Bellatrix had been quite happily sat in a secluded but sunny part of the garden when the Ministry owl had dropped a letter for her. She'd picked it up and stared at it for a while, knowing what it was going to say. Decree absolute.
She'd chosen to send back her Lestrange engagement ring via owl. She absolutely could not bear the idea of seeing Rodolphus, and even though the terrible memories were starting to fade – she knew that they would come back easily.
It was quite a good excuse for her not to leave the house as well. She was sort of depressed. While the Dark Lord was amazing in every single way, she did feel like she had betrayed her House. She knew that letters, and even a couple of howlers, had been sent by certain members of her family – mainly her mother – but the Dark Lord had been sensible enough to ensure all Black family owls came his way first. She trusted him to tell her anything she needed to know, and was a little amused at the fact the Dark Lord was getting howlers from her mother.
If only Druella knew that, Bellatrix thought to herself with a smirk. He would relay some of the information to her – They wanted her to change her mind, she was betraying her blood, she would be disowned if she didn't go back to Rodolphus... The list went on. She could see the look of concern in the Dark Lord's eyes every time he told her one of these messages. He was worried she would. But Bellatrix knew Rodolphus would kill her if she returned to him. Betrayal of blood was better than being dead.
The Dark Lord hadn't attempted to make her change her recent secluded ways. She would visit him regularly during the day; talking, planning and occasionally kissing him for so long that her lips felt bruised. He hadn't tried to have sex with her even though it was incredibly clear that he wanted it more than anything.
She wanted it too.
They enjoyed a dinner together every evening, drinking wine and laughing. He did have the most amazing wine collection and Bellatrix was worried they were going to burn through it too quickly. It was almost like their relationship in the previous months – two normal friends - who happened to be in love with each other and sleep in the same bed. It was lovely, but she was starting to want more now. She wanted to be his.
Bellatrix glanced down at the letter in her hands. Slowly, fingers shaking, she opened the envelope and saw the official one-page letter in her hands. Decree absolute. She smiled, shoving it back into the envelope and standing up with her book. Slowly, she made her way back up to Voldemort's rooms, thinking that she might have a lay down for half an hour before going to tell him the news. She walked through the sitting room, dumping the book and letter on the way, and into the bedroom.
She stopped dead.
Completely naked apart from very tight black underwear, Voldemort stood by the wardrobe, staring into it, clearly in deep contemplation. He looked up at her, smiling slightly. "Bella," he said softly.
Bellatrix swallowed, staring at him. "My Lord," she responded, hardly thinking about anything other than this vision before her. Slowly, she crossed the room to where he was standing, kneeling before him.
"Bella..." he murmured, his voice protesting her action slightly.
She bent forwards, pressing a kiss onto each of his feet. He was her god, she wanted to worship him. His skin was so soft. Continuing, Bellatrix kissed higher on his left foot, moving up his leg with tiny kisses. He was frozen still. She reached the bottom of his underwear, and kissed him once more before looking up to his face. He was frowning slightly.
"Up, he said quietly, pulling her up. He paused momentarily before running his hands down her side and unzipping her dress. Bellatrix pulled the straps of it down her arms, allowing it to fall to the floor.
"My Lord," she said, stepping towards him and pressing her lips to his. His lips claimed hers fiercely.
"You're so beautiful," he murmured after he'd pulled back, looking her down and up. "I am a lucky man."
Bellatrix shook her head, kissing him again and running her hands down his back. His skin was so warm against her own and she could almost feel their magic mingling as she touched him. "I'm the lucky one, Tom," she said softly.
He smirked at her. "No," he responded, his hands caressing the side of her body. "Are you sure about this?" he asked quietly after a moment.
"I love you," she replied, kissing him deeply. She could feel him responding to her, and she tightened her grip around him. Then she felt him lifting her up, still not breaking the kiss, and moving towards the bed. He finally broke their embrace. Panting slightly, Bellatrix moved up the bed and laid back, watching as he crawled towards her.
Voldemort's lips touched hers again, his fingers running lightly down her abdomen. He pulled back, his red eyes meeting hers. His gaze shifted down to her breasts, and slowly and gently he reached around and unclasped her bra, pulling it off. He leant forwards and kissed her with multiple tiny pecks around her upper body. Bellatrix moaned lightly at the contact, running her hands down his back and settling on his arse. She heard a slight moan from him and she could definitely feel his hardness against her.
She slid her fingers into his underwear, running her fingers down the flesh of his buttocks. His skin was so warm and inviting and she just wanted more. He pulled back, looking down at her with a smile. His eyes trailed down her stomach, lingering on her underwear. Bellatrix inhaled sharply as she felt his fingers at the waistband. He immediately stopped, looking up at her in concern. "Are you alright?"
