Narcissa had finally finished school. Bellatrix was very excited about seeing her, it had been far too long. She realised that she had made it through almost two years of being married, and one year as a Death Eater, and that it was now time for her sister. Narcissa had one month to get to know Lucius properly before they got married.
Bellatrix was fearful for her sister. Lucius, although very different to Rodolphus, was still the same breed of man. Having said that, as the entire family sat down for dinner, Bellatrix was very aware of the secret smiles and looks Lucius was throwing Narcissa's way.
"Where is Rodolphus tonight?" Cygnus asked her from across the other side of the table.
"Oh, he's working," Bellatrix replied quickly, knowing Rodolphus was actually at the pub.
Cygnus nodded slightly, although he was very obviously unsure.
"Why would a man as rich as Rodolphus have to go work?" Andromeda demanded rudely from the other end of the table.
Druella shot her a death glare, and immediately she silenced, although she was pouting. Bellatrix glanced over to Lucius, who smirked back at her.
"A rich man must amuse himself somehow," he said, smiling indulgently as he took a sip of wine.
Andromeda looked up again. "You mean to say that the role your family plays in our government is an amusement?" she asked, her voice angry.
Bellatrix frowned. She wasn't quite sure what had happened to her sister in the last year – normally she was completely clueless about such matters.
Lucius quirked an eyebrow. "I had no idea you took such an interest in current affairs, Miss Black," he said, his voice smooth and cool. Bellatrix could see how uncomfortable everyone else around the table looked. "Please allow me to educate you further – the Malfoy family has always held a ceremonial role as a benefactor and is only called upon to advise should the current minister request such advice from one of the remaining sacred twenty-eight. We are not paid for this heavy burden, nor would we expect to be. Therefore, you will forgive me for calling it an amusement."
Andromeda looked like she was going to retort again, but Druella was staring at her and it seems that made her reconsider.
The rest of dinner passed without event. Bellatrix could see why the Dark Lord valued Lucius as much as he did, he was very quick and smooth and she knew he must be very good at coaxing the minister into a decision that suited them well.
"Mother, may I show Bellatrix my wedding dress?" Narcissa asked, as the after-dinner whiskey came out.
"Of course," Druella replied, beckoning to Andromeda that she could leave the table too.
As they headed up the stairs, Bellatrix was smiling to herself. She'd missed her sisters this past year. "There's a rumour about you at school," Andromeda said once the bedroom door was shut.
"Really?" Bellatrix asked, looking up at the wedding dress. It was beautiful, ivory tulle and silver sparkles adorning it. "Lovely dress, Narcissa."
"They're saying you're a Death Eater."
Narcissa gasped. "Meda, you said you wouldn't bring this up!"
Bellatrix rolled her eyes. "So what if I am?"
It was Andromeda's turn to gasp. "I knew it!" she said loudly. "Did you get forced to take it when you got married?"
"Of course not," Bellatrix replied. "Why would the Dark Lord force people to take his mark?"
"Because he's a monster," Andromeda snapped back.
"How do you know that?" Bellatrix asked, feeling curious about how these things got around Hogwarts.
"Ted says-"
"Who is Ted?" Bellatrix said sharply, not aware of a Ted in Slytherin house.
"Her boyfriend!" Narcissa chipped in suddenly. "He's..."
"Cissa, you swore-"
"You swore you wouldn't bring the rumours up," Narcissa responded.
Bellatrix suddenly felt a bit miserable. She wasn't really part of anything these days and she hated to think there was something going on with either sister that she didn't know about.
"He's what?" she asked, not entirely sure that she wanted to know.
Andromeda glared at Narcissa. "He's just a bit different to us..."
"He's a mudblood," Narcissa spat, in a manor different to how she usually spoke.
Wide eyed, Bellatrix looked between them. "I sincerely hope you are joking."
Andromeda hit Narcissa on the arm. "Don't call him that word," she hissed.
Bellatrix pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling a headache coming on. "You can't go out with a mudblood," she said. "You'll be disowned."
"I know, that's why Narcissa wasn't meant to say anything!" Andromeda snapped back. "Don't tell on me, Bella. It's... it's nothing, honestly. It'll be over before I leave school next year."
"Alright," Bellatrix replied, but she knew she couldn't believe that. She also knew she would have to tell the Dark Lord, and much worse – Rodolphus.
The details of the wedding were next to be discussed. Narcissa really had been thinking everything through, down to the placement of each flower. It was lovely to see her in love, and Lucius did seem to be making an effort. He'd even visited her over some Hogsmeade weekends – Bellatrix had to fight with herself not to be jealous of that.
Things became a little awkward when Bellatrix asked about bridesmaids. Andromeda had excused herself at that point. "What have I said now?" Bellatrix asked, feeling irritated.
