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[hisfirstlieutenant]

emmelinervance

     Emmeline noted the way Bellatrix moved, her long limbs graceful in their languid movements. Following the girls instructions, she tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ear, leaning forwards to peer into the telescope before her. 

     Captured within the lens was a constellation of stars, one that she was familiar with from her Astronomy class. Orion’s Belt glowed in the sky above, winking at her as she focused her gaze, curious to know why Bellatrix had decided to observed it. 

    Warmth pressed in against her side, breath grazing her ear and cheek like a promise, a reminder of everything they had shared thus far. She stood still, though it would have been easy to turn her head, to attempt to capture those rose red lips. This was a moment of shared interest, that she would not break just yet.

    A smile curled her own pink lips, her head nodding just once at the question. “Of course,” she said softly, not daring to raise her voice above a whisper, lest it shatter the delicate quiet. “It means female warrior. A meaning most befitting to you, as I could never see you giving in to the whims of another if you did not desire the same.”

       Bellatrix smiled.

       It was quite typical for a Ravenclaw to know the unexpected. She afforded Emmeline with a subtle nod before her eyes averted, glancing back towards the constellations, her eyes automatically landing on those of her family’s names. 

       “There is a war coming,” Bellatrix asserted quietly, her voice sharp and certain. This news was in whispers that bounced off of every stone in the castle. It was no secret. Some would even attest to the war already in the works, though it was only just escalating. There was not yet open animosity; though sides had metaphorically been drawn. Bellatrix knew where it was she’d stand and wondered where her new acquaintance would find herself should push come to shove. She did not pretend she knew Emmeline well. In fact, she barely knew her at all; but pure of blood she certainly was. “I will fight. Will you?”

      Long fingers plucked the telescope from the castle wall and wrapped it delicately in gold silk, which she tucked in her bag. 

      “It is cold.”

[hisfirstlieutenant]

rody-lestrange:

date : 24th of december; location : the black manor.

As much as the words gala and party imply entertainment, Rodolphus is rather disillusioned come to aspects of his personal freedoms: this, make no mistake, is a networking opportunity he’s obliged to take. Before he allows himself to drink someone under the table or gets inebriated enough to partake in whatever activities on top of it, Rodolphus needs to work the damn room.

   He meanders through the crowd in a manner blatantly indolent, though still comfortable. The vacant expression takes on contagiously joyful, courteously polite, subtly flirty, and plain out serious undertones depending on what the old fucks in front of him need to see.

   Having tabled his personal troubles and worries for a more appropriate setting, Rodolphus makes sure to stay sober and clean long enough to fulfil the debt he owes Edmund for, well, allowing him to exist after he temporarily, but rather unexpectedly, fled the Lestrange Manor. Yet his tolerance for disturbing implications and breaching disgusting topics with inappropriate levity seems to be running out, so after one sickening conversation too many, the boy excuses himself.

   He just needs some goddamn air.

   “Might come as a shock, but doorways are for passing through, not setting up a permanent residence in.” By now too familiar with the act, Rodolphus hides his mood behind an expression of bohemian dissatisfaction. Recognizing a fellow student in what he initially thought was someone’s useless offspring, he sighs, softening just so. “Come with, if you’d like. Just stop blocking the damn exit."  

      Bellatrix was excited. 

       Rarely did she allow girlish whims to overtake her controlled senses, but tonight was built for opportunity so rarely given to the girl just seventeen with an ache for more. Hogwarts, for all that it had once taught her, had been causing her to stagnate in weeks recent, but with adults of high caliber and the promise of making an impression, she knew she must do and look her best. 

      Tonight, she wore an elegant, lacy, fitted dress with her hair pinned neatly back with a gorgeous, silver pin crusted with real rubies. The neckline came high, like a turtleneck, accentuating her slim figure and causing her moon pale skin to glow. She had been positively elated to join in conversation and had just excused herself to powder her nose when it was her betrothed that caught her eye. 

      She watched, just there, in the shadows of a hallway as he tried to bypass someone blocking the main exit. Bellatrix quirked a single brow and strode across the space. Ever so gently, she wrapped her arm around Rodolphus’s elbow and fixed him with a soft smile.

