DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER.

February 1st 1970

"Happy Birthday Abhimanyu," Bellatrix cried out as she stepped in front of Abhimanyu right outside a café in Broadway, London.

Abhimanyu smilingly replied, "Thank you so much for coming."

Bellatrix smilingly replied, "No need, it's our dinner date tonight. But someday, perhaps I'll have you for dinner."

Abhimanyu said, "Yup, but first, we need to find a place to sit. And oh, by the way, I got my British citizenship just yesterday. All thanks to Alexander Uncle and Mr. Crouch the head of DMLE."

"Congratulations," Bellatrix replied.

They eventually found a table with an open umbrella and sat there. Luckily, the chairs were dry. Unfortunately, the café was quite crowded that day so there were no available seats inside.

Abhimanyu opened a box to reveal some chapattis and paneer curry.

"Oh my," Bellatrix exclaimed, "I love that curry your mother makes!"

Abhimanyu replied, "Ma wants to invite you over again someday. The last time you came was a few weeks ago. Anyway, it's quite cold. Do you want a coffee?"

Bellatrix replied, "I'd certainly like an espresso. I guess you'll go for cappuccino."

Abhimanyu replied, "Actually, I think I'll get an espresso too. Just wait here."

With that, he went and ordered two espressos. After he got them, he added sugar to both and returned to Bellatrix, espressos in hand.

After a quick prayer, Abhimanyu and Bellatrix began to eat their dinner.

"You know," Bellatrix said as she took a morsel of chapatti and paneer, "it's been really nice being with you so far. This relationship has changed many things for me."

Abhimanyu said, "Being with you has been wonderful, although we've had to be rather secretive."

And then, his expression became serious and he said, "Speaking of which, there's something really important that I need to discuss with you."

Bellatrix's expression became serious and she said, "It's about us, isn't it?"

Abhimanyu replied, "Yes."

He paused for a while before saying, "We can't keep our relationship hidden forever."

Bellatrix said a little angrily, "What else can we do? Are you suggesting we break up?"

"No," Abhimanyu explained, "That's not what I mean! But what I'm saying is, if we keep on keeping this as a secret forever, we won't be able to take our relationship to the next step. True, some people close to us, plus my parents know about it, but apart from Andi and Cissy, no one in your family knows."

Bellatrix replied, "Oh ok. Yes, I see what you're saying. Secretly getting married would pose a lot of risks, not to mention Mother and Father constantly going on and on about my marriage. I've already ended up rejecting two suitors."

"Oh great," Abhimanyu muttered, "Already?!"

Bellatrix asked, "So, what do you think we should do about it?"

Abhimanyu remained silent for some moments and said, "I think I should meet your parents. They need to know about me."

"WHAT?" Bellatrix cried out, "ARE YOU INSANE?!"

Abhimanyu explained, "They don't need to know yet that I'm a Muggleborn and that we are dating. Maybe telling them that I'm from a noble family and that I am your classmate, plus a good friend will work. Then hopefully, they'll start to like me, and then later on, when they trust me enough, then we can explain that my noble family actually is all Muggles. Hopefully, and most likely, they won't mind too much, because by then I would have proven that I can be a good boy and a son-in-law."

Bellatrix listened to him and said, "You know how risky this is. At least it's my parents and not Sirius' that we're talking about. Hypothetically, your plan should work, but realistically, it's just plain suicide."

Abhimanyu replied, "I know, but at some point of time, whether we tell them or not, they will find out. Better for them to find out and understand instead of abruptly. Otherwise, they most likely won't listen."

Bellatrix sighed and said, "I get what you're saying, but don't say I didn't warn you if this goes horribly wrong."

Abhimanyu replied, "I won't."

Bellatrix remained silent for a moment and then said, "And first of all, if you want to make a good impression, you need to observe the proper pureblood etiquette. You've learnt some from the Bones and the Potters, but I definitely need to make sure you're good at it. And by the way, you'd better wear formal robes or a suit like my father does."

Abhimanyu said, "Thanks Bella. So, what exactly should I not do?"

