Chapter Text
Many would say Bellatrix was close with her sisters for the most part. Most knew she loved to be in her own company. She got along with whoever she needed to. The ravenette never needed anyone to rely on.
Then she showed up. Giselle Redwyne. Blonde, green eyed, pale and utterly lovely. They were twelve. It was Bellatrix's second year in Hogwarts and she did well. Andromeda was bound to join her the next school year. Cygnus was friends with the blonde's father, hence why they are visiting France. What was his name.. ah yes. Ambrose Redwyne. A pureblood man. Tall and well built. His face was sharp and authoritative looking. His hair was black and slicked back.
His wife is Josette Lavigne. Well Josette Redwyne now. She was a beautiful woman, Bellatrix thought. Blonde. Blue eyed. Slender. Like a perfect doll, not a strand out of place. But what caught the young girl's attention was their daughter.
Giselle, she learned her name is. It rolled off her tongue smoothly, Bellatrix liked it. Giselle had light golden blonde hair. Her eyes were a deep shade of emerald. Her skin was pale and unblemished. She had high cheekbones, good jaw.
The event they attended was boring to the ravenette girl, so she quickly sought out her new companion. “Giselle.” She called out, voice void of it's usual roughness. “Bellatrix.” The blonde greeted back, hands patting down at her white gown. It was a floor-length cream silk thing, lace at the hems. She had Ivory silk gloves that she adjusted every other minute.
“C'est assez terrible, n'est-ce pas? Devrais-je vous remercier d'être venu me sauver, tout comme vous avez cherché à vous sauver vous-même?” Giselle cocks an eyebrow.
“It's quite dreadful, isn't it? Should I be thankful you've come to save me just as you've sought to save yourself?”
“Well you're perhaps the least boring person here.” Bellatrix huffs, folding her arms over her own satin gown. She sneaks a glance over to Giselle. “Take me to the gardens.” She suddenly announces. “You've spoken so highly of them, and I've yet to see.” The young Redwyne smiles as the two girls entwine their elbows together. “Very well.” She whispers as they make their way through the endless pristine halls of the manor.
To say that it's breathtaking is an understatement. White roses bloom in perfectly cut bushes. Lavender branches stretch ahead. Orchids and cherry blooms. It's marvelous. “I take it you like it.” Giselle's accent pulls Bellatrix out of her thoughts, causing her to nod.
Their evening is spent talking about anything and nothing at all. Bellatrix talks about her sisters and Hogwarts and Giselle talks about Beauxbatons and how she can play the harp. A new hobby. “What? Did you truly think Beauxbatons were just pretty girls learning grace? My foolish peers there are the embodiment of evil.” The blonde huffs out a laugh.
“Could you blame me? People do love to over glorify things.” The corner of Bellatrix's mouth tugs into a smile. “Well, set one girl off and then twenty will attack you.” Redwyne rolls her eyes. “You could always hex their brows off.” The ravenette suggests, eliciting a loud and rumbling laugh from the blonde.
“You're incorrigible.” And both of them smile.
After that night they began to owl each other regularly. Bellatrix's sisters were curious by the way she would snatch the parchment off her owl before anyone could ask about it. Bellatrix never disclosed to whom she was writing, the first year. She wanted it to be a thing that was her own.
Sometimes a letter would arrive in the dining hall at Hogwarts, and in those occasional moments Bellatrix would snap out of her bored expression and read through the parchment with giddy ferocity. Some of the professors would look at the ravenette with amused curiosity.
In the summers Bellatrix would visit and stay with Giselle in France and during the school holidays Giselle would go over to England. The years passed and they grew closer and closer. The curly haired girl would never admit it but the blonde was her longest and most trusted confidant.
They were sixteen. Furious as they could be with the news that both of them are engaged to a man of their parents choosing. Bellatrix is lounging around in Giselle's bed, as the blonde paces holes into the carpet. Her chambers are peach cream colored. Every piece of furniture has incredible craved work in it, it's pristine and elegant.
“Can you believe it! Marrying me off to that snobby idiot!? He is absolutely helpless! In fact he might as well be more interested in his hair than women.” Giselle growls, her robe swishing around her. “What's his name?” Bellatrix inquires as she nibbles at a pear she had taken from the table from the balcony. “Valentin Laroux.” Redwyne mutters.
“Giselle Laroux..” Bellatrix pauses. “No, it doesn't have nice ring to it.” The ominously headed girl shrugs, biting Into the soft fruit. “Oh but I am so glad to have your support.” Giselle remarks dryly, flopping down onto the bed next to Bellatrix. “Well at least he won't bother you.. much. Rodolphus loves to give me a headache in any possible way.”