Bellatrix nodded, gesturing for him to continue. She wanted this. She needed him. She needed to erase the memories of Rodolphus by creating new ones with the man she loved.
Slowly, he removed her underwear and pulled back, pressing a kiss against her newly exposed flesh before removing his own. Bellatrix swallowed slightly as she caught sight of his manhood – it was perfect. He chuckled slightly and Bellatrix moved her gaze up to his, shooting him a glare. "Your face says it all," he said quietly, leaning forwards to kiss her again. As he did, she could feel his finger entering her. She cried out into his mouth as it happened, not expecting it. He added another, curling them both inside of her as his thumb grazed her sensitive nub. His other hand found its way into her hair and he deepened the kiss.
Bellatrix moaned into the kiss, feeling her orgasm approaching. She felt weightless for a long moment before wave after wave of orgasm crashed down over her. She pressed her hands into his hair, panting slightly as he pulled back and removed his fingers. Voldemort smirked down at her.
Smirking back, Bellatrix reached down and took his hardness in one hand. She was satisfied when the smirk left his face and he gasped. Slowly, she ran her hand up and down his length. "Tom," she said quietly, looking into his eyes. "Will you fuck me?"
His pupils visibly dilated as he looked back down at her. "Only because you asked so nicely," Voldemort replied, his voice slightly hoarse. Bellatrix laughed.
Slowly, his hands moved around her thighs, pulling them apart. Then he moved forwards, positioning himself, before gently pushing home. Bellatrix moaned slightly, shifting her hips to give him better access. He moved slowly in and out, his expression calm even though she didn't believe that for a second.
"Tom," she mumbled, running her hands down his back. "Please..."
He shifted his position, moving faster now and finding her sweet spot. Bellatrix moaned, feeling her inner walls clamping around him as she orgasmed once more – the knowledge that she was finally with him too much for her. A few moments later she heard him groan and she knew that he was coming too. He stilled, leaning down over her and kissing her shoulder.
"Bella..." he said, pulling back to look at her. He looked kind of guilty for a moment – an expression she'd never seen crossed his face. "I shouldn't have..."
"I couldn't have waited another moment," she replied, smiling up at him. "I'm divorced. It's official. The letter just came."
Voldemort smiled back, smoothing down her hair. He pulled back from her, laying down next to her still breathing heavily. "Thank Merlin," he murmured.
"You don't have to treat me so carefully, you know," Bellatrix said after a while of composing herself. "I enjoy rough sex and I know you do too."
"I know," he said, shutting his eyes. He opened his eyes again a moment later, looking over at her. "So you're saying you didn't enjoy that?"
Bellatrix looked back, frowning until she saw his grin. "Fuck off," she replied, smiling back. "Your ego is big enough without my adding to it."
Voldemort chuckled again. "You're very sensitive," he murmured suggestively, sitting up and turning over so he was closer to her. "I think I will have lots of fun with you."
Pressing her lips against his, Bellatrix sat up and put her arms around him, leaning her head against his chest. "We will have a lot of fun together," she responded. They sat together in comfortable silence for a while, before Voldemort sighed.
"I need to go to my office for a bit," he murmured, pressing a kiss on the top of her head. He paused. "Evan suggested we came out for a couple of drinks tonight."
Bellatrix swallowed. "Oh," she said softly.
"We don't have to but... I can't help but feel it would be a good idea."
"You're right," she said with a sigh.
"I have a habit of being right," he replied, sliding from the bed and getting dressed.
Bellatrix laughed. "You have a habit of being an arrogant fuck, Tom."
He laughed back, stepping towards her and kissing her briefly. "You're the most beautiful woman in the world when fully dressed," he said, his breath tickling her cheek. "But the sexiest when you are naked." His red eyes slid down her body. "Fuck," he murmured, pulling away from her.
"Go on," Bellatrix said, laughing at him.
With a final kiss, he left the room. Bellatrix lay back down, smiling at the ceiling. He was perfect.
x—x
Bellatrix had been both nervous and excited when he mentioned that a group were going out for some drinks that night. She hadn't seen anyone over the last few weeks and she had no idea how people were going to react to her. Still, it was an opportunity to dress up and try and have a good time. She knew she had to face it sooner rather than later.
She gazed into the mirror as she awaited the Dark Lord. She was wearing a short green dress – shorter than anything she'd worn out before. It had long sleeves and was cut to be almost off the shoulder. Paired with simple black stilettos and her hair curled down her back, she knew she looked amazing. She just wasn't sure what he would think – this was almost a test for him as much as it was for her. His reaction would tell her more than enough.
