Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/ works/11445216. Rating: Explicit Archive Warning: Graphic_Depictions_Of_Violence, Underage Category: F/F Fandom: Harry_Potter_-_J._K._Rowling Relationship: Bellatrix_Black_Lestrange/Narcissa_Black_Malfoy Character: Bellatrix_Black_Lestrange, Narcissa_Black_Malfoy, Cygnus_Black, Druella Rosier_Black, Andromeda_Black_Tonks, Tom_Riddle_|_Voldemort Series: Part 2 of Amaranth_Series Stats: Published: 2017-07-09 Updated: 2017-07-14 Chapters: 4/? Words: 5700 ****** A Portrait of Bellatrix Black ****** by Roseredsdesire Summary Bellatrix Black, so much more then the sadistic women, who tortured Hermione or the unhinged witch – who became the Dark Lord's last and best lieutenant. She was a sister, the eldest of The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, who became an instrument for his great evil. What she did, was strangely at first from love – though Andromeda's secret and Bellatrix's accident, would change Narcissa's life forever. Here is just a brief glimpse of the women behind the vail, behind the mask of hate, 'there was left just a splinter enough to love.' On the night the snatchers brought Harry Potter, to Malfoy Manor, Bella's world comes crashing down around her. This is the story of the child, tortured – abused – forced to grow up to soon and the love, for her sister Narcissa. (pairing Bellatrix/Narcissa.) ***** The story of Portrait of Bellatrix Black ***** The Portrait of Bellatrix Black, has been in my heart for over a year, slowly - eating away my mind. Many thanks to all writers, of fiction that have came before mine and will continue this amazing Harry Potter Universe. Here is my interpretation, of the life of Bellatrix. It won't be the first, but I hope it'll shine a light on the women, who we've all been captivated by. Interesting fact – Portrait– is a prequel to the Amaranth series, it's an AU. I wrote it to directly be read before or fallowing Amaranth : Animae Gemina - Book 1 - Chapter 8 : Amhran : song of The Winds.But it can be read alone. Given the pairing, Portrait – is rated E (since NC-17isn't a rating that can be given *smirks.*) A special thanks to J.K. Rowling, for whom without, this amazing universe would not exist. This story is definitely not cannon – you've been warned. ===============================================================================   -Dedicated to Andromeda (bellamione17) you may have forgotten me; but your story The Poison of Lust – opened the door to many things (so thank you so much.) You'll never realize how much your story inspired me. -the amazing writer (Sapphire Smoke's)'Toujours Pur's series is absolute perfection. This story completely - inspired me and I highly recommend it. If I'm ever lucky enough that she reads and loves my story, I'd cry happy tears. And too Ivy – Sami – Emma and Juju Summary : Bellatrix Black, so much more then the sadistic women, who tortured Hermione or the unhinged witch – who became the Dark Lord's last and best lieutenant. She was a sister, the eldest of The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, who became an instrument for his great evil. What she did, was strangely at first from love – though Andromeda's secret and Bellatrix's accident, would change Narcissa's life forever. Here is just a brief glimpse of the women behind the vail, behind the mask of hate, 'there was left just a splinter enough to love.' On the night the snatchers brought Harry Potter, to Malfoy Manor, Bella's world comes crashing down around her. This is the story of the child, tortured – abused – forced to grow up to soon and the love, for her sister Narcissa. (pairing Bellatrix/Narcissa.) Warning(s) lesbian/incest – somewhat graphic child abuse/verbal abuse/torture – crude language – and inferred desire for a minor. ***** PART I : The Clock Ticks On ***** Chapter Summary "She slowly ran her fingers through her sister's soft, wavy hair – that appeared kissed by sunshine. She watched her sister's eyes fall closed as she snuggled closer, innocent and almost pure. Something Bellatrix herself had lost long ago." Chapter Notes See the end of the chapter for notes The wind has died and the chimes are still again The trees stand tall as they cover me in shade In the mirror a maiden stares at me As the secret fades... ~Blackmore's Night There were once three sisters- all as different as they were bewitching. Yet, the darkness of their family's lineage – bleed through- darkest signature upon their innocence. So was each child thusly corrupted – a smudge upon their virtue – which however small– would be immeasurable. A dark – secret locked forever away (the truth about the gorgeous brunette who's eyes – trapped you in a soulless storm.) A pool of emptiness – a raging storm of less and hopelessness. Here sisters – just three – in a family – of the noble - Toujours pur, learned themselves royalty. Here, within the massive grounds of this gothic brooding, estate –each sister's life