Now it's Bellatrix's turn to huff and puff. She turns her head only to find a pair of bright eyes staring at her already. An inch closer and the ravenette is placing a kiss upon the blonde's soft lips. They had been together for already two years in ways that were deeper than just friendship.
They understood each other with a simple glance. They loved each other in all the ways that mattered. Bellatrix did not know what to label it as. Girlfriends was childish. Paramours was simply brash. Lovers might just do it.
As they pulled apart for air, Giselle's face was softer, any trace of her previous frustration was gone. “You disarm me too easily.” She looks away, tints of red showing at her cheeks. “Someone has to.” Bellatrix's voice is less rough.
“You will not leave me after the.. well you know. Would you?” Giselle searches for any doubt through Black’s face. Bellatrix is baffled that the blonde would even think of such a thing. “Of course I won't. Don't be stupid.” The ravenette's hand reached out to hold Redwyne’s hand. Quietness elopes them. Giselle looks over to Bellatrix who has her eyes closed. She must be sleeping.
The blonde turns over to her side, a slender hand reaching out to tuck away a straying curl from her forehead and eyes, admiring the ravenette's features. Then she says it, voice raw and quiet. “I wish you were a man.” Slowly she retracts her hand, letting the slumber embrace her as well.
But Bellatrix was awake even if she was awfully still. For the rest of the afternoon the words plagued her. “I wish you were a man.” She should be upset but she can't bring herself to, because she knows it's true. Bellatrix wishes they could be together without the shame.
The next year they graduated as expected. Bellatrix's results were perfect. Outstanding on everything. After all she was one of the brightest witches of her age. Reagan did very well too. Outstanding in the main courses. Exceeds Expectations is the lowest grade she got on her finals on the topic of Care for Magical Creatures.
She was never fond of the beasts presented in class. She would often tell Bellatrix in her letters of her distaste for the pests.
Their freedom was not for long. The Redwyne's rushed Giselle's wedding.
It was an early morning during March. The Black family was silently having breakfast before a white dove flew in gracefully through the window, parching itself right next to Bellatrix's plate, dropping down a beautifully enveloped paper.
Her sisters were peering curiously as the ravenette shooed them away from her personal space so she could be able to focus. If it was anyone else she would have let them hover but she recognized that bird anywhere.
She skimmed quickly through the contents of the parchment before dropping it.
“Dearest Bellatrix.
It is a great joy to inform you that you are formally invited to the wedding of Giselle Redwyne and Valentin Laroux. The ceremony will be held on the 21st of May. We eagerly await your presence to witness the union between these two people.
Much love, The Laroux’s and Redwyne's.”
Bellatrix's head snaps up when she finally registers her mother's voice calling her.
“Who was this from, Bella?” Druella’s voice is soft yet insisting. The ravenette picks up her fork before putting it down immediately. Her appetite is lost. “An invite to Giselle's wedding.” Her voice is dry. Cygnus hummed pleasantly. “Yours is in August. You and that girl are close friends. It could do you some good to learn from her being first.” He commented absentmindedly.
Bellatrix's blood boiled at the mere thought of being wedded to Rodolphus. It's not like he wasn't handsome. He was, smart too. But gods he was such a bother. A thing to drag her down from glory. Bellatrix did not touch the rest of her food.
Later into the day she was lounging around her bedroom. It was very different from Giselle's. Her walls were grey and dark, her bed was from wood, and the furniture was ancient. She has been writing her response to the wedding invite as her door creaked. Andromeda.
Out of the Black sisters, Andromeda was perhaps the most kind-hearted. Less.. traditional. In love with a muggle, Edward Tonks. The ravenette had distaste for that specific choice yet she let her sister be. It was her parents' wrath Andromeda would have to face should the truth be revealed.
“Andy?” She tuts her name expectantly. “I was simply checking on you.. you seemed tense at breakfast.” The younger sister pauses. “Is it about her?” And by her she means Giselle. Narcissa and Andromeda have never met her. But they have seen the picture of her that Bellatrix keeps at her bedside.
The photograph depicts a sunny day on a field, Bellatrix is in a white blouse and her wild hair in a messy updo. Giselle is wearing a long baby blue sundress with a ridiculously big hat on that she insisted on to protect her from the sun. They both look quite happy.
“Of course it is.” Bellatrix dares to whisper. To admit she cares. “It's not that she can't marry, it's the fact that she must marry a man who will make her miserable. A man who is not..” Me stands unspoken.
“You don't talk much about her.” Andromeda's voice is soft, afraid she will say the wrong thing and her sister would shut down the topic. “You haven't asked.” The ravenette replies instead. She looks Andromeda dead in the eyes, her face turning stoic.
“Giselle will marry. And so will I. And we cannot avoid that duty. One day you'll be next.” The words are cruel. “Live your little dream life with that mudblood but mark my words.” And that was the final straw for the brunette to exit the chambers.