Bellatrix began to explain to him about following the etiquette expected by her family members.

However, not one of them got the feeling that they were being watched.

Rodolphus Lestrange who was hiding nearby and observing them from behind a wall, cloaked and with a hood could not believe his ears.

That Mudblood actually wanted to meet Bellatrix's parents!

Doing that would be like walking into a lion's den. For with the Blacks' intense focus on blood purity, there was no way that Cygnus Black, Bellatrix's father would ever accept a Muggleborn as his son in law.

And that meant that Cygnus would see to it that Bellatrix cut off her ties with that Mudblood, and without his influence, it would be easier for Rodolphus to get her back as his friend. Then, she would finally join the Dark Lord who had been waiting for her to join him. Bellatrix would eventually realize that Pandey was no good, and that the Dark Lord could grant her more power than even Dumbledore possibly could.

Rodolphus muttered, "Bellatrix Black, soon you will be my friend again, and you will realize how this Mudblood led you astray. Soon, you and I will fight by the Dark Lord's side, and I will make you happy. Soon, you filthy Mudblood Pandey, I will have you begging for mercy. The Dark Lord, Avril, Bellatrix and I shall make you beg for your life!"

Later on in Bellatrix's bedroom…

Bellatrix had just gotten back and was about to close the door and change into her nightclothes when suddenly, she heard her father calling out, "Bellatrix, are you in there?"

She turned around and moved towards the doorway, and saw her father just outside.

Cygnus asked, "Bellatrix, where have you been?"

Bellatrix replied, "Auror training."

Cygnus asked, "But classes ended long ago, did they not? What happened?"

Bellatrix replied, "I was out with a friend."

Cygnus narrowed his eyes and said, "I see. You have been meeting your friends on many occasions. I hope you know what you are doing. Time is passing by, and you have already rejected two suitors. You need to make up your mind quickly. Your marriage is a very important matter. As it is, you have already finished Hogwarts."

Bellatrix said, "I will marry a noble man. Also, Father, there's something important I really need to tell you."

"What is it daughter?" Cygnus asked.

Bellatrix nervously answered, "At Hogwarts, I met a noble friend. We are both in auror training. We met this evening, and he wants to meet you and Mother."

"What is his name?" Cygnus asked.

Bellatrix replied, "His name is Abhimanyu Pandey."

"Abhimanyu Pandey?" Cygnus spoke, confused, "I have not heard of that name. Yet you say he is a noble man. Is he pureblood?"

"He is from a noble family," Bellatrix answered, "And he has always been one of the best students in my year. Plus, he was a dueling champion."

"Interesting," Cygnus said, "Very well, let him come. He may meet my wife and me, day after tomorrow night, that is, if he is available."

"I shall inform him right away." Bellatrix replied.

As she got ready to write a letter, she felt her heart shaken with worry. She had a really bad feeling about this.

Two days later…

At 7:30 pm, a knock was heard on the front door of no. 12, Grimmauld Place.

Cygnus, dressed in his suit and black pants, strode up to the front door, straightening his tie as he did so.

He opened the door to find a smiling young man, Indian by the looks of him, with glasses, long hair, dressed in a suit that just so happened to match the color of his own, and sporting the beginnings of a beard.

"Good evening Sir," Abhimanyu Pandey who had arrived spoke, "It is an honor to meet one as respected as you."

Cygnus immediately felt pleased with the young man's politeness and outfit. He spoke warmly, "Good evening. You must be Mr. Abhimanyu Pandey. My name is Cygnus. Cygnus Black of the most Ancient and Noble House of Black."

"Pleased to meet you Mr. Cygnus," Abhimanyu warmly replied, holding out his hand. Cygnus shook the hand and said, "Pleased to meet you as well. Now, please come inside."

Abhimanyu stepped inside and Cygnus led him to a staircase. As they neared the staircase, Abhimanyu noticed a tall woman with high cheekbones, and two boys, one shorter than the other.