"Bella?" she heard him call from the other room. Glancing at her reflection once more, she gulped.
"In here," she called back, trying to stand casually but seemed to have forgotten how to.
Voldemort walked into the room, stopping dead as he saw her. His expression was blank as he stared at her.
Momentarily scared of him, Bellatrix opened the wardrobe door. "It's too much, I'll change," she said hastily.
"You'll do no such thing," he replied, crossing the room to her. He shut the door she'd just opened. "You…" He shook his head, reaching out to grasp her chin and pulling her in to kiss him. She felt herself melt and relax at his touch instantly. "You are beautiful and young and this is exactly how you should be dressed."
Bellatrix grinned up at him, feeling happiness coursing through her veins. "It's for you."
Voldemort kissed her again, and she could feel his hardness pressing against her. "I cannot wait to unwrap my precious gift later," he murmured into her ear. He took a step back. "Are you ready to go and show the world who I belong to?"
"Who you belong to, Tom?" she asked, frowning slightly.
He nodded, taking her hand and kissing it. "I couldn't look at another woman now if I tried." He looked her up and down again. "Wear your Slytherin necklace."
Smiling, she looked down at her dresser and pulled the emeralds around her neck. She felt his fingers on her skin and he gently clasped the necklace. "I love this," she said quietly, running her fingers over the smooth stones.
"We will restore the Slytherin name," he said softly, his breath tickling the back of her neck. "But first… we are going to have some fun."
Bellatrix grinned. "Agreed," she said, turning to face him. "Shall we go?"
He nodded, taking her hand to disapparate them both. When they arrived at the bar, Bellatrix inhaled sharply. She hadn't been here in a while and being here with him was very surreal. "Wine?" he asked.
Bellatrix nodded, feeling nervous. She looked down at her shoes, wishing they weren't so high incase she fell over. She contemplated for a moment, aware that the only thing she liked from her time with Rodolphus were her shoes and hair.
Voldemort passed her a large glass of red wine, smiling slightly. He knew she was nervous. "Nothing has changed, Bella."
She nodded, trying to smile.
"Do you want to go home?"
"No," she blurted hastily. "No, I want to do this."
Voldemort smiled slightly. "He's won if you don't."
"Exactly." She inhaled through her nose, stepping towards the back of the room where she knew they'd be awaited. She knew he was close behind her. "Good evening," she said, her voice light. There were several Death Eaters around the table; Evan and Lucius included. A couple of Rodolphus's friends were there and all looked surprised to see her.
A couple of the men were openly staring at her. Evan burst out laughing when he saw her, standing up and hugging her tightly. "Look at you," he said quietly in her ear. He drew back to look at her again. "If you weren't my little cousin and you weren't with the Dark Lord, I would be after you."
Bellatrix smiled back. "Thanks Evan," she said, sipping on her wine. She looked around, noticing Voldemort sat next to Lucius. "Do you think it's obvious we're here together?"
"Yes," Evan said quietly. "But everyone has known for a long time that you were going to be his, even if you didn't know it and he didn't either."
Bellatrix frowned. "Was it that obvious?"
"Yes," Evan replied firmly. He drew her away from the group slightly. "I saw my mother today."
"Oh," Bellatrix replied, feeling slightly nervous at that.
"She's going to speak to your mother. I hope you don't mind… I told her what happened…" Evan was looking towards her uncertainly. "I told her I'd seen you after and…"
"It's fine," Bellatrix replied softly. She shrugged. "It won't make any difference."
"It might, they are close sisters," Evan said, tilting his head in contemplation. "They've not disowned you yet, there is hope."
"I don't care," Bellatrix snapped back, shaking her head. "It makes no difference to me. If they can't accept the fact that my divorce saved my life, they aren't worth it." She looked over at Voldemort. "Besides… I will have a new family soon."
Evan nodded. "I think I prefer this new cousin to the other one," he said, looking over at the Dark Lord too. "Has he proposed yet?"
Bellatrix grinned. "I've been officially divorced since this morning, so not yet."
With a smirk, Evan drew her back towards the table. "I'm surprised."
Voldemort looked up at them both, smiling slightly at her. His smile widened as he looked at Evan. "All in good time," he said, beckoning them to the empty chairs next to him. They sat down, and Bellatrix took a sip of her wine. It was delicious.
"They'll be coming thick and fast, she might find a better offer," Evan said, smirking at Voldemort.
"Don't be ridiculous," Bellatrix responded, rolling her eyes. She shot Evan a glare. "And will you shut up?"
