Chapter 23 – The second task
The day after the Yule ball Bellatrix stood in Narcissa's sitting room, the morning light filtering through the grand windows. Narcissa was seated elegantly, sipping her tea. She raised a questioning brow when her sister entered with an unusually thoughtful expression.
"Cissy, I need to ask you something," Bellatrix began, her tone unusually soft.
Narcissa set her cup down, her curiosity piqued. "Go on."
"I want you to be my maid of honour," Bellatrix said, her voice steady but her dark eyes holding a flicker of vulnerability.
Narcissa blinked in surprise, her lips parting slightly before a smile broke across her face. "Oh, Bella. Of course, I will. I would be honoured."
Bellatrix smirked, her usual confidence returning. "Good. I'll need your expertise to make sure everything is perfect—and you'll keep me from hexing anyone if something goes awry."
"I'll do my best," Narcissa teased, her tone warm. "Though I have no doubt you'll handle yourself just fine. And what about the rest of your bridal party?"
"I have someone in mind for a bridesmaid," Bellatrix said, her smirk widening mischievously. "But you might find it surprising."
Later that day, Hermione Granger sat stiffly in Professor Snape's office, trying to decipher why she'd been summoned. She glanced nervously at the jars of preserved ingredients lining the walls and the perpetual gloom of the room.
Snape entered, his robes billowing as usual. His dark eyes landed on her, and he sneered, though there was a hint of amusement in his tone. "A lion in my office. Never thought I'd see the day."
Hermione straightened in her seat. "Professor, you asked to see me?"
"I did not," Snape drawled, remaining in the doorway. "Bellatrix did."
"Bellatrix?" Hermione said in surprise. Just then the fire burst to life and Bellatrix stepped in, her presence filling the room instantly. Hermione froze, instinctively gripping the edge of her chair.
"Relax, Granger," Bellatrix said, her voice unusually light. "I'm not here to bite."
Hermione blinked, unsure how to respond.
"Let me get straight to the point," Bellatrix continued, stepping closer. "I'd like you to be one of my bridesmaids."
"What?" Hermione's voice came out as a squeak, her eyes darting to Snape, who looked far too entertained by the situation.
"You heard me," Bellatrix said, crossing her arms. "You're sharp, capable, and surprisingly tolerable. And frankly, I need someone who can hold their own if anything goes awry."
Hermione swallowed hard, her mind racing. A bridesmaid? ForBellatrix?
"I… I'd be honoured," she said finally, her voice trembling slightly.
Bellatrix smirked, clearly pleased. "Good. I knew you'd see reason."
Snape gave a dramatic sigh. "Granger, you're dismissed—unless, of course, you wish to remain and bask in my company."
Hermione stood quickly, murmured a polite goodbye, and hurried out, her mind reeling.
O – o – o - o
Harry sat across from Snape in the same office later that evening, looking nervous yet determined.
"Well, Potter, what is it now?" Snape drawled, though his tone lacked its usual bite.
Harry cleared his throat. "I wanted to ask if you'd, uh… be my best man."
Snape froze, his expression blank as he processed the words. "Your…best man?"
"Yes," Harry said, his voice gaining confidence. "You've been there for me more than most people have, and I trust you. I can't think of anyone better."
For a moment, Snape said nothing. Then, with a subtle nod, he replied, "Very well, Potter. I accept."
Harry smiled, relieved. "Thank you, Professor."
As Harry stood to leave, he added, "Oh, and I was also hoping Draco would agree to be a groomsman."
Snape's lips twitched slightly. "I'll inform him. I suspect he'll accept—though I doubt he'll resist teasing you for it."
Harry grinned. "That's fine. Thanks again, Professor."
As Harry left, Snape leaned back in his chair, a rare look of contemplation crossing his face. "Best man," he muttered, shaking his head with the faintest trace of a smile.
O – o – o - o
The next couple weeks leading up to the wedding passed in a blur. While Harry and Hermione buried themselves in end-of-term exams, Narcissa and Bellatrix threw themselves into wedding preparations with all the intensity the Black sisters were known for. The grandeur of the event, to be held at Black Manor, was the talk of the wizarding world, and the air buzzed with excitement.
On the morning of the wedding, Christmas Eve, the manor was alive with activity. In Bellatrix's chambers, Narcissa fussed over the final adjustments to her sister's gown, her hands steady but her voice betraying the emotions she tried to suppress.