"Nothing," Narcissa replied. "It's just... Mother says you can't be a bridesmaid for me."
Bellatrix rolled her eyes. "Why, because I'm a married woman now?"
Narcissa nodded. "I'm sorry, you know I really want you to..."
"It's fine," Bellatrix replied, even though it wasn't. "Honestly, it's normal tradition." She forced a smile. Being married was honestly the most alienating experience of her life, she'd never felt so lonely before.
Bellatrix forced herself to participate in more wedding conversation, before Narcissa asked if they could go back down. Knowing very well that meant she wanted to see Lucius before he left, Bellatrix nodded and headed downstairs with her.
"Where is Mother?" Bellatrix asked coolly as they entered the dining room.
"She's gone to bed," Cygnus replied.
"Thank Merlin," Bellatrix murmured to herself as she poured herself a drink. She sipped it, sitting down next to her father. Narcissa had hesitantly sat down next to Lucius, and she was smiling up at him as if he was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen.
"Whiskey, Bellatrix?" Cygnus asked with a frown.
"Rodolphus hates wine," she said, shrugging.
"He's half French though?"
Bellatrix rolled her eyes. "I know, Daddy. They both seem to hate their French heritage."
Cygnus took some of his drink. "Are you happy with him? I can't decide if you are."
"Of course," Bellatrix replied, although it sounded defensive even to her ears.
She nearly dropped her tumbler as her dark mark flared into life. She bit her lip hard, looking up at Lucius and seeing he was very tense as well. Their eyes met, and Bellatrix could see that he was frantically finding a way out of this situation without being rude. Through the pain, Bellatrix stood up, swallowing the rest of her drink. "Right, I had better go. Malfoy, perhaps you will escort me home?"
Lucius nodded, standing up. "Good evening, Miss Black," he said, bending over and kissing Narcissa on the cheek. "I look forward to our afternoon tomorrow."
"As do I," Narcissa replied, smiling.
"Goodnight, Daddy," Bellatrix said, waving at Narcissa. Lucius left the room just behind her, cursing under his breath.
"It looks so rude when I leave like this," Lucius said softly as they headed outside.
"Don't worry, we Black's all know we're stuck with you," Bellatrix replied, feeling a bit more cheerful now she knew she was going to see the Dark Lord. Having said that, it was late – and she'd had some bad experiences in these late-night meetings. It normally meant the Dark Lord wanted to catch someone off guard. Lucius shot her a glare as she disapparated.
When she arrived in the foyer of the Dark Lord's house, Bellatrix could see Rodolphus waiting to go into the meeting room just ahead of her. She headed towards him, tapping him on the shoulder. He greeted her with a scowl, and Bellatrix was acutely aware of how much he hated her being there. He didn't have time to speak, as the doors to the meeting room were thrown open in a rather angry fashion.
Bellatrix gulped. Something had pissed the Dark Lord off.
They filed into the room, each person kneeling to him and kissing his robes. Bellatrix followed her husband, not daring to look into the face of the handsome Dark Lord. She was surprised, as she withdrew from him, when he grabbed her by the chin and forced her to look into his eyes. She swallowed deeply, feeling breathless when she looked into his deep red gaze. She didn't resist him when she felt him diving into her mind, and it didn't particularly hurt her now either. He was watching the conversation she'd just had with Andromeda and Narcissa earlier that night.
She saw his lips lift into a half smile for a moment, and she was suddenly aware he'd gone further back and was watching her practise a curtsey for him whilst looking into the mirror that morning, dressed only in her underwear. Feeling her cheeks burning, Bellatrix withdrew as he let go of her, stepping away into her place in the half circle and bowing her head.
"I am displeased," Voldemort announced, when everyone had arrived.
Bellatrix jumped as he spoke, looking up at him and wondering if he was annoyed with her. She hastily looked back down when she could see the anger in his red eyes.
"You, my inner circle, my most trusted, have disappointed me. I have been promised new recruits by each of you, and so far, only one of you has delivered."
Really hoping he wasn't going to draw attention to it, Bellatrix knew he was talking about her. She'd introduced her cousin Regulus to him, and he had received the mark last week. An unspeakable pain suddenly wracked her body, and she realised she had fallen to the floor. Feeling confused, Bellatrix looked around her and noticed that everyone else in the room was under the curse too. She could see, through the haze of the pain, the Dark Lord walking around the circle. The pain stopped, and Bellatrix lay on the ground, panting.
"Where is the respect for your Lord this evening?" the Dark Lord asked silkily, and hastily everyone in the room scrambled to get on their knees. Bellatrix looked around her and noticed Lucius was bent over, his hair covering his face.