Evan laughed. "Sorry, sorry," he said, noticing a couple of young women enter the bar. "Would you excuse me?" he said, standing up and hurrying away to them.
"He's makes an interesting point," Voldemort said thoughtfully.
"You can shut up as well," she said quietly.
Lucius's head jumped up and looked around, apparently hearing her comment. Voldemort simply laughed.
"Wow," she heard Lucius mutter, before he went back to his conversation.
"Are you impatient?" Voldemort asked her, ignoring Lucius.
"No," Bellatrix replied, smiling. "I am happy to wait for you to choose the right ring."
He chuckled back, looking into her eyes. "Is your wine alright?"
Bellatrix nodded. "You don't need to treat me so carefully, you know. I keep saying this."
"I know," he replied. "I know you are strong, but I would be horrified if I ever treated you like…"
"Shh," Bellatrix said quietly, pressing her hand on his for a moment. "Please… you aren't him. I'd like to forget I was ever his wife."
He nodded, pulling his hand away as they were approached by one of the Death Eaters Bellatrix didn't know very well.
"My Lord," he murmured, bowing slightly.
"Rookwood," Voldemort said, and Bellatrix was aware of a look of irritation on his face.
"Madam Lestrange," Rookwood continued, nodding to her. She tried to hide her flinch at the name, and she could see Voldemort looked even more irritated. "I wondered if I might speak with you."
Bellatrix swallowed heavily, looking up at him. He was fairly good looking, although he reminded her of Rodolphus a little more than she cared for. "Of course," she replied lightly, not daring to look at the Dark Lord.
Rookwood gestured to the bar. "Perhaps I might buy you a drink?"
"Er, I have a drink," she said, looking at her glass of wine. "But… I can accompany you."
She stood, looking down to Voldemort apologetically for a moment before following Rookwood. She wasn't going to be rude. She could see Evan sitting with the women who had entered, but he hadn't noticed her yet.
"I was surprised to hear about your divorce initially," Rookwood said quietly, when they were alone. "But then I heard some rumours… about how you'd been treated."
Bellatrix looked up at his face in surprise. She didn't know she was talked about. "Yes," she replied, not willing to give much away.
"I…" He shook his head slightly. "I just wanted to speak to you… To say I have always greatly admired you…" Bellatrix was beginning to feel bad for him, his face was becoming red and shiny. "And I'm not wealthy in the way that Lestrange is, but I work hard and I would provide for you... a simple but happy life."
"Rookwood," Bellatrix said gently, hoping to save them both from something really awkward. "I am soon to be promised to another."
Rookwood looked slightly relieved. "Oh," he said, exhaling in one long breath. "Oh, I see." He looked up at her face. "Is it anyone I know? I'd prefer… You didn't mention this…"
Feeling really sorry for him now, Bellatrix nodded apologetically. "He already knows," she said quietly.
Rookwood looked confused for a moment, before he looked over Bellatrix's shoulder and must have noticed the Dark Lord. Bellatrix could only picture his face. "Oh," was all he said. He looked back to her. "Really?" he asked. "I had no idea…" A smile reached his face. "Well, congratulations."
"Thank you." Bellatrix smiled back slightly, before she turned and headed back to her boyfriend. Her smile widened as she noticed his eyes were a deep shade of red and he was smoking. She'd learnt he only did that when he was feeling stressed or angry about something.
"Did you tell him?" Voldemort asked, his voice clearly irritated.
"Yes," Bellatrix replied, pressing her hand on his as she sat back down. "He didn't know, please don't…"
"You're mine," he hissed in her ear. "I will not have any other man… paw you."
Bellatrix sniggered slightly. "He didn't touch me."
"He wanted to," Voldemort snapped back. "I can hear what he's thinking, he has the Occlumency skills of a five year old."
Bellatrix burst out laughing. "Stop being a baby," she told him, grinning. She leant over to him and pressed a gentle kiss on his lips. She could hear a couple of stifled gasps and murmurings around them, but she didn't care. His hand made its way into her hair, drawing her closer for the kiss which deepened. "There," she said quietly, when they parted. "No more proposals."
He scowled back slightly. "Good."
Bellatrix paused, sitting back in her chair. "Incidentally… What was he thinking?"
Voldemort's scowl deepened. "Nothing you need to know about."
She was about to argue when Evan returned and distracted her. "Blew it!" he exclaimed, sitting back down. "I can only put it down to age. I'm getting old."
Bellatrix rolled her eyes. "You aren't old," she replied. "What did you say? You know you're good looking enough to pull anyone, until you open your mouth."
Voldemort laughed loudly. Evan merely shrugged. "I may have implied a threesome would be interesting."
