Life with Rodolphus wasn't all that bad, she reflected a month into being back at home. He did say some horrible things from time to time, but he was just very blunt. He was a bit moody, but Bellatrix had learnt that a hot bath or a large drink quickly resolved that. He was kind, in his own way, and seemed to enjoy laying on the bed, smoking and watching her try on her new clothes. Every so often, he would shake his head and make her remove the offending article, but Bellatrix knew that just meant he wanted her.
And she gave herself.
She couldn't quite say she was in love with him. She knew that he was using her to better his position, he didn't ever deny it when he dressed her up and took her out, flaunting her before the other Death Eaters. He'd married the prize; the purest, most beautiful and intelligent woman in the country, complete with a full set of the highest grade NEWT results possible.
She'd been to a few meetings at the Dark Lord's house. He would sit upon his throne, staring down at his willing slaves and making plans and orders. Occasionally, he would lose his temper with someone and torture them if they were lucky or kill them if they were not. She found that this did not scare her. She wasn't scared of him, either. When she knelt before him, upon arrival, and kissed his robes, she could sense his power. She would dare to look up at him, but he was uninterested.
Bellatrix was brand new to his world, she didn't really understand half of the things he would tell them, and Rodolphus was too impatient to explain. So, she felt a bit useless. She had no duelling experience, Rodolphus point blank refused to teach her and so she was unable to go out on any raid.
But, she'd noticed the Dark Lord's gaze upon her, a few times. They'd shared a couple of fleeting moments of some sort of connection, as she looked back into his blue eyes. Then he would look away, and Bellatrix would ensure her eyes were downcast when Rodolphus looked over at her.
Bellatrix was shaken from her thoughts when Rodolphus entered the room. "I'm going out," he said, walking into the room to pick up his cigarettes.
Bellatrix stood up, watching him. "I'll come," she said, smiling.
Rodolphus shook his head, turning to face her. "Boys only," he said, shrugging. He looked her up and down, heading for the door. "Don't wait up," he continued as he left.
Bellatrix was outraged. She didn't want to spend a night in the house by herself, she wanted to go out and have a good time. She sat back on the sofa, gazing at the drinks cabinet for a long moment before deciding against that. She wished Rodolphus even had some books.
Bellatrix knew that the Dark Lord had his own library, and she wondered how he might feel about letting her borrow a couple of books. It depended if he was in a good mood or not. Standing up, Bellatrix apparated into his manor. She walked slowly up the stairs, sensing that the house was almost empty.
As she knocked on the door of his office, she suddenly realised that she had not been alone with him since the day he had given her his mark. That both terrified and excited her. She heard his voice inviting her in, and she pushed the door open, bowing her head as it shut behind her.
"My Lord," she murmured, looking up carefully at him.
He was watching her with interest, which made her think he was probably in a good mood. "Madam Lestrange," he said, smirking at her. "To what do I owe this honour?"
Bellatrix always got the feeling he was flirting with her, but had never been sure. "I was hoping I might use your library, my Lord," she said, looking to him with a smile.
"I wonder where your husband could be," he said, and Bellatrix could hear amusement in his tone. "Is he bored of you already?"
Bellatrix held her smile, even though she just wanted to smack the smug smile from his face. "Of course not," she replied. "He has gone out with his friends, my Lord."
He stood up, walking around the desk. Bellatrix looked up at him as he stood in front of her. "If you were mine, I would not let you leave my sight," he said, and his hand was on her shoulder.
Bellatrix felt all confidence leave her as he did that, feeling very unsure of herself suddenly. "I am yours," she found herself saying breathlessly. He raised his eyebrows at her, and Bellatrix immediately felt stupid. "I mean; I have your mark, my Lord."
His hand moved upwards, cupping her cheek very briefly before running the hand down her hair. "You do," he responded. "You may use my library whenever you desire it," he said, smiling at her. Bellatrix shivered involuntarily, he was devastatingly handsome but the trouble was, he definitely knew it and used it to his advantage. "It surprises me that Rodolphus does not have a library. But then…" he smirked, catching her gaze. "Can he read?"
Bellatrix snorted with laughter, before remembering that the Dark Lord was talking about her husband. She bit her lip, avoiding his gaze. "Of course, my Lord," she said, her voice quiet.
"I will show you to the library," he said, after a moment. She looked up at him.
"I'm sure I can find it, my Lord, I do not wish to disturb you," Bellatrix said in a hurry.
"You have already disturbed me," he said, smirking at her and heading for the door. Bellatrix followed him, trying her hardest not to look at his arse as he walked. As they reached the door to the library, Voldemort turned around to look at her. "I must tell Evan to start training you in duelling. I should teach you Occlumency as well," he said, frowning slightly. "I'm sure you could do it, you got five O's for your NEWT's, didn't you?"
Bellatrix smiled at him, wondering how he knew that. "I did," she murmured.
As they entered the room, Voldemort raised his hand to the fire and lit it. Then he moved across the room, staring at a shelf for a moment before pulling a book down. "Read this first," he said, handing it to her, before turning back to the shelf. Bellatrix stared down at the book, but she was feeling so nervous she could hardly concentrate on the words. "And then this," he said, putting another book on top of the one she was already holding. He turned back to face her.
"Thank you," Bellatrix mumbled, looking down at the other book.
"I want you here twice a week." He paused, contemplating for a moment. "Wednesday and Saturday evenings will work for me."
Bellatrix swallowed nervously. "I should check with Rodolphus, my Lord," she said, not daring to look up at him.
Voldemort stepped closer to her. "Do you not have my mark?" he asked coolly.