"You look stunning," Narcissa said softly, stepping back to admire Bellatrix. Her dress was a deep emerald green, edged in silver and black lace, perfectly complementing the colours of House Slytherin.
The door opened, and Andromeda stepped inside hesitantly, her face a mix of apprehension and warmth. "I hope I'm not interrupting," she said.
Both sisters froze, their gazes locking with Andromeda's. Bellatrix's eyes softened, and Narcissa stepped aside, her throat tight with unspoken emotion.
"You're here," Bellatrix whispered.
Andromeda smiled, her voice gentle. "Of course I'm here. I couldn't miss this—though I must admit, I never thought I'd see the day my rebellious sister married a Potter and became Lady Slytherin. I've obviously missed a lot."
A small laugh broke the tension, and then Bellatrix crossed the room, pulling Andromeda into a tight embrace.
"I'm sorry," Bellatrix murmured.
"So am I," Andromeda replied, her voice breaking slightly.
The sisters stood together, tears glistening in their eyes, and Narcissa joined them, wrapping her arms around both. For the first time in years, the Black sisters were united.
"You look beautiful," Andromeda said as she stepped back, brushing a tear from her cheek. "Let's get you married."
The ceremony itself was as grand as one would expect of the Black family. The garden at Black Manor had been transformed into a magical wonderland, with silver and emerald decorations glowing under soft fairy lights. The guest list was small but carefully chosen, including Andromeda, Ted, and their daughter, Nymphadora.
Amelia Bones officiated the ceremony, her commanding presence lending a sense of gravitas to the event. Sirius, though grumbling about it beforehand, stood tall as he walked Bellatrix down the aisle.
"You're lucky I like Harry," Sirius muttered as he handed Bellatrix over, his voice just loud enough for her to hear. She smirked in response, but her attention quickly shifted to Harry, who looked breathtakingly handsome in his black and silver dress robes. Thetwo locked eyes, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away.
Amelia raised her hands, calling the ceremony to order. "Today, we bear witness to the union of two souls, bound by love, trust, and magic. May this bond be as enduring as the very foundations of our world."
The vows were heartfelt, spoken in clear, unwavering voices that carried across the garden.
Harry looked into Bellatrix's eyes, his own shimmering with emotion. "I vow to stand by your side, in darkness and in light, to honour you, to protect you, and to share my life with you, forever and always."
Bellatrix's voice softened as she replied, her usual fire tempered by a rare tenderness. "I vow to be your strength, your partner, and your equal. To guard your heart as fiercely as I guard my own, and to love you without end."
The rings, enchanted to symbolise their eternal bond, were exchanged with steady hands. As Harry slid the ring onto Bellatrix's finger, it glowed faintly, sealing their promises with magic older than time.
When Amelia declared, "You are now husband and wife," applause erupted, but Harry heard none of it. His focus was solely on Bellatrix as he pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss. His hands trembled slightly as they cupped her face, their connection evident in the way she melted into him.
The cheers from the crowd grew louder, mingling with the warm laughter of Sirius and the clapping of Draco and Hermione, who stood nearby. Narcissa dabbed at her eyes with a silk handkerchief, while Andromeda looked on with a mixture of awe and pride.
As the newlyweds turned to face their guests, a cascade of enchanted rose petals rained down upon them, their colours shifting between silver and emerald. The guests rose to their feet, clapping and cheering as the couple began their walk down the aisle, their hands clasped tightly together, their faces lit with unrestrained joy.
After the ceremony, the guests moved to the reception hall, where laughter and music filled the air. Andromeda approached Harry, introducing him to her daughter, Nymphadora, who offered him a wide grin and a firm handshake.
"So you're the one who brought my mother and her sisters back together," Dora said. "Not bad, Lord Slytherin."
Harry chuckled, glancing at Bellatrix, who was deep in conversation with Narcissa. "I think your aunt deserves the credit for that."
A short time later, Narcissa found a moment to thank Sirius for inviting Andromeda's family.
"It was time," Sirius said with a shrug, though his eyes glimmered with emotion. "This family has been broken for too long. It's about time we started fixing it."
After the meal, Harry first shared a mother-son dance with Narcissa, who praised him for his courage and maturity.
"I know you have your own place now, but I hope you'll still come visit me," she said as they moved across the floor.