"Of course you did," Bellatrix said flatly. "You know, the last time I saw your mother she asked me if I could help find you a wife."
"She didn't!" Evan replied indignantly.
"She did," Bellatrix responded, smirking. "She wants a grandchild!"
Evan nodded. "So, I don't need a wife for that."
Bellatrix rolled her eyes again. "Men."
"No need to demonise all of us," Voldemort replied quietly.
"Don't be a hypocrite," she said shortly, smiling at him. "You know you're the worst."
"Yeh, at least I can count the threesomes I have had on one hand," Evan said, laughing.
Bellatrix snorted, looking at her boyfriend who wasn't at all bothered by this statement. "You say that like it's a good thing," Voldemort said frowning. "My future wife will never get bored, I know everything there is to know about the female body."
Their eyes met, and Bellatrix could feel herself blushing underneath her make up. He wasn't wrong there.
She was distracted as she suddenly noticed Rabastan had arrived, and as she looked up she could see Rodolphus at the bar. She swallowed heavily, looking up at Voldemort. "It's fine," she murmured, seeing his concern.
Rabastan approached, bowing his head. "My Lord," he said softly, his eyes staring straight through Bellatrix as if she wasn't there. He retreated, and then Rodolphus crossed the room.
"My Lord," he said, bowing his head slightly. His expression was cold, but Bellatrix knew he couldn't do anything to her now. "Bellatrix," he added, his voice empty of emotion. "Might I have a word?"
Evan stood up, gripping his wand. "You will leave her alone, Lestrange," he snarled.
Rodolphus didn't look away from her. "Bellatrix?"
Bellatrix sighed lightly. "Yes," she replied, standing up and heading to the corner of the room with him. She could see Evan talking to the Dark Lord, clearly angry.
"I just wanted to acknowledge the divorce," Rodolphus said, his expression blank. "I understand your reasons for seeking it."
Feeling surprised, Bellatrix nodded. "Good, I am glad."
"Are you engaged to him?"
"No," Bellatrix replied. "At least, not formally." Rodolphus nodded, looking down at the floor.
"I have written to your mother to ask her to ensure that you are not disowned. I know your Black heritage is important to you."
Bellatrix raised her eyebrows, feeling very surprised now. Before she had a chance to reply, he'd gone and was heading back to the bar. Frowning, she turned back to Voldemort and Evan. They both were looking right at her. She shrugged as she sat down, taking a sip of her wine. "It's fine," she repeated. "I'm very popular tonight, I've obviously been missed."
"Come and practice with me again soon, Black," Evan said, clearly trying to change the subject. "You'll be coming out with me now, right?"
Bellatrix looked over at Voldemort quizzically. "Don't look at me," he said, smirking. "I'm not going to tell you what you can and can't do."
Squeezing his hand, she looked back at Evan. "Yes, I will," she replied, feeling a burst of happiness.
"Although I might have to make you wear dresses like that more often," Voldemort continued, bending closer to her ear. "So that everyone can see what I have."
Bellatrix sniggered, turning back to him and kissing him.
"You two are just…" Evan looked disgusted. "Too happy. It's making me feel depressed."
Bellatrix laughed, feeling more relaxed now. "Sorry," she said, smirking at her cousin.
Evan stood up. "I'll get more drinks…" he muttered and headed towards the bar.
Bellatrix nodded, smiling at Voldemort. "Seeing him again feels like I've had a weight lifted from my shoulders." She shifted closer to him. "It's made me realise that he can't hurt me again."
"I swear I will never let anyone lay a finger on you again, Bella." He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed her fingers. His gaze shifted upwards slightly, and Bellatrix turned to see what he was looking at. Rodolphus, Rabastan and whoever else was in their gang were drinking a long row of shots each. Voldemort scowled slightly.
"Tom," she murmured very quietly. His gaze shifted back to hers, a smile reaching his face for a moment.
"They treat my cause like it's a drinking game sometimes," he responded.
"Sort them out then," Bellatrix replied, tilting her head to one side contemplatively.
Voldemort nodded. "I will. Your former husband is never in a fit state to assist me these days." He paused, looking back at her. "I let it be… so he would be away from you more."
Bellatrix smiled. "Thank you but… you shouldn't have done. The cause is more important to me."
Voldemort smiled back, leaning closer to her. "To you, perhaps… but you are my most precious belonging…" Bellatrix swallowed as she looked into his intense red gaze. She suddenly realised her core was throbbing – he was so sexy. "And I do not want you damaged." She didn't miss his smirk and she was aware he knew she was aroused.