Bellatrix looked up at him, biting her lip. "Yes, my Lord," she said softly.
"Would you prefer to relinquish it and stay at home all day?" he continued, his voice slightly colder again.
"No!" Bellatrix exclaimed, stepping back from him slightly. "No, please…" She could feel tears coming to her eyes at the very thought of not seeing him on a regular basis.
Voldemort looked towards her for a moment, and Bellatrix started to feel very uncomfortable. "I will speak to him," he said, very quietly. He looked at her with a small frown on his features. "You do intrigue me, Madam Lestrange."
Bellatrix half smiled at him. "I am not sure why," she said, shrugging slightly.
"Neither am I," he replied, and there was no trace of a smile on his face. "Wednesday, eight o clock." He turned, quite suddenly, and headed away from her towards the door.
"Wait, my Lord!" Bellatrix called, hurrying after him. "What will you say to my husband?"
Voldemort looked back at her, a sigh leaving his lips. "I will say that I have seen some potential in you."
"He will hate that," Bellatrix replied flatly.
"Don't worry, I will make him feel like it's all down to him," Voldemort said, his voice cold and his face unsmiling. "After all, a woman could not possibly have something based on her own merit."
Bellatrix recoiled, watching in confusion as he left the room. Once again, she was completely confused about his behaviour. He seemed to hate the fact she was married to Rodolphus.
She looked down at the books in her arms, sighing lightly. They were both thick, old and dusty books, but she knew she needed to have read them by Wednesday. Assuming Rodolphus allowed her to go.
Life had become complicated, suddenly.
x-x
Rodolphus was sat on the bed, watching her get ready. She'd carefully curled her hair and painted her lips red, asking him to help her to choose her robes.
"I'm not happy about this," he said, his voice slightly cold.
"I know," Bellatrix replied quietly. "I'm sorry." She turned, sitting on the bed next to him.
"I won't be here when you get back," he snapped. "Don't think I am going to wait here for you, alone."
"Shall I come and meet you later?" she asked.
Rodolphus shrugged.
"I will approach you on my knees and kiss your robes?" she said, smiling slightly.
Rodolphus looked over at her, eyes narrowed. "Why?"
"Because." She pressed a kiss against his throat. "You own me."
He looked pleased at that. Bellatrix wondered when she'd become so manipulative. "Alright. When you arrive, you can kiss me like you've not seen me for a week." He paused, watching as she stood up and put some earrings in. "Try and get the Dark Lord to come as well. I haven't had a drink with him for weeks."
"I will," Bellatrix replied. She looked over at him and smiled. "I'll miss you," she said, her voice small. He looked pleased again, and as she left the room, she couldn't help the smirk that appeared on her lips. Men were incredibly easy to play, she decided. There was no way any man owned her. She owned herself, she was doing this for herself and not for Rodolphus.
She disapparated, and when she re-appeared, she was suddenly aware of what was about to happen. Slowly, she walked up the stairs, past his office and up another set of stairs, which led to his private rooms. Bellatrix knocked on the door, wishing she could hide her nerves. "Come in," she heard him shout.
Inhaling through her nose, Bellatrix entered the room. She wished she could leave again when she saw the sight before her.
The Dark Lord was wearing a pair of trousers, and nothing more. This, if not bad enough, was made worse by the very pretty young lady clinging to his arm.
"You didn't say it was a woman," the girl said, looking up at him with a frown.
Bellatrix hastily dropped her gaze, moving back towards the wall.
"Does it matter?" Voldemort asked, steering his latest conquest away from Bellatrix and into what Bellatrix assumed was his bedroom. "Go home and get changed. I'll meet you in a few hours."
Bellatrix looked up slowly, first towards the bedroom, where a hushed conversation was now taking place, and then around his sitting room. It was a beautiful room, elegantly decorated and surprisingly tidy for a bachelor like the Dark Lord was.
After a few minutes, Voldemort appeared in the doorway – still very shirtless. "We're safe, she's gone!" he said, smirking at her. "Poor us a drink, I won't be long."
Bellatrix gulped. She wondered how long it was going to take her to get that image out of her mind. She looked around the room, noticing a table with some decanters, bottles and glasses on it. As she approached, she could see a bottle of firewhiskey. Knowing he liked that, she poured two large measures, wishing that her hands were not shaking so much.
"Good choice," she heard him say behind her. She turned around, jumping slightly. She was disappointed to see he was now wearing robes.
"I knew you liked it," she murmured, passing him the glass. Their hands touched for a brief moment, and their eyes met. "Was that your girlfriend?"
Voldemort chuckled. "She thinks she is."
Bellatrix smirked back. "And what do you think, my Lord?"
"I think…" He took a sip of his drink, staring at her. "That she is a very good fuck, and not much else."
Bellatrix tried to smile, but she found she felt strange about it. She hated seeing him with other women, for a reason she didn't even understand.
"I want you relaxed," he said, gesturing to the drink. "Come and sit."
Following him across the room, Bellatrix sat down, taking a sip of her drink. She was grateful for it. "My Lord," she said, looking across at him. "Thank you for this opportunity. To be trained by you... It's such an honour."
"It is," he said simply. "I have not trained another before you."
"Why me?" Bellatrix asked him, frowning slightly.
Voldemort shook his head at her. "I do not need to divulge my intentions to you, Madam Lestrange," he said quietly.
Bellatrix swallowed, looking down. "My apologies, my Lord,"
She felt his fingers beneath her chin, and very slowly she looked back up at him. "You should be fearless," he murmured, looking into her eyes. Bellatrix could feel a very odd sensation at the front of her head, but she found that she could not look away.
