Here we go again. Since I have nearly finished Fallacies and only need to edit some more chapters, I decided to allow myself the luxury to start another fic. I really have no idea where this came from (especially the beginning), but it seems to have become the bounding together of several ideas I have had in ways I did not expect.

Please be aware that this is an AU. Characters may act differently or interact differently to other characters because they have been through different experiences. For every variation there is an explanation (one large reason is at the end of this chapter). Some things to note: It is now 1982 and, if it is not apparent from the first chapter Albus and Gellert never had a falling out and took over Great Britain. Ariana was never killed so they bounded together and both have served jointly as Lords over Britain since 1955. This will impact everyone.

Now it begins.

Bella's breath hitched audibly as her lover hit just the right point inside her. It took all her perseverance to not cry out her lover's name as he continued to pump in and out of her with a strange level of clinical precision she had never seen in a man.

"Do you like that, Madam Lestrange?" The voice above her questioned in both a self assured and breathy tone.

She did not answer. She was biting down on her lips too hard to be able to answer anything. If she opened her mouth, she was sure she was just going to unleash a series of moans that would damn her even further.

"Come on Madam, one would almost think you did not want this, if your body was not so good at making you out to be a liar."

Still she refused to say anything as she closed her eyes and her body came closer and closer to her peak. She finally lost it when cool fingers started fingering her clit. Her world brightened momentarily as her body jerked and tensed until she finally fell back to earth with a wordless cry.

For his part, her lover seemed to fair only a little better. Lost in the afterglow, she felt him thrust into her with two more quick strides before he spilled himself inside of her.

Unlike her, other than the heavy breathing, he managed to keep silent.

It did not help her mood. Her anger had suddenly flared again and, without a word, she attempted to heave him off her. She seemed cursed to her fate, however, for he did not budge. He merely continued to press his body against hers and when she tried to hit him with flailing arms, he quickly sealed both above her head.

"I hate you," she sneered angrily back up at him. She knew it was a sign she was desperate. That never bothered him. This time she was only rewarded by a hollow laugh.

"Come on, Bella. Is that why you can never stay out of my bed for longer than a week?" He questioned with a raised eyebrow. She neglected to mention this was his lounge in his office at his home and not a bed, but that did not bother either of them. "Or am I just that much of a better lover than your dear husband?"

It was a sign that she was confronted by the truth that she increased her struggles. It resulted in nothing, but it made her feel better. She did not want to acknowledge that, even if he was the truth. She loathed admitting it yet the man drew her in and she could just not understand why. Why was the frustrating half blood upstart who made her want to curse him within an inch of her life and fuck him over her desk make her so darn confused? She used to think the thought of kissing a half blood was enough to make her vomit, but now...

Snarling in frustration, she attempted to struggle free and raise her hackles like a rabid dog, but to it was to no avail. "Release me, Riddle or I will have you head."

She was more than a little surprised when he backhanded her. The only thing that surprised her more was the way it aroused her. Curse her traitor body and its mindless kinks and urges.

"Do not call me that," he hissed in anger, for the first time breaking his ice cold composure. She was rather proud of herself and not willing to back down despite the vulnerable position she found herself in.

"Is that because you do not want to be reminded of your filthy muggle fa-"

He backhanded her, harder this time, but she could only laugh at his face that was taut with fury.

Glaring at her fiercely, he stood, leaving her alone on the couch as he started to pick up his clothing from where they had thrown them earlier. "You wonder why they call you insane." He said softly as he pulled up his trousers, his back to her.

"Probably as I am," she replied filled with contentment now that he was off her and she had some freedom again. Stretching her muscles, she laid lavishly across the couch no care for her nakedness. Her mood always switched quickly and she found that managing to get under his skin had made her more pleased with the situation, even if she had to rely on factors that were the biggest cause of annoyance about the man. "You only need to see how many laws I am breaking. Even what we just did."