"Please forgive me, my Lord," Nott said loudly after a moment, and Bellatrix smirked as he was put under the curse once more. She suddenly realised that the Dark Lord's gaze was on her, and very slowly she looked up at him through her eyelashes, into his red eyes with a small smile – knowing she'd been caught. He shook his head at her very slightly, looking away, and Bellatrix knew at that moment she could probably get away with most things if she smiled and fluttered her eyelashes enough. Being pretty had its uses.
Voldemort released the curse from Nott, and Bellatrix was pleased he'd stopped screaming. It wasn't helping her headache. "You have worn my mark for long enough to understand I do not give my forgiveness lightly, nor do I forget, Nott," he responded sharply. "Each of you can come and see me in the next week, privately, to either bring me someone worthy or to explain yourself to me."
He turned around, sitting back down on his throne and staring around the room.
"We are not safe, my friends. Even now, this very night, I have discovered another blood traitor – This time a member of the Black family." He looked over to Bellatrix, who didn't dare to look back up at him. "Which reminds me." He paused, and Bellatrix began to feel nervous enough to look up at him again. "Lestrange the younger," he said, after a moment.
Rabastan crawled forwards, kneeling before the Dark Lord. "My Lord."
"I have yet to congratulate you on your wedding, Rabastan. This is most remiss of me. You have been happily married for... well over two years, is it now?"
Bellatrix wished she could see Rabastan's face. She loved that the Dark Lord could sit on a piece of information for that long before using it at exactly the right moment.
"Yes, my Lord," Rabastan replied, very hesitantly, knowing he was in trouble.
"It is my understanding that I require those in my inner circle to ask my permission before they marry," he continued pleasantly, and Bellatrix knew he had that charming smile on his face. "Is this also your understanding, Rabastan?"
Bellatrix heard his gulp from her place behind him, and she really didn't know how she wasn't laughing.
"It is, my Lord," Rabastan agreed, his voice nervous.
"And yet, you did not think about that at the time." Voldemort stood back up, approaching Rabastan. "When you married a half blood." The Dark Lord laughed slightly. "Does your muggle father-in-law know the truth about who you are?"
Biting her lip, Bellatrix forced her gaze down. She knew she was going to burst out laughing if she didn't.
"My Lord, it was a mistake-"
"I know it was," Voldemort cut in, his tone dangerously friendly. "And why have you not yet rectified your mistake?" he continued.
Rabastan shook his head, apparently unable to put it into words.
"Let me share your thoughts with the group," Voldemort said, and Bellatrix could hear his smile. "Lestrange would have to kill her to solve his problem. But he is unable to do so; even he is not monstrous enough to kill his own wife." There was silence in the room, apart from the Dark Lord chuckling to himself. "Rodolphus, perhaps you could advise your brother on his best course of action?"
Rodolphus slid himself forwards slightly. "He should kill her," he said, his voice quiet. "And her entire family."
Voldemort chuckled again. "And Madam Lestrange, do you have any sisterly advice?"
Bellatrix looked up at him before crawling forwards. "I would suggest whatever you advise, my Lord," she said softly. "We must all be guided by you; your knowledge and experience are paramount." She looked up again, seeing him smile at her. As she withdrew, she looked back at her knees, smiling to herself. She was definitely his favourite.
"You have not bred with her, Lestrange," Voldemort said, amusement clear in his tone. "Why is this?"
Rabastan shook his head, still lost for words. "I can't," he choked, his voice slightly strangled.
"You can't?" the Dark Lord asked and Bellatrix could hear the smile in the voice. "Are you telling me that you are incapable of fucking your own wife?"
"My Lord, please…" Rabastan said quietly, still not looking up.
Voldemort laughed loudly, and there were a couple of other people sniggering as well. Bellatrix was desperate to laugh, but she could see that Rodolphus wasn't and she didn't want to irritate him. It did explain a few things about Rabastan and his marriage though.
"Tell your colleagues why," Voldemort said, his voice firmer now. "This is your punishment, Rabastan. You have disobeyed me and you must atone."
"She disgusts me," Rabastan said, loudly, his voice shaking. Bellatrix didn't think he had much control over his tone at that moment. "She is unclean…"
Voldemort laughed again, louder this time. Then he raised his wand and a spell hit Rabastan – Bellatrix knew it was the cruciatus curse from the way he was screaming and writhing. She smirked, watching in interest.
For a moment, she glanced up and caught the Dark Lord's gaze. Merlin, he was gorgeous. She smiled slightly, unable to tear her eyes from him. If it was down to her, she would stand up right there and then and grab him by the hair and kiss him so hard her lips bruised. His smile changed to a smirk – he knew what she was thinking.
Shaking her head, Bellatrix tore her gaze away, looking at Rabastan. Voldemort ended the curse, and her brother-in-law slumped over, panting heavily.
