Chapter 4

Bellatrix Black heard a horrible high screechy sound as she approached the music room of the Longbottom's manor.

It sounded like a rather large cat was being tortured.

She had arrived that morning to talk to Augusta and had been told by the maid that Augusta and Alice were in the music room. Clearly her timing was perffect.

When Augusta had told she would like Alice to learn an instrument Bella had recommended a young music teacher by the name of Frank. Though he was an excellent teacher he wasn't part of their social circle due to his being both muggle-born and far from wealthy. However he had several qualities Bella needed. He was charming despite his shyness, boyishly handsome and most of all naive. Bella rapped gently on the door before pushing it open. Augusta was steated in a chair not far from Alice and Frank, a frown on her face as she watched her daughter play.

This was no doubt due to the screechy wailing coming from the violin. Bella stood in the doorway and watched for a moment.

Frank put his hands on Alice's hands, stopping her playing. "You need to hold it more like this..." he said gently, adjusting her hands on the instrument. Alice looked rather flushed and giddy as he touched her. He walked around so he was standing behind her and place his hands gently on her arms, showing her the way to moving the bow back and forth.

"That's it" he said warmly, smiling at her. She smiled back, her eyes flicking up shyly to meet his. Though Augusta missed the whole exchange, Bella didn't miss that their eyes lingered on each other just a moment too long... or that Alice unconsciously licked her lips after he looked away.

Augusta noticed Bella standing there and got to her feet. "That was... lovely... Alice" she said kindly to her daughter.

"Miss Black" she said warmly, turning to Bella. The two women air-kissed in greeting. "Come take tea with me in the parlor" she said, leading her out the door into the hall.

"How is new music teacher going?" Bella asked with a smile as they walked along the hall. Augusta looked slightly aggrieved. "There is nothing wrong with the teacher... the student however doesn't seem to be able to remember a thing he tells her. Its been several weeks now and she isn't getting much better."

"I'm sure she just needs practice" Bella said with a self-satisfied smile.

Bellatrix Black and Alice Longbottom were sitting in the finest box at the Opera House.

While Alice was the edge of her seat, clearly absorbed in what was going on Bella was slumped in her seat, her head in one hand as she stared into space.

And that was not the only contrast. While Alice was wearing a pretty, conservative dress in a soft rose pink... Bella had gone for a low-cut stretchy purple number that had made Alice stare when see saw it. Not that she gave a toss what the insipid, innocent little twit thought. If she was to going to be bored for three hours she was damn well going to look good doing it.

She glanced at Alice, who was leaning over the railing, eyes riveted on the singers on the stage. "If you lean over any further..." Bella drawled boredly, you're going to topple off..." The young girl sat back down, her pretty face flushed pink."I've just never been to the Opera before..." she mumbled embarassedly.

Suddenly Bella remembered the reason she had agreed to this little outing. "Say Alice..." she said silkily." How are your violin lessons going?" Alice flushed an even deeper shade of pink at the question. "They are... going... well..." she said flusteredly. "And your good-looking teacher..." Bella prompted. "Frank?" Alice said with a comic gasp of surprise, "How did you... how did you know I like Frank" she asked.

Bella chuckled. "Really Alice… it's obvious to anyone with eyes. When no-one is looking you two can't keep your eyes off each other."

Alice smiled shyly, clearly remembering how much she enjoyed her lessons."He's so sweet... kind... funny... handsome... and he writes me the loveliest letters..." Alice gushed, a radiant smile on her face. "Letters?" Bella said interestedly."Yes..." Alice said shyly, "Beautiful letters...I keep them in my jewellery box... he says he loves me..." she said wistfully. "Have you written back?" asked Bella, able to conceal the glee on her face with a practiced smile. "No... what would I say?" the girl squeaked. It took all Bella's patience not to roll her eyes.

"I'll help" she said pleasantly, "I'm great at love letters"

"She tensed up when the girl flung her arms around her, sitting stiffly until Alice let go. "Thank you!" Alice squealed.

"You're very welcome. You can thank me by not doing that again."