was stolen. A life turned into a dark tragedy as each was forced to grow up all too soon. Bellatrix, Andromeda and Narcissa passively indoctrinated in the ways of The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. It was to be a shadowy and haunting childhood fraught with anguish, abuse, secrets - lies and neglect. ===============================================================================   When Bellatrix was sixteen, her father commissioned a portrait to be created, one that would hang in the drawing room next to those of her parents, Cygnus Black and Druella Rosier. Clever, Cygnus – had a plan. A plan to rid himself of his deranged daughter, who stalked his halls. He'd use the painting to tempt all the eligible men (strong willed she might be – but her beauty – was legendary). As a fidgety Bellatrix was forced to stand for hours and be perfectly flawless in appearance. As her family learned in the magic's- some spell could have been plumbed. Anything to allow her essence to be left (so she needn't have stood – endlessly.) Yet in such a noble pure blood family – Cygnus delighted in much different methods. It was his view that through GREAT pain – he could form his three daughters. A well aimed 'Crucio' aimed at Bellatrix would send her rigidly to the floor. "That will teach you stand still" he'd say. He'd smile as he lend against the fireplace mantel. He'd prodigiously keep his spell trained – not to kill or causing certain madness– but inflicting just the right amount of punishment for her short comings. As was often true, Bellatrix would lay – on the floor - fighting (panting - silently screaming, her proud eyes holding something of sadness.) As with every gasp, trying desperately to throw the curse – blood gushing from her once sensitive eyes. Her impressive ebony curls matting and sticking to her face with scarlet furry. Her anger palpable, rising like smoke, a frightening deranged gleam strengthening to burn- each time her father placed her under his curse. Narcissa watched, tears cascading down her porcelain skin. Shaking like a leaf in a fringed wind – struck dumb and nearly blinded. She wanted to cover her eyes, to scream but she was mute by the shear force of her silent sobs. As she watched again and again, what little she could change. Her sister's torture at the hands of her father, his laughter of madness. Often it was, with a bored expression, Cygnus would drop the curse and Bellatrix would rise to stand dispassionately. Her mother would then be forced to cast a 'tergeo' to clean the blood from her favorite carpet, Cissy could hear her scowl. Thusly it took three days to paint her portrait. As Cygnus would continually do the curse, every time Bellatrix disrupted the master's work. Over and over Druella was made to repair furniture – clean her carpet – fix her daughter's appearance as though an unforgivable hadn't been cast. She was livid by the third day. How could Bellatrix be so inconvenient. "Oh my Bella…" Narcissa would be sobbing as she washed her face free of blood, as Bella had laid draped over her bed, exhausted. She'd rub soothing circles on her back, trying to be comforting. Eventually the painter had gotten tired of being interrupted by both father and daughter. He'd begged the patriarch to do an essence spell, and he grudgingly had done so. Realizing once more his daughter enjoyed being recalcitrant and would continue the saccade until she was dead. "It's okay – Cissy" she said - though, of course, it wasn't. A tired Bellatrix looked up at her little sister pushing down her own unhappiness. "Why can't you just do what father asks?" "And make it easy for that fucking bastard to marry me off?!" "Who said anything about marriage?" "Don't be stupid Naricssa" Bellatrix growled – though her face lost its venom at her sister's tears. "I'm sorry Cissy, oh don't cry please kitten." "Don't you want to be married?' Cissy – hiccupped, from the safety of her sister's warm embrace.. "I long to be a mother…." "You're only twelve my love," Bella whispered in her sister's ear "how could you possibly understand – you've your whole life ahead. I've made it so-I've done it all to protect you." She slowly ran her fingers through her sister's soft, wavy hair – that appeared kissed by sunshine. She watched her sister's eyes fall closed as she snuggled closer, innocent and almost pure. Something Bellatrix herself had lost long ago. "But I'm not a baby, Bella" Cissy was protesting "Mother says I'm a young woman, don't you see how the boys stare at Hogwarts? Especially that Lucius Malfoy – he's always fawning all over me! Our age difference is only a number" her cross whisper ghosting across her sister's blushing cheeks. As not for the first time, the proximity to her sister drove Bellatrix to shiver – fear bubbling up like poison. She'd shifted uncomfortably away – lecherous thoughts beat down by whatever last fatigue of reason she had. At sixteen year old Bellatrix knew right from wrong – she wouldn't cross lines. Not with her little sister. "If ever I marry!" Bellatrix screamed, pushing Narcissa away –"I want it be my choice! And mine alone Cissy!" She stood up and pranced out of the room without a second glance. Narcissa bit back another sob, her sister could be so volatile – she just couldn't understand. Yet, she was forced to concede that her sister was right. It should always be by choice and hers alone. Chapter End Notes Authors note : this story is completely finished *smiles* but I'll be separating the novella into parts :) PLEASE DO REVIEW and find me on Instagram her_pet_toujour ***** PART III : The Devil Within ***** Chapter Summary Bellatrix had always fancied women – their curves – their lips – their scent- as she fucked them, their arousal honey on her tongue. They were beauty - that quickened her heart as her knickers felt a wetness trickling down her legs. It was pure lust. She'd had dozens (Emmaleen merely her longest.) As she walked down the corridors, the girls and boys (whispered) wishing she'd desire them. Slytherin's were her favorite- though she'd tasted a Ravenclaw. "When you think you're all alone Seeping through the cracks I'm the poison in your bones My love is your disease I won't let it set you free Till I break you" ~Digital Daggers   The sisters had once been so close – inseparable –in fact. They’d die for each protecting each other -Naricssa knew once Andromeda was completely devoted to Bellatrix, her older sister’s kept secrets whispering in the night. Together they promised to protect Narcissa from her father’s torture. They’d saved her innocence – against their mother’s neglect (caring for one another lovingly – beating back the darkness that sought to destroy them.) Yet childhood – never lasts – Bellatrix was the harbinger of their doom when she received her Hogwarts letter. It was an immediate change with the owl delivered the letter. A daughter of The Noble Most Ancient House of Black – was expected to be perfect. Something Bellatrix couldn’t and wouldn’t be, but she had to try for her sisters’ sake. On Platform nine and three quarters, she’d kissed Andromeda’s soft brown curls. “Keep her safe” she’d pleaded. She’d kissed her cheek whispering “hold her close promise me?” Andromeda had nodded as Narcissa’s tears mingled with the rain. Bellatrix had held Naricssa just a little longer “I love you Cissy! I promise I’ll come back to you – listen to Meda.’ Naricssa could only hiccup painfully and reach her hand after Bella as the train speed away through the falling rain. Bellatrix wanted to be free. Yet she’d never be – in a furious feeling of betrayal. She’d watched her sister lost in the torrential rain, as her life slide away from her control. She’d never forgive herself, she solemnly promised. In the weeks following Bellatrix’s first weeks in Hogwarts. Narcissa faired best, she was blossoming at her mother’s sudden attention. She dragged her daughter to tea at Miss Odette’s tea room in Diagon Alley. She’d insist she dress perfectly and she’d watch as the other women in the tea shop looked on with jealousy. Mrs. Black was legendary her daughter’s beauty even more, she heard the whispers and she reveled in it. Her daughters were her leader to social ruin or success. Narcissa was the stunning beauty, that seemed almost angelic ---her eyes were such a clear azure, deep and sensual, liquid temptation. She was the beauty that birth marked. Her mother’s – golden child – now that her wicked sister was at Hogwarts. Her daughter could be their greatest potential – she’d make a fine wife and mother – she was groomed for it. Little twelve year old Narcissa was catching the eye of everyone she passed – even her sister. Mrs. Black was none to pleased when her youngest followed her sisters to Hogwarts. She was out of her sight----- It scared Andromeda – the way Bella looked at Cissy, she’d noticed it during Christmas vacation. She’d noticed Bellatrix, her eyes nearly coal black trained on Narcissa. She’d been standing by the window the snow falling, little Cissy was spinning around, dancing full of delight, her hair shimmering by a thousand candles. She’d seen her (hungry need almost mad– as though their sister was something she needed to capture.) She knew it was morally wrong (though their family allowed intermarriage between cousins.) Anything to keep the bloodlines pure, the break down of sisterhood began that night. As much as she looked like Bellatrix – Andromeda (was an outcast among her sisters.) She loved and was loved-- but she needed to be free. She’d watch her sister’s interactions with a thread of jealously now. Once Bellatrix had kept Cissy away --- but now they’d snuggle on the couch, when her parents weren’t home. Her lips constantly turning up in a irritably smug manner, she was still a pure blood. So her presence was that of grace and royalty. As she hid secrets too terrible to speak, behind a mask of steel. It was almost better to distance herself