The beginning of the end: Bellatrix Black

When the stars collided

June 18, 1996

Slowly the dinner finished and most people were happy to leave.

I would have been happy to leave as well but my face said otherwise. I wore that maniac countenance which I had trained in front of the mirror since my return at the Malfoy manor. After all to the Magic world I was always a freak. And that grimace was painfully familiar to my face.

"Bellatrix. A word after everybody leaves." A wider smile was plastered to my face. If the Lord made me his second it could sign that he wanted a closer look on me. I still didn't know what he knew.

When Nott left, at last, with Greengrass, the Lord said:

"Walk with me, Bella."

It was a nice night outside of the temporary residence of the Lord. The residence was actually in the forests of Romania but no one knew that apart from me. After all you could only be apparated by the Lord to his residence.

I looked up to the stars. "My Lord, what is it?"

"Bella, all I want is this night with you. I made you my second despite the turn of events. I forgive you." For what exactly? "Forgive me back."

For a second we were back at this place ages ago. We are young and our lives filled with opportunities. Another choice at every corner. Years ago. We walked and talked. I laughed a lot on our nights together then.

His touch on my skin. My lips on his. A deep connection. We lost it. We changed.

If I looked at him I would not see cunning Tom that made me laugh. I'd see Voldemort who tricked me out of my life and those opportunities I had a long time ago. He took so much.

"But of course my Lord. How could I not? You gave me everything I could ask for. You freed me. Those years I spent alone made me change"

Maybe just for a second...

I didn't dare look at him. It's not him. Just the ghost of what used to be.

"Bella. I have missed you through all those years."

I feel light for a second. A small smile is tugging at my lips.

"Did you really?" I asked, unsure of myself.

In a matter of seconds it could all go to Hell. It was Hell already and I was next to the Devil. How could it go to Hell?

"Yes." I couldn't resist anymore and looked at him. Surprise hit my face before I could hide it.

It was Tom.

He leaned in closer. Not to my lips but to my ear "I thought you'd prefer this vision. I do myself."

I was scared now. For a second my mask disappeared.

My hand went to his cheek. It felt just like before.

Like someone came from the dead.

"Tom..." I whispered. I stepped closer. He smelled like Tom.

The same light sparked in his eyes.

"Bella, darling, I have missed you. You, your touch, your love."

His voice sent shivers. It really was Tom.

And it was going to Hell.

I leaned closer so my lips went on his. At first unsure, cautious. Exploring. My hands on his neck and his on my waist.

He was going to destroy me. He was going to be my end.