Then some images began to flicker before her eyes. They were familiar – and then Bellatrix realised that they were memories. She suddenly saw an image of Rodolphus in the bath, and without even thinking about it, Bellatrix broke the connection by shoving him from her mind.
"Very good," Voldemort said, pulling back slightly. "I see why you are not so fearless, he's a difficult person to be around."
Bellatrix sat back, breathing heavily and feeling her hands shaking. She reached for her drink, swallowing the rest of it in one.
"Get yourself another if you'd like," he said, his voice quieter now. He watched as Bellatrix headed over to the cabinet and poured herself a large measure. "It's an intimate thing, learning Occlumency," he continued as Bellatrix sat back down. "I want you to be able to trust me. I will not speak a word of what I see to anyone."
Bellatrix looked up at him in surprise. She swallowed a mouthful of whiskey. "Thank you, my Lord," she replied, frowning.
"You pushed me out then, without really knowing what you were doing," Voldemort continued softly. "You were quick. Some people don't even notice it's happening." He smirked. "Your husband, for example."
"Sometimes I think you don't like him," Bellatrix said, after a moment.
"He's useful." Voldemort smiled. "But you are correct – I do not care for Rodolphus. I do not like many people." Bellatrix ducked her head at that comment. "I like you, Bellatrix."
Bellatrix looked back up at him, her mouth slightly open. "Why?" she asked, completely surprised now.
He shook his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "One of the first things my followers learn... Is not to question me. I am surprised you have not learnt that yet."
Bellatrix bit her lip. "My Lord, I am eager to learn from you."
"I know," he cut in, and he sounded a bit irritated now. "Since our relationship is going to develop at a rather accelerated pace over the next hour, I will tell you this in the hope that it will calm your curious mind: You are not the young girl I thought you would be. You are a fierce and passionate woman, and I like that."
Bellatrix nodded, not daring to speak again. She couldn't help the corners of her lips turning up at that.
"Now stand up," he snapped, suddenly business like, getting up. "Take off those ridiculous shoes your husband makes you wear, they are most impractical." Bellatrix smirked slightly, looking up at him as she kicked them off.
"I think they make my legs look longer," she responded.
Voldemort half glared at her. "Are you trying to push me?" he asked, frowning.
Bellatrix smiled up at him. "No, my Lord," she said softly.
"Sweet fucking Merlin, you could smile your way out of Azkaban," he said, shaking his head. "I prefer you shorter." He stepped closer to her, looking down at her. "Kneel." Looking up at him through her eyelashes, Bellatrix did what she was told. She smiled as she realised she was face-to-face with his crotch, although kept her gaze down at that point. He sat back down, directly in front of her. "Close your eyes." Bellatrix did as she was told, trying to keep relaxed. "Empty your mind," his voice said. "Think of nothing."
Bellatrix frowned a bit. She didn't really know how to think of nothing. Slowly, she relaxed her face, listening to her breathing. She felt peaceful after a while, and then realised that she was thinking of nothing.
"Look at me," she heard him say. Without hesitation, Bellatrix opened her eyes, looking up at him. She felt her mind under attack, more aggressively this time. There was a memory of her wedding night with Rodolphus, she remembered the pain and sadness she had felt.
"No," Bellatrix mumbled, trying to push him out, but finding she couldn't.
"Empty your mind," he said, gripping her shoulder painfully.
Feeling furious, Bellatrix looked up at him, scowling. She pushed back, suddenly realising that he was retreating and that he was taking her with him.
"She's pretty," he was saying to Lucius, watching Bellatrix saying goodbye to her family from the garden.
"No!" she heard Voldemort say loudly, and Bellatrix felt a sharp pain in her head, before she realised she had been thrown out of his mind. She fell backwards, smacking her head on the floor. She opened her eyes, noticing his wand pointed straight at her. She gasped, scrambling backwards away from him. When she looked again, he had lowered his wand. "How did you do that?" he asked.
"I... I don't know," Bellatrix said, sitting up, panting slightly.
"That's enough for tonight," he said, his voice firm. "Pull yourself together." He headed towards the bottles of liqueur on the side, pouring out two more glasses. Bellatrix stood up, feeling a little shaky, and put her feet back into her shoes. She glanced into the mirror, smoothing out her hair. As she looked over to him, she noticed he was handing a glass out to her. She crossed the room, taking it from him.
"Thank you, my Lord," Bellatrix said softly, taking a sip.
"You're more powerful than I thought," he said, after a moment. He turned and looked at her. "Your magic is mature, for your age."
"My Lord..." Bellatrix began, not really knowing what she was going to say. "I am your faithful servant, any power I have belongs to you."
She looked into his eyes, and she knew now he was looking through her thoughts. He smiled slowly. "Yes, I see it does."
"I said I'd meet Rodolphus for a drink in a bit, if you'd like to come, my Lord?" she asked, really hoping he'd say yes.
"Why not," he replied, nodding at her. "Tomorrow, I'd like you to spend an hour with Evan. I don't think you will take very long to learn Occlumency, and I'd like to test you in a duel."
Bellatrix nodded, feeling nervous about that.
"Knockturn Ally," Voldemort said suddenly, and Bellatrix felt his arm slide around her. She looked down at the arm, before looking up at him. "There's no pretending now we've seen," he said, smirking. "We both are attracted to each other."
Bellatrix smirked. "Except I am married, and you have a girlfriend."