Bellatrix felt the colour in her cheeks rising. He was so intense and so handsome – nobody had ever made her blush like he did. As Evan approached, Voldemort stood. "Stay here with her," he said shortly.
Evan sat down next to her, pouring wine into her glass from the bottle he'd bought. "What's going on?" he asked, watching Voldemort talking to Rodolphus and Rabastan.
"He's pissed off because they're always drunk," she replied.
Evan nodded. "It has got worse recently."
Bellatrix looked up, noticing the four of them had sunk to their knees before her boyfriend. She smiled slightly. He was so all-powerful, quite awe inspiringly so – he could reduce four rather tough grown men to grovelling on the floor for their lives.
"Lestrange hasn't even been practicing – he's going to regret it when he comes face to face with a half decent Auror."
Bellatrix smirked. "Maybe the Dark Lord will be saved a job, then."
Evan chuckled back. "It would save us a few problems."
Lucius moved down the table and joined them. "What is going on?" he asked, frowning as he saw Voldemort talking to the four men, now standing again.
"They're in trouble for being drunk all the time," Evan replied quickly, sipping on his wine.
"Ah," Lucius replied, nodding. "Yes, I had been wondering if this would happen sooner rather than later." He cast a sideways glance to Bellatrix, that she didn't miss. "The Dark Lord has been preoccupied this last couple of weeks."
Bellatrix rolled her eyes. "Sorry I am such an inconvenience to your schmoozing schedule, Malfoy," she snapped at him.
"You are rather," he replied, his voice cold but Bellatrix could see he was amused. "Narcissa has been asking after you."
Feeling incredibly guilty, Bellatrix looked back across at him. "What does she know?"
Lucius shrugged. "That you are getting divorced. She is obviously worried about you."
"I will invite her over, next week," she responded hastily. "I'll tell her everything."
"She has heard nothing from me, only your mother."
Bellatrix nodded, looking down at her glass. "Thank you for not telling her..." She glanced over at Evan, who looked worried too.
"I hope we can spare her all of the details..." He shook his head. "Anyway. I had best depart. I shall tell her I have seen you and you are well." He stood, moving away from the table and towards the Dark Lord. Lucius whispered something in his ear before leaving the bar.
"I'm a terrible older sister," Bellatrix said glumly.
"Don't be ridiculous, you've been through hell this past month," Evan snapped as Voldemort came back over and sat down. He looked irritated, but Bellatrix could see the four men had now left.
"Let me know if Rodolphus doesn't show up tomorrow," Voldemort said quietly to Evan with a scowl. "I expect the Lestrange's to be on their best behaviour going forward."
Evan nodded. "Yes, my Lord," he replied, bowing his head slightly.
Bellatrix was a little intrigued – she hadn't really seen Evan answering the Dark Lord in such a way before, outside of a meeting room, and she was suddenly aware how terrifying her boyfriend actually was to everyone else.
"We have too many new members for the assessment and training to be left to you – it's ridiculous. The drinking I can live with, but neglecting duties on this scale..." Swallowing slightly nervously, Bellatrix looked up into the face of the Dark Lord. He looked almost angry. "I know why you left it as long as you did to tell me, but do not do such a thing again, Evan."
Evan nodded. "I won't, my Lord, I apologise," he replied quietly.
Voldemort sighed, picking up his drink and sipping it. Bellatrix began to feel slightly uncomfortable, especially because she'd never seen him this irritated with Evan before. "Next week, when he is up to date again, you can take the week off. Merlin knows you need it."
"Thank you," Evan replied, looking a bit brighter now. "And... I hope you don't mind me saying, my Lord, but I think you should consider doing the same."
Bellatrix watched as Voldemort's face relaxed. "Perhaps," he said, smiling across the table at her. "Maybe I will be on honeymoon soon."
Bursting into laugher, Bellatrix leant towards him. "You're not even engaged!"
Voldemort smirked back. "Ah, I think we can change that quickly."
Evan laughed, although he looked even more uncomfortable now. "Excuse me, will you?" he said, fleeing across the room to the other end of their long table.
"Don't be too harsh on him," Bellatrix said after a moment.
"That wasn't harsh," Voldemort replied, raising an eyebrow at her. "Let's not go into this now."
"I'm not afraid of you," Bellatrix retorted, frowning back at him.
"I should hope not," Voldemort replied lazily, standing up. "Let's go home."
Glancing down at her empty glass, Bellatrix stood with him. He took her hand in his, bringing it to his lips for him to kiss before he disapparated them back to his rooms.
"Another drink?"
Bellatrix nodded, watching as he carefully selected a bottle of wine before opening it and pouring them a glass each. He handed her the wine, watching her as she took a sip.