     “There you are, my beloved,” Bellatrix cooed, ignoring the young woman he had been speaking to just out of her earshot. “Wherever are you going? I do hope you weren’t planning on escaping without me. You haven’t even asked me to dance.” Her eyes were near mad as she glanced to the girl, her eyes rolling as a smile tainted her perfect, pink lips as if to say ‘boys’ with a roll of her beautiful, silver eyes. 

      “Come, let us get some fresh air, then I do so demand your courtesies.”

the Black gala;

[hisfirstlieutenant]

rabastanlestrcnge

     There was a long moment of quiet in which Rabastan felt as though he was being weighed and measured, Bellatrix’s intense gaze sliding along his features. Keeping his expression neutral, he raised both brows in her direction, wondering if she was attempting to look not only for tells, but attempting to read his mind. He wouldn’t put it past her to try, but he doubted that even someone as astute as she was would have managed to procure that kind of talent yet.

     If there was one thing he had managed to learn from his father — from his family — it was that it never worked in one’s favor to play with your hand on display. 

     “No, they don’t,” Rabastan agreed, deciding not to point out the fact that he was once friendly with Sirius as well. They all were. It was the nature of growing up in such close proximity to one another, he was certain. Perhaps if they had all had some space, they would have seen the truth long before it occurred. “You say that though, but it’s only Andromeda you ask questions of. What about Regulus and Narcissa? Are you not concerned about them?”

     Pressing his lips together in a thin line, he glanced off to the side. It was no secret that Rodolphus and Bellatrix didn’t get along well, but he didn’t want to hold all discussions in a way that excluded him for he comfort. “That doesn’t change the fact that he knows Andromeda better than I do. Perhaps he’s less fond of you because he believed he would be marrying her. Unfortunately, our parents don’t seem to value which connections make sense, they just want to make sure all of us are intertwined.” 

     Raising her brow at her attempt to dismiss him, he looked across at her with amusement. “I do believe you approached me.”

     Bellatrix kept her gaze entirely focused on Rabastan Lestrange. There was little there and that she found most fascinating. How controlled his expression had been told her more than he probably would have liked. It made her resent Andromeda even more than she already did. 

     Quietly, she cleared her throat and allowed her gaze to fall away from him. Pale cheeks reflected the green of the rolling hills outside the window, giving her a sickly glow. Her pristine clothing, her ruler-straight posture, her indifferent yet harsh expression, and her crossed slim legs made her virtually unreadable. Even so, when Rabastan very nearly taunted her with a comment about Narcissa and Regulus, she allowed the smallest of smiles to appear on her red-painted lips. 

     “You are quite good at deflecting,” she noted. Of course, she had heard of her younger cousin’s supposed dance with going off the deep end. Bloody insane, those comments had been. Her Regulus had always been soft and quiet and kind and fearful- not some raving lunatic who did not know how to keep his pretty-little-lips shut. Perhaps there was an ounce of truth to those rumors that she had often considered. With his brother deserting him most unfairly, Bellatrix did not know just what might be plaguing the young boy’s mind. She knew she had to do better. But what they said? Purely ridiculous.

     And Narcissa. Oh, how she had tried with her youngest sister, but Cissy had immediately gone on the defense. Brood as she might, Bellatrix was not deeply concerned for the most obedient daughter Black. She wound find her way, eventually, and Bellatrix only hoped that it would not come at the expense of a broken heart. Though, as cruel as it was to admit, that might give her the kick in the behind she so needed to snap back to reality rather than wandering away with girlish dreams.

     “Whether or not I have concern for them is not your concern, is it? I came to you with just a few simple questions, Rabastan. It might do you well not to slight your future sister-in-law,” she replied coldly, though there was a certain fondness in her tone and gaze. She liked Rabastan. He was smart, difficult to read, and true to the Cause. It was most unfair how things were playing out, but she was no child and she would not dwell. 

      “I did approach you. For answers, darling. Most unfortunately, it seems we are both at a loss as to what in the world my middle sister might be thinking. I am most sorry she is difficult and you must marry her. I am aware she is hardly your first choice,” Bellatrix exhaled, waving a hand. She was feeling quite daring. Normally, she would not speak ill of her family to an outsider, even if that outsider was as good as family. “Tell me, do you have a first choice? If you had a choice?”