Cygnus spoke, "This is my sister Walburga Black, and her children, Sirius Orion Black and Regulus Arcturus Black. Walburga, this is Mr. Abhimanyu Pandey, a nobleman."

"Pleased to meet you Mr. Pandey," Walburga greeted him with a handshake.

Abhimanyu bent down on one knee and kissed Walburga's right hand saying, "Charmed to meet you Mrs. Walburga."

Walburga couldn't help smiling at him and saying, "You are quite chivalrous Mr. Pandey. Sirius, Regulus, say hello."

"Good evening Mr. Pandey," Sirius and Regulus simultaneously spoke. Abhimanyu noticed Sirius smiling at him and smiled back.

Cygnus then led him up the stairs and into a sitting room where on either side of the windows, there were chairs. On Abhimanyu's right side (he was facing the windows now), there were two chairs, one white and big, and one small and blue. On the left side, there was a white couch. Right in front of the windows, there was a smaller green couch.

Cygnus motioned to the young man to have a seat, and Abhimanyu went and sat on the white chair.

At that moment, Bellatrix entered the room.

Cygnus spoke, "So this is your friend Mr. Pandey. I have to admit, you have been considering our words carefully after all. Mr. Pandey is quite a polite young man."

Bellatrix smiled and said, "Good evening Abhimanyu."

"Good evening Bellatrix" Abhimanyu greeted smilingly, getting up and kissing her right hand, much to her amusement.

Then, another woman, tall and stern looking, entered.

Cygnus spoke, "This is my wife Druella Rosier Black. Druella, this is Mr. Abhimanyu Pandey."

"Charmed to meet you Mrs. Druella," Abhimanyu smilingly spoke as he bent down on one knee and kissed her hand.

Druella smiled and said, "You have impressive manners Mr. Pandey. Please sit down."

Abhimanyu went back to the white chair, Bellatrix took the green couch, and Cygnus and Druella took the white couch.

Cygnus then asked, "Can I get you anything to drink, wine, beer, mead?"

Abhimanyu politely replied, "Sir, I don't drink alcohol. Just warm water would be enough. Thank you."

Cygnus replied, "You don't drink alcohol? Well, an impressive trait."

Soon, Abhimanyu was sipping a glass of warm water, and Cygnus and Druella were sipping goblets of wine.

Cygnus said, "So, Mr. Pandey, you must tell us about yourself. Bellatrix says you are a dueling champion."

Abhimanyu replied, "Bellatrix helped me a lot, actually. She is the best duelist I have ever met."

Druella said, "I am pleased to hear you speak this highly of our daughter."

Cygnus asked, "So, where do you come from?"

Abhimanyu replied, "My family is Indian. My father grew up in Delhi. My mother was born in Bangalore. In the last few decades, a lot of Indian people have been migrating to other countries to work. My mother and Father met in New York. I was born in New York and lived there for some years. Unfortunately, when I was nine, a new boss stepped in and he turned out to be quite against Indians, so he fired my father. Soon afterwards, we came to the UK. It's all those laws that have been passed on and off. After we left, things improved for people of color, thanks to Martin Luther King Jr., but just last year, he was assassinated."

Cygnus spoke, "This is exactly what I keep on saying: Muggles are causing war and destruction in this world."

Abhimanyu replied, "To an extent, I agree with you. A lot of Muggle rulers like Hitler and Mussolini have turned out to be nothing but tyrants."

Bellatrix couldn't help smiling.

Abhimanyu's plan seemed to actually be working.

Maybe this would work after all.

Druella asked, "So, what does your father do now?"

Abhimanyu replied instantly, "Oh, he works for a very prominent company called Tata."

Cygnus and Druella looked confused at that.

As for Bellatrix, she gulped and mentally smacked her forehead.

Cygnus spoke, confused, "Did you say Tata? I haven't heard of that name. Tata, Tata, not anything to do with the Malfoys for sure. But, oh, wait a minute, Tata! Haven't I seen that somewhere? I have haven't I? But Tata is a… wait a minute!"