Bellatrix ought to feel bad but she doesn't.
May quickly approached.
To say that Giselle was overwhelmed was an understatement. Poise and grace were her armour. Never giving away too much but keeping an approachable look. She thought she could breeze through it. That she could say some untruthful vows, put a ring on her finger and kiss a man she had no empathy for whatsoever. Everyone made it sound easy. Look easy.
Her dress was beautiful. A floor length silhouette with sheer, floor sweeping sleeves and tiered, ruffled skirts that extend behind the blonde. Her torso is supported with a corset, a long necklace of pearls resting at her bosom. She was beautiful but deep down she felt monstrous.
Her blonde hair was curled, some of her hair slicked into side bangs as her mother fussed over her veil. Giselle could only endure.
Bellatrix had decided on a deep green gown. A long and satin sleeveless thing. A silk shawl matching color was draped over her neck, resting at her bare back. Everyone were seated, Bellatrix knew most of the people on Giselle's side yet she did not bother to talk to them, eyes drilling holes Into the groom.
Valentin was handsome. More so than what she expected. Long blonde hair, slicked back with a singular strand poking out. His eyes were a deep bright blue. They were unnerving. He had somewhat sharp features, bit feminine. His face was gaunt. He stood straight and with pride, waiting for his sad bride.
Then the music began. A deep hum. There stood Giselle. The ravenette's breath caught in her throat. To say that the blonde was mesmerizing was an understatement. She strolled slowly through the aisle, as if wanting to postpone this ceremony as much as she could. Her smile was more of a grimace.
She locked eyes with the eldest Black daughter and smiled, just for her, and sincerely so.
The aisle was not as long as Redwyne would have wished for and now she must stand before the man she has to share her life with.
“Giselle.” He breathes out, ready to reach for the rings that sit comfortably on a velvet pillow. Cliche. The blonde resisted the urge to hurl at his eagerness. Such a foolish, foolish man.
“Valentin.” Her voice had a false happiness in it. She grinned at him like something terrible was awaiting him. A ministry official wedded them, quick to demand the rings brought before the couple.
Giselle's ring was certainly something. A thing silver thing made into a swirl. A vine, meant to represent the sigil of her house. Giselle saw it as a chain. An emerald stone was planted in the middle. She forced a smile, putting it on herself, leaving Valentin to have his own ring.
“You are now bonded for life!” It should sound like security but it only sounded like a threat to the blonde.
She walked up the aisle as Miss Redwyne and now she was walking down it as Madame Laroux. She felt her insides twist uncomfortably. She thanked whatever high power existed that reception was soon. Giselle desperately needed to be more closely Bellatrix.
As the crowd began to mingle in the pristine grand hall of the manor, the blonde was strutting around looking for a certain ravenette with the tendency to look murderous. And she did find her near the staircase. “Bella.” Giselle breathed out a sigh of relief.
The curly haired woman whistled lowly. “Look at you, madame Laroux.” Dark eyes travelled up and down at the bride, taking in every detail. She would commit this look to memory. “Don't be like that.” Giselle insisted, her voice too tired to fight. “I do not want this to break us apart.”
Bellatrix's face twitched. Her companion was correct. She was being petty. After all in two months time she would be in the same position. “My apologies.” Her voice softens, a fraction just for the woman opposite of her. “It appears envy rears it's ugly head.” Black smirked.
The rest of that day was spent in a blur.
The months went over each other with the speed of light. It was August.
Bellatrix did not invite Giselle to her wedding with purpose, nor has she sent any response to the multiple letters the blonde had sent, asking after the ravenette. It was the move of a coward yet Bellatrix could not bring herself to care. Especially not when she was dressed to meet her doom.
Narcissa flitted around her like a bird. Bellatrix’s wedding dress was an ivory floor length gown supported by corseted bodice. Below the waist, the satin fabric is has been draped into elegant swags over her slim fitting skirt. The bodice had twirly patterns embroidered into it. It was truly a beautiful piece of clothing.
Her hair took many charms to tame, yet a singular curly strand pokes out no matter how much they smothered it away. “You look beautiful Bellatrix.” Her youngest sister smiled at her. “Well you'll be next given how your precious Lucius is.” The remark is dry, void of any warmth.
Narcissa pauses. “I know you do not love Rodolphus but think of the benefits. He is a respectable man with pure blood. He is good for you.” The blonde sister sighs. Bellatrix remains quiet because if she doesn't, things might get ugly.
“She's not here?” And the ravenette knows exactly who the youngest Black sister is referring to. Giselle. Giselle this, Giselle that, Bellatrix's patience is getting thin. “No she is not. And you'd know it if you stopped asking about her, Cissa.” The ominously headed woman's voice is more tired than angry.
