p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"strongAN:/strong Hello! I just wanted to thank you all for the reviews. They are all appreciated. Seriously. I smiled when I read them. Now, to the interesting part of this note: I've updated! Originally, this was a much shorter filler chapter, but I was inspired! And I added to it, so please forgive me. I hope you like my additions!/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"And yes, the infamous Rodolphus will me introduced in this chapter. I hope you all grow to love him./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"xx/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Nova/p
hr style="color: #000000; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;" noshade="noshade" size="1" /
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"strongChapter 3/strong/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I sat in the burgundy chair with my back to the fireplace. The smell of wood smoke wafted pleasantly around me, and behind me, the flames flickered, warming my back and illuminating the room with a soft glow. Across from me was Headmaster Dippet, who looked to be deep in thought. I nervously awaited his judgment; this apprenticeship had become increasingly important to me for reasons unknown. I was afraid the headmaster would say no to my request./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Miss Black," he began, steepling his fingers and leaning forward, "I'm afraid that I cannot allow you to accept this apprenticeship."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Why not," I asked immediately, defensive./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""You have far too much on your plate this year. Your course load, your responsibilities as prefect, and your participation on your House's quidditch team are far too much as it is."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Headmaster, I did remarkably well last semester, despite my many responsibilities. Your denial of my request makes me think that you are taking on a sexist attitude," I said, my face flushing from the heat of anger and embarrassment./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I assure you that that is not the case at all!" Dippet leaned back and perused me thoughtfully. "Why would you accuse me of such a thing?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""It is no secret to me that you have approved of Lucius' request."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Well then it should be no secret to you that Lucius has shifted his priorities. But if you so wish it, then I will approve of your request as soon as you give me a copy of your class schedule and prefect rotations."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I have my schedule," I said, pulling a small scroll from my satchel. "Tonight, you will receive my prefect rotations from the Headgirl, if she does her job well." I handed the man my schedule and then straightened up in my chair. I suddenly recalled what he had said only moments before. "Excuse me, Headmaster, but what did you mean when you said that Lucius had shifted his priorities?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Well he decided to abjure his responsibilities as prefect," Dippet said matter-of-factly./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""If Lucius is not my counterpart, then who is," I asked incredulously./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""The Head Girl, Head Boy, Mr. Malfoy, and myself decided on someone more than qualified, Miss Black."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Yes, well I'm asking who, exactly," I said, well aware that I was probably crossing a line. I didn't care; the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach seemed to tell me what I already knew./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Dippet sighed heavily and got up, walking to the door. I thought he was dismissing my query when he turned around to face me and said, "Rodolphus Lestrange."/p
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p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I stood outside the front entrance to Hogwarts with my light traveling cloak wrapped around me. Reveling in the softness of the expensive fabric, I thought about the implications of Lucius' maneuvers. I couldn't understand why he was giving up such a unique opportunity. If he had retained his duties as prefect, he and I would have shared chambers. We could have experienced all that we couldn't when we were at home. I cursed inwardly, willing my anger and frustration to dissipate. Now, I would have to room with Rodolphus, of all people. As if the news of my engagement to him wasn't devastating enough./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Following that line of thought, I reminisced about the day I found out./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"em"Bella," my mother had said. "It is the perfect time for us to discuss your duties as a Black."/em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"emI groaned loudly. "Mother, not now."/em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"em"You need to know who you are to marry," she snapped./em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"emI calmly stoked the fire in the fireplace, waiting for her to continue./em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"em"As you are well aware, you are to be married to him at the end of your tenure at Hogwarts. The hope is that-"/em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"em"I produce an heir by the second year of marriage." I closed my eyes tightly, reigning in my frustration. "I know. But with whom?" I turned to face my mother, feeling my eyes wet with tears that I refused to shed./em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"em"Bella, do not cry. It is an honorable tradition."/em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"em"Mother, just tell me."/em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"em"As you wish." She took a deep breath, and with one fell swoop, released the name of the man to whom my fate was to be intertwined. "Rodolphus Lestrange."/em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"emI thought for a moment. "Strategic," was all I said./em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"emMy mother perused me quietly and sternly. "That's it? That's all you have to say?"/em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"emI looked up at her from my position on the rug. "Yes, mother. There is nothing else to say."