Voldemort looked surprised, before laughing slightly. "She's not my girlfriend," he snapped back, although he sounded quite defensive to Bellatrix. He suddenly disapparated them, and when the appeared, Bellatrix could feel cold air hitting her skin. He looked down at her, and she looked up at him, and for the longest moment Bellatrix was convinced he was going to kiss her.
Then he pulled back.
"We should go inside, you're freezing," he murmured. Slowly, he reached out and smoothed her hair down.
Bellatrix nodded, allowing him to open the door for her. She felt slightly nervous as she entered the bar, but as she rounded the corner she could see Rodolphus, cigarette in hand, surrounded by her Death Eater colleagues. Seeing the Dark Lord had stopped to speak to someone, Bellatrix headed for Rodolphus.
He looked over at her, his expression slightly cold until she bent over him, kissing him very firmly on the lips. When she pulled back, she could see the smirk on his face. "Bella," he said quietly, his voice dark. "Get me a drink." Bellatrix ignored him, kissing him once more and kneeling on the seat next to him so she could reach him better. Then she stood up, removing herself from him and turning and heading back to the bar, without so much as a look or word.
The Dark Lord was leaning casually on the bar, smirking. "You do know how to put on a show," he said.
Bellatrix smiled back, after she'd ordered wine and whiskey. "I could say the same for you," she replied. "Will you be joining us?"
"In a minute," he said, his voice slightly cold now. "I want to watch you grovelling to him, like he owns you."
"You know the truth, my Lord," Bellatrix replied softly.
"Do I?" he asked coolly.
"Yes," she replied firmly. "To get what I want from life, I must manipulate him."
The Dark Lord smirked slightly, before he headed over to sit down. Bellatrix picked up the drinks and followed. She noticed he'd left the seat next to Rodolphus empty for her and was sat in the next seat, next to Lucius. Slowly, Bellatrix passed Rodolphus his drink, which he took.
"Have you been here long?" she asked him softly.
"Half an hour," Rodolphus replied coolly. He turned his back to her slightly, returning to the conversation with the person on his other side. Bellatrix sighed very quietly, looking over to Lucius and the Dark Lord.
"It must be nearly time for Lucius to marry your sister," Voldemort said, smirking slightly.
Bellatrix scowled at Lucius. "Unfortunately for her, yes indeed," she responded. "Have you written to her since she's been back?"
"Have you?" Lucius asked, smirking.
Voldemort laughed. "Now, now, children," he said mockingly. "Enough fighting, or I'll marry her." Both Lucius and Bellatrix stared at him in horror. He laughed again. "And now we see everyone's true feelings."
Bellatrix glared at him slightly, drinking her wine with a frown. She felt jealous that he would even suggest that. As she looked over at Lucius, she could see he didn't look impressed at the suggestion either.
Voldemort was smirking, sitting back in his seat and observing them both. "Not funny," Bellatrix mumbled.
"I beg to differ," Voldemort responded, chuckling slightly.
"Where's your girlfriend?" Bellatrix asked him, smirking back.
"Girlfriend?" Lucius repeated, his tone surprised.
"She's not," Voldemort responded, shaking his head. "Bellatrix likes dancing with death."
Bellatrix laughed softly. "She'll be here soon I expect."
"I'll just tell her I'm now betrothed to Narcissa Black," he replied, smirking.
Bellatrix shook her head. "She'd be too terrified to speak if that were the case."
Voldemort laughed, standing up and heading to the bar. Bellatrix noticed a pretty young woman there, and the Dark Lord was leaning on the bar next to her. She turned to look at him, and she was smiling back at him.
"I have written to her, not that it's your concern," Lucius said quietly.
Bellatrix looked back to him, frowning slightly. "You have?"
Lucius nodded silently back. "I do want to marry her."
Bellatrix nodded, feeling awkward. That was the most honest Lucius had ever been with her. "Okay," she replied, nodding at him. She turned back to look at Rodolphus, who was completely turned away from her. She looked back to Lucius. "But you have to treat her right."
Lucius looked back to her, slightly surprised. "I will," he said, his voice soft. "She's not like us."
Bellatrix shook her head. "No." She glanced up to the bar, looking at the Dark Lord. He was deep in conversation with the woman. She sighed, about to look away before noticing the 'girlfriend' entering the bar, two other girls on each side of her. "Lucius, look," she hissed, seeing her approaching Voldemort and tapping him on the shoulder. He turned, looking at her with disinterest before shaking his head and saying something.
"I have seen this before," Lucius said, smirking. "They all get scared and accept it."
Voldemort had turned away, but Bellatrix could see her still close to him, still talking. Then she'd raised her hand to him and the Dark Lord had grabbed her wrist in mid-air.
"Not this one," Bellatrix murmured.
"I will take my leave, I can't be seen here with this," Lucius said quietly, standing up. "Will you make my excuses for me?"
Bellatrix nodded, watching as he left. She looked back up to the bar, noticing the Dark Lord's now very much ex 'girlfriend' had gone, along with her friends.
"Bellatrix," she heard Rodolphus call. She looked over at him. "Drink." He gestured to his empty glass. Hiding her frustration, Bellatrix stood and headed to the bar, ordering his drink as well as another for herself. Merlin knew she needed it.
Voldemort turned to her. "Did you see that?" he asked incredulously.
"Yes," Bellatrix murmured, nodding.
"Do you have many admirers?" the other young woman asked. Bellatrix looked down at the bar, wishing her drinks would hurry up.
"A couple," Voldemort replied, his voice disinterested.
"I can't say I'm surprised," she said, and Bellatrix could hear the lust in her voice. "So, where do you work?"