"My Saturdays are yours for as long as I can offer them," Harry replied earnestly. Narcissa nodded and did her best to hold back the tears.
When the music shifted to a slower tune, Harry returned to Bellatrix's side. She smiled up at him, her eyes glowing with happiness, as he led her to the centre of the dance floor.
Their first dance as husband and wife was mesmerising. Bellatrix's grace and Harry's quiet confidence made them a striking pair, their connection evident to everyone watching. As the music swelled, they moved as though the world around them didn't exist, their gazes locked in a silent exchange of love and devotion.
After hours of dancing and celebrating, the couple made their exit, disappearing into the night amidst cheers and well-wishes. Moments later, they arrived at Slytherin Castle, the grand doors creaking open to welcome them home.
Harry and Bellatrix barely paused to take in the elegance of their surroundings. Hand in hand, they ascended the grand staircase, heading straight for their chambers.
The door closed softly behind them, and Harry turned to Bellatrix, his heart pounding as he cupped her face and kissed her pulled apart and stood for several moments facing one another, hands clasped.
"Vinculum Serpentis," whispered Bellatrix causing aserpent-shaped sigil to appear, glowing between them, a representation of their entwined magic.
Then Bellatrix launched herself at Harry, wrapping her arms around his neck as she snaked her tongue into his mouth in desperation. His hands moved around to caress her bottom and She moaned into his mouth as the kiss deepened. Slowly she moved her own hands up and into his hair.
Moments later they were kissing frenetically as Harry began to move Bellatrix backwards. Suddenly, Harry's body pinned her against the wall as his tongue continued to explore her mouth. His growing need strained against her abdomen and the arousal pooling in her belly made Bellatrix pushed Harry back slightly, gazing into his, momentarily losing her train of thought at the sight of the matching desire in his own eyes.
"Your silver dagger. I'm assuming you brought it?" Harry asked, his voice rough with anticipation. Bellatrix smirked, reaching down to pull the sleek blade from the holster on her thigh.
"Here you go, my little Lord," she teased, her voice dripping with amusement. Harry rolled his eyes, a small huff of exasperation escaping him, but he couldn't help pulling her in for a deep, passionate kiss that left them both breathless.
Taking her hand in his, Harry carefully sliced a matching sigil into her palm, his movements precise and deliberate. When it was Bellatrix's turn, she mimicked his actions with practiced ease, and when the blood began to drip from his wound, she leaned forward with a wicked glint in her eye to lick it up, savouring the taste as if it were a rare delicacy.
"Are you ready?" she asked, her voice softening for the first time, an almost solemn note creeping in. "Once it's complete, there's no going back. You'll be stuck with me—my thoughts, my feelings—forever. We will live and die as one."
Harry's lips curved into a genuine, reassuring smile. "I wouldn't want it any other way," he replied, his voice steady and full of conviction.
Gently, he pressed their palms together, aligning the sigils and interlacing their fingers as their blood mingled and their magic began to hum in the air. With his free hand, he cupped her cheek, pulling her in for a tender kiss, sealing their connection with a love that radiated through the bond forming between them. Itdidn't take long for the kiss to become heated and moments later Harry was pushing her farther into the wall as Bellatrixwrapped a leg around him, thrusting her hips into him as they began the incantation in unison.
"By the ancient power of the serpent's coil,
We bind our souls in eternal toil.
Through cunning, strength, and fateful design,
Your heart is yours, and yet it's mine."
Harry magicked away her clothes, causing Bellatrix to gasp at the sudden temperature change, but the cold was soon forgotten when Harry took a nipple between his teeth. Never one to be outdone, Bellatrix snaked her hand inside his trousers and started pumping him gently. Moments later, Harry magically removed his own clothes as he pushed himself further into her grip with a moan.
"Two magics now as one shall weave,
A bond no force can rend or cleave.
Through trial, triumph, and the unknown,
Together we stand, as one we've grown."
Belaltrix screamed Harry's name as he suddenly pushed two fingers inside of her and crashed their lips together again. She was practically vibrating with desire as her hips rocked into his hand frantically, enjoying the way his finger circled around her clit just the way she liked. Her hips continued to thrust against his hand, as her fingers clamped around his shaft, and the nails of her other hand raked down his back.
