Bellatrix Black was bored.
She drummed her fingers on the table, and thought of all of the things she would rather be doing instead of sitting at this party organised by her parents' friends. If she had to listen to one more bloody story about who was marrying who, or who wore what to so and so's party she was going to be sick.
She eyed the door to the smoking room enviously, the boys were in there- discussing politics and business. Things that mattered- and she was stuck with the sycophants and dunderheads discussing fashion and gossip as if that mattered.
She had begged her parents to let her miss this summer garden party at the Malfoy Manor, but her mother had given her the look and would hear nothing of it. She had moaned and whinged, before yelling at her mother- she was 17 after all, she was an adult and she should be allowed to make her own decisions.
The only decision she should be making should be which bachelor she would marry, and how many kids she wanted her mother had snipped.
That had started an almighty row between the two women that was only broken up by her father who was forced to step in. She would go to the party and she would play nice. In return he would buy her a book of French curses she had wanted from Borgin and Burkes.
She only accepted the deal on the condition they discussed, seriously, the possibility that she could go on a grand tour.
Cygnus accepted and now Bellatrix was stuck in the midst of feminine drivel.
Cissy, her youngest sister was listening to every word hungrily, her eyes shining as she processed the gossip and filed it away. Cissy would make a fine society wife Bellatrix thought, she was pretty and unassuming, but she listened, and was sharp. She was a shark who lived for this world.
Andy, her other sister hid her boredom well. She was polite, engaged, and listened but Bellatrix could see the way her eyes wandered to gaze out across the lawns. Andromeda was better at hiding her boredom than Bella ever was, she was smart about it- appeasing their mother and playing her role. Bellatrix only knew her true feelings because she knew her sisters so well, she knew everything about them, their mannerisms, their tells, and their ticks. It was her job to know what they were up to, as the oldest she was supposed to look after them. More times than not though she led them into trouble as they followed her in her rebellion.
Cissy would enjoy being a housewife, she would enjoy being married and would be happy with influencing the government subtly- in her womanly ways. Andromeda would pretend to be happy, she was excellent at feigning interest and pleasure. Bella would know she would never find fulfilment in that life, just as she knew Andy would hide her personal feelings and go along with it. She was an obedient daughter- not as abrasive or headstrong as Bella was.
Bellatrix refused that life for herself. She didn't want to get married, she didn't want kids. She thought they were wriggly, horrid, smelly things that sucked the life out of everything around them. She understood their importance of course biologically, but she would be damned if her body and life would be sullied in such a way. She had a higher calling beyond pureblood breeding.
She was going to make a name for herself, be a force of nature, someone who was whispered about with envy and fear. She would be powerful.
But, she also had to be careful to not be disowned. That meant not antagonising her mother too much, not while she was still working on her father.
She was Cygnus Black's favourite daughter. Everyone knew it. He let her get away with more than any of his children, and he never once demeaned her because of her gender. She needed to convince him that she was worth so much more than a woman to be sold. She could carry on the family name and bring it glory. But he was a traditional man fundamentally- she had to be slow in her persuasion.
She was playing a long game, and that unfortunately meant she was stuck here with the women. For now.
She sighed in relief when the lunch announcement was made by the house elves. The food was ready.
She was the first to get up and join the others in the garden at the main table, quickly grabbing a seat next to Thorfinn Rowle at the adults table, ignoring the dark look her mother shot her as she sat across from her.
Bellatrix smirked, delicately grabbing her napkin and smoothing it over her lap.
If Rowle was surprised to see her, he didn't show it. He gave her a friendly nod and helped himself to some wine, offering her some. She accepted her glass with a smile, shooting another look at her mother as she sipped victoriously.
"Happy late birthday Bellatrix." He said, toasting her. "I hear all the Hogwarts teachers will be pleased to see you leave after this year" he teased.
She smirked, she had been known to be something of a menace at school. She was a woman with strong convictions and very little patience for nonsense.
"Thank you Thorfinn, I am eagerly looking forward to graduation when I can be away from the vermin in the school."
He smirked, "I heard Dumbledore let in mudbloods. That must be a trying environment to be in." He agreed.
"And how was it in Durmstrang?" She asked, curious to hear about the other wizarding schools.