Narcissa had the decency to nod and exit quietly, leaving the new bride to gather herself. Staring at the latest parchment from her paramour she grabs it. Bellatrix had not bothered to read it yet.
“My dearest Bella.
I'm well aware of your avoidance towards me. I've not heard from you through the whole month, I have the doubt you don't even read my letters anymore. Frankly I find it insulting.
I wish you would just talk to me. If I've wronged you so terribly you could at least have the decency to tell me so.
Until you decide to stop being rude.. much love, G.”
She reread the last part over and over. “Much love.” Pathetic.
The ceremony went as smoothly as it could. Bellatrix did not bother with false smiles. Everyone knew this was an affair of convenience. The only smile present was Rodolphus’s and it was a smug one. The ravenette could not bring herself to be mad. She will deal with her husband later.
The eldest Black daughter has never seen her parents so joyous as they are now. This was not a happy affair. It was transaction. But to Druella and Cyngus it was all the same. The rest of it was a haze.
The weeks passed by and Bellatrix finally decided to owl Giselle.
“Come to me.” Three simple words that held weight. The blonde did not often visit the country, Bellatrix was the one doing the travelling back and forth over the years. Of course Redwyne has her own manor in England given her father was born and raised here to an extent but it is rarely used. Bellatrix had been there only a handful of times.
Giselle came over relatively quick. Only eight days after the initial invite. She looked downright upset with the ravenette, for ignoring her and excluding her out of her life for two months. “What is the meaning of this?” Her accent flares up. “Vous n'avez pas eu de vos nouvelles depuis des mois et maintenant on exige ma présence ? N'avez-vous donc aucune honte?” The blonde's voice is stern.
“You haven't heard from me in months, and now you're demanding my presence? Have you no shame?”
Bellatrix remains oddly calm and gestures towards a loveseat. “I know, but you ought to listen to me.” She steers Giselle towards the cushioned seat. “I've been meaning to introduce you to an idea for a while. The year we graduated I was bestowed with the knowledge of a group meant to reform our world.” The words are rushed.
Giselle looks confused. “Pardon?” Her voice is just above a whisper. “A group meant to eradicate the muggle filth from our world, Giselle! A circle meant to protect our pureness. To make us great as we once were.” The ravenette speaks with such passion, such force.
Giselle does not deny her distaste for the lesser blood but she has never thought of the idea to eradicate them. She shakes her head. “Bellatrix.. this is quite the news.” Is the only thing she manages to breathe out. “Do you not understand? This will serve us well!” She insists more persistently.
“They are called the Knights Of Walpurgis. Our fathers were the first and we are to follow in their footsteps. Rapidly growing as well. I'm sure your husband would be the one to join if you lack it.” The last sentence is spoken with venom. “Calm yourself for a second. You have no right to talk to me that way!” Giselle stands from her seat. She had never seen the ravenette act so brashly.
“I do if you're a traitor to your kind!” She points an accusating finger towards the blonde. “Well forgive me for not reacting instantly! You drop something big and expect me to process it on the second!” Redwyne blows up as well. The arguing goes on for what seems forever then once Bellatrix gets In her face Giselle blurts out.
“I'm pregnant.” Two words. Grey eyes bore into green ones with ferocious intensity. Bellatrix let's go of Giselle. “You cannot blame me for not throwing myself at a war when these are the circumstances.” The words are raw and thick as they tear themselves from Giselle's throat. “I didn't want this. Nobody asked me if I wanted this but it's just the way things are.”
“How long?” Bellatrix grits out, a sickly smile playing at her lips. “Three months. Almost instantly after..” After her own wedding. The two women stood in silence, thick and heavy tension above them. “Congratulations.” Bellatrix's voice is sweet in a mocking way. “Are you hoping for a boy or a girl?” She sneers.
Giselle scoffs, a wet sound. She folds her arms, shaking her head. “You're being petty.” She hisses, trying to reason with her lifelong friend.. lover? She does not know what they are at the moment. “Well it's impolite not to inquire.” Bellatrix's smile is false.
“I.. me and Valentin will reside in the manor here for a while. You could always visit me.” And with that the blonde simply exits the room and manor. Everything feels wrong between them lately.
Bellatrix took her precious time to cool down. She did not expect a rejection to her suggestion and she certainly did not expect the announcement her lifelong friend made. Her stomach did seem a bit swollen but she hadn't paid close enough attention at the time to notice.
With much hesitation the ravenette decided to visit the blonde. They had to clean the air between them, Bellatrix hated when they fought and as of late it was a common occurrence. Redwyne's manor is awfully quiet. It would usually have the hum of a piano playing, or soft muttering as Giselle read books aloud.