/em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"From then on, my interactions with Rodolphus, which had always been amicable at best, were flavored with resentment and bitterness at my situation, and I thoroughly blamed him, though I knew he had no say in the matter either. Now, only nine months later, I found myself trying to swallow this resentment. I was going to be working with him and living with him. I just constantly needed to remind myself that this was not a punishment, but an opportunity to observe Lestrange. With that in mind, I steeled myself and pushed open the doors to Hogwarts./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I entered the Great Hall, walking briskly towards my House's table. I stopped only to look at the professors' table, where I found that I was being observed by Albus Dumbledore. Nodding briefly to him, I realized that Sorting hadn't even started yet. All at once, I was grateful that my parents had permitted me to Apparate to Hogsmeade with my trunk instead of using the ceremonial Hogwarts Express, which would not have afforded me the time to meet with Dippet. I looked away from Dumbledore's curious blue eyes and continued striding towards my table. Immediately, I sought out Lucius' distinctive silvery blonde hair. Right as I found it, he looked up and met my eyes./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Bella," he mouthed. He waved a hand and gestured to the empty seat next to him./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I smiled briefly, noted that my sister was seated a ways down the table from us, and joined him. Secretly, I was glad that she didn't know to whom she was betrothed. Pushing that thought out of my mind, I smiled again and leaned in to kiss Lucius on the cheek in greeting./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Bella, you seem extraordinarily happy at the moment," Lucius said, mirth coloring his features./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I have plenty of reason to be. I just met with Dippet, and what do you know, we had a nice little conversation."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Lucius leaned back and looked at me quizzically before realization dawned upon him. "Bella, I-"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Shush, now, Lucius. We can talk later. For now, I have to tell you. I got the apprenticeship, withemout/em sacrificing anything."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Lucius at least had the decency to let his shame show./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""It's not such a bad thing that he gave up being a prefect, you know," said a voice directly across from Lucius./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I cringed inwardly and turned to the man who had spoken. "Rodolphus, it's been too long," I said, through clenched teeth, momentarily forgetting my pep talk from just a moment earlier./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Through no fault of my own," he said, smirking. He lifted his goblet of pumpkin juice and raised it towards me. "Cheers, Bella. It's great to see you again, and you look magnificent, as always." He continued eyeing me as he gulped his drink, and I got the distinct impression that he was undressing me with his gaze./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""As always, your kind words fail to impress me," I said, a saccharine smile now plastered on my face./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Underneath the table, I felt Lucius grab my arm and squeeze, telling me to calm down. I whipped my head around to glare at him, nearly breaking my neck. Then I turned back to Rodolphus and saw that he looked even smugger. His light green eyes were narrowed in mirth, and his mouth was quirked triumphantly, contorting his face into a disgustingly attractive smirk. Rodolphus' smile widened, and I knew he knew that I found him to be attractive. Breaking Lucius' grasp on my arm, I said snappily, "You filled out a bit over the summer. I take it you can lift a quill without fainting now?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Lestrange laughed uproariously, raised his goblet towards me, and responded, "This year will be so amusing, Bellatrix. I look forward to rooming with you."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I sniffed, raising my head to regard him down the slope of my nose. "And I, you."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I could not dispel the feeling that I would indeed enjoy this turn of events./p
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p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I stood up from my chair and stretched my arms above my head, eager to get the kinks out of my sore and tired muscles. All around me, students were in a similar state of exhaustion. The Sorting had finished some time earlier, and it was now time for the prefects to lead the first years to their respective dormitories. Slowly rolling my neck, I quickly considered how long it would take. If all went well, I would have the first years in their chambers within the next twenty minutes, and could finally take my first break of the day./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I squeezed Lucius' shoulder. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow on the pitch, yeah?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""We have classes together too," he said, smiling./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I guess you're right. Hopefully not too many though," I said, "Because I can't have you copying my homework again this year."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Lucius guffawed loudly. "Yeah, right, Bella. I'll see you on the pitch at 6. Don't be late."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He sauntered off to join his friends and I turned my attention to Rodolphus, who was still seated. The man took one final sip of his pumpkin juice, then, locking his eyes on mine, rose slowly. I knew his intention was to make me look up at him, since he towered over me, and it worked. He smirked, then nodded at me, and I turned to face the rest of the table. Insufferable man./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Right, then," I muttered. I nonverbally cast a emSonorus/em charm on myself, then lightly pressed the tip of my wand to my throat. "First years," I said, allowing my voice to carry gently over the noise of the Great Hall. I knew full well that the students could hear me with clarity. "If you have been Sorted into Slytherin house, please follow myself and Prefect Lestrange to your dormitory. Again, Slytherin first years, follow Prefect Lestrange and me to your dormitory." I saw the first years, grouped at the very end of the table, turn towards the sound of my voice, and nodded