Narrowing his eyes and leaning forward, Cygnus hissed dangerously, "Are you Muggleborn?!"

Abhimanyu gulped and jumped in his seat as he heard that.

He slowly stood up, raised his hands, and slowly said, "I can explain…"

But before he could say anything else, Cygnus got up and roared, "HOW DARE YOU SET FOOT IN THIS HOUSE YOU MUDBLOOD! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY DAUGHTERS?!"

Abhimanyu pleaded, "Sir, Ma'am, please listen…"

But Cygnus would not hear him out. He yelled, "GET OUT OF THIS HOUSE! THIS IS THE ANCESTRAL HOME OF THE MOST ANCIENT AND NOBLE HOUSE OF BLACK! HOW DARE YOU TAINT THIS HOUSE WITH YOUR PRESENCE!"

Abhimanyu opened his mouth to speak, but suddenly, he heard a female high pitched voice screaming, "AIEEEE! A MUDBLOOD IN OUR HOUSE! FILTHY MUDBLOOD! OUT, OUT, OUT!"

He stepped out of the sitting room, and saw Walburga dashing towards him, eyes ablaze with rage, wand in hand. As he turned around to flee, seeing her rage, he thought he heard a boy's voice calling out, "Run for it!"

He ran as fast as he could, being pursued by Walburga, even as the boy who had called out, none other than Sirius, stood with a sad face.

Walburga pursued him and did not stop until Abhimanyu was well out of the house. Needless to say, the door was closed in his face the moment he stepped out.

As he stood outside, he gasped, "He Bhagavan! Walburga will kill me! What did I do?! I was polite! I did my best! I did everything that Bellatrix told me to do! What did I do? Oh shoot! I should have seen this coming! Why did I tell him that my dad works for Tata now?! I should have just said a prominent company! What an idiot I am!"

Meanwhile, inside the house, things were certainly no better for Bellatrix who was currently in her room.

Cygnus roared in her face, "HOW DARE YOU! AFTER ALL THAT WE HAVE TOLD YOU, YOU HAVE GONE AND BEFRIENDED A MUGGLEBORN! YOU UNGRATEFUL GIRL! YOU HAVE SHAMED YOUR MOTHER AND FATHER! YOU HAVE SHAMED THIS FAMILY!"

Bellatrix cried out, "Father, he's not like many others. You wouldn't even let him explain himself. In fact he…"

But Druella cut her off shouting, "You have disgraced your family by befriending that Mudblood! You can't get married to purebloods of our choice, or even your own choice, but you can go out with a Mudblood? Shame on you!"

As Bellatrix backed off, Cygnus stepped closer to her and hissed in her face, "I'd better…."

Bellatrix backed off and shouted, "No Father! You cannot take away my memories! I won't let you!"

Druella stepped in, "Cygnus, if we remove her memories, her respect for us will wane. It will be difficult. But Bellatrix, if you do not agree to cut off your relationship with him immediately, I will not stop your father."

Cygnus spoke, "What memories do you have with him?"

Bellatrix retorted, "Why should I let you know? All you do is order me around and…"

"SILENCE!" Cygnus shouted.

He then hissed cruelly, "You are a disgrace to this family. You are a disgrace to me and your mother. You will cut off your relationship with him or else be disowned! Then you will marry and then you will leave this house and then I will no longer have to deal with you!"

As he stepped back, Druella said warningly, "I have stopped your father from trying to remove your memories so far, but I will not do it any longer. If your father wants to remove your memories to make you follow our traditions, then he shall. And remember, if you do not cut off all ties with that boy, you shall no longer be our daughter!"

And with that, she closed the door and left, leaving Bellatrix torn and weeping on her bed.

However, that was not the only horrible thing that happened that night.

Magical News Reporter: "Today is Tuesday, the 3rd of February, 1970. The group in black cloaks has identified themselves as Death Eaters, and claim responsibility for multiple attacks. Their leader claimed responsibility in the name of magical blood purity, and goes by Lord Voldemort."

Thus, the Dark Lord Voldemort had declared war on the wizarding world.