It was the day of the wedding. Bellatrix didn't think she'd ever been so nervous in her life, although she knew that the source of these nerves was not the room full of people staring at her.
She'd been left alone in her room with only her mother for company. Druella was attaching the veil to her hair. "I would explain to you what to expect tonight, but I suspect you already know."
Bellatrix looked up to the mirror, seeing her mother's smirking expression. "This isn't nineteen-forty anymore, Mother," she responded.
"Well," Druella said, pulling away. "Good luck keeping Lestrange loyal to you."
Bellatrix stood up, turning to face Druella. "Thank you for your support," she said shortly, brushing past her and heading down the stairs. She never understood why her mother insisted on being so horrible to her, but she found that she didn't actually care at that moment.
As she walked down the stairs, she contemplated on the week that had just passed. She hadn't seen Rodolphus since her dinner with Rabastan, and it worried her that she didn't mind that. She was about to spend the rest of her life with this man.
Rodolphus had checked over the guest list. That was where his input to the whole day ended. Druella was perfectly happy with that, and Bellatrix was happy with keeping her busy.
Her father was waiting at the bottom of the stairs for her. "You look beautiful," he said, kissing her on the cheek. He looked at her face. "But you're not happy?"
Bellatrix shrugged. "It's a great match, Father," she said softly.
Cygnus nodded. "It is," he replied.
She looked towards the doors, knowing that the guests and her husband to be where all waiting behind them. She could hear Narcissa, Andromeda and Druella coming down the stairs. She looked down at her bouquet and sighed quietly. This had been of her making. She was going to have to face it and make the best of the situation.
"I will go around to the side door to sit down," Druella said. "Behave yourself, girls."
Bellatrix rolled her eyes as she watched Druella walk away. Narcissa handed her a bouquet of roses, red and ivory, and took her place next to Andromeda in front of Bellatrix and her father.
The doors opened, the music played, and Bellatrix could see everyone standing, and then craning their necks to get a good look at them. Narcissa and Andromeda stepped down the aisle created first, and then Bellatrix and her father moved forwards too.
She fixed her face into a small smile as they moved closer and closer to Bellatrix's fate. She could see Rodolphus looking at her, unsmilingly, and she did feel her stomach lurch slightly. He was very good looking, and perhaps he would warm up a bit once they were settled. She smiled a bit more as she reached him.
Throughout the ceremony, she carefully studied him. He was very serious and didn't smile once. He spoke his vows quietly, looking through slightly narrowed eyes at her. Bellatrix began to feel more and more nervous as the ceremony progressed – and quite suddenly the ministry official had proclaimed them married. Bellatrix noticed his gaze had intensified as he was told he could kiss her, and she was surprised that he only kissed her on the cheek.
She could feel herself shaking as they walked back down the aisle. That was it – she was now married to him and completely at his mercy. As a woman, she was powerless. She had to do what he told her. Growing up, Druella had not wasted any time teaching her daughters that. It was the pureblood tradition – it was their law.
Rodolphus led her into the parlour, where they were alone. "We've got five minutes," he said, his voice quiet. "Your mother said we could come in here while everyone else went into lunch."
Bellatrix nodded, sitting down and studying her new ring. It was a plain platinum band, but it looked nice with the emerald engagement ring.
"She's a piece of work," he said, after a moment. "You'd better not end up like her." Slightly surprised, Bellatrix looked up at him. She had nothing to say to that though, so she thought it best to keep quiet. "Is there anything to drink in here?" he asked, as if he hadn't just insulted her mother.
"In that cabinet," Bellatrix said, pointing across the room. Rodolphus stared down at her, looking less than impressed. "There," she said, pointing again, wondering what his problem was.
"Bellatrix," he said coldly, sitting down and leaning back on the chair, folding his arms. "You are my wife now, I suggest you act like it."
She opened her mouth to tell him to fuck off when she realised what he was suggesting, before closing it sharply again. She really didn't think she wanted to annoy him. Slowly, she stood up and crossed the room, opening the cabinet and finding the fire whiskey. She poured him a large measure, very aware of the glass of the bottle clinking noisily against the glass tumbler because of her shaking hands. Slowly again, she turned around and moved back towards him, handing it to him. "My apologies," she murmured.
Rodolphus took the drink from her wordlessly, and Bellatrix headed back to the cabinet to shut it. "That dress," he said, as she turned back to face him. "It's a bit tight. I don't want everyone seeing what is mine."