[hisfirstlieutenant]

greernotdear

“Yeah. Sure. Of course.” Greer wasn’t completely sure about that not hitting part, but if the Slytherin wanted to risk it, she wasn’t the one who was going to stop her. But she sure as hell wasn’t going to be the one who would take her up to the hospital wing either.

If you prefer privacy, you shouldn’t have chosen the stadium when every afternoon and night there are practices on the pitch, Greer almost told Bellatrix, but she held herself back. No point in being a dick, the other one was probably already in a terrible mood, and she knew when to simply shut up.

“I mean, in that case, I am gonna get back to the bludgers,“ she said, ignoring the sarcasm and pointing behind her to the pitch. “If you change your mind, just, you know, scream at me or something. The offer still stands.

     “Have fun,” Bellatrix replied, her tone almost sarcastic. She wanted to keep her own dignity, but that was difficult after being caught in a compromising position. Quietly, her elegant fingers straightened her skirt and her robes and she glanced down, away from the girl’s lingering eyes. 

     Slowly, Bellatrix rose to her feet, her legs steady as she stood for a moment to gain her bearings. At once, she turned to leave.

    “I wish you luck,” she said quietly before stalking off.

[hisfirstlieutenant]

princissa.

She had left her older sister speechless. She may have been acting bratty, may have been acting out of turn but in her head, it felt like a proper response. Narcissa was young and was making these mistakes but they were hers to make. She may not have been looking for her sister’s approval for the things she was doing but she most certainly did not want to be reprimanded either.

Maybe opening her mouth, thinking she could bring something like this up to Bellatrix wasn’t the best choice. But it was too late to change it now and how her sister perceived her was probably changed forever.

❝I won’t. I guess I will see you back in the common room then,❞ Narcissa muttered, crossing her arms tightly across her chest before heading back towards the castle.

END.

END.

[hisfirstlieutenant]

siriusly-bright.

Sirius’ took a steadying breath, eyes narrowed at his oldest cousin. He hated the power she had over him- even though he knew it didn’t matter whether he  listened to her or not anymore, he still almost repeated himself to satisfy her. “Oh, get off it, Bella.” he sighed. “Of course it’s their fault. If that house hadn’t been so unbearable I wouldn’t have had to leave.” he insisted, this time definitely with more conviction, just like she’d asked. He forced himself not to think about that, though. “Besides, you can’t tell me they aren’t thrilled I’m gone. They’ve wanted me gone since I could speak.”

But then she said it, and his heart sank. And he couldn’t even argue with her, because as much as he’d been fighting it, she was right. He had left them. 

“I didn’t mean to. It was them I wanted rid of. Losing everyone else was just…” he trailed off, not wanting to actually say it. Collateral damage. He’d dismantled his whole family in one go and left his brother and beloved cousins in the wreckage he’d left behind. 

“I didn’t realize until it was too late.”

      “Do not be ridiculous,” Bellatrix snapped automatically. She was often quite defensive of her family, a downfall and a blessing at once. It made her seemingly unapproachable, and she found it that people were less willing to converse with her, especially if her family might be brought into the conversation. “Walburga and Orion would never have wanted you to leave. You are their son. Do not be weak.” Why she was telling him this now was beyond her. It was too late, she knew that, but it was impossible not to cling on to the small semblance of hope that she still had for him. Sirius had always been her favorite, a fact that she resented. It made her weak when it came to him. “We all have difficult upbringings, you idiot. That does not mean you abandon us.”

      Bellatrix did not once avert her eyes from Sirius’s face. His sharp features were so familiar, his eyes so similar to her own, and that Black family appearance lingered in his expression. There was hurt there and part of her had to resist reaching out to offer him reassurance. He was not her cousin anymore. 

       “It is never too late.”

[hisfirstlieutenant]

greernotdear

Well, nobody said Bellatrix Black was easy. Why would she be easy when it came to accepting help, right? Though Greer hoped just a bit that the other girl would accept her offer. She knew it would make things easier to let out some of the pent-up frustration and anger and sadness or whatever the other girl was feeling exactly.