Then he lifted his wand again, and Bellatrix suddenly realised that everyone around her was screaming. She looked back up at Voldemort in surprise, catching his gaze once more. He stepped towards her, bending down so he was at eye level with her. "You never displease me," he murmured, a hand on the back of her head. "If you want to leave him… Do it now. Come with me now." He extended his hand to her.
Bellatrix looked down at it, and then back to his face before shaking her head. "I can't, my Lord," she whispered.
Voldemort withdrew his hand, nodding. "Very well." He shot her a wink, before he raised his wand to stop the spell and then left the room. Bellatrix slumped over so that Rodolphus wouldn't know she hadn't been tortured.
Rodolphus was by her side. "Are you alright?" he murmured, taking hold of each of her arms. "Are you hurt?"
Bellatrix swallowed. It was lovely when he was kind, but it was so rare she still didn't think it made their marriage worthwhile. "I'm fine," she murmured back. "What about Rabastan?"
Rodolphus rolled his eyes. "It's his own fault," he said with a scowl. "I've no sympathy, he got off lightly there."
Bellatrix smiled, letting him help her to her feet. "Thanks," she murmured.
"How was your family dinner?" he asked, but Bellatrix knew he was just keen to hear about what the Dark Lord had mentioned.
"Oh, it was nice to see Narcissa." She paused, looking around her. "There's something else, can we talk about it at home?"
"Of course," Rodolphus replied, sliding his arm around her. He pressed a kiss against her cheek as he disapparated them.
Bellatrix wasn't so convinced he was going to take the news about Andromeda well.
x-x
Bellatrix was feeling excited about the day ahead of her as she ate a late breakfast that morning, on the day of the Malfoy wedding. Rodolphus was nowhere to be seen, however that wasn't a shock to her. She didn't mind. She was too disgusted with him to even care.
Eager to go and see Narcissa, she jumped straight into the shower and got herself ready for the wedding. As she zipped herself into her dress, a long, simple silk floor length silver gown, she smiled to herself. Unless things had changed, the Dark Lord would be there today. He would certainly like this Slytherin themed outfit, although he might not be so fond of the fact she'd covered her mark up.
Slipping her feet into a matching set of shoes and adding a dark emerald choker around her neck, Bellatrix apparated over to the Malfoy manor. She was greeted at the door, surprisingly, by Lucius. She was disappointed to see that he didn't look particularly nervous – she had never seen it before and she suspected that if he didn't look worried on his wedding day, he never was going to.
"No husband with you?" he asked, smirking slightly.
Bellatrix scowled slightly, knowing he only asked because he knew it wound her up. "Obviously not," she snapped.
"Never mind," Lucius responded. "He doesn't add much worth to a conversation."
With a frown, Bellatrix looked up at him. He looked back, one eyebrow raised coolly, and for a moment she wondered how much he knew about her marriage. "I assume they are here?"
Lucius nodded, showing her inside the house. "Upstairs, round to the left." He paused. "Your mother is very..." He stopped, apparently unable to find the word.
Bellatrix laughed. "Yes, you don't need to fill in the gap. I know exactly what she us." She sighed, nodding briefly to Lucius before heading up the stairs. "A fucking bitch," she murmured under her breath. As she reached the top, she turned and headed into the room which sounded quite busy to her.
"Bellatrix!" She heard Narcissa call. Smiling, Bellatrix looked over at her beautiful younger sister. Narcissa looked blissfully happy, sitting down in a lovely white dressing gown with her golden hair piled on the top of her head. She felt a twinge of jealousy – Bellatrix would do anything to be that carefree again.
She approached, pressing a kiss on her cheek. "You look gorgeous," she replied. "I'm afraid Rodolphus had to send his apologies."
Narcissa looked up at Bellatrix, looking concerned. "Is he well?"
"Yes, nothing to worry about," Bellatrix responded.
She turned to greet Posey, who was a bridesmaid. "You mother asked that you go and find her when you arrive," Posey said softly. "I think she's in the room next door."
Bellatrix nodded. "She's so bloody desperate to keep me out of this wedding," she replied, rolling her eyes. "Talk later, Posey."
Feeling irritated already, Bellatrix headed into the next room. Druella was there, surrounded by various flowers and presents.
"Bellatrix," Druella said, her voice cool. "Where is Rodolphus?"
Bellatrix shook her head. "He didn't want to come."
Druella looked interested at that. "Having marriage difficulties?" she asked.
"You could say that," Bellatrix replied, scowling again. "He does nothing but drink and smoke, and if I'm really lucky he smacks me across the face."
Druella merely shrugged. "Women before you have suffered worse."
"You knew what he was like before you introduced us, didn't you?" Bellatrix asked accusingly.