from her sisters (then watch everything deteriorate around her.) Even as she broke the chains of destiny (she never escaped the demons of her past.) The horrible truth of her sister’s madness. ===============================================================================     Monsieur Lestrange received snaps of Bellatrix Black in the summer before her seventh year. He was so delighted, what a match!? A marriage between the Lestrange’s and The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, perfection! Nothing could be better than the strengthening of their families blood bonds between the sacred-twenty-eight. Bellatrix and Rodolphus were enough separated that a union was acceptable. He wrote to Cygnus, putting forth a great deal of money to secure this marriage. Money talks, but Cygnus wouldn’t have cared. He was just only happy that Bellatrix’s oddities hadn’t reached the Lestrange family. The Lestrange's thought as he did – blood supremacy was paramount and a good thing in such troubling times. Cygnus was only too happy to secure his daughter (to such a power name.) At the very least it couldn’t be said his daughter didn’t marry well. A few years in the Lestrange home, perhaps would soften Bellatrix. As a wife and mother; then too it would be good for him to be rid of her. If it wasn’t bad enough now ---- Andromeda hardly ever came home and that Narcissa at thirteen was already so desired. He couldn’t keep the future proposals at bay forever. =============================================================================== Bellatrix flew into a murderous rage and was only talked from using an unforgivable by Naricssa. She’d learned enough to be quite vicious. “You shouldn’t lower yourself to his level” Narcissa reasoned “please Bella!” “Fine – Narcissa” Bellatrix had fumed “but you realize, you’re shackling me – I’ll never be free – I’ll be just locked to my destiny - just like my sixteen year old self smiles back mechanically from our drawing room. Do you realize father cast a charm on it so Bella can’t even leave the painting? She’s imprisoned….!!!!?” “Maybe it won’t be so bad?” Narcissa touched her sister cautiously “the marriage won’t happen until you’re eighteen – you have a year. M…maybe you can change father’s mind? Or maybe you’ll fall in love with him?” “So naïve Cissy!” Bellatrix shot a spell at her wardrobe exploding it. Narcissa looked humiliated. “Stop thinking of me like a child” she screamed forcefully. Thoughtlessly crying “Expelliarmus” forgetting she’d be likely be punished by her father for doing magic outside of school. She was still underage. “How dare you!” Bellatrix hissed as she watched her wand fly into her sister’s hand. “I’m thirteen! DAMN it Bella, stop calling me naïve! (Stop trying to save me! I’m capable and when you’re gone I’ll have to survive on my own!)” She stood there with tears streaming down her cheeks. “You’ll forget me eventually – like Dromeda’ her breath was coming out panicked “stop coming home. So stop trying to be so righteous Bella.” Bellatrix sighed seeing her sister’s tears – feeling the guilt and pain that only she could deliver. As she fought hard to maintain her sanity against the rising tide of her own madness. “Cissy, please kitten – I’m sorry. I just don’t want you to grow up. Dark times are coming – there’s a wizard rising that will lead us out of hiding. We’ll be in our rightful place once more – you’ll be a princess nothing less than you deserve! I promise you, I’ll fight at his side if it means I save you from this madness – father has given me.” Narcissa ran into her sister’s arms dropping the wand in shame as she felt so alone. She wanted nothing more than to feel anything, but was so numb. Yet, she secretly wanted so much more this hug as her sister drew her close. Something Bellatrix knew and always resisted. “Cissy you’re my little sister --- my sister --- please my love understand --- I can’t give you anything --- less than my devotion ---to ask for more is to drive me mad.” Narcissa cried only harder, wishing Bella would let go---- let her in ---- take her away. No----it wouldn’t happen today. Maybe never. ===============================================================================   The year of 1968-1969 was the calm before a storm as the wizarding world – was soon to be fraught with a war that would break apart families. One stormy day it lead to an accident that would forever change Bellatrix Black. An accident that lead to her becoming the instrument of Lord Voldemort. Bellatrix’s last year at Hogwarts was a painfully happy one – she’d achieved Quidditch captain, (after playing six years) she was now a leader. A leader at the threshold of greatness – everyone whispered she had the potential to play for the Holyhead Harpies. Her teammates cheered their captain was the best the Slytherin’s had ever had. Even so the woman starring back at her from the mirror was not the woman she’d become – it broke her heart. Her father had