Bellatrix swallowed heavily as she walked back to her vacated chair. "I thought only of pleasing you when I chose it," she responded, keeping her voice soft and steady.
"I hope so," Rodolphus said, his voice dark. "We will discuss your wardrobe later."
Bellatrix ducked her head, biting her lip. "Of course, Rodolphus," she murmured.
He drained the glass, standing up and handing it to her. Bellatrix stood up, taking the glass and setting it on top of the cabinet, knowing the house elves would deal with it. "Let's go and eat, I'm starving. I hope it's decent food."
Inhaling through her nose, Bellatrix took her place next to him as they left the room. She felt very scared about her future, and she'd not even been married to him for ten minutes yet. She could only hope that things would improve.
x-x
Later on in the evening, the party had begun. Rodolphus had gone to talk to his brother and friends, and Bellatrix was with Narcissa, glass of wine firmly in hand. They were watching the people dancing. Rodolphus had point blank refused to dance with her when she'd asked.
"Lucius hasn't spoken to me yet," Narcissa said after a while of silence.
"Not at all?" Bellatrix asked, frowning slightly.
"No," Narcissa responded, and she sounded slightly upset. "I wish he would."
Bellatrix sighed lightly. "Do you like him?"
"Oh, yes," Narcissa said, smiling slightly now. "He's very handsome."
Bellatrix scowled. She hated Lucius and thought that everyone else should as well. "I'll go and speak to him. You find Andromeda, I have no idea where she has vanished to."
"What will you say?" Narcissa asked in a whisper.
"Nothing embarrassing, don't worry," Bellatrix replied, shaking her head. She had no idea why Narcissa liked Lucius, but she desperately wanted her sister to be happy. Narcissa was very naïve and Bellatrix didn't want her to suffer what she was certain she was going to.
Lucius wasn't hard to find. He was the one in the corner, holding court, surrounded by pretty girls and with a large glass in his hand. Bellatrix sighed, stepped into his group. "Malfoy," she said, her voice cold.
"Madam Lestrange," Lucius responded, smirking at her. Bellatrix hid her flinch well.
"A word, please."
Rolling his eyes, Lucius stood up – downing the contents of the glass and setting it on the table. "Excuse me, ladies," he said, smiling charmingly around him. "Would you care to dance?" he asked Bellatrix as they left the crowd. "I notice you have not danced once tonight, not even with your new husband." His tone was mocking, Bellatrix couldn't have missed it if she'd tried.
"Why not," she replied, knowing Rodolphus was probably going to be annoyed but she had enough drink in her not to care at that moment. "After all, you are going to be my brother soon enough."
Lucius scowled at her as he took one hand in his and placed the other loosely around her waist. "Is that what you wanted to talk about?"
"It is," Bellatrix replied, as they moved to the music. "For some inexplicable reason, my sister likes you."
"Does she?" Lucius asked, his voice suddenly interested. "I didn't think she did."
It was Bellatrix's turn to roll her eyes, he was incredibly juvenile sometimes. "It would be nice if you could make some effort with her."
Lucius glared at her now. "This is none of your business."
"I think you'll find it is," Bellatrix replied, frowning. "My sister is worth one hundred times what you are worth. She is kind and caring and considerate and does not deserve to be married to a bastard like you."
Slightly surprised, Lucius's face relaxed. "How generous of you," he replied, smirking a bit now.
"If you're going to fuck other women, can you just do it quietly?" Bellatrix asked, shaking her head. "She's not resilient like Andromeda and I are. She's the sensitive one, and she can't understand why you ignore her."
The dance ended, and Lucius hastily let go of her. "Fine," he snapped back. "I will make some effort." Bellatrix watched as he crossed back over to where he was sat and as he was given a drink.
"He's unbearable," someone said from behind her. As she turned around, she smiled as she saw her cousin Evan Rosier.
"You know him?" Bellatrix asked.
"Unfortunately," Evan responded, taking her hand and leading her back to the dancefloor. He spun her around before holding onto her. "He's a Death Eater."
"Of course he is," Bellatrix said, sighing heavily.
"He's a favourite, as well," Evan replied, shuddering. "Can't see the attraction myself, but I suppose he does have some great ministry contacts."
"I am hoping to meet the Dark Lord," Bellatrix said after a moment. "I hope to join him."
"What does Rodolphus think of that?" Evan asked, smirking a bit.