"I'd heard rumours." Druella smiled slightly at her, and Bellatrix could feel her magic tingling angrily in her blood. "I need someone to look after the Dark Lord today."
"And you wanted that someone to be Rodolphus?"
Druella nodded. "I'm sure there is someone else here that is acquainted with him."
Bellatrix scowled. "I will accompany him, Mother. I know him."
Druella glanced down to Bellatrix's forearm for a moment, her expression changing to a slightly confused one now. "You..."
"Yep," Bellatrix responded, feeling smug now. "First woman with the mark."
"Very well," Druella replied, her expression returning to neutral once more. "He can sit in Rodolphus's place for lunch. We are going to say he is a cousin of yours."
"Fine," Bellatrix replied, feeling slightly exhausted already.
"He should be waiting downstairs now, see if you can find him. Do try and keep him happy."
Bellatrix left the room feeling irritated, although as she made it further down the stairs she began to realise that this meant she was going to spend the entire day with him. That made her smile. She headed into the parlour and stopped as soon as she caught sight of him. She smiled – even from behind he was the most beautiful man she'd ever seen.
He turned, his expression definitely pleased as he saw her. "Madam Lestrange," he said, a smirk on his lips.
Bellatrix closed the door behind her, stepping towards him. "My Lord," she replied, the moment feeling surreal. She approached him, stopping closer to him than she would normally. She slowly bent down on one knee, pressing her lips against his robes.
"You know better than to greet me as such in public," Voldemort said, but his voice was amused.
"I'm afraid I am quite unable to help myself," she replied, smiling up at him as she rose to her feet. She could see his eyes were spelled back to their original pale blue colour.
"I know the feeling," he responded, reaching out to run his fingers along the emeralds on her necklace. "This suits you."
Bellatrix's smile widened – it was nice to be able to go out in an outfit she had chosen for herself. "I've been put in charge of you."
Voldemort raised his eyebrow slightly. "Really?" he asked, his voice interested. "For the entire day and night?"
She could hear the implication in his voice. She smirked. "It appears that way," she replied. "My mother said I must do whatever I can to please you."
Voldemort laughed slightly. "I am sure you will please me greatly." He took her hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing it gently – his eyes not leaving hers once. Bellatrix felt a shudder jolt through her. "You always do."
"I hope so," she responded, slightly breathless.
"I must take this opportunity to tell you how beautiful you look," he said, still holding her hand lightly. "The most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Silver becomes you."
Bellatrix smiled, not daring to respond to that. She hoped it wouldn't be too obvious that she'd chosen the dress with him in mind. "Would you like to sit down?"
Voldemort smiled back, and all Bellatrix could see for a moment was his perfect teeth. "You are in charge of me today, Madam Lestrange," he said quietly.
Looking into his spelled blue eyes, Bellatrix nodded. "For one day only, Master," she whispered back. He smiled, moving closer to her. Bellatrix could feel her face tilting up towards his, their chemistry was practically sizzling in the air. As he closed the gap, Bellatrix forced herself not to lean in and kiss him on the lips. He pressed a gentle kiss on her cheek.
"If only you were mine," he murmured. "You could take charge of me more often." His eyes drifted down to her breasts and back up to her face, a smirk present on his lips.
Bellatrix laughed, putting her arm through his. "Stop it," she ordered, leading them from the parlour. "You haven't even asked where Rodolphus is."
It was Voldemort's turn to laugh. "He had no intention of coming, Bella. He was practically begging me to give him something important to do today." Knowing he wouldn't lie to her, Bellatrix nodded. She felt relieved in one way, but also angry that her husband felt no need to support her in any way. "But, let's not complain. You're a different person when he is nearby."
Bellatrix looked up at him, seeing his usual smirk replaced by a look of concern directed towards her. "I'm fine," she replied automatically.
Voldemort sighed. "If you say so," he muttered, as they entered the ball room where the ceremony was to be held. It did look very beautiful; thousands of white roses adorned the hundreds of chairs set out for the guests. Lucius was standing at the front of the room with his father and Evan, who was going to be the best man.
"Hello," Bellatrix called as they approached. "I just wanted to introduce my cousin to you all." She looked up at him, grinning.
The three men smirked, understanding instantly. "Marvolo Black," Voldemort said, his eyes lingering on Abraxas for a longer moment that the others. Abraxas looked slightly nervous, but nodded back.
"I'm going to look after him all day," Bellatrix continued, smiling.
"And night," Voldemort added. Bellatrix could see Evan trying not to laugh.
"You'll be very well looked after," Evan said, grinning.
"How are you, Lucius?" Voldemort asked quietly.
"Good, thank you, my Lord," Lucius replied in a low tone, bowing his head slightly. He still didn't look nervous at all. "And how fares my bride?" he asked Bellatrix.