Bellatrix looked up, seeing that she was completely serious. Clearly she had no idea who she was being chatted up by. She snorted loudly, noticing Voldemort's gaze switching to her.
"Something amusing, Madam Lestrange?" he asked, a smirk on his lips.
"No, my Lord," she replied, looking up into his bright blue eyes. His smirk changed to a small smile, and Bellatrix had to drag her eyes from him when her drinks appeared before her. "Er, Lucius sends his apologies but he had to leave," she continued quietly. "Excuse me," she muttered as he turned back to the woman, who appeared to have just worked out who he was.
Bellatrix headed back over, holding Rodolphus's drink out to him. He ignored her. Biting her lip angrily, Bellatrix set it down next to him on the table.
As she sat back down, she looked up at Voldemort once more. He was fully back into his conversation with the woman.
There was a bang as the door to the bar was thrown open. Bellatrix caught a glimpse of an Auror uniform before the room filled with smoke. She felt Rodolphus grab her by the arm, yanking her roughly towards the back of the bar. She noticed Rabastan following, along with several others.
There was a bright flash, and she realised that Voldemort had his wand out and was firing spells. She was transfixed, and without even thinking she pulled Rodolphus's grip from her and headed back over to Voldemort, her wand out.
Then the door was shut and the smoke was gone. There was a single Auror left alive.
"Who told you we were here?" Voldemort asked, his voice cold.
The man was visibly shaking. "Three women saw us in Diagon Alley and told us," he said, his voice high pitched and scared. "Please don't kill me, I-"
There was a flash of green light, and the man fell over forward onto his face.
Voldemort looked around at his followers, his expression grim. The woman he was talking to was sitting down, tears falling down her face. Bellatrix wondered if she was going to survive this.
"There will be more on the way," he said, his voice quiet. "I suggest everyone leaves."
His eyes were on Bellatrix briefly, before he turned and disapparated.
Rodolphus took her wrist in his again. "The boys will come back to ours," he said softly. "You can take yourself to bed if you'd prefer."
Bellatrix looked up at him. "Yes, I would," she murmured.
He pressed a hand against her cheek, bending forwards and kissing her on the lips in a very tender manner. "This happens occasionally, don't worry about it."
Slowly, Bellatrix reached around and held his hand. She loved it when he was tender like this. "Are you sure you wouldn't prefer some alone time?" she asked him softly, knowing she should take advantage of it.
"It's a good question," he relied, smiling slightly. He looked up. "Rab, we're having an early night," he called. Rabastan looked slightly irritated, but nodded.
Bellatrix squeezed his hand. Rodolphus was so changeable, she did struggle with it but she knew she needed to make it work. He was her husband for life.
x-x
Bellatrix had spent the best part of two hours duelling Evan. To her surprise, it wasn't particularly hard for her. She wasn't exactly close to beating him, but she didn't think it would take long.
Some others had joined them half way through, and she was pleased to see that she wasn't the worst out of them all.
It was quite an intense workout, and Bellatrix knew she needed to be fitter to be able to dodge and avoid spells like Evan could.
She was acutely aware of Rodolphus and his friends sitting in the room next door to the meeting room, where they were practicing. Rodolphus knew what she was doing - and Bellatrix knew he didn't like it. Still, it was an order and there was nothing he or she could do about it.
Evan was making things as hard as he could for her, and enjoying himself. He hadn't mentioned the events of the previous evening, and she realised he probably didn't know.
Bellatrix wasn't going to gossip about the Dark Lord. She felt like it would be betraying him, and that was the last thing she wanted to do. And not just out of fear.
Seeing the door open, Bellatrix stopped for a moment, feeling out of breath. She felt even more breathless when she saw who is was. Hastily, like the others around her, she dropped onto her knees, bowing her head and feeling nervous.
"Everyone out," she heard the Dark Lord snap, and she didn't think he sounded very happy. Bellatrix stood up, moving past him to leave the room. He grabbed her wrist as she did, pulling her back towards him. "Not you, Lestrange," he said, and Bellatrix winced slightly at his use of her married name. He released his grip on her, pointing to the other side of the room. "Duel me."
Feeling very nervous now, Bellatrix crossed the room, inhaling deeply. She knew she could duel him, but she also knew that he was expecting her to use Occlumency again him. And she wasn't so confident with that yet.
As she turned to face him, she bowed slightly, seeing him doing the same. Then their wands were raised - and a feeling of intense excitement filled Bellatrix. She was duelling the Dark Lord. Her happy feeling didn't last for long though, as she realised just exactly how quick he was with spells. She deflected them easily, concentrating on keeping her mind as empty as she could as she responded. He was also deflecting her spells, but she knew that wasn't the point. She didn't want to hit him with anything. He was testing her.
She could feel herself getting a bit worked up, looking towards the handsome Dark Lord as lots of spells headed in her direction. She dodged a couple, firing as many back as she could. She could feel her concentration slipping.
"Close your mind," he shouted across the room at her.
Gulping, Bellatrix narrowed her eyes and attemped to do as ordered, dodging a particularly nasty looking spell. Two more were heading her way, and she deflected one and moved away from the other. Without noticing, a jinx hit the side of her leg and she gasped, completely losing all focus.
"Close your fucking mind, Bellatrix!" he shouted again, much louder. Bellatrix jumped, looking up at him. She could see him approaching. His long fingers made contact with her shoulder bone, squeezing painfully. "Are you going to let a mere stinging jinx stop you?" he asked sharply, his eyes cold.