Bellatrix shook her head. "I don't know."
Evan chuckled. "I can imagine, I've known him for ten years." He spun her around again. "Thing is, it's not down to Rodolphus. If the Dark Lord likes the look of you and thinks you'll be useful, then you're in." He was smirking a bit now. "In my opinion, you are his type."
Bellatrix rolled her eyes. "I don't want to fuck him, I want to join him," she replied.
"You've not met him," Evan said, grinning now. "I'm straight, and I'd fuck him."
Bellatrix laughed. "Idiot."
"Seriously, Black," Evan said, leaning closer. "I will ensure you meet him, no matter what Rodolphus says. I will always be on your side, okay?"
"Thanks Evan," Bellatrix replied. She didn't like to say anything, because she didn't want it confirmed, but she really got the feeling that Evan didn't like Rodolphus – or the fact she was now married to him. And she thought that went beyond a general dislike of him.
Evan led her from the dance floor. "Right, I've got to go. I need to speak to Lestrange first." Bellatrix followed him, slightly nervously, as they went and found Rodolphus. Evan approached him, beckoning him closer before whispering something in his ear. Rodolphus looked irritated, but nodded, muttering something back. Evan turned back to look at her. "See you, Bellatrix."
"Bye," Bellatrix replied, smiling at her cousin. She looked back to Rodolphus, who didn't look particularly pleased.
"You were dancing with Malfoy," he said. Bellatrix was very aware of Rabastan and Rodolphus's other friends around them, hearing this conversation.
"I was speaking to him about Narcissa," Bellatrix replied, keeping her voice even and her gaze upon him. "Lucius and I are sworn enemies." Rodolphus looked slightly pleased at that. Rabastan and one of the other men were laughing at her response. "Rodolphus, you've not introduced me to your companions."
Rodolphus laughed suddenly, a short bark before he face returned to normal. "You'll know them soon enough." Bellatrix felt slightly nervous, having no idea what he meant. There was something slightly scary about his friends; they were all hard faced men who Bellatrix had no doubt were Death Eaters. "Go and get me a drink."
Keeping a bland smile on her face, Bellatrix withdrew and turned towards the bar. She was seething inside. He was a pig.
She ordered two whiskey's and a wine, and was about to down one of them when her friend from school, Posey Parkinson, approached.
"Hey Posey," Bellatrix said, her voice quiet.
"You okay?" Posey asked, ordering herself a glass of wine. "You don't look okay."
Bellatrix shook her head. "He's horrible," she murmured, so quietly even she didn't hear it.
"Who?" Posey asked, her voice soft.
"Rodolphus," Bellatrix breathed back. She took a long sip of the whiskey, feeling it burn her throat. She didn't mind that. "Wait here, let me give him this."
Slowly, she turned and crossed the room, back to the group. "Your drink," Bellatrix said, trying to keep her voice pleasant. Rodolphus took it from her without even looking or saying anything. Biting her lip, Bellatrix turned away and walked back to where Posey was waiting.
"I see what you mean," Posey replied after a moment. "Maybe he's just showing off in front of his friends. I thought you liked him when you first met."
"I did," Bellatrix responded, sipping her wine. "He was a challenge, and I liked that."
"And now?"
Bellatrix shook her head. "Maybe you're right. I am sure things will improve." She turned around slightly, noticing Narcissa and Lucius dancing. They seemed quite intense, Lucius was staring and Narcissa was smiling. Posey was watching too. "Well, this is unexpected."
Posey shook her head. "Lucius knows how to charm."
Bellatrix sighed. "I don't know why she likes him."
"They're well suited," Posey said, after a moment.
Bellatrix tilted her head, smiling slightly as she watched them. "They are," she replied, watching as the dance ended. Lucius bowed over her hand, kissing it very gently while looking into her eyes. "Glad I insisted on those green bridesmaid's dresses. Narcissa looks perfect."
A man Bellatrix didn't think she had met before approached them. She was startled at first, because he was devastatingly handsome with the brightest blue eyes she'd ever seen. He smiled at her, kissing her hand. "Madam Lestrange, I must insist on having this dance," he said, smiling as he looked back at her.
Bellatrix glanced across the room to Rodolphus, who was watching her with a blank expression. She was very aware of a few other people staring at them as well, but she smiled back. "Of course, Mr…?"