"Narcissa is fine," Bellatrix replied. "She looks beautiful." She paused. "A perfect Malfoy bride I should think."
"Of course," Lucius responded.
"Abraxas," Voldemort said quietly. "Would you show Bellatrix and I the garden briefly?"
Abraxas nodded, his cool demeanour untouched. Voldemort took her arm again, smiling at her and following Abraxas from the ballroom, just outside into the rose garden. At this time of year, it was a beautiful scented heaven of colourful roses.
When they were safely away from the French doors, Voldemort spoke. "I think it is time Lucius took over from you at the Ministry," he said quietly, letting go of Bellatrix.
"My Lord?" Abraxas asked quietly, although he didn't sound very happy.
"When he returns from his honeymoon, you will begin to transfer everything to him." Voldemort stepped closer to Abraxas. "You're not what you once were. I need someone with youth and an understanding of my aims."
"I understand your aims," Abraxas said, his voice cool. "I have known you the longest…"
Voldemort shook his head. "This fact troubles me, Abraxas. You know too much."
"I would never…"
Bellatrix was beginning to feel a bit uncomfortable. It was very flattering that the Dark Lord trusted her enough for her to witness this conversation, but Abraxas Malfoy was a patriarch of their society.
"I am sure," Voldemort said, cutting him off. "I would ask you not to fight me on this one, Abraxas. It will happen, one way or another."
Bellatrix could hear a note of danger in the Dark Lord's warm voice, and she understood that it was a threat.
Abraxas nodded coldly, his face blank. "Very well. I shall begin proceedings upon my son's return."
"I am pleased to hear it," Voldemort said, his tone still warm. "We do not wish to keep you from this important day, please go ahead and continue your business." He smiled, and once more Bellatrix could only see his perfect teeth.
With a small bow, Abraxas headed back inside. Bellatrix wondered how angry he really was.
"It's bubbling up," Voldemort said softly in her ear. Bellatrix turned to look at him, smiling as she realised he was looking into her mind. She laughed.
"Poor Abraxas," she murmured.
"Poor me," he corrected her. "The Malfoy's are inherently untrustworthy. I have to keep both of them close."
Bellatrix nodded, smiling as he extended his arm to her. Feeling her stomach flipping in excitement, she took it and he led her further down the garden. "Does your no questions rule stand today?" she asked after a moment.
"You can ask," he responded lightly after a moment.
Taking that as a go ahead to ask, even if there was no reply, Bellatrix grinned up at him. "How do you know Abraxas?"
There was a pause. Bellatrix wondered if she'd irritated him already. Then he spoke. "I went to Hogwarts with him."
Bellatrix was surprised. She had no idea he was around the same age as Abraxas. "Were you in Slytherin?"
Voldemort chuckled at that. "What a foolish question, Bellatrix."
Laughing, Bellatrix nodded. "I know, I know," she responded.
"I am the heir of Salazar," he added after a moment.
Bellatrix looked up at him in surprise again. "You are?" she asked. He nodded. "Can you speak parstletongue?"
With a smirk, he nodded. Bellatrix suddenly realised they'd stopped walking. "The name… Marvolo… Why did you choose it?"
Voldemort shook his head. "Let's just say it's a name from my family," he said softly, although his voice was firm. "Enough, Bella." Bellatrix nodded, looking down at her feet. "It's alright," he murmured, reaching out and stroking the top of her head gently.
"You are a cause of my curiosity, my Lord," she said quietly, looking back up at him. His face was soft, concentrating on her.
"I know," he replied. "But you are not mine. I know you would sooner kill yourself than betray me, and I would tell you everything." He pressed a kiss against her forehead. "But I cannot."
Bellatrix nodded. "You are… remarkable, in every way."
His face split into a smile. "As are you, Bella." He slid an arm around her waist, leading her back towards the house. "Is he feeding you? You feel tiny."
"Yes, mother," she responded, rolling her eyes.
He squeezed her to him. "Cheeky," he said, but she could hear amusement in his tone.
"I'm not always hungry." She glanced up at him. "My appetite is ruined these days."
"Why?" he asked as they got closer. He stopped walking, letting go of her so they were not seen.
"I think I'm in love," she said, looking up at his face. She wasn't quite sure where that had come from, but his eyebrows raised in surprise, and he was about to speak when her mother appeared.
"Will you come and sit down?" she asked, her tone polite for once. Bellatrix nodded, following her inside, the Dark Lord just behind.
There were a few people in the room, Lucius and Evan waiting at the front. Bellatrix smiled across at her cousin, noticing his wink in her direction. Druella beckoned on some seats on the far end of the front row, and Bellatrix stepped forward and took her seat.
Voldemort sat down next to her.
"Reckon Malfoy is nervous?" she asked lightly.