to indicate that they were to head towards me./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I disengaged the charm and looked over at Rodolphus to ensure that he hadn't disappeared on me, only to be met by a surprise. I saw him raise his wand over his head, and from it spun a beautiful, silken emerald banner emblazed with the Slytherin insignia. I gasped at the bit of magic he used, admiring the ingenuity, then quickly chastised myself. It was just a flag, after all. I saw that he had enchanted it so that it wouldn't fold in upon itself, and then he began waving it above his head. It rippled smoothly, and flew above the crowds of people gathered in the hall. I whipped my head to look at the first years and saw that they were already heading towards Rodolphus. Scowling, I allowed him to lead the new students to the Slytherin dungeons while I followed, grabbing the stragglers and making sure they didn't stray off course. I could hear his deep voice ahead, instructing the students on the expectations of Hogwarts and of Slytherin house specifically. I continued scowling, mentally checking his list against mine, and realized he had forgotten some very important things. I smiled gleefully as he opened the portrait to the entrance of the dungeons, and quickly herded the students through so that I could address them./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"When I finally entered, I found that they were all gathered a few feet away from the entrance, and appeared to be waiting expectantly. Rodolphus stood off to the side, ostensibly to give me my moment in the limelight. I cleared my throat and spoke, ignoring the presence of the older students, who appeared to be milling about before bed. "Students, I am Bellatrix Black and I will be one of your prefects for this school year. It is important that you remember what Rodolphus has just said, but it is also pertinent for you to know that Slytherins are not expected to fraternize with members of the other houses. There won't be any repercussions if you do, of course," I said, reassuring the students, "but we would prefer that you utilize the resources you have here as well as your specific skillsets that you each hold, to succeed. It wouldn't do for you all to be swayed in your greatest ambitions by those who are not like-minded. And finally, you are all invited to watch Slytherin's quidditch practice tomorrow at six in the morning. I am one of the chasers, and Rodolphus is a beater. We would love to be able to inspire you all to pursue your talents, and always welcome new talent to the team." I saw smiles light up some of their faces and mentally complimented myself on successfully welcoming these newest members to the house. I knew that having them enjoy their experiences as a Slytherin was critical in garnering the support of their connections, whether or not they knew they had them./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I looked up from the crowd of small children to see Lucius listening intently, with a small smile of approval on his face. I knew that if he had been prefect, he would have said the same. I then looked at the students, who were still standing there, listening expectantly. "Well? Off to bed now. We all have a very busy day ahead of us."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"With that, I strode through the gathered first years to talk to Lucius, leaving Rodolphus to show them to their rooms./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I see you waited for me," I said when I was close enough for him to hear me./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Of course I did," he smirked. "Thank you for that little addition to your speech, by the way."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""It's nothing, really. It's important to make them feel welcome so that their parents don't write letters of complaint on their behalf. And who knows?" I said. "Some of them may actually be talented. Not likely, but possible."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Ah, always thinking about the bigger picture," Lucius said./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Unlike some, I would say."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Lucius' facial expression immediately closed. "Let us talk somewhere more private."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""No need," I said, casting a quick Muffliato with a flick of my wand. "No one can hear us," I responded./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""But they sure as hell can see us, and it wouldn't do for it to look like we are arguing."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""We're not," I replied, smiling. "We're having a discussion between friends."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Bellatrix, please."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""And make this even more suspicious? I don't think so." I cast my eyes about the room and noticed that most of the Slytherins had already gone to bed. Only about ten of the fourth and fifth years remained in the common room./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Then let us at least sit."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I acquiesced and chose a dark leather armchair close to the small fire in the fireplace. Lucius sat on the other side of the fire./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Why did you do it," I asked immediately./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""We have to keep up appearances of propriety," Lucius said, sighing and pushing his hair back./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Nothing about our emfriendship/em," I spat, "is improper!"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""It was bound to appear so, Bella. You know how I feel for you. I don't think I could have kept it hidden for long."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I scoffed, and upon remembering that we were, for all intents and purposes, having a pleasant conversation, smiled. "What a disgrace you are to Slytherins, Lucius. You can't even control your emotions for a couple of hours a day?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"His eyes flared at my remark. "And you can? You nearly pant yourself to death every time you see me. It's clear that there is something going on between us! Whatever it may be!" He dropped all pretenses of being pleasant and stood abruptly. "I'm doing this for us."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Lucius," I seethed through my clenched teeth, "calm down." I grabbed his arm as he walked by and stopped him. "Relax!"