The man merely smirked at her, taking her by the arm and leading her to the dance floor, without so much of a pause for her to excuse herself from Posey. She looked over her shoulder, sending her an apologetic look, before she scooped up the train of her dress, allowing him to put one arm around her and lead her around.
"You were not at the ceremony?" Bellatrix asked him, taking in his features. He had dark – almost black – curly hair and pale white skin. He had a confident air, and was probably in his thirties.
"No, I was unable to make it. I have only just returned to the country." His gaze was on her, intense and strong.
Bellatrix glanced around her, seeing that half of the guests were staring at them. She could see Lucius with his arms folded, looking irritated. "Where have you been – on holiday?" she asked.
The man lifted his arm turned her around, before taking hold of her waist once more. "For work," he responded. "So, how do you feel about your new husband? Your match was arranged I believe?"
Bellatrix looked over to Rodolphus, seeing Rabastan now with him. He looked fairly irritated as well. She looked back to the man, careful not to stare too much now. "It was arranged," Bellatrix confirmed, not willing to say too much to a complete stranger, who wouldn't even tell her his name. "How do you know Rodolphus?" she asked, frowning slightly.
"Through a mutual friend," he replied with a smirk.
Bellatrix gasped slightly, the words clicking in her mind. "You're a Death Eater, too?" she asked.
The man laughed suddenly, his grip on her tightening. Bellatrix wasn't sure his behaviour was entirely appropriate, and she wondered if that was why Rodolphus was so irritated. But then, why didn't he come and stop it? Rodolphus wasn't the type to ignore such a thing, especially when he was so possessive over her. "Not exactly," he replied.
"But a supporter?" Bellatrix pressed, interested now.
"Very much so," the man replied, his expression amused. The dance ended and he let go of her. "Thank you for the dance," he said quietly, as they walked towards the edge of the dance floor. "I am pleased to see Rodolphus's new wife is all I have heard she is, although perhaps a little jealous of him now." Bellatrix frowned at him.
"Women are not objects to be fought over, you know," she said, feeling irritated he seemed to this. "We can make our own decisions."
"Some can, it seems," he replied, smirking at her. "I have heard you have an interest in joining the Dark Lord."
"Yes," Bellatrix replied, narrowing her eyes at him. "I have to finish my education first."
"I'm sure he will be very interested in you," he responded, smiling at her.
Bellatrix noticed Rodolphus approaching, and feeling irritated she put her arm around him, drawing him close. "Rodolphus, perhaps you will introduce us," she said before he could speak, glaring at the man. He was overly familiar and rude.
Rodolphus looked to the man, who nodded, his expression more serious now. "Bellatrix," Rodolphus said, his voice soft. "This is the Dark Lord."
Bellatrix stared at Rodolphus for a long moment, before looking back to the man. He was now smiling pleasantly at her, but she could see his eyes dancing. "You have such a lovely wife, Rodolphus," he said, his tone serious now. "I should like to get to know her better. You will bring her to me when she has left school."
"Of course," Rodolphus replied, bowing his head slightly. Bellatrix had never seen Rodolphus submit to anything so easily, but he did to the Dark Lord. Bellatrix could see the Dark Lord looking across the room to Lucius and with the merest tilt of his head towards the doors leading out into the garden, Lucius was heading over.
"Until we meet again," the Dark Lord said to Bellatrix, smiling. He turned on his heel and headed outside, back to where he had come from. Lucius walked past them, frowning slightly at Bellatrix, before going outside as well.
"I didn't think he could make it," Bellatrix said to Rodolphus, hoping he wasn't going to be cross with her for dancing with him.
"He said he couldn't," Rodolphus responded quietly. "He comes and goes as he pleases. Sure you want to join him?"
"I thought you wanted me to," she replied, looking up at him.
He smiled slightly, although it was a cold smile. "Mm, we'll see," he said. "It's getting late, we should retire."
Bellatrix nodded, slightly disappointed but she knew he didn't really like big parties. They bid everyone goodnight, and Bellatrix noted that his friends had gone too. They headed out of the French doors and down the garden to where they could disapparate.
Rodolphus put his strong arm around her, and Bellatrix, slightly nervously, put an arm around him to hold onto him. As they reappeared at his – their – house, Rodolphus lifted her into his arms. "Overall, I have been pleased with you today," he said, his voice quiet, as he walked them up the stairs. "But you've been nervous."
"Not really," she replied, cross with herself for letting it show, although equally as cross at him for his veiled compliment. "Why would I be nervous of you, Rodolphus?"