Voldemort chuckled. "I know he is," he replied softly.
"I didn't know Malfoy's had the capacity."
"They do on special occasions." He smiled. "Or when around me."
"Even Lucius?"
"Not always." He looked towards the blond. "But sometimes I have to remind him of his place, and put him back into it."
Bellatrix laughed softly. "Can you invite me next time you do that?" He looked back to her with a grin, but didn't reply. "When do I get put back in my place?"
He shook his head. "You have no motive other than my aims succeeding." He tilted his head to one side. "Well. Mostly. But your other motives do not contradict the former."
"Other motives?" she asked, although she was fairly confident she knew what he was referring to.
Voldemort shot her a glare. "Don't play the fool, Bella."
Bellatrix smirked. "Alright, you've got me." She looked around her, seeing the room filling up with some familiar faces. She looked back to him. "Rodolphus's motives?"
Voldemort nodded. "Almost the same as yours, but with more violence."
"That makes sense," she said softly. "He lives for you too."
"Not in the same way." He smirked. "Not that I mind, of course."
Bellatrix laughed softly. There was one question that was burning her, she decided that this was the moment to ask. "Will you tell me your age?" she asked in a low voice. "I won't believe you."
Voldemort shook his head, but he was smiling. "I am nearing fifty," he said very quietly. "Now you may compliment me."
"How do you look so young?" Bellatrix asked, smiling back. "You don't look a day over thirty."
He smirked. "If I told you, you'd be sick."
Bellatrix laughed. "Alright, I won't."
Abraxas appeared and sat down next to them, followed by Druella. "Narcissa is ready," she said coolly. Bellatrix looked up and noticed the ministry official was now talking to Lucius.
"How is she?" Bellatrix asked, wishing she was there with her.
Druella shrugged, not bothering to reply. Bellatrix scowled.
Voldemort leant closer to her. "A most unbecoming expression, Bella," he murmured.
Bellatrix looked back, trying not to roll her eyes again. "I have a most unbecoming mother," she responded. "One good thing about my marriage – probably the only good thing – I've escaped her."
"You wouldn't have met me unless you'd got married."
"I would have come and found you myself," Bellatrix said, smirking. "I don't need an introduction by a husband for anything."
Voldemort laughed. "No, indeed."
The music around them got louder, and the ministry official asked everyone to stand. Andromeda and Posey entered first, Posey was smiling but Andromeda looked like she would rather be anywhere else. Then Narcissa came, attached to Cygnus's arm. She did look lovely, calm and collected and smiling gently towards Lucius. Bellatrix was pleased that she was happy, and she knew that Lucius would treat her well.
As the ceremony progressed, Bellatrix remembered how she'd felt during her own wedding. She'd been very uncertain, wishing she hadn't rushed into things with Rodolphus. But she'd also been hopeful. Now, two years on, she realised she had been very naïve back then. She tilted her head, looking at the Dark Lord for a moment. He moved his gaze to hers, smiling slightly. Her wedding anniversary was also the anniversary of meeting him.
Bellatrix looked back to Narcissa and Lucius, trying not to smile too much. She was glad she had met him. She would just have an empty, hollow life of nothingness without him. She would have gone mad by now.
Lucius was kissing Narcissa, and the ceremony was over. Bellatrix looked over at the Dark Lord, smiling as she saw he was staring intently at her. "Imagine us doing that," he murmured, a small smile on his lips.
Bellatrix shook her head, looking away from him and watching as the newly married Malfoy couple left the room. "I had no idea you have such a creative mind," she responded. She heard him chuckle in reply, and she turned back to face him with a grin.
"It doesn't have to be imaginary."
"It certainly does," Bellatrix replied, laughing slightly, following the crowd out of the room.
"Do you ever wish it doesn't, though?" he whispered into her ear from slightly behind her.
Bellatrix smirked to herself, knowing what he wanted to hear. She didn't reply straight away, but as they headed out of the room and into the entrance hall, where champagne was being served, she helped herself before turning to face him. He took a long sip of his drink, not looking away from her as he did. "What would be the point in wishing?" she asked him.
"No point at all," he replied. "But wishing isn't always a conscious choice."
"You appear to be asking if I fantasise about you," Bellatrix replied, grinning at him and finishing her champagne.
Voldemort glanced around him before grabbing her by the hand and dragging her into the parlour. He closed the door behind him, flicking his wand at it to lock it. When he turned back to look at her, Bellatrix could see his eyes were bright red. "I am asking exactly that," he said, approaching her.
"Isn't it terribly inappropriate for me to answer such a question?" Bellatrix asked, feeling slightly nervous. The red eyes added something slightly menacing to his look.
"Is it?" he asked, looking down at her. "When I know the answer already?"
