The Marauders Rise (II)

Bellatrix's Plan

March 9, 1974

In the Hog's Head later that night, several peculiar patrons are seated around the dusty room. The door opens, and NARCISSA enters, looking worried. She quickly scans the room until she spots her sister sitting near the back.

ABERFORTH: Good evening, Miss Black. Anything to drink?

NARCISSA: Firewhiskey, Master Dumbledore. Large, if you will.

ABERFORTH: Right away.

NARCISSA: (walking over to BELLATRIX'S table) What in Merlin's most saggy Y-fronts is going on?

BELLATRIX: (keeping her face covered) Did anyone see you come in?

NARCISSA: No, of course not-

BELLATRIX: There aren't any Aurors outside?

NARCISSA: No, I mean- I didn't see any-

BELLATRIX: Good.

NARCISSA: Will you please explain what's going-

BELLATRIX: (peevishly) All right, all right, just keep your voice down! All we know is that there've been Aurors taking double shifts more often, both here and at the Ministry.

NARCISSA: Which means- ?

BELLATRIX: At first I thought it was just the Minister cracking down on security. But after what you wrote me about what Slughorn said, I'm thinking it has to do with Dumbledore.

NARCISSA: So this Order of the Phoenix- ?

BELLATRIX: Most likely the organization that we've been dreading all this time. Whatever may happen, this Order will be the biggest threat to the Dark Lord's regime.

NARCISSA: So-

At that moment, ABERFORTH approaches with NARCISSA'S drink.

ABERFORTH: Here you are, ma'am.

NARCISSA: Thank you, Aberforth. (She waits until he walks away) So what on earth are you planning to do?

BELLATRIX: The Dark Lord wishes to exert his control over the Ministry's soldiers. He wants to display his power.

NARCISSA: By doing what, exactly?

BELLATRIX: Never mind that. You just-

NARCISSA: Don't you dare belittle me right now! I'm in this just as deep as you are, and whatever you're planning involves me just as well!

BELLATRIX: You are still in school, for Merlin's sake! Believe me, this is all very dangerous. Just keep your nose clean and let me follow my orders.

NARCISSA: Bella, I swear to God, if you're planning on breaking back into the Castle and attacking these Aurors on guard-

BELLATRIX: Enough! The Death Eaters movements are none of your business. Keep yourself out of this for as long as you can, Cissy.

NARCISSA: (spitefully) And is that what you told Lucius?

BELLATRIX: If this is some childlike jealousy speaking-

NARCISSA: I'm not jealous!

BELLATRIX: Then it's time to face the facts. Your boyfriend happens to be a lot stronger and lot more adept at following orders then you are, Cissy. His business with me has nothing to do with you. So just drop it.

NARCISSA: Fine. (She downs her firewhiskey and drops a few Sickles on the table) Give You-Know-Who my best when you see him.

NARCISSA dons her cloak and sweeps out the door. BELLATRIX watches her go, and then quickly disappears through the back exit of the bar.