Bellatrix shook her head. "No, my Lord, I just…"
"I do not want to hear your excuses," he snapped. "I expect your performance to have improved greatly next time I see you for a lesson." Without a further word, he turned and left the room in a few long steps.
Gulping again, Bellatrix headed slowly towards the door. He'd gone beyond easy on her, and she knew that she could have done better. His presence put her on edge.
As she walked into the next room, knowing Rodolphus would expect her to, she wondered if the Dark Lord was alright. She knew he flew into a rage for what seemed like no reason, but this had seemed different.
"Ah, Bellatrix," she heard her husband say.
Bellatrix looked across the room, seeing him with a drink and a cigarette, as usual. "Rodolphus," she murmured, noticing the room was full of people.
"Was the Dark Lord swearing at you?" he asked with a smirk.
"Yes," Bellatrix mumbled, kissing him briefly. She desperately hated walking into this room, Rodolphus put her on display for everyone to get a glimpse of their relationship. Thinking fast, Bellatrix stepped back. "Er - He asked me to bring him a drink."
Rodolphus laughed, and Bellatrix was aware of how pleased he looked at that. "I'm glad he's finally seen your use," he said, and a couple of the others in the room were laughing too. Digging her nails into the skin of her palm angrily and trying to keep it from her face, Bellatrix poured a large measure of the expensive firewhiskey.
"I won't be long," she murmured, heading back to the door and closing it behind her. She looked down at the drink, contemplatively. It had been a great excuse to leave the room, but now she was in the middle of the Dark Lord's house with a huge glass of expensive firewhiskey. Sighing lightly, Bellatrix realised the only thing she wanted to do was to make sure the Dark Lord was alright. She hated the thought of him being angry about something and having no one to confide in. He was amazing and he was powerful, but she did still think of him as a man. She wasn't scared of him either. Perhaps she was mad.
She found herself halfway up the stairs to his office before she knew it. As she reached the door, she began to wonder if she actually was completely insane, never mind mad. She contemplated for a moment before knocking - thinking that maybe she was a little bit obsessed with him. But then, he was the most beautiful man she'd ever seen.
Sighing quietly, Bellatrix knocked on the door. Beautiful was probably an understatement.
He shouted for her to go in, and feeling slightly shaky, Bellatrix did so. He was looking up at her in surprise as she walked forwards having closed the door, placing the drink on his desk and kneeling in front of his desk.
"What are you doing?" Voldemort asked, and Bellatrix could hear the frown in his voice.
"My Lord," Bellatrix began, now wondering what on earth she was going to say. "I am sorry for disturbing you, I just was worried about you and I wanted to check that you were… Well, that you were alright - and I know you told me not to question me, and I'm not - I was just worried…" she trailed off, realising she was babbling every little thing that was in her head straight out.
"Why have you brought me a drink? Do you think I am an alcoholic?"
Bellatrix wasn't quite sure if he was amused or not. "It was... " she trailed off again, knowing this was going to make her seem very weak. "It was an excuse, my Lord."
To her enormous relief, she heard him laugh slightly. "Stand up, Bella." Slowly, feeling stupid, Bellatrix stood up, not daring to look at him. "Sit."
She heard a clink of glass against glass as she sat down, still not daring to look up, and then she noticed the glass she'd brought up with her being pushed in front of her.
"I am perfectly well," he said, his voice soft. "Thank you for your concern." Bellatrix looked up at him through her eyelashes. She noticed him drinking from another glass, and she smiled slightly. "Is Rodolphus holding court downstairs?"
Bellatrix looked up at him, her eyebrows raised. "Well…"
Voldemort chuckled. "Don't worry, I won't tell him what you say about him."
"I hate that room," she said, her voice soft. "Some of the men here… They're a bit creepy." She took a sip of her drink.
He smirked a little. "Yes, I know what you mean." His face dropped again and he looked down at his drink. "Bellatrix, last night I endangered my entire operation."
Bellatrix frowned, extremely surprised. "My Lord…"
"Don't," he said, raising his hand at her, his expression serious. "If that had been someone else, I would have killed them by now." He sighed lightly. "I have not been thinking about what is important to me."
"My Lord, she'll be terrified right now," Bellatrix said after a moment. "Let me go and kill her."
"She'll be surrounded by Auror's using her as bait," Voldemort responded sharply. "I would not allow you to go."
"Then… Rodolphus - someone. You have to show the world that you will not let this stand." Bellatrix stood up, smiling slightly. "My Lord… I am not sure if anyone would survive it if you never had sex again."
The Dark Lord looked up at her, pausing in disbelief for a moment, before laughing for a moment. "I'm sure you would help me there."
Bellatrix smiled at him, feeling slightly regretful that she couldn't. "Rodolphus would go mental."
"Rodolphus will do what he is told to do," Voldemort said, his voice firm. He stood up, moving around the desk to her. "As will you, Madam Lestrange."
Slowly, Bellatrix knelt before him, bending forwards and kissing his robes. "My Lord, I will always do anything you ask of me."
She heard his slight sigh. "Yes, I know." He turned away from her. "Which means I have to be very restrained," he said, his voice quieter now, as she stood up again. "Do you mind if I join in on your manipulating Rodolphus game?"
Bellatrix laughed slightly. "My Lord, the game is yours." She watched as he picked up his empty glass and put it down on the side. Then he pulled the glass she had brought towards him.
"I like having you here," he said, his voice slightly cooler than it had been. "You are honest with me - and unbelievably unafraid."
Bellatrix moved back to the desk. "And you are unbelievably pretty," she murmured, gazing over the desk at him. He was looking back up at her, and she found a sigh leaving her lips.