The air felt awfully still. She strutted through the bright halls. Giselle was sat rigidly in the garden parlor, hand tightly clutching an already empty teacup. She did not move as Bellatrix approached. Her eyes were glued to her hands. She was jolted out of her thoughts by Bellatrix sitting next to the blonde, guiding her face towards her with surprising carefulness.
Redwyne takes the ravenette in. Then she bursts into tears. “It's gone.” She repeats twice. “I have failed as a woman. A wife. I didn't want it and it was taken away from me. I should feel relieved but I..” She shakes her head, unable to find the words. Giselle fists her hands in her lap, nightgown stained with blood at its core. Wordlessly Bellatrix embraces Giselle tightly. The blonde cries quietly into the crook of her neck as Bellatrix cards her hand through the pristine blonde locks her friend maintains.
It does not matter how much they fight, they will always be together at the end of the day. The two women would never give up on each other.
Andromeda ran away with that filth, Edward Tonks. Cyngus and Druella went mad with anger. Narcissa was disappointed in a quiet way. Bellatrix was indecipherable. She was seething, of course she was. When Andromeda's face was burned off the family tapestry, the ravenette held her head high. She was good. She married a pureblood unlike her wretched sister. She should not be thinking about the traitor who left them.
The topic of the middle sister was a touchy one. Everyone acted like she did not exist. Everything and everyone moved on. Giselle was careful not to say the wrong thing, trying to tell Bellatrix she could talk to her but it was all shut down. The blonde never spoke about the brunette sister again.
Things were setting back in place. Slowly but surely. In the meantime Bellatrix was introducing the idea of the Knights Of Walpurgis more and more to Giselle. The blonde chose not to give out commentary to Bellatrix's irritation. “I do not understand why you won't join us. The Dark Lord will make sure you're well regarded.” The ravenette insists.
The blonde sighs. They've had this conversation countless of times. “My life is in France, Bellatrix.” She raises an eyebrow. The eldest Black daughter grabs her companion's hand. “You could reside in your holiday manor. You'd be closer to me. With me.” The curly haired woman did not give up easily. She needed Giselle to join her, that way everything would be normal again. Perfect.
Instead Redwyne offered words rather than actions. “You may let the Dark Lord know he is a well respected figure in my family and that we support the cause.” The blonde's cool hand brushes over Bellatrix's wrist where the engraved serpent lays into her skin. It would have to do for now.
Bellatrix was sure of herself. She knew Giselle loved her. Her devotion was unwavering and the ravenette knew the blonde would follow her into the depths of hell. She just needed a little push. Bellatrix would have to exploit certain things if it meant they would be well.
Over time things set back into place. Narcissa got married to that blithering idiot Lucius but he keeps the blonde happy so Bellatrix tolerates him. She kept her usual correspondence with Giselle, planning a visit to France as they haven't seen each other in a while.
Meanwhile the blonde had been putting actions to a plan she had been plotting for some time now. Valentin was expecting too much from what she was already giving him. He had pushed the idea of another child, stating that he had given her enough time to get herself in hands.
He was also angry about a certain ravenette. “What is this? A marriage or a crowd?” He had asked her one day. She simply raised an eyebrow at him, going on about her day. It's one of the things that infuriated him the most. He expected a traditional wife. Giselle's indifference humiliated him in their social circles. She had stopped pretending for a while now.
Giselle did not understand why he pressured her to bear him children. She was going to be an unfit mother in her opinion. Her biggest flaw was that she was selfish. Merlin knew she'd put herself first, not to speak of a child. Valentin would barely look at the babe. Both of them had brothers. People who could continue their respective bloodlines.
She was, frankly, tired.
The day she had lost her unborn child, that day Bellatrix had held her so tightly. In that very moment she set a little plan in the works. She must get rid of Valentin. It had taken her weeks to acquire but she had finally gotten her hands on Tentacula Juice. Venomous. One drop too many into Valentin’s wine and his organs will rapidly fail.
Now Giselle only had to wait for her good for nothing husband to spare her the time of the day to eat together. That was perhaps the most exhausting part about everything. They had been married for what? Three years? And yet they could not coordinate.
Then it was settled after much persuasion on the blonde's part. A charming smile, a hand to his chest and he was like a dog begging for scraps. And of course he was late. Giselle got herself ready. Her hair was perfect, blonde locks resting symmetrically on her shoulders. Her lips were a deep red, she had thrown on an ivory flowy silk robe with green embroidery of vines at the hems over herself.
She didn't even look as she poured Merlin knows what amount into her husband's cup, watching it dissolve. When Valentin appeared she forced a smile on her lips, kissing both his cheeks, leaving a lipstick mark on his right one. At least his last dinner is memorable. Bouillabaisse. Provençal fish stew.
It smelled awful but it was delicious and Valentin loved it. Giselle not as much, then again she had always watched her figure. She crossed her legs, letting her heel brush over the blonde man's leg. Redwyne tilted her head just so, batting her eyelashes as she sipped on her goblet filled with wine.