"Much different from Hogwarts, we have respect for lineage and blood. And magic- the headmaster encourages magic that Hogwarts would frown on."
She leaned forward eagerly, "is that so?" Bellatrix had served more than a few detentions when she was caught trying to get into the restricted section of the library.
"Oh yes, I could teach you sometimes perhaps," he offered with a lopsided smile, his eyes travelling from her face down her neck and lower still.
"Bellatrix-" her mother hissed from across the table, whatever she was going to say died in her throat as a hush came over the table. A few men, Thorfinn included, stood up quickly, and it wasn't long until the whole table followed suit.
Her breath caught as the wizard joined the table, at the head of it. The man was tall and pale, his skin clung to his skull, waxy and sallow and his eyes were a little bloodshot. His hair was an ashy colour, and was cropped close to his skull. He looked distorted, off somehow.
Bellatrix was entranced. She had heard of this wizard, her father's school friend. The wizard who was recruiting, who was going to bring them all to glory. This was Voldemort, the Dark Lord. She shivered as he smirked at the guests, his eyes lingering on some. They passed over her, not even a pause as he moved from Thorfinn to her father.
"My sincerest apologies for my tardiness. Please, sit friends. Eat, rejoice." he said smoothly. She noticed everyone waited until he sat before following suit.
Bellatrix flushed red as her appetite left her, replaced with a rabid curiosity, she kept glancing at him, that man at the head of the table. She felt drawn to him, to his power. How easily he had commanded these people, they respected him, and she could feel they feared him.
She wanted to command respect like he did. She wanted that power.
She looked at Thorfinn out of the corner of her eye as well, he had been one of the first to acknowledge this wizard. Thorfinn was a quiet man who preferred to remain in the outskirts. She had heard stories about him though, stories about his associations, associations she was very eager to learn about.
She eyed his left forearm, hidden by his robes and she wondered- did he follow that wizard? Was he a Death Eater?
She knew the man had been travelling for the better part of a decade and she wondered what types of magics he had learned. He was supposed to be gifted, the most powerful wizard of a generation. She fantasised about controlling ancient and exotic magic, she wanted to travel the world and learn, she wanted to gain power. She wanted to command a crowd like this wizard had. She felt the familiar thirst, the deep yearning in the core of her being for power and knowledge. She wanted it more than air itself- she wanted to be a witch of repute- famous for her actions. She wanted to be known for her own abilities, and not her name or what husband she chose.
She moved her food around on her plate, lost in her fantasies and distracted by the wizard at the head of the table. He was in deep conversation with the men around him. She huffed, taking an angry sip of her wine. Always men. They underestimated women, all of them. Even this powerful wizard- they dismissed women. She would prove them wrong, she would show everyone, one day.
"Bellatrix" her mother hissed, giving her another look as she reached for more wine. She rolled her eyes feeling reckless, fuelled by her fantasies and internal musings. Besides, she was an adult, she could do what she wanted. And she wanted more wine.
Her head was full of wine and musing about the future, and her plots to get there when she looked again at the wizard. He was smirking at her father, amused by something he was saying apparently and she narrowed her eyes.
Perhaps she could convince her father to introduce her to this wizard. She plotted the best ways to ease into that conversation with him, weighing the importance with the other schemes she had in the works. There was the book of French curses she was after, and her prospective grand tour- that would be trickier. It was usually a trip reserved for men, to learn and explore before finding a wife. Not that she would waste the opportunity as most men did. She would learn, gain power and knowledge. And perhaps sample a few exotic specimens if she happened upon any.
Her thoughts were interrupted when the wizard's eyes suddenly snapped to hers. She held her breath as her head swam in surprise and interest.
His gaze was intense, palpable and heavy. It was as if he were looking directly into her soul. They were also challenging, and she fought the shiver of fear to hold his gaze. She would not be a weak willed woman who was easily cowed. She was Bellatrix Black- she was strong and she was stubborn.
She thought she saw the ghost of a smirk on his face, his eyebrow twitched before he looked away, his attention grabbed once more by the conversation around him.
She slumped in her chair, feeling winded after such a brief, but intense connection. She felt the power just from the force of his gaze. She understood why so many feared him, but she also found that feeling exhilarating. It was new and novel, and she wondered what it would be like to speak to him.