“So… instead you’re just going to sit here, while there are bludgers flying around the pitch and they could hit you any moment…“ she said in a ‘yeah, sure, because that is so much better idea‘ tone.

And just as if it was sent from above or something, she could hear a whooshing sound and she turned around just the right time for her to hit the bludger away. It was coming towards her, not Bella this time, but she let out both the bludgers so she could get a little bit of her own practice going before the real one started, and she honestly didn’t feel comfortable with somebody sitting there, not even paying attention if they get hit or not.

“See? It really wouldn’t be good if you got hit with one, trust me, it’s no fun.“ SHe should know, she got hit several times over the past couple of years already, especially at the beginning when she started playing at a Beater’s position.

“Listen, you would honestly be less in the way if you hopped onto a broom with a bat in your hand than you sitting here, crying about– I mean, still not really sure what is wrong. But I still say beating a couple of bludgers would be the better choice.“

     “They will not hit me,” Bellatrix replied confidently. She was expert with wandwork and if a bludger, somehow, managed to find its way to her, she would be ready to make it turn to dust. Anyone who doubted her quick abilities was a fool.

      She had not asked for this. Yes, Bellatrix Black had chosen a stadium that had been occupied by a single girl making fancy work of her broomstick and a ball. Yes, Bellatrix Black had decided to come undone there, in the open. But no, Bellatrix Black did not ask for help. She did not ask to be coddled and comforted. Perhaps she had been silly to come here. Perhaps she would have been better in the Prefect bathroom or her own bed. 

     “Thank you for your kindness,” she managed. “But I will not be here for much longer. I do realize things need to be done here. Your practice is beginning soon, I imagine, and I much prefer privacy.” She used the pads of her fingers to wipe away the small, black smudges of makeup that had run over her face. 

     “I will not get in the way of your practice, but thank you,” Bellatrix spoke so pointedly it would be difficult not to take her gratitude for sarcasm. “Maybe another time.”

[hisfirstlieutenant]

al-evanmulciber

Evan’s blue orbs become locked onto Bellatrix’s. He laughs at her next set of words. Daring her with the vibration of his laugh to slap him again. “I don’t assume anything Bellatrix. That’s all you.” He replied with a wry grin. She thought so highly of herself, yet she couldn’t even handle talk about a simple knife? He found himself doubting her power and her place in the ongoing war. Surely if a girl slaps someone over a mention of a knife, she can’t be trusted to handle the dogs of war.

She had sat there as regal as a queen, as the soldiers below her wilted away. The younger years were like Hufflepuffs in disguise, and yet she had done nothing to fix it. Bellatrix saw to her own advancement, as did they all. When she speaks again he snickers at her.

“Oh I don’t need to try.  Why pretend to even care what I do?” He asks with a glare. “I have plenty of extra curriculars. Are you going to follow me to those? Are you turning into my mother, Bellatrix?” Evan’s amused by her, though it doesn’t seem she is ill at her stomach anymore. “Actually we have Dueling club together. Perhaps you should stop going if your stomach is weak.” He mocks a concerned tone, his brows knitting in consideration.

Mulciber has seen her work in Dueling Club. He’s heard the boys cower when they have to even be in her presence. Maybe today she’s off the rail like he is. He relaxes into the couch keeping a close eye on her. Maybe she’ll go for the jugular this time.

     Was he as utterly stupid as he appeared? What were with these comments about her weak stomach when she had said nothing on the matter? Was her typically trained, rigid expression giving her away? The only thing in this conversation that was giving Bellatrix Black a weak stomach was that grotesque complexion of his. Something about the rust color of his hair combined with skin that appeared almost dead coupled with that over-the-top expression on his smug face that had slowly turned into a gaze of irritation had unsettled her.

     Few things in this world shook Bellatrix, and his ridiculous attitude would not be amongst them. 