Harry kept her pinned to the wall with his chest as she bucked against him. He buried his head in her neck and sucked and bit his way over the sensitive skin. Bellatrix could feel herself tightening around his fingers, as he simultaneously swelled in her grasp. With a desperate moan, Harry pulled his fingers out of her, and pushed her hand away from his erection. Before she could complain, he lifted her thigh and entered her as fast and far as he could.
"Oh, Salazar, yes, Harry, oh, harder!" she cried out. She bent her knee over his hip, and with his next thrust, he kept her pinned against the wall as he lifted her other leg. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gripped his sides with her thighs as he held her up with his hands under her buttocks and drove into her. Each thrust took him deep inside her and the small of his stomach brushed against her swollen clit. She tried to hold back, to make this incredible moment last as long as possible, but the heat burning through her centre soon made her lose control and with one last scream of pleasure her back bowed against the wall as the orgasm exploded inside her.
"From this day forth, let it be sworn-" they panted together as Harry continued thrusting into her.
"Our union eternal, never torn.
Bound by fate - by will, by - by choice,
Harry drove into her twice more before matching her cry with his own guttural shout. When both of their muscles stopped twitching, Harry slowly helped ease her onto the ground and then his lips found hers tenderly, both of them still breathing hard.
"One soul, one heart, one voice," they whispered in unison, their voices steady and filled with conviction.
The moment the last words were spoken, the sigil between their hands flared with a brilliant, blinding light. The magic surged around them, a tangible force that seemed to pull their very essences together. As the light faded, the sigil vanished, leaving behind matching serpent-shaped marks etched into their palms—a permanent, visible symbol of their unbreakable bond.
"Salazar, that was amazing," Harry thought, still reeling from the intensity of making love to Bellatrix for the first time.
"It was pretty spectacular, wasn't it?" Bellatrix replied, her voice filled with amusement. Harry's eyes widened as he realised she had responded to something he hadn't said out loud.
The sudden influx of thoughts that weren't his own caught him off guard. He felt a rush of emotions and impressions—Bellatrix's pride, her love, and a few decidedly mischievous musings—and blushed furiously as he tuned into her inner monologue.
"Will it always be this… vivid?" he asked hesitantly, trying to focus on sorting through the torrent of sensations.
"I imagine we'll eventually learn how to 'turn it down,' so to speak," Bellatrix said thoughtfully. "But it will always be there when we're together."
"But not when we're apart?"
"I'm not sure what the range is, darling," she admitted, her lips curving into a smirk. "We'll have to test it—but not tonight."
She leaned closer, her fingers brushing his cheek as she whispered, "Tonight, I don't want to be away from you for even a moment. In fact you are much too far away."
"I'm practically sitting on top of you," Harry said with a chuckle.
"Yea, but your not inside me, so like I said much too far away." She repeated as she expertly switched their positions so she was straddling his lap.
O – o – o - o
The next morning, Harry and Bellatrix arrived at Black Manor to a warm welcome from Narcissa. The house was adorned with elegant garlands of holly and twinkling fairy lights, the scent of pine and cinnamon filling the air. Narcissa greeted them with a soft smile, though her curious gaze lingered on Harry.
"Happy Christmas Harry," she said as she pulled him in for a hug. "Come, have tea with me, the others won't be arriving for an hour yet."
Harry and Bellatrix settled onto a small sofa in the sitting room, sitting as close to each other as possible. Narcissa chuckled as she chose a comfortable armchair across from them. 'I should have known she wouldn't let him out of her sight.'
"So, how are you two?" she asked politely, pouring tea for them.
Bellatrix smirked, wrapping her arm possessively around Harry's. "Better than ever, Cissy. Let's just say married life suits us," she said with a teasing tone that made Narcissa blush deeply.
Before Narcissa could respond, the sound of the fire bursting to life heralded the arrival of Amelia Bones and her niece, Susan. They were followed shortly by Snape and Draco, who were both wearing their usual stoic expressions, and finally, Sirius, who barged in with his characteristic swagger.
"Happy Christmas, pup!" Sirius said, pulling Harry into a one-armed hug.
The day was filled with laughter, banter, and a surprising addition in the form of Andromeda and her family. Amelia and Sirius traded quips, Narcissa fussed over everyone, and Draco even managed to relax enough to join in a snowball fight orchestrated by Bellatrix.
When it was time for presents, Harry found himself overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of the gifts he received—a rare book on Parseltongue from Narcissa, a custom potion kit from Snape, and a snarky "Guide to Surviving Marriage" from Sirius.