"I didn't mean to be harsh," he said after a moment.
"I know," Bellatrix replied, stepping towards him and pressing a kiss on his lips.
"And I didn't mean to upset you."
Bellatrix shrugged. "You didn't really... I just want to be clear about where I am."
"You mentioned something about not being afraid of me a couple of times."
As she looked at him, Bellatrix could see the smirk on his face. "You're not scary, Tom," she responded, biting her lip to stop her smile.
"I'd better start trying harder," he replied dryly.
Bellatrix laughed. "I mean, you're not scary to me. You terrify everyone else."
Voldemort ran his hand down her cheek, pushing her hair back from her face. "Good," he responded, kissing her on the lips again. Gently, he removed her wine glass from her hand and set it on the coffee table next to his own. "So, I do have something I would like to ask you."
Bellatrix looked up at him, her eyes wide. "Do you?" she asked, noticing her voice had become higher pitched than she remembered.
"Yes," he said firmly, taking one step back and dropping down on one knee before her.
Feeling very emotional suddenly, Bellatrix bit her lip to try and stop the tears that were now burning her eyelids from falling. He was proposing. "Tom..." she said, hoping he would stop before she humiliated herself by bursting into noisy tears in front of him again.
"Bellatrix Black," he began, his voice steady and his eyes fixed on hers. "When I first met you, almost five years ago, you were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. You were wearing a wedding dress but you weren't my bride. I hated that." He squeezed her hand. "But since that day... Every time I have seen you, you have become more beautiful – somehow."
It was too late, Bellatrix realised, as the tears fell onto her cheeks. They were burning her skin.
"And you made me fall in love, for the first time - without even trying. My heart and my soul..." His voice dropped slightly. "They are yours for the taking." He swallowed deeply, looking into her eyes still. "I hope you will do me the honour of becoming my wife."
Unable to speak, Bellatrix simply nodded helplessly at him.
He produced a small black box from inside of his robes, opening it to reveal a silver coloured ring with a large emerald and with several smaller diamonds on either side of it. He slowly slid it onto her outstretched finger before standing up and wiping her tears away with one hand. Then he pressed a gentle kiss on her lips.
"It's beautiful," Bellatrix managed to say, mid-sob. As she stared at the ring, she realised it must have belonged to the same set as the necklace she was wearing.
"As much as I have enjoyed you calling me your boyfriend... I've not been able to stop thinking about you calling me husband," he said quietly. "I couldn't wait."
Bellatrix smiled, holding him tightly to her. "Next Thursday... It's the anniversary of the date I got my mark." She pulled back, smiling happily up at him. "Let's do it then."
He nodded. "Leave it to me," he said, cupping her cheek in his hand. "You choose your dress, I will do the rest."
"Just us?" she asked him, frowning slightly. She didn't want a crowd of people. She wanted it to be special.
"Just us," he confirmed. He paused. "I want to remove your mark."
Bellatrix shook her head. "No way."
"It causes you pain," he said, frowning.
"I..." Bellatrix caught herself. She'd been about to say she liked it, but she wasn't sure how he'd react if she said that. "I don't mind," she corrected herself.
Voldemort was staring at her, half confused and half amused. "You don't mind?" he asked, his eyes narrowed. "Mind, Bella? Are you sure that's what you meant to say?"
Bellatrix rolled her eyes. "Shut up."
He was smirking at her. "You can't lie to your fiancé, Miss Black," he said, grinning. "If you like the pain then I shall not remove your mark, after all."
Bellatrix was about to retort when she noticed him unbuttoning his robes. Her mouth went dry when the robes landed on the floor and he was left only in those tight black trousers he wore underneath.
"Merlin," she mumbled.
"He can't help you here," Voldemort replied, his voice deep and sexy. Slowly, holding one of her hands, he pushed her back towards the wall. "Tell me if you need me to stop." He pressed a kiss against her lips, before peeling her dress off. He threw it to the floor and let out a little groan as her skin was unveiled before him. "Shoes off," he said.
Bellatrix grinned at him, kicking the shoes off her feet. It fascinated her how two men could be so different. "Yes, Master," she said, smirking up at him.
"Yes," he breathed in her ear, stooping down and kissing her neck. Bellatrix felt her entire body tingle. "I have longed to hear that word leave your lips whilst naked beneath me for such a long time," he murmured, his fingers running up and down her arms.
"Please fuck me, Master," Bellatrix said, smirking up at him. He gasped slightly, pulling back to look at her and kiss her. Bellatrix smiled into the kiss, very acutely aware of the power she had over him in this situation. It was interesting that she was the one that felt like she was in charge here, not him, even though he was so dominant. She knew he wouldn't do anything she didn't like and would stop straight away if she told him to. She loved him for that.