     “No, I am not your mother, thank heavens for that. I would have long since taught you that speaking about scalping knives, making idle threats to harm others, and giggling like a school girl so loudly is no way to behave. You are on road to expulsion if you are not careful, Mulciber. That is the issue I take with you. If you are, as you so valiantly present yourself, ready for a fight, I suggest you tone down the theatrics. You will not impress anyone,” she replied quickly, unable to help herself. There was a cold bite to her tone, each word on her red-painted lips sharp and purposeful. How could he not see the glaring error in his ways? Albus Dumbledore was certainly a fool, but blind he was not. There were behaviors to be strictly adhered by and ways to discover those that chose to break rules. It was miraculous this git had not tripped up and gotten himself permanently removed from school grounds. 

      It was so obvious to her that he was taking their shared beliefs quite seriously, and there would be absolute benefits to having him on their side of the Cause, but Tom Riddle would be left as angry and annoyed as she. 

      Oh, Tom Riddle. How she thought of him now! The smart, the beautiful, the misunderstood... He was their answer, their hope. He. Was. Everything. 

     “Will you please shut up, you blithering idiot? Not once did I say a bloody thing about having a weak stomach, and I am uncertain why you make these assumptions, but frankly, Evan, I do not give a damn enough to figure you out. I am trying to help.”

[hisfirstlieutenant]

vcnityemma.

Sometimes, Emma wasn’t sure she recognized one of her best friends anymore. It felt as if Bellatrix had grown into a true woman in such a short amount of time, while Emma danced the line, preferring to fall more toward childish awe and notions of how the world operated. Maybe it was a coping mechanism, or maybe the slight difference in age was rearing it’s head. Emma was on the younger side of the seventh years, with even a few of the sixth years a few days older than her. It wasn’t something that had bothered her before, even when she was on the later side of developing. She’d had Avianna to help her through that, after all. Now, however, she wondered how much of an impact it would make on her last year at school. 

She pushed the thoughts aside in favor of continuing on in their relationship, pleased that when she and Bellatrix returned to conversing, they seemed to get back to relative normal. She smiled, “I love the bath as well.” She admitted, but said nothing further of the letters until they had slipped inside the prefect bath. It wasn’t as if the letters contained anything that she would be horrified others new–after all the engagement was public knowledge as far as she knew, and most people knew that Emma’s father was a strict, unforgiving man, but she didn’t wish to elaborate where other ears could listen.

“It was what I expected it would be,” Emma began as she started to peel off the sweater she’d put on moments before. “Father informed me of the match that he had made, working with Mr. Nott, and instructed me to be on my best behavior, to please Cassius and make my father proud. It is a good match, of course, marrying up.” She commented, seeing no point in waiting any longer to share what was in the letter. 

    Bellatrix was naked now, as she preferred to be. There was something oddly empowering about showcasing her slim, womanly body in front of another. Though this time it was just Emma seeing her so vulnerable, a friend she’d had for quite some time now and who had certainly been able to see Bellatrix nude before in all of their years sharing a bathroom and changing space, Bellatrix felt a touch of confidence that she often felt when stepping out of her robes and sinking into piping hot water. 

     Her friend was already speaking about the letters, which made Bellatrix quite satisfied. She was able to relax; her friend had offered up the information without forcing Bellatrix to push her to do so. It meant there still existed a level of trust. 

     “So that is it, then?” Bellatrix asked. Of course, she had heard of the engagement, but had not yet gotten her friend’s perspective on the matter. She sunk beneath the yellow suds, allowing the hot, aromatic water to soak her pale skin pink. “Don’t be silly. Are you truly satisfied with this or is it disappointing? I know I was certainly displeased hearing that my parents changed my betrothal to Rodolphus. I am trying, though. If I cannot stop the marriage, I suppose I must try to endure. No choice in the matter, anyway. Do you have much of a relationship with the boy?”

[hisfirstlieutenant]

greernotdear

It didn’t surprise Greer to see Bellatrix collecting herself as soon as she got closer, not wanting the Hufflepuff girl to see her vulnerable. They weren’t friends, weren’t even close. They didn’t really talk too much either, and those time they did, Greer spent more time trying to get the girl to crack a smile at least than did anything else. For her, the other seemed so cool and collected all the time, she assumed it must have been way too much work.

“It’s alright, you didn’t interrupt anything, practice doesn’t start until a bit later,” she assured the other girl, her mind running a mile an hour trying to think of a way she could actually handle this. She was not good at comforting people, and she was definitely not the kind of person who would prod and push somebody until they opened up, poured their hearts out only to be healed by nothing but the talk. That was simply not Greer.

