The beginning of the end: Bellatrix Black

Against out blood

June 19, 1996

Weeks upon months. Nothing hard to do. I had to stay out of the light until the time came. And it did. One of the days I regretted more than anything. The day I killed the only living, pure person of the Black bloodline.

I did it. And it would haunt me forever. For my actions I hoped to rot in Hell and worse.

A day earlier

I looked at the Mark. Deep inside, at the core of my wall, I hoped to never ever be called over it again. Not in the near future, the very least.

I glance at the Dark Mark, which looking back, I remember designing in Seventh Year. Tom had many "friends" at the time. Little did any of us know what he had in store for us. One of his most dearly prized followers.

As in love as I was, he decided that he could use that against me. Fooling me into thinking that I meant something to him. So I was given the honor of designing the group's sign. We had discussed it over tea at night. He was very demanding and it took me a lot of time figuring out why. In the end we had made our decision. And then... Then we had kissed.

I try to block the memory bringing me mixed feeling. Not his cold but soft hands on my back and not mine in his hair. Not his scent. None of it. I slam the coffee table with anger. I am stronger than that. I am stronger than that. Just like a mantra in my head. I take in deep breaths, close my eyes. I do my best to push the tears away.

"Bellatrix?" Draco. Of course, I wasn't alone. "Are you okay?" I can't answer.

No one can see me like this. Not Draco certainly. Saying just a word would make my voice break. The tears somehow slowly pulled away. I can't face him. I just stare at my now-perfect nails and soft hands.

"Is it because of the time you spent in Azkaban?" I try to lift my head to face him but I know I can't.

"There are things that are done but cannot be forgiven. And... and it hurts me to have to face them." just a whisper but I know he's heard me.

"I feel so as well." He whispers "Some things have happened but I feel like I can't talk about them. I just have to ignore. To live with them." He makes a stop

"I guess at some point, if get there, it would matter less." what could have happened to him? He's so young. Yet at his age my life had already been doomed.

"I guess we have a lot more in common than I expected" his face looks expectant but I try to ignore it "I need to leave"

He looks down to his feet and shifts them anxiously "You will come back... Right?" the last word breathed with just a tiny bit of hope left. At least he has some.

I disapparate and when I open my eyes again, I am at that dark, secret location to which you can only be apparated by the Dark Lord, himself.

I look around. I am the last one it seems. Only the loyal, high-ranked Death Eaters are there. And we are all waiting for the Lord. But of course.

First comes his voice and then his presence.

"I have gathered you," that crisp, cold, distant voice I just can't get used to "my dearest and most favorite of them all for one extraordinary task" his lanky figure, in gray robes enters the room.

I know he didn't he really have a word on his present look but still he could have looked so much better than this. Yes, he was pale and bony before as well but now it's just to another level. And those red eyes. Can't he at least use some glamour? I know it's all about the scary vision but maybe, maybe it's slightly too much.

The Lord started explaining about the task we had complete in his name but I knew all about it. After all we had this intel just because of me and Narcissa. The so-famous Order of the Phoenix, fighting against us in the name of good, as they said, had their meetings in the family house of Grimmauld 12.

Grimmauld 12 was technically heritage to Sirius of the Black family but he spat on that name, rightfully I'd say. At that place there were many useless things like those grumbling, dirty portraits but one thing was of extreme importance.

As much as I didn't want to hurt anybody, especially Sirius, I had to and his pride doomed him. If only he had taken better care of the House elf - Kreacher, I and Narcissa wouldn't have gotten half the information on the Order and Sirius but most of all Harry.

How very unfortunate for that boy Harry Potter for we had to steal his prophecy. The prophecy.

I looked around, I had heard my name "Bellatrix Lestrange is leading this mission" he looked at me, right through my soul with his blood-red eyes.

I still cringed when anyone called me with that name - Lestrange. After our wedding Rudolphus hadn't so much looked at me. But it was good alliance for both of us.

"You are to go to the Ministry of Mysteries, retrieve the Prophecy and give to me at first notice."

"I believe the Black sisters have set the trap for Potter?"

I grinned, without even looking to the Lord "Yes, my Lord. Everything is done just as you wished." I looked around the room and said with my favorite tone "He'll have done the dirty work for us"

"Wonderful." A pause. "A word with Bellatrix before you leave"

Slowly the party left the room.

"Bella. Hear my words very carefully." That damn hissing voice. It would drive me nuts before acting crazy for the Lord.

"Of course, my Lord." A shy tone. Whatever he had to say to me had better done it quickly - I could already feel a headache pulsing in my head.

"You must have realized that I have left you to your will and own choices - a gift of repayment for the years I spent in your head." Well, how lovely. Hands down, best makeup gift ever. Applause to the Lord.

"If you excel in this mission, as I know you will, I'll let you keep it because I trust you. On a feast afterwards I would make you my second - officially."

"My Lord you're so kind for trusting me after all I had done against you. Your kindness will serve you right this time - you would make no mistake."

I took his hand - cold as dead, and kissed it with my warm lips.