He dropped one arm to open the door to their bedroom, before setting her down. "There are plenty of reasons why you should be," he responded, heading towards the bed and pulling off his robes. He threw them to the floor, toeing off his shoes.
"I…" She hesitated, watching as he sat down on the bed. "I wish you'd open up to me."
Rodolphus shook his head. "Talking is not my speciality," he said, his voice rough. "Come here." Nibbling on her lip, Bellatrix did what he said, slowly approaching him. He gestured for her to turn around, which she did. She could feel him unbuttoning the long row of diamond-encrusted buttons from her dress. "That comes with time," he said softly, after a moment, and then he released his hold on her dress and it pooled to the ground. He spun her back around to face him, and his gaze darkened with desire as he saw she was wearing only a pair of cream lace panties and high cream shoes, the soles bright red. "Good," he said, appraising her with his eyes. "Very nice."
Bellatrix shivered. She wasn't sure she liked the way he was looking at her, like she was his prey. She almost wished she'd drunk more, to take away her nerves. There was something deeply frightening about him, in a way that even the Dark Lord didn't accomplish. She watched as he peeled off his underwear, kicking it to the floor. He beckoned her forwards with one finger, and Bellatrix stepped towards him, kneeling next to him on the bed.
He pulled one of her legs over him, forcing her to straddle him. With the heels in the way, it wasn't that easy. With a smirk up at her, he reached down and ripped her panties from around her body, causing Bellatrix to jump slightly, both in surprise and in slight pain as the material caught her skin. He fisted his hardness for a moment, before sliding Bellatrix into place and pushing her down onto it.
At first, his size hurt her. He didn't really seem to consider that she wasn't ready for him, and that he really was very large. After a while, Bellatrix relaxed slightly, feeling him hit the sweet spot inside of her. She moaned lightly, moving her hips with him.
"Hold your heels," he said gruffly, pulling her hands from his chest. Swallowing, Bellatrix did as she was told, realising that she didn't have any control over how quickly he moved now. "Bend forwards." Struggling with this command, Bellatrix leant over his chest, resting her head against his neck. He started moving in and out of her very quickly; Bellatrix was sure she was going to be bruised on the inside by the morning. She bit her lip as he moved, not feeling any pleasure now but knowing that many women before her had endured worse and this was her duty.
Finally, Rodolphus was spent. He gently pushed her off him, onto the other side of the bed. Without a word, he pulled the comforter over them and turned out the lights. She could hear him shifting to get comfortable. Bellatrix rolled away from him, tucking the duvet under her chin and trying her hardest not to cry.
She'd made a massive mistake rushing into things with him. She should have known, from the start he'd been moody and difficult - appeased only by rough sex. Even then, initially, he'd been unselfish with his pleasure. But this, tonight – their wedding night – had been awful. He'd hurt her, in a way that he should not have.
Fiddling with the two new rings on her finger, Bellatrix's desire to become a Death Eater increased. She had to make something of her life, and that would be it.
x-x
A couple of days later, it was time to return to Hogwarts. Bellatrix was stood on the platform, having arrived early, her trunk next to her and her arms folded.
She was seething.
Rodolphus had chosen to stay in bed instead of see her off. Although she didn't mind particularly about that, she minded that everyone was going to see her there - by herself, two days after marrying him. She knew there was going to be all sorts of gossip.
She was relieved when the train pulled into the platform and she was able to get onto it. As head girl, she had her own carriage. She knew that Posey would come and find her, so she dragged her trunk up the steps and went and found it.
It had her name on the outside of the door and she was pleased to see the interior lavishly decorated in silver and green. She threw herself down into the nearest seat, resting her head back and sighing loudly. She wondered if she hated her husband already.
He'd basically ignored her on the Sunday after their wedding. He was hung over. Bellatrix had spent the day packing and retrieving essential things from her old bedroom at her parent's house. He'd got up for dinner, drinking more whiskey and then insisting on sex, even though Bellatrix had told him was feeling sore. Again, he hadn't considered her pleasure.
Another sigh left her lips as she thought of that. She wondered if he was testing her.
The door slid open and Narcissa entered. "Hello," she said cheerfully.
Bellatrix winced at the sound. "Hi," she replied. "Where is Andromeda?"
Narcissa shrugged, sitting down. "She disappeared." Looking around her, she smiled. "This is much nicer than the usual carriages.
