SADISTIC ↠ bellatrix black

chapter twelve - the favourite daughter

In Cygnus and Druella's eyes, Bellatrix went from being a brash and insolent girl to their favourite and most powerful daughter.

Cygnus Black invited Bellatrix into his study every evening for a talk - a real honour when the children were not getting punished and he also taught her how to play chess. Bellatrix was extremely proud of that and would not tell her sisters anything that went on in there.

One special evening when their Father was feeling especially generous, he gifted her a goblin wrought, solid gold timepiece. Bellatrix had eagerly showed it to Narcissa and Andromeda only to be scolded by their mother not to show off.

Druella Black, on the other hand, spoiled her oldest daughter with dresses and jewellery and a plenty other luxurious items. Anything Bella wanted, she would get. She doted on her at all times and started to pay attention to what was happening at Hogwarts. She bombarded Bellatrix with questions such as:

"Who are your friends in Slytherin?"

"How many Mudbloods are in your year?"

"Have any pureblood boys taken a notice in you?"

Bellatrix knew that all of this was only happening because the Dark Lord has taken interest in her - but she eagerly accepted it all the same. Bellatrix aches for her parents to be truly proud of her.

Andromeda was feeling slightly smarted at being ignored by their Mother and Father but she, always obedient, kept it to herself. She tried not to be too bitter but Bellatrix definitely noticed.

Narcissa was also extremely put off because she had recently lost her title of favourite daughter. All the sweet talking, perfect manners, playing the dumb but pretty act and acting like one of her father's ornaments had all been ruined by one short conversation in the dining room. She had been very vocal about her disapproval and Bellatrix was getting fed up.

"What even happened in there that made Mother and Father like you that much?" Narcissa whined loudly.

"None of your business! You're still a big baby and I don't want to trouble your pretty little head!" She said mockingly.

"Well its unfair, right Andy?" She pouted.

"Oh please. We all know you're just mad because you're not the centre of attention anymore!" Bellatrix snarled.

"Stop it! If Bella doesn't want to tell, then she doesn't have to. Bella, don't be rude to Cissy, she's younger than you." Andromeda said calmly, automatically diffusing the situation.

"Alright" They both huffed.

Bellatrix went into her fathers study while stomping her feet.

Her father sat there, majestic as ever, while curiously peering at her.

"Today I was wondering if you would like to see my Dark Mark." He started slowly. "I think you're ready"

"Of course Father!" She said quickly.

He chuckled coldly.

"I see what the Dark Lord meant by an eager child. You are quite useful."

He bared his arm and flashed his Mark. Bellatrix thought it looked powerful yet scary at the same time. Its deep, dark black contrasting against the white of his skin. It's twisting of a skull and a snake. She slowly reached for it but he hit her hand away.

"No Bellatrix! We must never touch it - only if we ever need to call Him. The Dark Lord does not like his time wasted."

"Father....why must we call him the Dark Lord? Can't we call him Lord Vol-"

Cygnus slapped Bellatrix right on her cheek.

"We must never say his name, Bellatrix," he said with eyes burning. "We don't have the authority,"

"Doesn't Dumbledore?"

"Dumbledore! An old fool who thinks he has more authority than he does. The Dark Lord will lay waste to him." 

"And Father, do you think the Dark Lord was humouring me when he said I could be a Death Eater?"

"Bellatrix, he meant when you become seventeen"

"Oh," She said, slightly disappointed, and he laughed.

"Earlier the better, eh? That's my girl!"

"But does it hurt to get the Mark?"

"Well, a little bit at first," he said carefully. "Not much, but it's worth bearing."

Cygnus settled back in his chair. "Leave me now, Bellatrix. I have work to do." 

"Yes Father," she said, and rose from her seat, closing the door of the study behind her.