“I've brought out this vintage for the occasion.” Giselle remarked, her voice soft. Insisting. A hint that he should have a taste, to sate his thirst, even if for the last time unbeknownst to him. Valentin simply nodded and took a generous gulp.
Giselle leaned in, her emerald eyes boring into his ocean blue ones. The light of the sunset illuminated the woman, perhaps this was a good sight for a man to die with. Then it began within minutes. Valentin began to cough. Then more violently, his hand clutching at his throat. He coughed again. Blood.
His hand flew to his stomach, his chair scraping away from the table. His legs began to tremble. The wine glass fell. Giselle simply leaned in her seat, watching like a hawk as her husband fell to the floor, spasming like a worm. With his very last energy he managed to spit out at her. “You cunt!” He tried to reach for her but that was it. He was lifeless.
Giselle watched for quite long. Then she smiled. She was free, she felt a weight lifted off her shoulders, an indescribable feeling of dread removed itself from her chest. She felt lighter.
June 8th, 1980.
Bellatrix waited in the hall of Malfoy Manor. Narcissa was giving birth in the master bedroom. Lucius was pacing nervously right next to the ravenette as they listened to the muffled grunts and yells coming from the bedroom. Bellatrix never had children with Rodolphus and she never intended to but she felt sympathetic to the pain her youngest sister must feel.
One of the midwives emerged and Bellatrix was on her feet next to the blonde man. “A boy! Healthy lad.” The old woman announced. Lucius smiled widely and rushed in, Bellatrix went in after a few minutes, allowing the married couple some privacy. The curly haired woman gave a nod of acknowledgement.
“Well he's certainly cute. We can only hope he takes after you Cissa, we wouldn't want him looking like his toad of a father.” She cooed at the blonde babe. She could tell he was going to have his father's platinum blonde hair. Lucius rolled his eyes and scoffed, softening as he looked back to his son.
Narcissa held the babe in her arms, a tired hand reaching out to squeeze Bellatrix's. “Thank you for being here.” The ravenette gave a small discreet smile. “Of course I am.” Narcissa was the only sister Bellatrix had left. She would be damned if she wasn't there for her during the happiest day In her life.
“His name is Draco.” The younger sister urged the oldest one to hold the babe. Bellatrix relented, rocking the lad back and forth. Things would be okay.
The following weeks, the curly haired woman visited her sister again to check on her. She had shared the news of her being an aunt with Giselle so it was not a surprise when Narcissa presented her with a basket of gifts, saying Redwyne had sent them.
“Giselle sent over a gift for after the birth. It was very kind of her. Oh look at these!” Narcissa gasped, rummaged through the basket of goods. Baby blue silk outfits and toys for Draco, fruit jams and other sweets for Narcissa. There was a bottle of firewhiskey nestled in the middle. Merlin knew the young parents would need it.
“I'll make sure to express your gratitude to her.” Bellatrix's voice is quiet as she watches her sister. “You could invite her here. You've known her all your life, I'm sure it won't hurt if I meet her too.” Narcissa raises a perfect eyebrow, her voice as cool as steel. “She doesn't really fancy England.” Bellatrix shakes her head. “Besides, I would be too busy to see her. You're aware the Dark Lord has been giving out more missions for us. Especially dealing with our filth of a cousin.”
The ravenette scoffs, tasting bile at the mere thought of Sirius and his brood of half-breeds. The blonde sister nods. She has been quite displeased with how Lucius has been running around on those so called tasks while she was left with Draco all day. “It will all be over soon.” Bellatrix promised. “Everything will be normal soon.”
It was not normal. Regulus died. He turned out to be a traitor. Bellatrix was usually ridden with grief that she pushed down. The filth fought back, until a little rat of theirs came tattling. They discovered the hiding place of James and Lily Potter. They could get to what their Lord wanted. It should have gone smoothly. He should have eliminated Harry Potter to prevent the prophecy.
Nothing went as planned. Lord Voldemort was gone. Bellatrix went mad with anger. Greif. He saw her potential. He brought her up. He mentored her. He held her closely to his heart. She loved him. Of course she did.
She had fought with Giselle months prior. She did not want to take the dark mark. Bellatrix exploded about how she kept putting it off, how she was disloyal to the cause. Giselle blew up right back. “You blithering idiot! Would I have still kept hearing you out if I was not? Endless of times I've told you I support the cause!”
Words got out of hand. “You are as traitorous as everyone I've ever known. You're just filthy, aren't you? Marked with sin.” The words were lies. Of course they were. Bellatrix was just so angry and she needed an outlet. Never in her life has she ever dared to talk to Giselle in that tone and manner. Yet she did. It was intoxicating.
