Noble House of Black

Chapter Nine

There was much I still didn't understand about what exactly Marvolo was trying to achieve. I could only go off what those he counted as his enemies blathered on of his goals, which meant not all of it could be trusted without heavy scrutiny.

Not that I believed all of his goals were rainbows and sunshine.

He was a man who wouldn't hesitate to murder many to achieve what he wanted.

Something I could agree with since it sometimes took getting ones hands dirty to reach one's goal. Even then, he might just murder someone to make a point and example of.

"My dearest dark flower," called out Bellatrix the second the dance ended with Marvolo, and he stepped away from me enough to kiss my hand. "You looked stunning out there."

Now, to find out if she was being sarcastic.

And if she was now coming for my head or not.

"Syrina," cut in Rodolphus before Bella could offer any more words as he stepped forward to take my hand from Marvolo's. "I do believe it's my turn for a dance."

Things were starting to be a bit complicated.

Not that I couldn't blame Rodolphus for asking for a dance considering all the eyes upon us and our own known engagement. Something that many would likely question because Marvolo chose to dance with me, even while knowing of my engagement.

Especially as he took my first dance of the evening.

"Of course," I answered smile sly as I stepped toward him and left behind Marvolo and Bellatrix both while heading back onto the dance floor. "I do believe you saved me from a difficult conversation with my dear cousin."

Which was a nice way of putting things.

"Things are going to be changing once you turn seventeen," whispered Rodolphus near my ear as he tugged me that bit closer against his front. "Many in his group have been informed not to touch you, that you belong to him."

Now, wasn't that just the most annoying news.

"You should know," I began just as softly while my eyes flicked to where Marvolo now stood behind Rodolphus speaking with a few other Lords, "that I belong to no one."

From the smirk now appearing on Marvolo's face, it seemed he heard me loud and clear.

He was not a man I could trifle with easily.

But none of that mattered, not when I had certain goals to reach and no interest in attracting Dumbledore's attention. I knew if he even suspected me of being my own force, with a good amount of backing, he'd turn me into the next Dark Lady.

Something I refused to let happen.

Not that I believed the old man would see me as a real threat considering I was still a student and hadn't stuck out like Marvolo had during his time at Hogwarts.

So, instead I was seen as just another student who might side with Marvolo in the future.

Sometimes it paid off having someone take the attention off of you.

"That is something I'm very much aware of," mused Rodolphus as we continued to dance to the song currently playing. "There are times when you feel almost untouchable."

I could only send him a look as the song came to an end.

*****

It was later that night that Bellatrix once more confronted me inside my own rooms as I sat at my vanity clothed only in my silk robe. I could only hum slightly as she stepped forward to grab my brush and begin brushing out my hair.

This was going to be a long conversation.

One I was at least prepared for.

"Can I help you with something?" I asked with a raised eyebrow while meeting her eyes through my vanity mirror. "You know I'll always listen to you, Trixy."

Using her special nickname would hopefully remind her that we were close.

That once upon a time, she had promised to always be on my side.

"You know that I am always supportive of you as the next Lord Black," answered Bellatrix as she continued to brush my hair out. "Yet, the one chosen to be your future spouse cannot stand as a real equal to how amazing you are. But our Lord can."

Well, I hadn't seen this coming.

"I thought you were in love with him," I mused only to hold back a hiss as she reached out to tangle her hands into my hair to force my head back. "Bellatrix..."

"You're the only one," refuted Bellatrix making me going still. "It has been you, even before my Lord, who had seen me and not the monster my parents wanted to create. You've supported everything and always smiled no matter what I did."

So, instead of being obsessed with Marvolo in that sense, she was obsessed with me.

Once again, I hadn't seen this coming.

"While I will always be loyal to my Lord, you hold just as much importance to me. He also needs the perfect Lady to stand at his side. It should be you and only you in that spot."

"I've already signed the marriage contract with Rodolphus," I warned eyes narrowed upon her gleaming ones even as I reached up to free her hands from my hair. "You should know what it means when a Black gives their word."

It wasn't something one would break.

Nor take back once given.

"Syrina," breathed out Bellatrix as she shifted to kneel before me as I turned sideways to face her, and it allowed her to place her head in my lap. "Can you not picture it? You ruling above those lesser than you? If you truly want to keep Lestrange, then you can. Anything should be yours if you want it. I'll make sure of it."

Sometimes, even when her Black Madness was surging, I couldn't help but be fond of her.

Mainly as she had always been there for me and never once judged me.

No, she was the first to give me what I want.

"Then consider it as me wanting Lestrange," I offered with a light laugh while running my fingers through her hair as she leaned fully against my legs. "Remember this, my dear Trixy, we of the House of Black keep our word and promises. But in the end, it's because it leads to what we want. Doing anything for the wants of another is only to gain our own wants."

Many saw women in this time and age as nothing more than a wife to give them children and watch over their house. That couldn't be farther from the truth.

We were the ones who would hold the control in any situation.

It's why one could even plan and commit murder and get away with it.

"Yes, my Lady," breathed out Bellatrix even as I looked toward my bedroom door where Marvolo stood in the shadows watching with a smirk. "I swear upon my soul and very being, I'll see you gain everything you want. Never will I betray you."

I've gained a really strong piece tonight it seems.

Even then I couldn't help but wonder how long he had been there and remained silent. This also showed that I still had a lot of growing to do considering I hadn't sensed him nor had my wards been tripped with his entrance.

Truly, it was a good thing that Marvolo didn't wish me dead.

But it made me wonder just why he was interested in me when originally, he cared for no one.