper access. Bellatrix moaned, resting her head on her hands for a moment as he pounded in and out of her. It wasn't long before he came, bending over her and moaned deeply into her ear.
Bellatrix collapsed over the bed, her legs dangling over the edge. "Fuck," she mumbled, rolling over and pulling him down next to him. She looked at him, seeing he was grinning through his pants.
"No woman has ever made me come that quickly," he said, one hand toying absently with her leg.
She sat up, leaning over him and kissing him. She smiled down at him, pleased to see that he looked very happy. "So you definitely want to marry me?" she said, pressing a kiss against his cheek.
Rodolphus caught her cheek in his hand, pulling her in for another kiss on the lips. "Definitely," he responded, watching her carefully.
Bellatrix trailed her fingers down his six-pack, tracing the lines in between each muscle. "What did my father say to you this morning?"
"They're going to sort everything out today," Rodolphus replied.
"Why did you decide to pursue me?" she asked him, frowning slightly.
Rodolphus tilted his head up to look at her. "Why wouldn't I pursue a Black?" he asked, smirking slightly. Bellatrix glared at him for a moment, and he laughed. "To start with, Malfoy kept complaining about you, so I thought maybe I would like you." Bellatrix had to laugh at that. She was glad Rodolphus shared her feelings on Lucius. "Your Mother actually started the conversation, I reckon she had her eye on my money."
Bellatrix snorted. "Why doesn't that surprise me?"
"Your father wasn't so sure, actually," he said, laying his head back down. "But you're his favourite, so he wouldn't be."
"I've persuaded him now," she said, smirking. "He said you are more considerate than Lucius."
Rodolphus chuckled. "Am I saving you from becoming a Malfoy?"
"No," Bellatrix replied, grimacing. "He and Narcissa have been betrothed for ages, it was always going to be her. She's more placid than I am."
"But you're easy to pacify," Rodolphus replied, running one hand through her curls. "All you needed was a big cock."
Bellatrix laughed, pressing a kiss on his shoulder. "You've tamed me," she said, looking up at him. "How do I tame you?"
Rodolphus sat up, looking down at her. "You don't," he said, smirking down at her.
Bellatrix sat up as well, shifting closer to him. "I think I can," she said, leaning her chin on his shoulder. "By our first anniversary, I will have worked out everything about you."
Rodolphus stood up, stretching out. Bellatrix could see his back muscles flexing and a happy sigh left her lips. He glanced over his shoulder at her. "I'm going for a bath. Want to join?"
"Do you have bubbles?" she asked, smirking.
"I'm not even answering that," he said, heading into the bathroom. She could hear running water and decided that she definitely did want to join him, just for another peek at his body.
x-x
Bellatrix was looking at herself in the mirror again. Rodolphus had told her he wanted her to look amazing for their dinner with Rabastan, as he wanted his younger brother to be jealous of him. Bellatrix found this funny, but she wasn't sure she wanted to disobey him. She'd stuck with the dark green robes from earlier in the day, with the muggle shoes that Rodolphus had definitely enjoyed.
As she descended the stairs, she could hear voices coming from a room she hadn't been in before. It was next to the informal dining room, and as she entered she could see it was a bigger sitting room. Rodolphus had his usual whiskey in his hand, and they both had cigarettes.
Rabastan was the complete opposite to his brother in looks. Where Rodolphus had dark eyes, Rabastan had blue, and he was much smaller and shorter than Rodolphus.
"Hello," Bellatrix said, smiling confidently at Rabastan.
"Hi," Rabastan said, stepping closer. He pressed a kiss on each of her cheeks, and out of the corner of her eye, Bellatrix could see Rodolphus watching carefully.
"Would you like a drink, Bellatrix?" Rodolphus asked, looking her up and down. "I had the house elves get you some wine." He beckoned to a few different bottles on the table.