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He looked down his nose at me. "You view things too myopically, Bella. Remember where and who we are."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I stood up and grabbed his shirt. "You listen to me, fool. This was supposed to be emour year!/em You gave it up because you are a sodding coward. We don't have nearly enough time, and you just gave what little we had to bloody Rodolphus!" I pushed him away from me, tore down the wards with an angry slash of my wand, then pointed it at him. "emYou/em need to remember who emI/em am. Remember the things I've done and where I've been before you question the composition of my character." The fire beside me crackled and hissed loudly, mirroring my fury. I glared around the room at the few Slytherins gathered there. "I am Bellatrix Black," I seethed menacingly. "Do not cross me this year." I swung my wand around my head and pointed it at the fireplace, quickly extinguishing the flame and casting the room into darkness, then I cast a quick spell that mimicked the effects of the Peruvian darkness powder. Amidst the shocked whispers and cries of blindness, I grabbed Lucius by his shirt again and pressed my lips to his, kissing him angrily, desperately. Nipping fiercely at his startled lips, I whispered, "emThis/em is what you are missing." I pushed him away a final time, lifted the enchantment, then stormed off to the chambers I was to share with Rodolphus, but not before seeing look of anger and bewilderment on Lucius' face./p
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p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Rough night?" Rodolphus said, in response to me banging my way through our shared living space./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I looked over at him, noticed that he was lounging shirtlessly on the couch, supposedly reading a book, and sighed heavily. "Yeah, how did you guess," I asked, trying for civility./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I could hear you shouting about something or other." He flipped a page./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I really tried to be a decent human being for a while," I called, disappearing into my room to quickly change into more comfortable clothing./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I couldn't tell!" he called back./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I reappeared in the living room of our spacious dorms. "Well, I wasn't pleasant to you. I never am. It's expected."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He looked up from where he was sitting, his eyes shining in the firelight. "There was a time when we were friends, Bellatrix."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Yeah, when we were fifteen. Things changed," I said, feeling my cheeks burn./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He set his book down. "They didn't have to, you know."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I felt myself growing uncomfortable at his direct tone. "They had to change one way or the other."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I would have preferred the other," he muttered, before getting up./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I- where are you going," I said, trying to maintain a calm demeanor./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I'm getting a drink. Want anything?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I'm a bit tired," I said, realizing there was truth to this./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Rodolphus walked past me and headed towards the cabinet where he had apparently stored his liquor. "Join me for a drink."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I exhaled slowly. "It can't hurt," I muttered./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He promptly sat back down again with two glasses of Firewhiskey. He handed me one, then leaned back in his seat. As I drank, I tried not to stare openly at his impressive musculature./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He chuckled. "Go ahead, we're getting married anyway. You might as well."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I felt my cheeks burning again and immediately tried to hide my embarrassment with anger. "Why are you being so nice to me, anyway? I've been wretched to you for so long," I accused, suspicious./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"His eyes shuttered and he set his glass down. "Well what did you expect? I am decent towards people I like."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I scoffed. "You like me?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Yes," he said, picking up his glass and drinking from it. "I do. But your attitude towards me has been wearing on me."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I don't understand," I said loftily./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Believe it or not, I would prefer to like the person I am going to spend my life with. It's smart and it's pleasant. You should try it some time. I'm not a horrible human being." He finished his drink and stood up. "Good night, Bellatrix Black."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He then walked to his room, which was across from where I was sitting, and I was afforded a view of his broad back. Clearing my throat, I muttered good night and walked to my own room, which was next to his./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I slipped into bed, still clear-headed because the alcohol hadn't affected me./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"But even though I was tired, I could not find peace, nor could I find sleep. I kept thinking that maybe I was going about everything the wrong way. Maybe, instead of trying to find momentary happiness in Lucius, I should try to find a lifetime of happiness in Rodolphus. It hurt my heart to think about my life like this, but it was the smart thing to do./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"It was the Slytherin thing to do./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Maybe I should give up on Lucius, despite our history of romantic intentions and our fanciful inclinations./p