"Not yet," Voldemort replied silkily, his fingers at her underwear. "I'd like to see you beg me for it first." He slid her panties down her hips, leaving them around her ankles. He moved closer to her, his hot breath at her ear. "Do you think you can do that?"
Half gone already, Bellatrix could only nod. She moaned loudly at his fingers lightly grazed her sensitive folds. He smirked into her face as he plunged two fingers into of her. "Tom!" she cried out.
Voldemort slid his fingers into her hair with his free hand, forcing her gaze onto his. "That's not going to get you what you want."
"Master…" she hissed in response. His fingers moved again, curling beautifully inside of her and as his thumb grazed her sensitive nub she could feel herself coming undone below him. His hand tightened around her hair, causing her eyes to water slightly at the pain but his timing was incredible and Bellatrix felt a very intense orgasm crash over her.
She twitched as he removed his fingers, noticing the smirk on his face still. Hazily, she looked up at him. "Master," she murmured, feeling slightly dazed. He must have sensed it as he let go of her, kissing her deeply.
"Enough, let me take you to bed," he said, scooping her up into his arms.
Wordless, Bellatrix nodded. As she looked up at him she felt an explosive burst of happiness and she knew she would always be safe with him. The feeling of his hot skin against hers was just incredible. "Tom," she mumbled, inhaling his scent.
"I can't even resist making you orgasm when I'm trying to make you beg," he said, smiling slightly and setting her down on the bed.
Bellatrix laid back, smirking up at him. "It's not my fault I'm irresistible," she replied.
Slowly, Voldemort's hand went to the buttons of his trousers. He didn't look away from her as he undid them and slowly let them pool to the ground. The tight black underwear he was wearing left little to the imagination.
"Come on, stop fucking around," Bellatrix told him, sitting up a bit.
He chuckled, stepping out of his trousers and heading towards her. "Why?" he asked innocently.
Bellatrix reached out and grabbed his hand, pulling him closer. "Because I need you inside of me."
Voldemort's pupils visibly dilated. Bellatrix almost laughed as he hurriedly pulled his underwear off, crawling on top of her. He pressed his lips against hers as he gently entered her.
"Having sex with you is just incredible," he murmured in her ear. "Our connection is…"
Bellatrix gasped as he caught a particularly nice area inside of her. "Unique?" she supplied him.
"Very," he agreed, breathlessly. Voldemort reached down, pressing the tip of his finger against her dark mark. It flared into life and Bellatrix gasped again – this time in pain. Then he began to plunge deeper and harder into her and Bellatrix felt her inner walls clamping down against him and pulsating in pleasure. She almost screamed as the pain from the mark increased as her orgasm peaked. Then the pain was gone.
A moment later, Voldemort had stopped moving as well.
"That was intense," Bellatrix managed to say after a moment.
Voldemort laid down next to her. "The best sex I've ever had," he said breathlessly, after a moment.
Bellatrix laughed softly, snuggling against him. "I'm sure that isn't true."
He tilted his head, looking towards her with a dark expression. "We have a connection which cannot be replicated."
"How so?" she asked, frowning slightly.
"That mark on your arm binds you to me – like all that wear it." He lifted her arm upwards, staring at his mark on her skin. "But magic... even dark magic..." He paused, letting go of her arm and tilting his head back towards her. "Senses when two people have a special connection." He pressed a kiss against her forehead.
Bellatrix smiled. "Maybe that's why I've never been scared of you."
"As long as I am not losing my touch," Voldemort responded lightly.
Laughing, Bellatrix snuggled closer, feeling his arm close around her. "You are terrifying," she said. "But when you look at me and you're angry... To be honest, it just makes me wet."
Voldemort squeezed her tightly, smirking. "So it's not actually me with the issue at all, is it?"
Bellatrix giggled, running her fingers across his lovely chest. "I hadn't thought about it like that before."
He took her hand, placing it on his stomach. "Mrs dark-lord-to-be, there is something that requires your attention."
Grinning, Bellatrix sat up, deliberately not looking downwards. "I am sure there is," she replied, smirking. "Perhaps I should sit on it."
The Dark Lord groaned softly, looking up at her. "You shouldn't tease me with your feminine charms any longer – I have been teased for far too long now."
Bellatrix straddled him, leaning over and kissing him deeply. She didn't think it possible, but in one afternoon they had grown even closer than they had previously. As she continued to tease him by kissing his neck, fully enjoying his murmurs of protest, she realised that she had found her soulmate without even looking.