After gifts were exchanged, Christmas festivities at Black Manor were still in full swing, with the warm crackle of the fire and the smell of roasted meats filling the air. Laughter and conversation echoed through the grand halls, but Harry found a rare moment of solitude on the balcony overlooking the snowy grounds. He leaned on the railing, a mug of hot cocoa warming his hands, lost in thought.
The sound of footsteps on the stone made him glance over his shoulder. Nymphadora Tonks, her bright pink hair standing out starkly against the gray stone, approached him with a warm smile.
"Mind if I join you?" she asked, tilting her head.
"Not at all," Harry replied, gesturing to the spot beside him.
Tonks leaned on the railing, blowing on her own mug of cocoa. They stood in companionable silence for a moment before she broke it.
"I've been meaning to say congratulations," she said, her voice light. "You and Bellatrix... not exactly what I expected, but it seems to suit you."
Harry chuckled, his breath visible in the cold air. "You're not the first to say that. I think we surprised everyone, including ourselves."
Tonks smirked. "Surprised doesn't even cover it. Bellatrix was always the scary aunt no one wanted to cross. But seeing her now... it's like she's a completely different person around you."
"She's still scary," Harry said with a grin, earning a laugh from Tonks. "But she's also... well, she's brilliant. Fierce and loyal. She's everything I didn't know I needed."
Tonks nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I get it. Love has a way of making people better versions of themselves."
Harry turned to her, studying her carefully. "What about you? Anyone special in your life?"
Tonks flushed, her usual playful demeanor faltering. "Not really. I mean, there's someone, but it's... complicated."
"Complicated how?" Harry asked gently.
"He's older. Stoic. Probably thinks I'm a reckless child who trips over my own feet half the time," she said with a self-deprecating laugh.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "That wouldn't happen to be Remus Lupin, would it?"
Tonks blinked, startled. "How do you—?"
"Sirius has told me a lot about him. I haven't been able to meet him yet, but you've also been mentioned in our conversations, you know, the way he looks at you, even if he tries to hide it," Harry said, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Tonks groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Merlin, am I that obvious?"
"Only to someone who's been there. If anyone understands being in love with someone older and dangerous it's me," Harry said, his voice kind. "Have you told him how you feel?"
Tonks shook her head. "He'd just push me away. He thinks he's too old, too dangerous. But I can't seem to let it go."
Harry placed a hand on her shoulder. "From what I've heard Remus is a good man. He deserves happiness, and so do you. Maybe he just needs someone brave enough to remind him of that."
She looked at him, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "You're wise beyond your years, Harry. Must be the Lord Slytherin thing."
Harry laughed. "Maybe. Or maybe I've just learned that life's too short not to take chances on the people we care about."
Tonks smiled, a hint of determination flickering in her eyes. "You're right. I'll think about it. Thanks, Harry."
"Anytime," he said, his voice warm.
As the two of them stood there, watching the snow fall over the grounds, Harry felt a sense of camaraderie with Tonks. Despite the differences in their lives, they both understood the complexities of love and the courage it took to fight for it.
That evening, as they gathered around the fire, Bellatrix leaned into Harry and murmured, "This feels right, doesn't it? Everyone together. I never thought I'd have this again."
He nodded, squeezing her hand.
On New Years Eve, as the clock neared midnight, Bellatrix once again pulled Harry into a broom closet, her lips crashing into his with playful urgency. "Happy New Year, my little lord," she whispered, her breath warm against his ear.
"Happy New Year, Lady Slytherin," he replied, his voice thick with affection.
O – o – o - o
A month after their return to Hogwarts, Snape entered Harry's quarters unannounced, covering his eyes with his hand. "Get some clothes on, Bellatrix. We must talk," he said in his usual curt manner.
Bellatrix smirked, carefully disentangling herself from Harry without waking him. "What's so urgent, Severus?"
Snape explained the task, his tone serious. "You must serve as his most important person. The magic will keep you in a trance and safe, but he will need to rescue you himself."
Bellatrix's eyes lit up with excitement. "Sounds like fun. Lead the way."
A few hours later, Harry woke up to find Bellatrix gone. Panic gripped him immediately, and he reached out through their bond only to find her presence faint, as if she were in some kind of trance. His heart raced as he sat up abruptly, only to remember it was the day of the Second Task.