"I don't think I've been called that by one of my followers before," Voldemort responded after a moment, his voice quiet. Bellatrix stepped back, wondering what had come over her. "Or anyone, for that matter."
Knowing she'd crossed a line, Bellatrix retreated further away. "No, my Lord, please forgive me."
He was silent, and Bellatrix wondered if she should leave. "Give me your arm," he said, beckoning her to him. Wondering if he was going to cut it off or something equally gruesome, Bellatrix moved slowly towards him. "Don't be so ridiculous - you've just complimented me," he snapped. He pulled her sleeve up roughly, placing two fingers on her mark. It hurt, but she did quite like it. He smirked up at her. "Rodolphus is about to be told I require your services for some administrative affairs. Don't get too annoyed."
Bellatrix frowned. What was he talking about?
There was a tap on the door. "Open the door," Voldemort said softly.
Feeling very confused, Bellatrix opened the door. Rodolphus was frowning deeply at her. "Husband," she murmured as he walked past her. She slowly shut the door, feeling nervous again.
"Ah, Rodolphus," Voldemort said, looking up from his seat. "My apologies for keeping your wife, I needed a letter to be written and sent." He beckoned to the chair in front of the desk, and Rodolphus sat down. Bellatrix stood somewhere between the door and the desk, feeling slightly irritated already. "I would like her to help me with office work more often, if you don't mind."
Bellatrix smiled slightly, she loved the way the Dark Lord asked if Rodolphus didn't mind - because it really didn't matter if he did.
"It's women's work," Rodolphus replied, and Bellatrix could hear the smirk in his voice.
"Indeed," Voldemort replied, not looking up at her. "Well, I expect her to come if I summon her."
"She will," Rodolphus said, nodding.
Bellatrix knew why the Dark Lord was doing this. He wanted her to help him, but he knew Rodolphus would be insufferable if he asked that way. He had to frame it in a way which would please Rodolphus. And the best way to please Rodolphus was to demean her. She tried not to let their words upset her.
"I would like the issue from last night to be resolved," Voldemort said, as if it meant nothing to him. "The girl must die."
"I will ensure it is a brutal death, my Lord," Rodolphus said, his voice bright at the thought. "I have an idea…"
Voldemort shrugged dismissively. "I do not care for the details," he said, his voice slightly cold. "Take a few people with you. Evan, perhaps. I am concerned the Auror's may use her."
Rodolphus stood up. "My Lord," he said, bowing his head slightly.
"You may take your wife, too," Voldemort said after a moment's pause. "She is far too innocent of our ways." He looked over at her, and the merest hint of a wink was thrown in her direction. "The rest, I leave in your charge. Bellatrix, I will summon you tomorrow if I require you."
Bellatrix nodded, bowing her head to him and following Rodolphus from the room. She tilted her head slightly, seeing in disappointment that he wasn't watching her leave. As she closed the door, she wondered if all of this - everything - was just a massive game to him. She was probably the greatest loser of it.
"We'll go in a couple of hours," Rodolphus said as they walked down the stairs. "You can come, but I expect you to remember that I am in charge tonight. I will not have you back chatting me." Bellatrix shook her head, looking up at him.
"I promise, Roddy," she murmured, taking hold of his hand.
"I will not change my methods for you."
"Of course not," Bellatrix responded softly.
"Go home and get dinner for ten started," Rodolphus said, pulling away from her. "The boys can come over to ours before we go."
Bellatrix nodded, heading towards the door as they reached the bottom of the stairs.
"And get changed before I return," he called after her.
Scowling slightly as she left the house, Bellatrix decided she was starting to hate Rodolphus. He was obsessed by the way that she looked and he had to control every movement she made. Bellatrix longed for freedom.
x--x
Later that night, they were all outside of the house Voldemort had instructed them to go to. Bellatrix was pleased to have Evan by her side, she knew he had her back and hated Rodolphus.
Her husband was the one who opened the door and who entered the house first. The other two followed, and then Bellatrix and Evan went up behind. "I've put the wards up," Evan whispered. "First rule. It's a good five minute warning usually."
Bellatrix nodded, glad someone was explaining what was going on to her. There was a loud scream from upstairs, and she jumped.
"I usually put a silencing spell up as well," Evan continued, as if nothing had happened.
Reaching the top of the stairs, Bellatrix entered what she assumed was the bedroom. Evan was behind her. The woman - Bellatrix had forgotten her name already - had been dragged out of bed, and was currently being held upright by Rodolphus's tight grasp on her hair.
"No Auror's looking out for you?" Rodolphus said, his voice harsh. "Not really that great, are they?"
The woman looked terrified. Bellatrix was glad.
"I don't know what you mean!" she shrieked.
"Yeh, you do," said Travers, flicking a spell towards her. Bellatrix realised, with some horror, that he'd cut through her nightdress, and that Rodolphus was now peeling it off of her.
"Let's see what the Dark Lord saw in you, eh?" Rabastan said, his tone excited.
Rodolphus laughed, pulling the garment from her. She screamed, and Evan flicked his wand at her, causing her voice to disappear.
"I can see it," Rodolphus said, looking down at her naked body. He looked up at Bellatrix. "Crucio her."
Nervously, Bellatrix raised her wand and put the cruciatus curse on the woman. She could feel the power flowing through her wand - and she understood suddenly how addictive magical power could be. She moved forwards, tightening her grip on the wand as she could see the woman trying to scream.