But as she hovered above Bellatrix Lestrange and she looked over her shoulders to make sure that the bludger she released wasn’t heading towards their way – neither of them needed a huge hit in any part of their body -, she thought of something else. Something, if Bellatrix would actually agree to do it, might even help. It usually helped her whenever she felt frustrated and she needed to get her bubbling anger out of herself to make sure she didn’t blow up on other people.

“You know, I don’t know what is wrong, but hitting things might help. We’ve got a couple of bats in the closet and I already let out a bludger. If you want, I can make sure you don’t get hit in the head and you can put some of… whatever it is you’re feeling in the swings and let it out.”

       THEN WHY ON GOD’S HOLY EARTH DID YOU SCREAM AT ME LIKE A BLOODY NEANDERTHAL?

        Somehow, Bellatrix’s expression remained composed and neutral, giving away nothing of her thoughts against the Hufflepuff. Just moments ago, she’d been shouting at her, behaving as though she were the biggest inconvenience on Earth sitting in the stands of a massive stadium as she flew her silly broomstick in circles and now she claimed she was of no trouble. Bellatrix blinked several times rather rapidly but said nothing. There was nothing she could stand less than people that were blatantly fake.

       Now she offered to play nice with her, as though hitting a bloody ball would put a dent in the bizarre surge of overwhelming emotions she had been feeling. For a moment, Bellatrix pretended to consider it, her expression rather convincing as she stared at the other girl who hovered in her space before she shook her head.

      “Thank you, but I do not wish to get in the way,” she claimed, straightening out the wrinkles in her black trousers with a brush of her hands.

[hisfirstlieutenant]

jxmes-prxngs.

        He didn’t know what made him do it, but he carefully slid one foot to the side until it was pressed to the floor on the other side of the door that led in and out of the Great Hall. “My foot is literally out the door” he said, without thinking. Apparently, he was an idiot, or begging to be strangled, but either way the words escaped him before he could do anything about it.

        He could see that her eyes were wandering, sizing him up perhaps, but he wouldn’t let himself do the same. he didn’t care to look at her, no matter who her sister was. He could love Narcissa but her family would always be a struggle, not that they would ever know. he tried hard not to let a smirk grace his features at the thought of all the things that Bellatrix didn’t know about her family. Her younger sisters weren’t the darling, well-behaved pureblood ladies that she assumed they were. 

        “You have a problem with me for something that has nothing to do with me, but despite the fact that the problem left of his own free will, you choose to blame me for it because that’s easier than admitting that he left you” he said, not sure why he was speaking the way he was, but he had done so anyway. he was sick and tired of being told he was responsible for Sirius’s choices. 

       “Trust me, I’m gone”.

        With those words, he stepped out of the great hall, not willing to get into an argument with Bellatrix at that point in time. 

       “Don’t hurt yourself,” Bellatrix replied sarcastically, watching as the bastard found himself half in and half out of the Great Hall, trying to play the smart ass. What did Sirius see in this bastard? How had her cousin chosen him over their family? Had she truly failed him so? 

       James Potter, that bloody bastard. She wondered if, perhaps, he had been missorted; but no, he did not deserve the title of Slytherin. But those manipulative, sneaky comments made her believe there was some snake in him yet. She did not allow herself to react. She had a sneaking suspicion that he would enjoy that all too much and there was no way in hell Bellatrix would give him that sort of satisfaction.

       “Whatever you say to make yourself sleep at night, darling,” Bellatrix said calmly, her eyes not once leaving him, even as he left the Great Hall.

[hisfirstlieutenant]

rabastanlestrcnge.

     Quirking a brow, Rabastan listened as Bellatrix spoke, attempting to keep his expression neutral so as not to give away his own personal feelings on the subject matter. Giving people insight into his mind rarely seemed to work in his favor.

     “I have noticed she seems embroiled in her own life lately. I rarely speak with her, so I’m afraid I don’t have any information for you. At least, none that you are looking to get out of me,” he replied simply, his hazel eyes fixed on her expression. 