"She must be the one I have to rescue," he realised, his chest tightening at the thought. "I can't fail."
As Harry waited with the other champions the chill of the Black Lake seemed to seep into his bones as he stood on the shoreline, his breath visible in the frosty morning air. The crowd of spectators buzzed with anticipation, their eyes fixed on the champions lined up to compete. Harry's heart pounded, but his resolve was unshakable. He had prepared for this moment, though the stakes were higher than any challenge he had faced before.
The cannon fired, echoing across the grounds. Without hesitation, Harry raised his wand and whispered the incantation. A silvery shimmer engulfed him as his legs fused and transformed into a sleek, emerald-scaled tail. His hands became webbed, and gills formed on his neck. He felt a strange mix of power and alien vulnerability as his body adapted perfectly to the lake's environment.
With a powerful flick of his tail, Harry dove into the frigid water, the cold a shock to his system that quickly faded as the transformation's magic took hold. The lake was dark and vast, but he could sense the faint pull of magic guiding him deeper, toward the heart of the mermaid city.
The underwater world was both breathtaking and ominous. Thick kelp forests swayed in the currents, and schools of silver fish darted past. Strange, luminous creatures glowed in the shadows, casting eerie patterns across the rocky terrain. Harry's eyes adjusted to the dim light, his new form allowing him to see clearly even in the depths.
Suddenly, he caught sight of the mermaid city—a sprawling collection of coral towers and rocky outcrops, guarded by formidable merfolk wielding tridents. Suspended in the centre of the city were the captives, tied to stone pillars with shimmering chains. Among them was Bellatrix, her eyes closed as if in a deep trance, her dark hair billowing around her like ink in water.
Harry swam cautiously toward the guards, who immediately raised their weapons. "Who dares approach?" one demanded in harsh Mermish, his voice reverberating through the water.
"I am Harry Potter, Lord Slytherin," Harry said in flawless Mermish, his tone calm yet commanding. "I come to speak with your king."
The guards exchanged wary glances but eventually parted, allowing him passage. Harry's heart raced as he approached the central throne, where the Mermaid King sat, his imposing figure adorned with coral and pearls. The king's eyes glinted like polished obsidian as he regarded Harry with measured curiosity.
"You come unbidden, Lord Slytherin," the king said, his voice a deep rumble. "Why should I entertain your demands?"
Harry straightened, meeting the king's gaze. "I mean no disrespect. I come not with demands, but with a request—and an offer."
The king raised an eyebrow. "Speak."
"These people are not threats," Harry began, gesturing to the captives. "They are cherished by those above, held here as part of a test. But their lives are precious, and I will not allow harm to come to them. Release them to me, and I will owe you a debt of honour—a debt from the House of Slytherin."
The king's expression was unreadable as he studied Harry. The silence stretched, broken only by the soft hum of the currents. Finally, the king leaned forward.
"You speak with the wisdom of a true leader," he said. "And the magic that flows through you is ancient and powerful. Very well, Lord Slytherin. I accept your offer. Take them, and may our paths cross again under better circumstances."
Relief flooded Harry, but he kept his composure. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Your wisdom and mercy will not be forgotten."
The king raised his trident, and the shimmering chains binding the captives dissolved. The prisoners, still groggy from their enchantments, began to stir. Harry swam to Bellatrix first, gently brushing her hair from her face. Her eyes fluttered open, and a small smile graced her lips when she saw him.
"Time to go," Harry said softly.
The merfolk formed an escort as Harry guided the captives toward the surface. The journey felt agonisingly slow, his senses on high alert for any sign of danger. As they neared the surface, Harry whispered another spell, transforming back into his human form just before they broke through the water's surface.
Gasps erupted from the crowd as Harry emerged, guiding the captives to the shore. His drenched robes clung to him, and his face was pale from the cold, but his determination shone brightly. The Mermaid King surfaced behind him, a regal presence that silenced the onlookers.
One by one, Harry helped the captives onto the shore, wrapping them in warm blankets conjured with a flick of his wand. Bellatrix was the last to step onto land, and as soon as her feet touched solid ground, she turned to Harry and pulled him into a fierce, passionate kiss. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, but Harry was only aware of her warmth and the look of pride in her eyes.
The Mermaid King raised his trident in salute. "Lord Slytherin," he intoned, his voice carrying across the water. The merfolk echoed the chant, their voices a haunting melody: "Lord Slytherin."