"Yes, there are some benefits."
"You're so clever, Bellatrix," Narcissa said, her voice slightly sad. "I wish I had your brains, or even Andromeda's."
Bellatrix smiled. "You've got the beauty and the kindness."
Narcissa smiled back. "Thanks."
"I saw you dancing with Lucius. He looked quite taken with you."
Narcissa blushed a bit. "Did he? Really?"
Bellatrix smirked. "Yes, he did. He didn't think you were keen on him."
"I didn't want him to think I was," Narcissa replied. "Mother always says you shouldn't let your feelings be known."
Rolling her eyes, Bellatrix sat up a bit. "Don't listen to her."
The door opened again, and Posey walked in. "Nice carriage!"
"Isn't it!" Narcissa said enthusiastically.
"Glad we can have a quiet ride for once," she replied, sitting down. "I take it you've not invited the other girls?"
"Merlin, no," Bellatrix replied, rolling her eyes again. "They're going to be so gossipy about Rodolphus."
"It's because they have boring lives," Narcissa said, rummaging around her trunk and pulling out a book. "I need to read this chapter again for Slughorn. I really don't understand it at all."
Bellatrix smirked. "Let me know if you don't understand it again and I will help," she said, shaking her head. "Potions is easy."
Narcissa glared a bit. "For you."
"I'd have failed potions if it wasn't for Bellatrix helping me out," Posey said. "Plus it helps that Slughorn loves her."
"True," Bellatrix replied, grinning.
She sat back, looking out of the window as the train pulled away. For the first time in her life, Bellatrix was excited about going back to school and throwing herself into her studies.
After dinner, they headed back to the common room. Bellatrix was pleased that Lucius no longer occupied the room, he had been a dominant figure. Now he was gone, the house belonged to her.
She scanned the busy room, pleased to see that her usual chair was left empty for her. As she crossed over to it, the room grew quieter. Slowly, she sat down, staring around the room. The first years looked too young, she decided. They were gazing up at her in awe though, that was quite nice.
"Professor Slughorn will be joining us momentarily," she said, and the room immediately became silent. Posey appeared and sat down, and Bellatrix frowned around her as she realised that Andromeda was still nowhere to be seen. "Before he does, can I please take a moment to remind everyone that we have won the house cup for the last six years. We will not be breaking that streak on my watch."
She looked around the room slowly. "Last year, Lucius Malfoy was the senior member of this house. He and I did not share the same opinion on how things should be done, and last year we won the house cup by a mere ten points." She shook her head, knowing it was because of her outstanding work that they'd won in the first place. "This is not acceptable. We are here to work and to learn. I expect everyone in this room to get the best grades that they are capable of, in order for us to succeed. I will hear no excuses, and detentions Slytherin students receive will be monitored on a weekly basis."
Bellatrix was pleased to see that everyone seemed to be taking her words seriously. "On a more personal note," she said, wishing she didn't have to say this. "As some of you know, I was married over the summer holidays." A few people muttered, but she silenced them with a glare. "You will now address me as Lestrange. Since my husband is half French, my title is now Madam Lestrange." She shuddered slightly, hoping that no one had noticed.
She was pleased when Slughorn entered the room. She watched him as he spoke; but wasn't really listening. She realised that she was trying not to cry.
A few moments later, she noticed Andromeda creeping in through the door. No one else looked around, but Bellatrix saw. She made up her mind to question her later, she was obviously up to something.
As Slughorn finished his speech, pretty much matching what she'd said, and had dismissed everyone, he turned back to her. "Madam Lestrange, I hear congratulations are in order."
Bellatrix smiled, standing up to speak to him. "Thank you, Professor," she said, nodding.
"We'll have a little get together soon," Slughorn said, leaning closer. "I would like to hear more about your husband. He sounds like an interesting fellow."
"He is," Bellatrix replied with a light sigh. "Very interesting."
"Very well," Slughorn replied. "The Headmaster was hoping you would go and see him this evening for a little chat."
Bellatrix raised an eyebrow. "Regarding what, Professor?" she asked, frowning.
"Nothing to worry about," Slughorn replied, but he looked a little uneasy. "Why don't you pop up now? The password is chocolate frogs."
Bellatrix scowled slightly at the ridiculousness of the password. "Of course," she responded. "I look forward to our class tomorrow." She forced a smile to her lips, noticing he was distracted now by one of the new first years.