She did not get her chance that day. He left shortly after lunch adjourned, his plate of food completely untouched she noticed.
The rest of the party passed dreadfully slowly, she sat next to her sisters and amused herself with idle conversation with the two girls.
"Did you see that wizard-" Cissy said quietly, leaning forward so only Bella and Andy could hear her. Bellatrix's eyes lit up at the subject, curious about their thoughts. "That was him wasn't it?" Andromeda said, her face flushing a little bit, glancing to the spot where he sat. "The Dark Lord?" Andromeda dropped her voice even further as she spoke. Bellatrix nodded, thinking back to the feeling she had when their eyes met. It was brief, but powerful.
"I think it's magnificent what he is doing- but he is a little frightening." Narcissa said, twisting her dress robes a little.
Andromeda nodded, "Terrifying, but also a little thrilling- what do you think Bella?"
"I think he is going to change the world." she said quietly.
The two girls nodded, each thinking about their glimpse of the dark wizard.
XXXXXXXX
Bellatrix was locked in her room with her new book, the one her father had promised her as a reward for the party when the house elf interrupted her.
She was to get ready for they were having a special houseguest.
She groaned, rolling off her bed and reluctantly closing the book. Another bloody suitor dinner. Since she had turned 17 her mother had been arranging special dinner guests with unmarried pureblood men around her age- hoping she would take a liking to one.
So far she had managed to intimidate two and brought a third to tears with her merciless teasing. Bellatrix had a reputation amongst the purebloods in Britain and she had heard her mother discussing her plans to look further abroad for suitable husbands.
There was no getting out of it. So long as she lived at home, she would be subject to this indignity. And her father flatly refused her an allowance to move out. It was improper for a single woman to live alone, he insisted.
She would show up, but she would toe the line of impropriety with her timing, knowing it would annoy her mother.
Her plan however was ruined when she heard the quiet and hurried knock of her sister. She scowled, opening the door to Andromeda whose eyes were shining with excitement and trepidation. "It's him Bella. The Dark Lord is our dinner guest."
She pulled her sister in and shut the door firmly before rounding on her. "What? How do you know?" she picked at her robes nervously- how did she look? She was dressing for an entirely different occasion.
"He's talking with father in his study right now. Mum is beside herself, checking and rechecking everything with the house elves."
Andromeda looked pretty, in robes that were sleek and expensive. She had a simple style, but it was elegant. She frowned at her older sister however, looking her up and down. "You should wear the black dress Bella, with the green accents." she said. Bellatrix nodded and with the help of Andromeda and later Narcissa, the three were presentable enough for the Dark Lord himself.
Bellatrix led her sisters down the stairs when the time came, bowing her head respectfully to the wizard as he stood in the hall beside her father.
"Girls, we have a very special guest tonight, Lord Voldemort has been gracious enough to lend us his company for the evening."
"My lord, you remember my wife Druella," Druella bowed her head in respect, her face flushing red as she mumbled "You honour us with your company my Lord."
"My daughters, Bellatrix, Andromeda, and my youngest Narcissa." Andromeda and Narcissa were deeper in their curtsies than Bella, who toed the line of propriety and respect with her shallow head tilt.
The Dark Lord smirked, acknowledging their respects with a nod, his eyes flicking across all three girls, lingering for a brief moment on Bellatrix in particular. She met his eyes again, refusing to avert them as her sisters had.
"Please my Lord, the food is waiting." Druella said, leading the way into the formal dining hall.
The dinner started formally enough, with polite conversation between the adults. All light subjects, the weather, something they read in the newspaper, the stocks, all boring to her.
Bellatrix fidgeted, helping herself to some wine despite her mother's dark look. Feeling suitably fortified, she leaned forward, inserting herself into the conversation "Is it true sir that you wish to restore our rightful place above those of lesser bloodlines?" She asked boldly and clearly.
Druella coughed on her food, her face turning red as she stared at her daughter. Her father for his part just sighed and took a sip of his wine, looking only a little exasperated.
The Dark Lord looked at her for the second time that night, properly acknowledging her in amusement. "And where did you hear that?" he drawled slowly, smirking at her.