Bellatrix laughed, looking up at him and wishing she could just kiss him. "Then why are you asking me, Marvolo?" she retorted, knowing she was pushing her luck.
She found herself slammed roughly against the wall, although she noted that it didn't hurt and she was aware he must have cast some sort of cushioning spell. Voldemort was close, pushing her shoulders into the cold wall. She could only see his eyes glittering like rubies. "That, as you know well, is a name for use in public for today only, Bellatrix."
Bellatrix was suddenly very aware that her increased breathing and position against the wall meant her breasts were very high in her dress, and that she was giving him a glimpse of something he probably had been thinking about for a while. She looked into his eyes, nodding.
"However..." His eyes had strayed downwards. "My most loyal follower may be able to get away with more than she should..." Voldemort's eyes snapped back up to hers. "In certain situations..."
Bellatrix laughed softly, reaching up and taking his hand. "My Lord," she murmured, keeping his gaze. "You are my only fantasy, as you know."
He released his hold on her, smiling slightly. "I like to hear it, sometimes," Voldemort replied softly. "I know a lot of things about people in secret, but I do like to hear certain things."
"Confessions of disloyalty?"
"My favourite thing to prize out of someone," he replied, smirking a little.
"I'd like to help you with that," Bellatrix responded eagerly. "I have ambition..."
"We should not talk of such matters today," Voldemort said, shaking his head. He smiled down at her. "But we shall talk about this soon." He took a step back, taking her hand and kissing it gently. "I promise."
Bellatrix smiled, watching as he unlocked the door with a flick of his wand. With a further flick, his eyes turned back to blue.
"If you were anyone else, I would have taken what I wanted by now," he said conversationally, smirking a little. "Locked in a room with you looking like that..." He shook his head, watching as Bellatrix straightened herself out. "You have considerable influence over me."
"I should hope not," Bellatrix responded with a frown.
Voldemort smiled. "And this is why I tell you such things," he said, looping an arm around her waist. "You want to succeed alongside me, don't you? No thought of overtaking or overthrowing." He turned her to face him. "Even though you could."
Smiling, Bellatrix looked up at him. "Why would I want to do either of those things? You're too gorgeous to waste."
Chuckling, Voldemort let go of her and headed towards the door. "Merlin," she heard him mutter under his breath. She stepped out of the room behind him, smiling as she saw Narcissa nearby. She approached her sister, hugging her tightly.
"Congratulations," she said, pleased to see Narcissa smiling. "That's the worst bit over with now."
"It's been a strange day," Narcissa replied, sipping her champagne. One of their distant relatives approached, and Bellatrix hastily moved out of the way. She wasn't keen on the idea of people asking her where Rodolphus was.
She could see Lucius talking to the Dark Lord, and with a sigh she approached him. "Congratulations... Brother..." she said, the expression of disgust on her face saying it all.
Lucius sneered at her. "Thank you, dear sister," he responded, his voice cold.
Voldemort laughed quietly, stepping back from them slightly. "Don't make friends too quickly, now," he said sarcastically. Bellatrix shot him a glare, to which he merely laughed at. "Ooh, very threatening there, Madam Lestrange," he continued, still laughing.
Bellatrix jumped as a hand appeared on her shoulder. She looked around, noticing it was Evan. "Looking alright today, Black," he said, grinning broadly.
She rolled her eyes. "You've got no idea how much it winds Rodolphus up when you call me that."
Evan smirking. "Yeh, I do," he said cheerfully. "Anyway, he's not here right now so I could call him a twat if I wanted, and he'd never know."
Bellatrix looked back to Voldemort, seeing him still laughing. She shook her head regretfully. "He'll know when I tell him," she retorted.
Looking hurt, Evan shook his head. "As if you'd get your favourite cousin into trouble like that!"
"Favourite is highly debatable," Bellatrix replied with a smirk, as dinner was called. "Sometimes I prefer Sirius to you."
Evan gasped. "Take that back!"
"No," Bellatrix replied, turning away from him and following the Dark Lord into the dining room.
"Who is Sirius?" he asked quietly, tilting his head down.
"A younger cousin of mine, in Gryffindor. He'll be disowned before he comes of age," Bellatrix replied softly. "Him and my sister." She scowled slightly, thinking about Andromeda's boyfriend. She hoped he wasn't going to make an appearance.
"Yes, I will look into that later," Voldemort replied, frowning slightly.
"Oh... You don't need to," Bellatrix said, as they found their seats at the central, large round table.
"I don't, no," he responded, looking into her eyes. "But I will. For you."
Bellatrix felt her stomach flip. She smiled at him, and he smiled back. It was small, but sincere. As the newly married Malfoy's entered the room, she wondered how she was going to keep her hands off him throughout this dinner – and for the rest of eternity. She wasn't sure if it was possible.
x-x