"I am quite aware of that," he replied with almost disinterested as he finally faced her, in the middle of buttoning up his robe. Shame, she thought she has ripped some of those buttons off. Maybe next time. "I am well aware it is a crime for a half blood to lay with a pureblood almost since Grindelwald came to power."

"One of the only sensible laws he passed," she replied lazily watching him continue to dress, "Surprised he did something so intelligent. Maybe it was before Dumbledore started fucking him up the arse."

"Or the other way around no doubt," Tom replied apparently more interested in the conversation now that he was dressed and in a better mood, presumably because the conversation had changed direction. She pondered making a remark about his interest in gay men, but decided to save it for another time. "There are rumours he is considering repealing it."

She made an elaborate sigh and threw her hands above her head in exasperation. "Of course he is. Merlin, who would have thought that man ever had some sense?"

"Just not now." Continuing his prowl around his office, he paused and sat gracefully in one of the waiting armchairs that faced the lounge. His face was more serious as he stared down at her. Clearly time had come to discuss business. It had been their original plan, but admittedly they had got a little distracted. She would still blame him. "It won't matter they will be gone soon. You said you had received word that there were others willing to join."

She supposed it was time to finally concentrate. Standing up, it was her turn to dress though she continued to speak as she walked. "My cousin Evan Rosier is prepared. He is considering hinting to Uncle Nicholas but he is not sure. You said you knew him from Hogwarts?"

"Yes, but not well enough that he would not overlook my blood status."

"I would have thought that but it does not seem like it. Evan thinks he is pretty desperate. With my support he seems confident he can be persuaded. He was very fond of me. I'm sure you understand why."

She threw him a cheeky smile as she finally located her bra half under her desk. Pondering how the hell it had got there, she clipped it on and continued since Tom was staying silent. "Then Lucius is very supportive. I did say he was not content with his lot. All Malfoys are after better things and Lucius is no exception. I can use my sister if need be, but I do not think I will have to."

Tom interrupted with a slight cough and she turned to face him. "And your husband and his family?"

Her eyes darkened in irritation. She ignored him in favour of slipping on her robe.

"Come on, Bellatrix, should you not try?"

"Don't you think I know him better than that," she retorted angrily, "I would happily if I could but I know it is not possible. They are delusional with their faith towards Grindelwald. It would achieve nothing."

That seemed to satisfy him as he went silent once again. Her heart slowed again as her rage left her and she returned to the couch once again.

"Then I suspect he will not take kindly to you when we succeed in our rebellion," Tom mused thoughtfully. She only shot one raised eyebrow at him. "I wonder how he will react."

"We both know the answer to that."

"Death or divorce?"

"Either way my marriage is over," she said calmly as she lifted her left arm into the air and examined her wedding band.

"You do not seem too troubled by that."

She looked over at him sharply. She was not annoyed by the accurate accusation, merely curious.

"You seem very interested in this line of conversation."

Tom smiled secretly to himself. Once again she found herself cursing his gifts at Occluemency. "I might be."

She huffed in frustration. If he was going to be like this, she was not sticking around to be his plaything like everyone else. Standing, she made a move to head to the door when she felt a hand cease her hand. She was more surprised by the type of contact than the contact herself. Since when did he hold her hand?

"I am sticking by my word, Bella," he replied softer than she would have thought. It was enough to unfreeze her own gaze as she looked down at him. He stood up from his chair, but he did not release her hand. "You are the one who is taking the bigger risk. If you keep silent and anyone betrays you, it is only you who will pay the cost."

"Of course, I will keep silent. I am hardly a traitor," she replied with conviction. Neither mentioned this entire situation meant she was affectively betraying the current government and even the country. "You do not need to worry. If anything happens I will never mention you should and only I will be caught."

"No," he corrected quickly. "If anything happens you will run and I will send you to a place to keep you safe in France."

She looked at him confused. She had never heard this part before. "What is in France?"

Tom paused, his face blank. For a long time she did not think he would answer until he finally seemed to make a decision. "My mother."