"Your reputation precedes you sir. They say you are gathering forces, an army to fight against the ministry for our rights. They say you are the most powerful wizard alive, with a mastery of the dark arts that we can barely even dream of."
Druella's eyes bugged, as she stuttered out an apology to the wizard whilst simultaneously scolding her daughter with a look. The Dark Lord silenced her with a wave of his hand, giving her a tight smirk.
"I believe your mother is trying to warn you of something child." he was condescending as he said it, his eyes boring into hers.
Bella felt a flash of irritation at his statement. Child. She was no child, she was a woman now and she was a powerful one at that.
"Her exasperation at my impertinence is a very familiar feeling for her I assure you my Lord. I am sure one day she will learn that it is no use." she felt reckless, her anger pulsing beneath her skin at his dismissal. He had not answered her question.
The room was quiet for a moment, her mother silent in her mortification and her father still, with his eyes closed and his face pinched in a way only Bellatrix could manage.
The tension was broken when the Dark Lord laughed, it was a high, cold laugh but one filled with amusement and merriment. She could see those relaxing around her at it.
"You are certainly impertinent Bellatrix Black. What they say is true, those are my intentions." He said, taking a sip of wine, his eyes never leaving the witch.
She nodded, "Good. It's time someone does something." She said primly.
"I am happy that you approve, Miss Black, I fear I would find myself rethinking my whole plan if you did not," he said, his tone slightly patronising and it made her eyes flash once more with anger.
"They say you travelled the continent for a decade," she continued, eager to know more now that she had his attention.
"I travelled there and beyond- to places you've never dreamed of," He said indulgently, leaning casually against the table, his head resting in his hand.
"Did you find it educational my Lord? You see I am trying to convince my father of such a trip myself, of course not for a decade, merely a year but he has so far proved resistant." She smiled sweetly at her father. His face became more pinched, he looked as if a headache was setting in.
"Bella-" he sighed softly.
"What would you like to learn, if you were to go on such a trip?" the Dark Lord continued, his lips quirked.
"Everything my Lord. Curses and hexes, all sorts of magic. I want to know it all." She said breathlessly. She could feel the longing, the yearning fill her body again as she thought of her fantasy.
He hummed, "are you a good student Miss Black?" he asked.
"She received six OWLs my Lord" her father supplied, looking cautiously between the two, "We are obviously very proud."
"She also serves a load of detention," Andromeda joked, smirking at her sister who threw her a dirty look.
Her smirk evaporated when the Dark Lord turned his gaze to Andromeda, and she swallowed nervously, "er- my Lord." She added quickly.
He chuckled lowly, looking back at Bellatrix, examining her once more "I can only imagine." he murmured.
The conversation moved on to her sisters. Bellatrix watched him curiously as he interacted with the room, she saw the act he put on, the mask he wore when he spoke to the other girls.
He was charming, he lured them in with quick smiles and gentle banter. He was testing them, probing their beliefs and getting a feel for their ideals. He asked about Hogwarts, about their classes, their teachers, their schoolmates. He listened to them complain about small, insignificant things.
Bellatrix watched and she was impressed. He had won over her two sisters, he had twisted their fear into admiration and they relaxed around him. And as they relaxed they gave him information. He was a predator, and a performer, adopting whatever persona he needed to get what he wanted.
She wondered if he had done that to her and she realised with certainty that he did. He intentionally riled her up, calling her child- provoking her, pushing her to be rash and impertinent.
She wondered what he was really like, what his true self was when he wasn't manipulating everyone and everything around him. The more time she spent with him, the more curious she became.
Finally he turned his gaze back to her, his eyes flashing as they met hers, and she knew, somehow she just knew that he knew she had seen through his act. He smirked at her, patronising once more.
"How about I make a deal with you Miss Black," She missed the uncertain look that passed between her parents.
"What is that my Lord?" she asked curiously, leaning forward eagerly. Knowing what he was doing did not make it less effective.
"I am travelling for the next two weeks, but when I return I will speak to your parents. If they tell me you were a good, obedient daughter- the kind they deserve, then I will teach you something. Something that I have picked up on my travels."
"My Lord, please do not feel obliged-" Her father said immediately, cutting across their conversation. His face turned red when the Dark Lord shot him a sharp look, and the words died in his throat, he acquiesced with a nod.