     Cocking his head to the side, he listened as she spoke, finding that her reasoning at least seemed to be somewhat honorable. Though he knew that personally, he would never attempt to get anyone else embroiled in his family’s affairs, even if they were going to be entering into them soon enough. He’d save that for when the papers were signed and the likelihood of betrayal was slim to none.

     “Impacted by your cousin? You’re worried because she was friendly with him?” Rabastan questioned, looking to squeeze as much information out of Bellatrix as he could. He didn’t need to become involved in any further Black family scandals. “Frankly, if you’re looking to learn something about Andy, I would suggest you check in with your fiance. Rod knows her better than I do. Far better. I don’t particularly want to know the details of how far, myself.”

      Bellatrix was silent as she stared across at Rabastan, her eyes fixed and almost unnerving in her expression. She did not say a word as she studied his face; his handsome jawline and attractively symmetrical features quite appealing, but there was something there she could feel in her gut. He looked like his brother, but in Bellatrix’s opinion, was much more appealing. She supposed that was due to her own biases against the boy she was betrothed to marry as she was quite certain anyone might be better than Rodolphus, but she would not say that to Rabastan. 

      There was something reserved about Rabastan, something that was so painfully withheld that she was unsure how to read him. He kept secrets, and kept them close. 

      Bellatrix shruggled a tight shoulder.

      “It is possible. We were all close to him as children. Unfortunately, children do not remain children forever,” she replied quietly, trying not to give too much away if he was going to be that way. Rabastan dare suggest she speak with Rodolphus and Bellatrix only just barely managed to contain a snort. Instead, there was a near-sarcastic smile on her lips as she glanced away. 

      “That, however, is impossible. I am certain your brother has made it known how he feels about me?” Bellatrix asked, not truly wanting an answer. Bellatrix crossed one leg over the other. “It is no matter. I was merely curious, Rabastan. You may go, if you’d rather.”

[hisfirstlieutenant]

princissa

Narcissa was just exhausted at this point. She was feeling hurt and though she didn’t like her reaction it had to be done. There was a weight that lifted off her shoulders but she was still feeling a little uneasy.

Giving in quickly was something that Narcissa would have normally done. She could hear the sincerity in her sisters voice as she apologized to her but Cissa was still unable to shake her feelings that caused her to react so harshly in the first place. Maybe it was childish of her to react how she did and to stubbornly stick by it but as much as she liked to believe she was mature and grown up, there were times where her age showed. ❝I get that but I can also decide what is best for me. Shouldn’t I know myself better than anyone else?❞

She turned to face Bellatrix, her voice had sounded so genuine and the words were thoughtful but the expression on her face didn’t reflect that at all. Narcissa took a deep breath trying to compose herself but all she wanted was for this to come to an end. ❝I will…forgive you. For the sole reason that Christmas is approaching and I don’t want more tension than I’m already anticipating there will be.❞ With Sirius not around this year who knew how their family would be acting. ❝But right now I just want to return to the castle.❞ she repeated, ❝I need to make sure I have everything fully prepared for the holidays anyways.❞

     Bellatrix’s lips pursed. 

    Narcissa had a point, and it would have been a good one if she could trust her sister to make good decisions. But Narcissa’s attitude lately, and the things she confessed to just there, in the cave, had left Bellatrix doubtful. She could not and would not tell her she felt so, and thus Bellatrix remained quiet and she did not meet her sister’s eyes.

    There was the subtlest quirk in her brows as Narcissa mentioned something about tension, but she did not ask what it was she meant. Instead, Bellatrix nodded simply and glanced away. 

    “Try not to stress yourself too much, Cissy,” she replied quietly. Bellatrix said no more, her arms wrapping loosely around her knees as she stared out onto the lake in the dark cave.

[hisfirstlieutenant]

A woman with thick, shining dark hair, long eyelashes and heavily hooded eyes… was sitting in the chained chair as though it were a throne.

{Ad Lucem Secret Santa 01/02: Bellatrix Black}

Merry Christmas, Rose!

@hisfirstlieutenant

[hisfirstlieutenant]

    Bellatrix, truly, had not anticipated much out of this silly child’s game.