The blonde had slapped her. Twice, in fact. Bellatrix had seized her and kissed her senseless. It was how they did things. That was a while ago now.
The ravenette's judgement was clouded. Rodolphus, Rabastan and Bartemius Crouch Jr had persuaded her to seek out someone from The Order and demand to know about their Lord. It's how they got to the Longbottoms. She would have to commend them. They were quite resilient.
Her anger had gotten a hold over her. She threw curse after curse at them, demanding information about He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Then the Cruciatus Curse was thrown over and over. Alice and Frank went insane. Aurors swamped them. It was over.
They were taken into custody. It took all night to interrogate them, for trials to be arranged. It all happened quickly and in a blur to Bellatrix. Time was not an essence to her when she had to sit with the realization her Lord was gone.
She was led through the ministry halls along with her husband, brother in law and Barty. They looked sullen. Anxious. Twitchy like a cricket. Bellatrix internally scoffed at them. Cowards the lot of them. She held her head high, grinning like a woman mad as they entered the trial chamber.
The minister sat high on his chair, Albus Dumbledore close by, watching a certain one of his brightest students with such disappointment. Bellatrix did not care. She was smug. She did what she had to do and she does not regret it. Her expression was that of a fanatical devotion. She was pleased with the rapid results of unnerving the crowd.
She sat in the chained chair within the courtroom as if she were sitting on a throne, showing no distress whatsoever. In fact she taunted the room. “The Dark Lord shall rise again! Throw us into a cell and we shall wait. You will all be doomed!” She swore, baring her teeth around. She looked through those present and stilled.
Giselle Goddamn Redwyne. To everyone she sat calmly, unnaturally so but Bellatrix knew her. Giselle was penetrated in her seat, rigid. She was dressed in a sleek, all black ensemble. Perhaps it was fitting. She would not see Bellatrix again, might as well look mourning. She sported a form-fitting jacket with long sleeves and a slightly sheer bodice blouse. The collar was all fur as it was wrapped over. Her pencil skirt accented her narrow silhouette.
Giselle looked more disappointed than anything. Bellatrix had driven two innocent people to insanity all while their baby was in the other room. Did the blonde even know who Bellatrix truly was? Was she presented with a censored version meant only for her? Such thoughts plagued her relentlessly. She looked over to Narcissa who looked sullen.
Then Redwyne heard four words and she lost it. “A lifetime in Azkaban.” She stood up, the bench screeching. She hadn't meant to, her body acted on its own accord. There were gasps amongst the people. A menacing look from Alastor Moody and she sat back down, keeping her eyes straight on the ravenette.
It was all over. The Lestrange’s and Crouch were taken into custody. Giselle and Bellatrix locked eyes as they were escorted out. Soon enough the people filtered themselves out of the hall, the blonde's heels clacked rhythmically as she looked down. She would not weep, she would remain strong.
She felt a hand on her shoulder, startled as she turned around. It was Narcissa. Her expression was sympathetic, Giselle felt sick. She should be the one giving pity to the youngest Black sister. She was bonded to Bellatrix by blood. They grew up together and lived together and it was taken away. Redwyne is swept out of her thoughts as Narcissa embraces her.
Her touch is lighter yet grounding. With great hesitation she returned the hug, hot and raw tears pooling out of her eyes. Grief wrecked her frame as she cried silently, only a muffled sob tore itself from her throat. For a moment she wondered if it was moral to miss a person who was cruel.
If she would be punished by whatever higher power for loving someone who did awful things. Did she love Bellatrix? She pushed the doubt away immediately. Of course she loved her, despite her actions that made Giselle feel sick, the blonde bore affection for the ravenette. The two women pulled apart. “Thank you.” Giselle's voice was incredibly quiet. She wanted to speak yet she couldn't find it in herself to do so.
“It will take time, but you'll prevail.” Narcissa spoke with surprising calmness before she walked away, leaving Giselle standing in the busy halls of the ministry.
The first few months were the hardest. Giselle would hardly get out of bed. She would just think. She would think about Bellatrix, she would mentally trace every single one of her features, trying to remember them without the help of a picture. She would try and recall her voice. A face could be seen in memory, but a voice could fade. She was scared that she would forget it.
The years passed by and the blonde accepted the absence of her beloved. She got on with her life as if nothing happened even if she wanted to sulk forever. She would not let her wallowing to consume her. She and Narcissa wrote back and forth occasionally, mostly during the holidays or birthdays.
Bellatrix was frankly miserable. Yet spite kept her going. The routine was simple. Sleep, scream, eat food measly enough to keep you alive, repeat. And it did not help that Sirius was in the cell next to her, Crouch in the other. It was hellish, but Merlin, did she love to taunt her cousin. “The Dark Lord will rise again and the hierarchy will be established!” She would cackle.