"What kind of thing would you teach me?" she asked, her tongue tracing her lips as she thought, leaning forward eagerly.
He smiled at her, a terrifying smile, sharp and dangerous and his eyes sparkled darkly, "Magic I think you will find rather entrancing. Do we have a deal Bellatrix?"
She stared at him, her mind racing, calculating. Two weeks. She didn't think she had never not been in trouble for such a long amount of time. But to learn magic, any sort of magic from Lord Voldemort- just the thought caused her heart to race. "Deal my Lord. Two weeks."
He nodded, his eyes shining before turning to his hosts. "Cygnus, Druella. I would like to thank you again for inviting me into your home, and for introducing me to your delightful family. However I do have an early morning ahead of me- until next time, girls." he nodded towards the Black sisters, and left.
Bellatrix laid in bed later that night, wide awake and buzzing with energy, eager for her next meeting with him. It wasn't an if, it was going to be a when.
One week passed, and she bit her tongue until it bled whenever her mother ordered her to do something. Druella for her part realised what power the Dark Lord had given her and had used the opportunity to not only hold several suitor dinners, she threw a party in the middle of the second week and invited eligible bachelors from Britain and abroad.
Bellatrix smiled when she was supposed to, she danced and she spoke politely to the men. She had made it through the party without physically harming someone which must have been a first for her.
On day 15 she was filled with such pent up rebellion that she ran away to get smashed in a pub- her mother was furious and her father was 'disappointed'. She woke up with a hangover the next day but felt better for it.
The Dark Lord did not come after two weeks. She figured he was busy, maybe running late on his travels.
After three weeks she began to worry. Maybe something had happened? What if he was in trouble?
After four weeks she grew angry. He had made a promise and she had taken it seriously. Apparently he did not feel the same levity in making deals. He likely wrote her off as another airheaded woman. She dreamed about what she would say to him, the words she would yell, the accusations. The fantasy made her feel better.
On week five she had completely written off the Dark Lord. He was another good for nothing, lying, backstabbing man who could not be trusted. She would show him, she would travel the world herself, and she would learn. She would grow in power to rival even his. She didn't need him, she didn't need anyone.
She sulked on the family property,
XXXXXXXXXX
She was re-reading her book of curses out in the countryside, at the edge of their estate. She had her wand out and was testing her skill, trying to cast a few curses on the local wildlife.
She was toying with a fox she had trapped, and she couldn't quite get the movement right for the spell. She frowned and tried to puzzle together the correct cadence from the words.
"You need to loosen the grip on your wand Miss Black- your movements are too wooden," she spun towards the unexpected voice, her wand raised and unwavering.
She readjusted her grip when she saw who it was.
He smirked in amusement, walking so his chest was pressed into her wand.
"Even like this, seemingly unarmed and unprepared you wouldn't be able to so much as scratch me little girl." He hissed cruelly, sneering down at her. The mask he wore at dinner was gone. She wondered if this was real or another act.
Nevertheless she could feel the power in the air, it surrounded him like an aura and made the air crackle with electricity.
She flipped her wand back, not quite pocketing in but dropped her arms to her side. "My Lord," she said impertinently, showing neither respect or deference but anger.
The air around him grew a degree colder as he glared down at the girl sternly. "I have killed people for much less girl. You'd be wise to rethink your strategy before I lose my patience."
She swallowed, pocketing her wand and bowing her head in a facsimile of contrition. Killed people?! She had suspected it of course but she couldn't believe he would so casually discuss such matters.
"Better," he sniffed, his voice cold.
"Two weeks you said," she hated how it came out, like she was whining. Like a spoiled child.
"You are a spoiled child Black. Don't forget that," he said lowly. She saw the change come over him, the quick ease he shrugged on his charming persona.
His lips quirked indulgently as he surveyed her practice attempts, his eyes lingering on the book
"I am here now and I owe you no explanations. But I will do as promised- I will teach you something I learned on my travels. Before we start, I want you to show me something Miss Black, I want you to try and impress me. Go on," he urged her.
She swallowed again once more, feeling uncertain and she hated it. Her mind raced, what could she show him, what type of magic would impress a wizard like him. What magic demonstrated her power?