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p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"strongAN/strong: Don't worry! Our beloved Tom will appear soon. Just a reminder that this will be a long story spanning both the First and Second wars. Plenty of time for Tom to become disfigured and inhuman, and for Bellatrix to become a lunatic ;) That being said, this is still a Bellamort, and I know this. I still, however, have to make it a bit realistic, meaning that before Tom, there was Rodolphus. Don't worry, don't worry. Tom will appear soon! Probably in the chapter after next! Who knows what will happen.../p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"But in the mean time, read and review! And check out my other works!/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"xx/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"And yes, the infamous Rodolphus will me introduced in this chapter. I hope you all grow to love him./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"xx/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Nova/p
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p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"strongChapter 3/strong/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I sat in the burgundy chair with my back to the fireplace. The smell of wood smoke wafted pleasantly around me, and behind me, the flames flickered, warming my back and illuminating the room with a soft glow. Across from me was Headmaster Dippet, who looked to be deep in thought. I nervously awaited his judgment; this apprenticeship had become increasingly important to me for reasons unknown. I was afraid the headmaster would say no to my request./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Miss Black," he began, steepling his fingers and leaning forward, "I'm afraid that I cannot allow you to accept this apprenticeship."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Why not," I asked immediately, defensive./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""You have far too much on your plate this year. Your course load, your responsibilities as prefect, and your participation on your House's quidditch team are far too much as it is."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Headmaster, I did remarkably well last semester, despite my many responsibilities. Your denial of my request makes me think that you are taking on a sexist attitude," I said, my face flushing from the heat of anger and embarrassment./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I assure you that that is not the case at all!" Dippet leaned back and perused me thoughtfully. "Why would you accuse me of such a thing?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""It is no secret to me that you have approved of Lucius' request."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Well then it should be no secret to you that Lucius has shifted his priorities. But if you so wish it, then I will approve of your request as soon as you give me a copy of your class schedule and prefect rotations."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I have my schedule," I said, pulling a small scroll from my satchel. "Tonight, you will receive my prefect rotations from the Headgirl, if she does her job well." I handed the man my schedule and then straightened up in my chair. I suddenly recalled what he had said only moments before. "Excuse me, Headmaster, but what did you mean when you said that Lucius had shifted his priorities?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Well he decided to abjure his responsibilities as prefect," Dippet said matter-of-factly./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""If Lucius is not my counterpart, then who is," I asked incredulously./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""The Head Girl, Head Boy, Mr. Malfoy, and myself decided on someone more than qualified, Miss Black."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Yes, well I'm asking who, exactly," I said, well aware that I was probably crossing a line. I didn't care; the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach seemed to tell me what I already knew./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Dippet sighed heavily and got up, walking to the door. I thought he was dismissing my query when he turned around to face me and said, "Rodolphus Lestrange."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I stood outside the front entrance to Hogwarts with my light traveling cloak wrapped around me. Reveling in the softness of the expensive fabric, I thought about the implications of Lucius' maneuvers. I couldn't understand why he was giving up such a unique opportunity. If he had retained his duties as prefect, he and I would have shared chambers. We could have experienced all that we couldn't when we were at home. I cursed inwardly, willing my anger and frustration to dissipate. Now, I would have to room with Rodolphus, of all people. As if the news of my engagement to him wasn't devastating enough./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Following that line of thought, I reminisced about the day I found out./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"em"Bella," my mother had said. "It is the perfect time for us to discuss your duties as a Black."/em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"emI groaned loudly. "Mother, not now."/em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"em"You need to know who you are to marry," she snapped./em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"emI calmly stoked the fire in the fireplace, waiting for her to continue./em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"em"As you are well aware, you are to be married to him at the end of your tenure at Hogwarts. The hope is that-"/em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"em"I produce an heir by the second year of marriage." I closed my eyes tightly, reigning in my frustration. "I know. But with whom?" I turned to face my mother, feeling my eyes wet with tears that I refused to shed./em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"em"Bella, do not cry. It is an honorable tradition."/em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"em"Mother, just tell me."/em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"em"As you wish." She took a deep breath, and with one fell swoop, released the name of the man to whom my fate was to be intertwined. "Rodolphus Lestrange."/em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"emI thought for a moment. "Strategic," was all I said./em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"emMy mother perused me quietly and sternly. "That's it? That's all you have to say?"/em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"emI looked up at her from my position on the rug. "Yes, mother. There is nothing else to say."