    Her own gift had been a farce, and when she received one in return, she opened it with little enthusiasm. Part of her worried that, perhaps, Rodolphus or, god forbid, Evan had received her name and she would be stuck with, undoubtedly, some ridiculous, grotesque gift that would make its way straight into the garbage.

    However, when Bellatrix peeled open the wrapped package, she was met with a pleasant surprise. It was quite elegant and beautiful, and she was hasty to clasp the necklace around her pretty-little neck before reading the attached card.

      Secret Frank? 

      She glanced up, uncertain, and then shrugged vaguely to herself before tossing the paper and card at once.

@hisfirstlieutenant

Frank knew he would have to work a bit more during break, but he decided that he didn’t want to be on Bellatrix’s bad side. (Who does??)  He took out his wand adding the last bit of touches needed for the bouquet of black roses. A satisfied smile across his lips. Maybe after he dropped it off he would go find somewhere to hide packed with chocolates and socks. To later contemplate if he signed his name on the note or not.

[hisfirstlieutenant]

@offgentlebravery

      Lily Evans.

                                                        W h o ?

     She wracked her brain, her silver-tinted eyes staring at the hard-edged name on the piece of parchment. 

       And when it dawned on her that the name she had chosen was the fiery Mudblood one year her junior, Bellatrix Black could not contain the subtlest hint of displeasure upon her demure expression.

       What on this godforsaken Earth was she thinking participating in such childish games? Secret Santa? Perhaps she had foolishly assumed that she would receive someone fun, like Emma or Alecto or hell, even Rodolphus. It would bring her untold pleasures to purchase one of them something, even if said something was a joke for her betrothed.

      But it was Lily Evans’ name that she had drawn. Quickly, her expression fixed and she headed immediately to Hogsmeade.

                                                  M u d b l o o d s . 

      They were all such simple-minded, delicate creatures. Like children, their minds were underdeveloped and pliable and they needed stimulation to work and grow and function. Although she detested the idea of spending hard-earned money on one of them, she knew precisely what she would get her. 

     A toy. The one she had chosen was, perhaps, the least expensive in the shop (no need to go overboard on someone who was unlikely to understand Wizarding money, besides). It was a horse that was enchanted to rock. It would be too small to hold the nearly full-grown woman (if she could call her that), but perhaps it would amuse her simple mind to watch it go all on its own.

      Frankly, she did not care. At all. She’d wrapped it in patterned, shiny paper and attached a note, though she was uncertain if there was any use in the latter. Bellatrix was uncertain of Mudbloods could read.

            Merry Christmas,                        Bellatrix Black 

[hisfirstlieutenant]

‘emmelinervance.

     “Yes, I suppose it is due to my childhood. I used to look at the sky and allow myself to ponder,” Emmeline said quietly in return, her dark gaze alighting upon Bellatrix’s pale face. Her lips, as always, were a striking red, the only bit of color that seemed to be present in the scene before her. 

     There was a silent strength that exuded from her, one that Emmeline wondered if the other knew even existed. She was filled with confidence and grace, every bit of her enchanting — pulling in the gaze of any who were near to her. She couldn’t take her eyes off of her, even when Bellatrix looked away, the sculpted line of her jaw as fascinating as her steel gaze.

     Moving forward, she made her way over towards the other girl’s side, curious to know what it was that drew Bellatrix to this place. She wondered at the possibilities, at the way the woman’s mind worked, even the slightest glance into her thoughts a privilege. 

    Bellatrix took a single, delicate step away from the telescope when she felt the girl brush against her flowing clothes to allow Emmeline room. 

     “Here,” she said quietly, using her long, elegant fingers to point towards the eyehole of the instrument, not moving it a single milimeter. “Look.”

     It was facing towards Orion’s Belt, one of the most well-known constellations in the night’s sky. She waited for the girl to peer into the telescope before she pressed closer to her, her lips mere inches from her ear. When she spoke, it was in a whisper that was warm and soft like sun-heated honey.

     “Orion’s Belt. My uncle, Orion. I am within that. As are some of my ancestors. I used to be annoyed that my parents named me after a star, one so insignificant compared to some of the others. But then I learned what my name means. Do you know?”