Sighing quietly, Bellatrix headed towards the door and up the stairs towards the Headmaster's office. She hated his stupid office, almost as much as she detested him. She spoke the password through gritted teeth, and entered. As she walked up the narrow staircase, she wondered what he was going to say to her.
She knocked on the door, opening it as she heard his voice telling her to come in.
"Ah, Madam Lestrange," Dumbledore said. "Do have a seat." Hiding her disgusted expression, Bellatrix crossed the room and quickly sat down before his desk. "Sherbet lemon?" he enquired, holding a bowl of sweets up to her.
"No, thank you, Headmaster," she responded quickly. "Is everything alright?"
Dumbledore set the sweets down, looking across the desk at her. "Yes. I am afraid it's a rather delicate matter we must discuss."
"I see," Bellatrix replied, resisting the urge to roll her eyes.
"Your mother wrote to me, informing me of your marriage."
"Did she?" Bellatrix asked, frowning slightly.
"She did," Dumbledore confirmed, smiling at her. "Congratulations."
"Thank you," Bellatrix replied, forcing a smile.
"It is known that some young gentlemen and ladies often marry during the summer holidays before their seventh year, if they come of age soon enough. Hogwarts has always allowed this and has always allowed for said spouse to enter the school during the weekends, if this is requested." Dumbledore's face had become serious. "Your mother was seeking the same permission for your husband, Mr Lestrange."
"I see," Bellatrix replied, knowing this to be the case.
"Usually, this would not be an issue," Dumbledore continued, his voice a bit strained now. "However, your husband has... a certain reputation, shall we say."
Bellatrix raised an eyebrow. "Reputation, Headmaster?" she asked, genuinely interested now.
"I don't need to remind you that we are currently at war," Dumbledore said, quietly. "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is growing in strength."
"What does the Dark Lord have to do with this?" Bellatrix asked, trying to keep her temper.
"It has come to my attention that your husband is a supporter," Dumbledore said, his voice slightly dark. "I believe that he has done some terrible things."
Bellatrix was silent. She didn't doubt that.
"It is, with this in mind and with deepest regret, that we have decided it would be impossible to grant him leave to enter the school. I simply cannot guarantee the safety of my students with him here."
Not knowing what to say to that, Bellatrix remained silent.
"I am sorry, my dear."
Bellatrix looked up at him. Her initial thought was that Rodolphus was going to be furious. "You will deny my husband his rights?" she asked, her voice quiet.
"You may leave the school to see him, if you desire it," Dumbledore replied. "But you must consider you will be neglecting your school, and your house, if you do so."
Pursing her lips, Bellatrix nodded. "Thank you, Headmaster," she said in a hurry standing up. "Will that be all?"
Nodding sadly, Dumbledore waved her away.
Bellatrix stormed back through the school, pleased that her rooms were now separate from the common room. She didn't want to face her house right now. She threw the door to her room open, storming in and throwing herself on the bed, wishing she could cry but feeling too angry to do so.
She didn't mind not seeing Rodolphus, but she did mind the fact he was going to be livid. She cursed loudly, knowing that this was entirely her fault for pushing the marriage so quickly. She could have got out of it if she'd cried to her father enough.
She fell asleep quickly, still completely dressed. That night, she dreamed about a man with bright red eyes. The same dream would plague her for the rest of the school year.
x-x
It was July. Bellatrix was on the train, and the familiar skyline of London was just appearing outside of the window. She'd never felt so miserable in all of her life.
She hadn't seen Rodolphus since September. He'd been too busy for her to come home over Christmas, and over Easter she'd just wanted to revise for her exams.
He hadn't taken his ban from Hogwarts badly, in fact he seemed quite relieved in the letter he'd replied with. She'd had a handful of letters from him over the course of the year, none of which even hinted that he was missing her. The words were cold, and Bellatrix found she struggled to write anything warm to him either.
Rodolphus wasn't meeting her from the station. She knew how and where to apparate, he wrote, so there was little point.
As she stepped onto the platform, Bellatrix wished she could just get back onto the train and never return. She bid her friends goodbye with a forced smile – and only Posey looked at her in disbelief.
"Stay in touch," she murmured, hugging Bellatrix tightly – But Bellatrix knew Rodolphus wasn't going to allow her a friend.
Blinking her tears away, Bellatrix disapparated to her new home, life and low expectations. Merlin only knew what awaited her.