/em/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"From then on, my interactions with Rodolphus, which had always been amicable at best, were flavored with resentment and bitterness at my situation, and I thoroughly blamed him, though I knew he had no say in the matter either. Now, only nine months later, I found myself trying to swallow this resentment. I was going to be working with him and living with him. I just constantly needed to remind myself that this was not a punishment, but an opportunity to observe Lestrange. With that in mind, I steeled myself and pushed open the doors to Hogwarts./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I entered the Great Hall, walking briskly towards my House's table. I stopped only to look at the professors' table, where I found that I was being observed by Albus Dumbledore. Nodding briefly to him, I realized that Sorting hadn't even started yet. All at once, I was grateful that my parents had permitted me to Apparate to Hogsmeade with my trunk instead of using the ceremonial Hogwarts Express, which would not have afforded me the time to meet with Dippet. I looked away from Dumbledore's curious blue eyes and continued striding towards my table. Immediately, I sought out Lucius' distinctive silvery blonde hair. Right as I found it, he looked up and met my eyes./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Bella," he mouthed. He waved a hand and gestured to the empty seat next to him./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I smiled briefly, noted that my sister was seated a ways down the table from us, and joined him. Secretly, I was glad that she didn't know to whom she was betrothed. Pushing that thought out of my mind, I smiled again and leaned in to kiss Lucius on the cheek in greeting./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Bella, you seem extraordinarily happy at the moment," Lucius said, mirth coloring his features./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I have plenty of reason to be. I just met with Dippet, and what do you know, we had a nice little conversation."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Lucius leaned back and looked at me quizzically before realization dawned upon him. "Bella, I-"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Shush, now, Lucius. We can talk later. For now, I have to tell you. I got the apprenticeship, withemout/em sacrificing anything."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Lucius at least had the decency to let his shame show./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""It's not such a bad thing that he gave up being a prefect, you know," said a voice directly across from Lucius./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I cringed inwardly and turned to the man who had spoken. "Rodolphus, it's been too long," I said, through clenched teeth, momentarily forgetting my pep talk from just a moment earlier./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Through no fault of my own," he said, smirking. He lifted his goblet of pumpkin juice and raised it towards me. "Cheers, Bella. It's great to see you again, and you look magnificent, as always." He continued eyeing me as he gulped his drink, and I got the distinct impression that he was undressing me with his gaze./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""As always, your kind words fail to impress me," I said, a saccharine smile now plastered on my face./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Underneath the table, I felt Lucius grab my arm and squeeze, telling me to calm down. I whipped my head around to glare at him, nearly breaking my neck. Then I turned back to Rodolphus and saw that he looked even smugger. His light green eyes were narrowed in mirth, and his mouth was quirked triumphantly, contorting his face into a disgustingly attractive smirk. Rodolphus' smile widened, and I knew he knew that I found him to be attractive. Breaking Lucius' grasp on my arm, I said snappily, "You filled out a bit over the summer. I take it you can lift a quill without fainting now?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Lestrange laughed uproariously, raised his goblet towards me, and responded, "This year will be so amusing, Bellatrix. I look forward to rooming with you."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I sniffed, raising my head to regard him down the slope of my nose. "And I, you."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I could not dispel the feeling that I would indeed enjoy this turn of events./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I stood up from my chair and stretched my arms above my head, eager to get the kinks out of my sore and tired muscles. All around me, students were in a similar state of exhaustion. The Sorting had finished some time earlier, and it was now time for the prefects to lead the first years to their respective dormitories. Slowly rolling my neck, I quickly considered how long it would take. If all went well, I would have the first years in their chambers within the next twenty minutes, and could finally take my first break of the day./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I squeezed Lucius' shoulder. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow on the pitch, yeah?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""We have classes together too," he said, smiling./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I guess you're right. Hopefully not too many though," I said, "Because I can't have you copying my homework again this year."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Lucius guffawed loudly. "Yeah, right, Bella. I'll see you on the pitch at 6. Don't be late."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He sauntered off to join his friends and I turned my attention to Rodolphus, who was still seated. The man took one final sip of his pumpkin juice, then, locking his eyes on mine, rose slowly. I knew his intention was to make me look up at him, since he towered over me, and it worked. He smirked, then nodded at me, and I turned to face the rest of the table. Insufferable man./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Right, then," I muttered. I nonverbally cast a emSonorus/em charm on myself, then lightly pressed the tip of my wand to my throat. "First years," I said, allowing my voice to carry gently over the noise of the Great Hall. I knew full well that the students could hear me with clarity. "If you have been Sorted into Slytherin house, please follow myself and Prefect Lestrange to your dormitory. Again, Slytherin first years, follow Prefect Lestrange and me to your dormitory." I saw the first years, grouped at the very end of the table, turn towards the sound of my voice, and nodded to indicate that they were to head towards me./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I disengaged the charm and looked over at Rodolphus to ensure that he hadn't disappeared on me, only to be met by a surprise. I saw him raise his wand over his head, and from it