The worst of it was when the dementors would feed on their memories. Bellatrix did not cower but that did not help her case. She was often flashed with the unpleasant memories of her life, or her worst moments with a certain blonde. Months before her imprisonment she blew everything up. She was so blinded by Giselle's refusal to take the mark. Bellatrix is not a woman that regrets things often but in that scenario she does.
The years passed in a blur for the ravenette. Then it happened. Her mark began to pulse rapidly, the sting igniting every inch of her. Her Lord was back. It was just like she swore it would happen. She could only laugh as she looked up at the darkened sky. Those with succession in escaping were greeted at Malfoy Manor.
Bellatrix was glad to see her sister, her husband not so much. Lucius was the same prick he had always been. Perhaps the best part of her imprisonment was the distance between her and Rodolphus, as she is rapidly reminded what a thorn in her side he is. Bellatrix knew there would not be any tasks soon, their group must regain it's strength.
It was a late night, Narcissa had invited her eldest sister In the main hall over a bottle of wine. After all they had catching up to do. The blonde sister had pulled out photographs, recalling each tale. A certain picture caught her attention. It was a Christmas day, Draco must've been one, dressed in red thick clothes. And Giselle was the one holding him as she conversed with Narcissa, the photo must've been taken off guard.
Before the ravenette could speak, Narcissa butts in. “It was the first year after your imprisonment. We did not want Giselle to be alone. She did suffer greatly after the trial, you know?” The younger sister's voice is stern, anticipating a blow up from the curly haired woman. Yet Bellatrix simply stares.
“Is she well?” Are the only words forced out. They sound bitter. “I do not know. I'm afraid we haven't spoken in years.” The blonde sighs, sipping on her wine. “Whatever you're thinking, don't.” The words are harsh. Narcissa had watched the two women tear at themselves years ago and she won't let them reopen the wounds. Her sister, for all her affection, could be quite cruel.
“You know nothing about us.” The words are cutting, somewhat correct. Narcissa was not aware of the extent of their feelings. But she felt positive in her guess that if Bellatrix fled to see her old beloved, they would either strangle each other or make up. She could only hope it's the latter.
The blonde sister simply leaned in her seat, her expression visibly distasteful. “Do as you please but do not come running when your decisions bite you back. You can only hope she has it in her to have forgiven you.” Silently, Narcissa gathers herself, ready to retreat for the night. It has been quite an eventful day.
The morning was warm, the sun was just rising, a golden light illuminating the cream colored walls of Giselle's manor. She had felt surprisingly rested. The thought brought a smile to her face, it was not often that she slept so soundly. She had thrown on a light purple robe over her sleepwear. It was long and flowy, the silk felt cool on her skin.
The house elf, Veeley, had just brought out a tray of blackberry tea. Things were as good as they could be. Giselle grabbed her teacup, walking around the familiar halls of her home. She had stopped near a balcony to stare at the golden sky. Then a knock was heard, the blonde's head whipping around. There she stands in all her goddamn glory. Bellatrix Black, rapping at a bookshelf.
The teacup is shattered on the floor, it's purple contents staining the carpet. She looks positively penetrated in her place. “Giselle.” Bellatrix breathes out, dark eyes darting over every single inch and twitch of her old companion's face. She looks the same, if not more lovely to the ravenette. Then again, spend more than a decade in a cell with nothing and everything will look good.
“Not who you expected?” The ominously headed woman remarks when it's clear that the blonde isn't responsive. The raspy voice snaps Redwyne out of her shock. “I did not expect anyone.” She forces an awkward smile. Bellatrix advances closer until they are inches apart. With courage, Giselle wraps her arms around the ravenette, clinging to her as if she might turn into mist any second, as if she is a plate that might shatter if she lets go.
Bellatrix wraps herself around the blonde as well, breathing her in. Some things never change. A bit more than a decade and the French woman still uses the same perfume. It's intoxicating. A slender hand gripped the ravenette's shoulder, pulling back to look at her face. Bellatrix was gaunt but beautiful all the same. Her other hand, gripped at her jaw, tilting her head back and forth until she was satisfied.
All sense of resentment or bitterness harbored with time vanished. Bellatrix kissed Giselle insistently, hand tangling into the pristine blonde locks of the woman, devouring her. She did not tug but anchored instead. Redwyne groaned into it, gasping when Bellatrix grabbed at her hip, tilting them slightly. They broke apart for air. “You know, you are supposed to dine and wine a lady first.” She raises an eyebrow.
“There is going to be plenty of time for that.” Black grins wolfishly. Giselle shakes her head and pulls her in by the collar of her blouse for another kiss, a more sweet one.
“That was a proper welcome.” Bellatrix looked around the halls she had spent her summers in.