"I am an excellent duellist, my Lord." She said,
He smirked, mocking as he looked down his nose. "You are presumptuous aren't you?" He asked.
She raised her eyebrow and grinned. "Those are words that have been used to describe me."
He opened his arms, inviting her to try and challenge him with a nod.
She hesitated, "but my Lord, surely you will need your wand?" She asked, taking her stance.
His smirk turned into a sneer, "I won't need it against a child like you." He hissed.
A flash of anger steeled her nerves. This man was underestimating her. Well she would show him just as she would show all of them. They would know what Bellatrix Black was capable of truly.
Her head started to swim as she felt the pleasant buzz of anger and indignation fill it. She pulled on it and thought of her most dangerous spells. If the Dark Lord was so confident he could handle her unarmed, well she was going to prove him wrong.
She took a deep breath and started. The ground cracked loudly, and she could feel it shaking beneath her feet, large chunks of rock lifted themselves out of the ground and she propelled them to the Dark Lord, her eyes sharp as she aimed.
She didn't pause when the rock dissolved to dust under his hands, refusing to be cowed from his impressive display.
She threw curse after curse, each one more powerful and deadly than the last. He was fast, casually redirecting the magic or side stepping it, he never once needed his wand as she fought. It was as if he knew every move she was going to make, before she made it. He seemed to anticipate her spells and planned for them.
She felt something hit her in her stomach, hard- knocking her off her feet and the air solidly out of her. The wand slipped from her fingers and the Dark Lord loomed over her, his cruel smile back in place.
"Not bad Miss Black. You would surely incapacitate a mediocre wizard with that display."
She flushed with fresh rage tinged with humiliation. Mediocre? She could defeat more than a mediocre wizard.
He watched her struggle to get up, never once offering to help. His face was blank as he examined her on the ground before him, his head tilted as his eyes kept meeting hers.
"You will need to try harder, much harder to gain the power you seek, little girl."
She gnashed her teeth at the word. She was not little any longer.
"What would you do, for that power I wonder?" He mused, walking carefully around her, his eyes examining every detail.
"I would do anything. Whatever it takes." She said, her voice strong through her anger.
He hummed, tutting slightly. "Most say anything but when the time comes for the sacrifice they make excuses, roll back their words and their promises. I fear a girl such as yourself would be no different. You can't imagine the consequences, your brain can not even begin to imagine the sacrifices." He was no longer condescending, he was matter of fact which somehow made it worse.
She took a step closer to him, her neck craned as she looked up at him, her eyes cold and determined, her body rigid in anger. "I would do anything. Give anything to be the most powerful witch alive." Her voice was cold and clear, her intention plain.
He laughed unkindly at her display, amused once more. "So you say," he murmured, his eyes boring into hers.
"Now- I believe I owe you some magic, you impertinent child." He broke the spell and redirected her attention to the fox she had trapped.
"Tell me Miss Black, have you heard of the Cruciatus?"
She nodded, looking at him curiously. "A torturing spell. One of the so-called unforgivables."
"Have you cast it before?" He asked, smirking at her once more, challenging.
"It's illegal my Lord," she said
"Anything you just said. Anything except breaking the law." He mocked.
More anger. She had never met someone so infuriating
.
"I know the spell." She said haughtily
.
"Then cast it. Impress me." He nodded towards the fox.
She swallowed, looking at the creature in its magical cage. She took a deep breath, trying to centre her chaotic thoughts.
"Crucio," she said. The fox whimpered but didn't do much more.
"Weak." The Dark Lord mocked, his voice a low whisper as he drew up behind her.
"Show me then. Tell me how." She demanded, her eyes blazing. She refused to be weak.
He chuckled lowly, taking another step closer so their bodies were touching, his front to her back.
He moved his feet between hers, adjusting her stance, making it wider, more stable. His hand snaked around her waist, adjusting her hips.
She flushed hot, her body felt electric as she became hyper aware of the man behind her. He was- intoxicating. She could feel his power, a static in the air that surrounded her, she could smell him, old books and magic, and she felt keenly every place he touched her. She was warm, almost stiflingly hot.
"Crucio," she said, her mind fighting its way through his haze. The fox let out a small yelp.