spun a beautiful, silken emerald banner emblazed with the Slytherin insignia. I gasped at the bit of magic he used, admiring the ingenuity, then quickly chastised myself. It was just a flag, after all. I saw that he had enchanted it so that it wouldn't fold in upon itself, and then he began waving it above his head. It rippled smoothly, and flew above the crowds of people gathered in the hall. I whipped my head to look at the first years and saw that they were already heading towards Rodolphus. Scowling, I allowed him to lead the new students to the Slytherin dungeons while I followed, grabbing the stragglers and making sure they didn't stray off course. I could hear his deep voice ahead, instructing the students on the expectations of Hogwarts and of Slytherin house specifically. I continued scowling, mentally checking his list against mine, and realized he had forgotten some very important things. I smiled gleefully as he opened the portrait to the entrance of the dungeons, and quickly herded the students through so that I could address them./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"When I finally entered, I found that they were all gathered a few feet away from the entrance, and appeared to be waiting expectantly. Rodolphus stood off to the side, ostensibly to give me my moment in the limelight. I cleared my throat and spoke, ignoring the presence of the older students, who appeared to be milling about before bed. "Students, I am Bellatrix Black and I will be one of your prefects for this school year. It is important that you remember what Rodolphus has just said, but it is also pertinent for you to know that Slytherins are not expected to fraternize with members of the other houses. There won't be any repercussions if you do, of course," I said, reassuring the students, "but we would prefer that you utilize the resources you have here as well as your specific skillsets that you each hold, to succeed. It wouldn't do for you all to be swayed in your greatest ambitions by those who are not like-minded. And finally, you are all invited to watch Slytherin's quidditch practice tomorrow at six in the morning. I am one of the chasers, and Rodolphus is a beater. We would love to be able to inspire you all to pursue your talents, and always welcome new talent to the team." I saw smiles light up some of their faces and mentally complimented myself on successfully welcoming these newest members to the house. I knew that having them enjoy their experiences as a Slytherin was critical in garnering the support of their connections, whether or not they knew they had them./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I looked up from the crowd of small children to see Lucius listening intently, with a small smile of approval on his face. I knew that if he had been prefect, he would have said the same. I then looked at the students, who were still standing there, listening expectantly. "Well? Off to bed now. We all have a very busy day ahead of us."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"With that, I strode through the gathered first years to talk to Lucius, leaving Rodolphus to show them to their rooms./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I see you waited for me," I said when I was close enough for him to hear me./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Of course I did," he smirked. "Thank you for that little addition to your speech, by the way."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""It's nothing, really. It's important to make them feel welcome so that their parents don't write letters of complaint on their behalf. And who knows?" I said. "Some of them may actually be talented. Not likely, but possible."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Ah, always thinking about the bigger picture," Lucius said./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Unlike some, I would say."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Lucius' facial expression immediately closed. "Let us talk somewhere more private."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""No need," I said, casting a quick Muffliato with a flick of my wand. "No one can hear us," I responded./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""But they sure as hell can see us, and it wouldn't do for it to look like we are arguing."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""We're not," I replied, smiling. "We're having a discussion between friends."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Bellatrix, please."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""And make this even more suspicious? I don't think so." I cast my eyes about the room and noticed that most of the Slytherins had already gone to bed. Only about ten of the fourth and fifth years remained in the common room./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Then let us at least sit."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I acquiesced and chose a dark leather armchair close to the small fire in the fireplace. Lucius sat on the other side of the fire./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Why did you do it," I asked immediately./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""We have to keep up appearances of propriety," Lucius said, sighing and pushing his hair back./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Nothing about our emfriendship/em," I spat, "is improper!"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""It was bound to appear so, Bella. You know how I feel for you. I don't think I could have kept it hidden for long."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I scoffed, and upon remembering that we were, for all intents and purposes, having a pleasant conversation, smiled. "What a disgrace you are to Slytherins, Lucius. You can't even control your emotions for a couple of hours a day?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"His eyes flared at my remark. "And you can? You nearly pant yourself to death every time you see me. It's clear that there is something going on between us! Whatever it may be!" He dropped all pretenses of being pleasant and stood abruptly. "I'm doing this for us."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Lucius," I seethed through my clenched teeth, "calm down." I grabbed his arm as he walked by and stopped him. "Relax!"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He looked down his nose at me. "You view things too myopically, Bella. Remember where and who we are."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I stood up and grabbed his shirt. "You listen to me, fool. This was supposed to be emour year!