"Enough," Rodolphus ordered, and Bellatrix stopped the spell, looking up at him. "Let's kill her in a way that suits her best." He pushed her forwards to Rabastan, jerking his head towards the wall. Rabastan grinned, grabbing the woman and dragging her backwards. Bellatrix didn't miss the smirk that was thrown in her direction by her brother in law.
Evan stepped closer, an expression of concern on his features. "Lestrange, I don't think-"
"I'm in fucking charge here, Rosier," Rodolphus snarled back.
Raising his hands defensively, Evan nodded. "Okay, Lestrange," he replied, looking over his shoulder at Bellatrix.
"She's got to find out sooner or later," Rodolphus snapped. Bellatrix frowned, looking over to Rabastan. He'd forced the woman onto her knees, her back to the wall. She could see through the darkness of the room that her mouth was stretched open. Rodolphus approached slowly, and Bellatrix noticed him undoing his robes. She wondered what he was doing. She felt Evan's hand close around hers, squeezing tightly, before letting go.
Looking up at him, about to ask what was going on, she heard the unmistakable sound of a belt being undone. Eyes wide, she looked back at Rodolphus. Rabastan and Travers were gathered next to him, laughing loudly as Rodolphus inserted his massive cock into the woman's mouth. She was desperately trying to move her head, but Rabastan was holding her hair tightly.
Evan moved closer, his arms folded as he watched. Bellatrix was frozen to the spot. Her husband was fucking another woman in the face, right in front of her. She could see he was driving himself deeper and deeper into her mouth, and before long his entire length was gone from her sight. Completely still, she watched as Rodolphus braced the wall, seeing the woman trying to fight Rabastan and Travers from her. Rodolphus drew back, before pushing forwards deeply.
"Fuck," she heard him mutter. "The Dark Lord does choose them."
He held himself still, and Bellatrix suddenly understood what was about to happen. The woman wasn't fighting as much now. Finally, she'd stopped struggling. Rodolphus pulled out and slammed straight back into her, a groan escaping his mouth. Bellatrix recognised that sound, and knew it was all over.
She felt sick. Her husband was a complete monster.
The woman slumped over as the three of them moved away, and Bellatrix could see that her eyes were glassy. She was dead. Her husband had killed her in the most imaginative and horrific way possible.
Rodolphus approached her, a smirk on his face. "Do me up, love," he said, gesturing to his trousers. Not daring to look at him, and hearing Travers laughing, Bellatrix buckled his belt and pulled his robes closed. "You'll be pleased to hear you're safe from me tonight," he said, grinning as he turned back to the others. "Remove the wards, Rosier. I want to go home with my wife."
Evan was glaring at him, but raised his wand.
"See you tomorrow, chaps," Rodolphus said, grabbing her by the wrist and disapparating them both home.
Bellatrix let go of him as soon as they had arrived. She was genuinely wondering if she was going to throw up. She noticed he'd brought them directly to their bedroom, and that thought concerned her. There was no way…
"Did you enjoy the show?" Rodolphus asked, his voice full of laughter.
Bellatrix didn't think she could reply. Slowly, she opened her drawer, pulling out a nightdress. Rodolphus laid down on the bed, lighting a cigarette. Bellatrix walked into the bathroom and shut the door, hastily changing into her nightdress. She stared at herself in the mirror. She was white, bordering on green.
The scene played in her mind, and her stomach turned. Hastily, she turned to the toilet, throwing her dinner up in one noisy expulsion. Rodolphus was suddenly behind her, looking down at her in disgust. "You don't have the stomach for this."
Bellatrix stood up, flushing the toilet and turning back to look at him. "You took me by surprise," she said, moving to the sink and putting toothpaste on her brush.
"It's not the first time I've done that," he responded, his face disturbingly happy about it.
"I could tell," Bellatrix replied. She wiped her face on the towel, turning to face him. She could feel her hands shaking. "A little disrespectful to do it in front of me, though."
Before she even had chance to turn away from him, he'd backhanded her hard across the face. Bellatrix turned, making impact with the corner of the sink against the cheek he'd just hit. She gasped, standing up with one hand on her cheek.
"Speak to me like that again and I'll make you regret being born," he informed her, grabbing her by the wrist and dragging her into the bedroom. "Get the fuck into bed."
Trying not to cry, Bellatrix did as she was told. She pulled the covers up to her chin, watching as he turned the bathroom light out. Her cheek was throbbing. Rodolphus got into bed, looking over at her.
"If I wake up tomorrow and find you've healed that, I will give you two more," he said, his eyes wide and angry looking. "I swear to fucking Merlin, Bellatrix, you are lucky I've just come, otherwise you'd be in for it." Shaking, Bellatrix nodded. She watched as he flicked his wand and turned the lights in the room out. "Apologise, you stupid bitch!" she heard him snarl.
"I'm sorry, Rodolphus," she said automatically, her voice faltering. She could hear the tears in her voice.
"I intend to make you so," Rodolphus replied, his tone harsh. "I promise, you will be sorry." She felt his hand gripping her wrist, under the covers. "When I have done you the honour of marking your face, you will not heal it unless I say so. If the Dark Lord calls you can heal yourself." His grip tightened, and Bellatrix could feel tears leaking from her eyes. "And only then."
"Yes, Rodolphus," Bellatrix said, her voice uncontrolled and thick with emotion.
"Go to sleep," he snapped. "And do so quietly, otherwise there will be more."
Bellatrix turned over slowly, crying silently into her pillow. She supposed, in her heart, she'd always known that was coming. But it actually happening was more upsetting than she knew could be.
Her dreams were once more plagued by a man with red eyes.
x-x