"Pathetic Black," his hand squeezed her hips, his fingers painfully digging into her skin. "Magic is more than just words, little girl. It is emotion, intention. You need to want it- want to cause pain, to torture." She shivered at the voice in her ear and she took another deep breath, only a little distracted at how that breath smelled of him.
She pulled on her frustration, her anger and her humiliation. The fox was vermin, it was nothing and it was standing in her way.
"Crucio," gooseflesh pebbled her skin as she felt the magic leave her wand. This time it was different. She felt a high euphoria as she basked in the magic and the yelps and cries of the animal before her.
"Good." Was all he said when the spell finished, the animal collapsed on the ground, breathing but exhausted. She thought she had done better than good, but she was too giddy to complain. She had never felt anything like that before. And she wanted more, more of that feeling.
"That curse you were practising. Show me." He ordered, bringing her back to herself.
"Perfrigefacio" she murmured, pouting when she felt the magic fizzle out
He sighed, moving his hand to wrap around hers on the wand. "Relax Black. Your circle needs to be tighter, more contained." He demonstrated.
"Again,"
She pulled on her emotions, focusing her intent as she cast the magic, and she knew this time she succeeded.
"Good." He sighed, stepping away from her as he looked at the now frozen fox.
With a flick of his wrist the fox exploded into a thousand pieces and Bellatrix was entranced at the ease he used magic.
"Thank you my Lord." She bowed her head respectfully, the first sign of respect she had shown him all afternoon.
"We had a deal, Miss Black. I only lived up to my part." He said coolly looking at the girl.
She could see he was making a move to leave, and she was desperate to stop him. This couldn't be it, she needed to know more now that she had a taste.
"What would it cost me, sir, for further instruction?" She asked boldly.
He sneered at her, his eyes narrowed. "What would you give up?" He asked
"Anything you wish. Anything you want. You are the most powerful wizard of a generation, certainly the most powerful wizard alive. I wish to be powerful, to be feared and envied. I am willing to give anything it takes to achieve that."
"You will never be the most powerful Miss Black." He said coolly, looking down at her.
She shrugged, "I can settle for being second to Lord Voldemort." She said.
His face twitched when she said his name. "You don't follow instructions well."
"I did well enough just now didn't I? I cast the spells." She pointed out, smirking.
Her breath caught as he strode forward suddenly, stepping into her personal space as he loomed above her, dark and intimidating. She refused to take a step back however. She was not going to be so easily cowed- even if he was terrifying.
"You would have to submit entirely to me, Miss Black. Give up your free will and replace it with mine. I would torture you when you displeased me or failed me, and you would thank me for it. You would have to belong to me, mind, body and soul. You would have to be willing to kill and die for me. Only then would I entertain the idea of teaching you." He hissed, his hands crawling up her neck to twist in her curls. He tugged on them painfully, snapping her neck up and pulling her body closer to his to emphasise his point.
She found it hard to breathe, her mind raced as she processed what he said. Could she do that? Could she give up her identity for him in exchange for power.
Bellatrix made her decision and she did something she never once thought she could do. She dropped to her knees before this man who promised her a chance at power and she prostrated herself, grabbing the dirty hems of his robes and kissed them. She even went one step further and kissed his boots.
"I can accept that Master." She murmured looking up at him hopefully.
His face was blank again as he looked down at her, his eyes empty as he thought.
Finally he took a step back, away from her grasping hands. "I do not teach children Miss Black and you do not own your future- your parents do."
"I am an adult, my Lord. I can make my own decisions and choose my own destiny," she complained, still on her knees before him.
"You are a woman," he sneered, "your life is owned by your parents first and then your husband."
Rage, white hot shot through her system at his blunt words and the injustice.
"Then speak to my father- he is your follower is he not? He will listen to you if you command him to give you my life. Please my Lord, master." She hated begging, she hated the whine in her voice as she tried to reason with him.
His face was cold and resolute, "Go home little girl, I have no use for you." And then he was gone.
She was devastated. And then she was furious.
A/N been meaning to publish this for ages. I dont have the whole thing written up yet, but ill slowly post what I have and fill in the spaces I am missing. A prequel to the Cassiopeia Lestrange series that will eventually catch up to the final one of Cassiopeia. How did Bella get to where she was?