/em You gave it up because you are a sodding coward. We don't have nearly enough time, and you just gave what little we had to bloody Rodolphus!" I pushed him away from me, tore down the wards with an angry slash of my wand, then pointed it at him. "emYou/em need to remember who emI/em am. Remember the things I've done and where I've been before you question the composition of my character." The fire beside me crackled and hissed loudly, mirroring my fury. I glared around the room at the few Slytherins gathered there. "I am Bellatrix Black," I seethed menacingly. "Do not cross me this year." I swung my wand around my head and pointed it at the fireplace, quickly extinguishing the flame and casting the room into darkness, then I cast a quick spell that mimicked the effects of the Peruvian darkness powder. Amidst the shocked whispers and cries of blindness, I grabbed Lucius by his shirt again and pressed my lips to his, kissing him angrily, desperately. Nipping fiercely at his startled lips, I whispered, "emThis/em is what you are missing." I pushed him away a final time, lifted the enchantment, then stormed off to the chambers I was to share with Rodolphus, but not before seeing look of anger and bewilderment on Lucius' face./p
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p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Rough night?" Rodolphus said, in response to me banging my way through our shared living space./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I looked over at him, noticed that he was lounging shirtlessly on the couch, supposedly reading a book, and sighed heavily. "Yeah, how did you guess," I asked, trying for civility./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I could hear you shouting about something or other." He flipped a page./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I really tried to be a decent human being for a while," I called, disappearing into my room to quickly change into more comfortable clothing./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I couldn't tell!" he called back./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I reappeared in the living room of our spacious dorms. "Well, I wasn't pleasant to you. I never am. It's expected."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He looked up from where he was sitting, his eyes shining in the firelight. "There was a time when we were friends, Bellatrix."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Yeah, when we were fifteen. Things changed," I said, feeling my cheeks burn./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He set his book down. "They didn't have to, you know."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I felt myself growing uncomfortable at his direct tone. "They had to change one way or the other."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I would have preferred the other," he muttered, before getting up./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I- where are you going," I said, trying to maintain a calm demeanor./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I'm getting a drink. Want anything?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I'm a bit tired," I said, realizing there was truth to this./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Rodolphus walked past me and headed towards the cabinet where he had apparently stored his liquor. "Join me for a drink."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I exhaled slowly. "It can't hurt," I muttered./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He promptly sat back down again with two glasses of Firewhiskey. He handed me one, then leaned back in his seat. As I drank, I tried not to stare openly at his impressive musculature./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He chuckled. "Go ahead, we're getting married anyway. You might as well."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I felt my cheeks burning again and immediately tried to hide my embarrassment with anger. "Why are you being so nice to me, anyway? I've been wretched to you for so long," I accused, suspicious./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"His eyes shuttered and he set his glass down. "Well what did you expect? I am decent towards people I like."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I scoffed. "You like me?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Yes," he said, picking up his glass and drinking from it. "I do. But your attitude towards me has been wearing on me."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I don't understand," I said loftily./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Believe it or not, I would prefer to like the person I am going to spend my life with. It's smart and it's pleasant. You should try it some time. I'm not a horrible human being." He finished his drink and stood up. "Good night, Bellatrix Black."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He then walked to his room, which was across from where I was sitting, and I was afforded a view of his broad back. Clearing my throat, I muttered good night and walked to my own room, which was next to his./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"I slipped into bed, still clear-headed because the alcohol hadn't affected me./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"But even though I was tired, I could not find peace, nor could I find sleep. I kept thinking that maybe I was going about everything the wrong way. Maybe, instead of trying to find momentary happiness in Lucius, I should try to find a lifetime of happiness in Rodolphus. It hurt my heart to think about my life like this, but it was the smart thing to do./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"It was the Slytherin thing to do./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Maybe I should give up on Lucius, despite our history of romantic intentions and our fanciful inclinations./p
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p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"strongAN/strong: Don't worry! Our beloved Tom will appear soon. Just a reminder that this will be a long story spanning both the First and Second wars. Plenty of time for Tom to become disfigured and inhuman, and for Bellatrix to become a lunatic ;) That being said, this is still a Bellamort, and I know this. I still, however, have to make it a bit realistic, meaning that before Tom, there was Rodolphus. Don't worry, don't worry. Tom will appear soon! Probably in the chapter after next! Who knows what will happen.../p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"But in the mean time, read and review! And check out my other works!/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"xx/p