"Thank you," Bellatrix replied, leaning over to examine them. She picked up the merlot, pouring herself a glass. "Do you drink wine, Rabastan?" she asked.
"No," Rabastan responded, holding up his glass of whiskey.
"I'm amazed you don't, being as you are half French," she said, smiling slightly.
Rodolphus's expression darkened, and he lit himself another cigarette. Rabastan frowned down at his glass, and Bellatrix wondered what she had said to cause offence. She looked back to Rodolphus, who was glaring at her.
"What is for dinner?" she asked hastily, hoping to break the awkward silence.
"Lamb," Rodolphus replied shortly. Bellatrix moved towards him, taking a cigarette from the packet next to him and lighting it.
"Lovely," Bellatrix replied, inhaling the smoke deeply. "And maybe there will be some sort of civilised dessert?"
Rodolphus cracked a smile. "We've not had much success there so far."
Rabastan was watching them carefully. "Have you two fucked?" he asked, frowning.
Bellatrix laughed, looking at Rodolphus who was kind of smirking. "Before our wedding night?" Bellatrix asked sarcastically. "How insulting."
Rabastan was grinning. "I know my brother, Bellatrix."
"But you don't know me," Bellatrix responded, smirking back.
"I think you're way out of my brother's league," Rabastan said, still grinning at Rodolphus.
"I think it's only right that the good looking brother got the good looking wife," Rodolphus replied, smiling in a way Bellatrix hadn't seen him smile before.
Rabastan laughed. "Yeh, you're right there."
"You're married?" Bellatrix asked, frowning slightly.
"Been married for two years now," Rabastan replied, nodding.
"Where is she tonight?"
Rabastan exchanged a glance with Rodolphus. "She's… not very social."
Bellatrix felt like she was missing something once again, but she didn't comment on it.
"Rodolphus was telling me you will be married in the next couple of weeks," Rabastan said, after a moment.
"Yes," Bellatrix replied. "The planning will be left to my mother, who will certainly ensure no detail is missed." She took a long sip on her wine, knowing that her mother was going to be a nightmare when she got home.
"Let's eat," Rodolphus said, grabbing her hand and leading her into the next room. Bellatrix looked up at him, noticing his slightly cold expression. She didn't understand him, and that made her slightly nervous. The meal passed, Bellatrix was very careful not to ask too much about their younger years or about Rabastan's wife. She mostly listened to their conversation and laughed when they did.
Just before ten, Rodolphus decided it was time to take her home. She said goodbye to Rabastan, and allowed Rodolphus to apparate her home.
"Thank you for a lovely day," she said quietly, kissing him briefly on the cheek.
Rodolphus nodded at her. "Let me know if they've decided on a date."
Bellatrix looked up at him. "Do you not mind that they've taken our wedding over?" she asked, frowning.
"No," Rodolphus responded, looking down at her. "You've got the best blood in the country. Why would I care how we get married?"
Bellatrix forced a smile to her lips, trying not to feel stung that he didn't seem to care. "Of course," she replied. "Goodnight, Rodolphus."
"Night," he said, turning away from her. Bellatrix watched as he headed back down the garden, unable to believe he hadn't even given her a kiss goodbye. Only when she'd heard the crack of disapparation did she open the front door, taking a deep breath in an attempt to steady herself.
She entered the upstairs sitting room, seeing her mother and father there.
Druella glared at her. "You've been drinking," she snapped.
Bellatrix nodded. "Yes, Mother. Rodolphus bought me some wine especially, I could hardly have refused it."
"We have decided that you will be married next weekend. This gives us a week. I have today sent out the invitations." Druella smiled slightly. "I am pleased you are to become the next Madam Lestrange," she said. "You will have many strong children by him."
Bellatrix smiled slightly, knowing her mother only thought of one thing. "Well, goodnight," she said, withdrawing from the room and heading up the stairs to her bedroom. The smile on her face dropped. For the first time, she was doubtful that she was doing the right thing. Unfortunately, it was too late now.