Dumbledore stepped forward, clapping his hands together. "Remarkable! Truly remarkable! First place is awarded to Harry Potter—my apologies, Lord Slytherin—for not only completing the task but ensuring the safety of all captives."
The other champions looked on, a mix of frustration and grudging respect on their faces.
Harry turned to Bellatrix, his heart swelling with pride and relief. "You okay?"
"More than okay," she replied, her voice soft but steady. "You were incredible. You're going to make headlines again, my love."
Harry smiled softly, his eyes meeting hers. "As long as I have you by my side, I don't care."
O – o – o – o
A week later, the flickering firelight bathed Harry's chambers in a warm glow as he sat cross-legged on the sofa, a thick potions textbook balanced on his knees. Bellatrix reclined nearby, her feet propped in his lap as he absentmindedly massaged them. The peaceful silence was broken only by the occasional rustle of pages or the crackle of the fire.
Harry glanced up from his book to see Bellatrix wince and rub her forearm, her expression tense.
"What's wrong?" he asked, setting the book aside and leaning forward with concern.
"It hurts," she said, her voice tinged with frustration. She pushed back her sleeve to reveal the Dark Mark on her arm. It looked darker than usual, the black lines appearing freshly inked. "Not a lot, but enough to notice. It's becoming more vivid."
Harry frowned, his hand hovering over the mark as though he could will the pain away. "What do you think it means?"
Bellatrix sat up, her expression grim. "It means something is changing. The magic in the Mark is tied to him—Voldemort. If it's becoming stronger, it can only mean he's close to returning."
Harry's stomach churned. "What should we do?"
She met his gaze, her eyes sharp with determination. "We need to talk to Severus. If anyone knows what's happening, it's him."
Without wasting another moment, they made their way to Snape's office. The castle was quiet, the corridors dimly lit and eerily still. Harry knocked sharply on the heavy wooden door.
"Enter," came Snape's curt reply.
Inside, the air smelled faintly of herbs and potion fumes. Snape was seated at his desk, scribbling notes on a roll of parchment. He glanced up as they entered, his eyes narrowing as he noticed Bellatrix pulling back her sleeve to show the Mark on her arm.
"Yours too?" Bellatrix asked without preamble.
Snape's lips pressed into a thin line. He leaned back in his chair and pulled back his own sleeve, revealing the Dark Mark on his arm. It was darker than Harry had ever seen it, the lines almost shimmering with a malevolent energy.
"It appears the Dark Lord's influence is growing," Snape said coolly, though there was an unmistakable tension in his voice.
"What does it mean?" Harry asked.
Snape's dark eyes flicked to him. "It means that he is preparing to return. The Mark responds to his power. As his strength increases, so too does the Mark's intensity."
Bellatrix's jaw tightened. "How? He's supposed to be barely alive, a wraith. What could be giving him strength?"
"That," Snape said, rising to his feet, "is a question I cannot yet answer. But there are troubling signs. Someone has been stealing from my private stores—rare ingredients, including those used in Polyjuice Potion."
Harry's brow furrowed. "Polyjuice Potion? Why would anyone—" He stopped mid-sentence, the implications sinking in. "You think there's a spy at Hogwarts."
Snape nodded gravely. "It would appear so. The thefts are precise, calculated. Someone has been gathering the means to disguise themselves, and it's no coincidence that the Mark is growing darker at the same time. Whatever is happening, it's already in motion."
Harry exchanged a look with Bellatrix, his mind racing. If Voldemort was preparing to return, it meant danger was closer than they had realised.
"What do we do now?" Bellatrix asked, her tone steady despite the unease in her eyes.
Snape regarded them both, his expression unreadable. "We remain vigilant. I will investigate the thefts. In the meantime, you," he said, pointing at Harry, "focus on your studies and the tournament. If the Dark Lord is truly on the brink of returning, you'll need every ounce of knowledge and skill to face what's coming."
Harry nodded, though the weight of Snape's words settled heavily on his shoulders.
As they left Snape's office, Bellatrix slipped her hand into Harry's, her grip firm. "We'll figure this out," she said quietly, her voice filled with resolve. "Together."
Harry squeezed her hand, finding strength in her determination. "Together," he echoed.
But even as he said the word, a shadow of dread crept into his thoughts. The storm was coming, and he knew their bond would be tested in ways he could scarcely imagine.