cursed her entire future and to disobey was to destroy Narcissa and Andromeda. So playing for the Harpies would be that just a dream. She never loved anyone as much as her sisters (especially little Cissy.) Little Cissy who’s marks were outstanding especially in potions. She and Snape had a healthy competition going – who would be the better potion master. Bellatrix prided herself in teaching Narcissa everything - as with her OWLS – her NEWTS were nothing less than perfection – outstanding in everything. Yet she’d never be able to use it? She wouldn’t have a career either - no she was to be sold to the Lestrange's as their son’s trophy wife. (A pure blood wife – a cow to slaughter – a baby machine. No she wouldn’t – she wouldn’t go down without a fight!) It was then that Bellatrix started doing a lot of research in the restricted section of the library. Anything to distract from the attention Malfoy gave Cissy. It made Bellatrix sick, she was absolutely hostel. Whenever she could she’d hex, jinx or curse Malfoy (once she’d found a spell to make his hair fall out. It worked --- oh it had worked too well.) Bellatrix was making sure her last year was legendary----her graduation loomed worse than death. Maybe Andromeda knew why---she’d once caught her making out with Emmaleen Greengrass. In shock and fear she had pushed Emmaleen away, giving her sister a dangerous look. As both girls watched tears cascading from the younger woman’s eyes. Bellatrix hadn’t felt any guilt then --- since her true feelings hadn’t been for her. Yet she was pure – so it seemed a certain waste to lose such a beauty ---Bellatrix thought. Emmaleen was just one of her scandalous conquests the eldest Black had won. Bellatrix had always fancied women – their curves – their lips – their scent- as she fucked them, their arousal honey on her tongue. They were beauty -- - that quickened her heart as her knickers felt a wetness trickling down her legs. It was pure lust. She’d had dozens (Emmaleen merely her longest.) As she walked down the corridors, the girls and boys (whispered) wishing she’d desire them. Slytherin's were her favorite-- though she’d tasted a Ravenclaw. So shameless, was Bella that she continued to fuck Emmaleen - it wasn’t love no – Bellatrix couldn’t love anyone but Narcissa. Why else would Andromeda – shun her? Look at her with such hatred? She must have known – Bellatrix reasoned that the woman she wanted in her bed – was her own sister --- Cissy. Bellatrix was lust and carnal need (sex a gift from madness). ----Andromeda was the perfect prefect—Narcissa the proactive innocence - All too soon, Bella began her long walks to Black Lake (named for her family.) Anything to keep the nightmares and her own pain away. A decision that would change her life ---two lives - one stormy day (the day before her wedding.) Slowly - Bellatrix realized her marriage couldn’t be helped, it was destiny – it seemed. She was almost thankful as it lead her to him. She’d returned from Hogwarts feeling almost lucid. Mostly in part thanks to her fiancé. He’d taken her to many late night meetings. (Rod knew Bellatrix couldn’t be a trophy wife and he respected her --- which surprised her. Respected her enough not to change her.) He’d admired her for years---he knew enough to (desired her.) She thought he’d helped her be free.---- Here among his friends she met a divinely handsome wizard, the one she’d once spoken to Cissy of. Never before had she been attracted to a man. No not his looks – the words he promised --- Bellatrix would allow a man in her bed. Not until she had too. He’d courted, her intellect and won her fragile trust. She felt in him, with him ---- she could protect Narcissa. He was be to be her dark horse. He looked into her mind and chosen her for greatness – Bellatrix thought. She wouldn’t be a wife or mother – she reasoned – she’d be his greatest fighter. What other witch could boast at eighteen that they’d garnered the affections of such a powerful man, Lord Voldemort. Rod had spoken to him of her dueling ability (that she could see the awesome power of at least one Unforgivable and could be taught to use them.) ===============================================================================   The day before her wedding, she carefully traced her finger along her portrait, the one that had caused such ire. Now it would go to the Lestrange mansion, like her life --- it too was to be packed up around her, a pang of pain stung her heart. Narcissa ----- Sixteen year old Bellatrix looked back at her – mischievously – she rarely spoke – if only to give a few torrid and lurid remarks.   “Well we’re getting married tomorrow?” young Bella said voice more rational and steady. “I am not you!” Bellatrix scowled – “I should just burn you.” “You wouldn’t dare, I am you and you’re me.” “You’re a shadow of the greatness of what I’ll become” Bellatrix laughed madly. “I’ll save myself through him –” she jumped up and down – her wand shooting off a spell that made the fireplace light with dancing flames. “I’ll save Narcissa the same fate we’ve been forced into. You wait and see?!” “If you say so Bella” her younger softer self said. “Only we know the real reasons you chose this life – to be his loyal door mat.” “SILENCE you fucking painting!” Bellatrix screamed insanely. “I’ll destroy you!” “Bellatrix careful – don’t let the madness out to play? What would Voldemort say if he knew his bitch wasn’t any good to him?” “FUCK YOU!” Bellatrix moaned, she took her dagger out of it’s sheath, she went to slash the painting who merely laughed. “Bellatrix!” a panicked Narcissa yelled “Oh my goddess you’ve slit your wrist!” Bellatrix looked down to see that she’d completely lost herself. Seeing her own crimson blood dripping languidly down her wrists she was filled with a lust as she rounded on Narcissa. She cast her eyes over her hungrily – those eyes – the way her hips swayed….. Snap she felt her mind ---break a little. “Bella?” Narcissa was panicked, the painting on the floor all but forgotten. As Bella’s blood cascaded onto it. “Oh …goddess…” she wept quickly healing Bellatrix and promptly slapping her. “WHAT the fuck is wrong with you?!” “Language Cissy” her voice escaping seductively. Narcissa found her hand held fast by her older sisters. Her eyes locked with hers and she tasted her own blood as she’d bit down hard. She’d never seen her eyes change color, her breath hitched. “Do you want to know a secret?” Bella purred pulling Naricssa against her, reveling in the moan that escaped her innocent sisters lips. “Mmmm?” “That I want to fuck you?” “What?” Narcissa, gasped feeling Bellatrix’s fingers squeeze her ass, she thought she should faint. “Well I do…..you’re mine ----- you belong to me ---- only.” “Bella….” Narcissa whimpered “ohhhh….” Bellatrix didn’t wait for an answer as she captured her sister’s lips in a searing kiss. As all her mad thoughts washed away – (the kiss broke the spell.) She pulled away angry – seeing what she’d done – knowing she couldn’t this ever take it back. Her scream was feral and deranged. She couldn’t believe she’d crossed the line… Narcissa stood her mouth slightly open….staring back at sister, a mask of fury, lust, passion and fear. “It’s okay Bella….” “Oh my god Cissy! The fuck it is…you’re my sister!” “But I want ----I am yours….” “Not Malfoy’s? Bellatrix asked cautiously. “Goddess no!” Bellatrix …. “I enjoy the attention ----but it’s you ----damn it! I’ve been trying to get you to notice me for years! Now you’re getting married….it’s practically too late.” “You’re fourteen Cissy! I can’t ….. I’d burn the world down for you…..in righteous anger ----I’d build a better world ----with him I will. We’ll make the world over. A world you can be safe in. I promised myself ---everything I do ---I do for you. But ----now I do it for him. You deserve happiness – I can’t have --- children – marriage ---not me! Not a broken excuse ----we’re blood you and I. We can’t…. I’ll go completely mad!” She begged for Narcissa to understand. Yet Narcissa, her fourteen year old self petulant and stubborn as she only cried harder. “You let me in then you reject me! You’re killing me Bella!” She was ---- she knew it. Bellatrix sighed and pulled her sister close kissing away the tears – she’d brought. “Okay ---- I’ll make you a promise, my beloved.” “What….what could you possibly do…to heal the hurt? You’ve broken my heart!” “If you still feel this way ---- at seventeen” “Yes?” “I’ll….” “You’ll?” Narcissa’s hopeful eyes did it…. “I’ll give you ---- what you want…” Bellatrix sighed her blush racing up her cheeks, like flames. Narcissa gasped – her eyes wide ---- “I…I…. oh?” “We won’t talk any more of it…hopefully you’ll give it up…” “I won’t ---- Bella…..I love you….” “God damn it Cissy…I love you too” Bellatrix laughed at the ridiculous situation…. “come we’ll get cleaned up….then do you know what? Lets --- go for a walk? I can apparate us to the Black Lake. I like to go up there to think sometimes----“ Naricssa nodded --- smiling weaving her fingers with Bellatrix. She wants to share something special with me--- She pulled Narcissa toward the door. Both sisters hurried from the drawing room - forgetting the painting as Bella’s blood soaked it and disappeared into the magic ink. ***** PART IV; Warrior ***** Chapter Summary "As a well aimed "Crucio" fell from her lips only fueling a manic delight that crossed her face with a well timed smirk. He was awestruck - her devotion was absolute -she was his most loyal. He'd made her."       "Teach me how to fight I'll show you how to win You're my mortal flaw And I'm your fatal sin" Beth Crowley ===================================================================== Andromeda would have to take the secret to her grave she thought – what she saw (what she realized.) She'd angrily seen Bellatrix touch Cissy kiss her – she was furious - and she'd followed them (hidden herself.) She'd watched as her sisters walked along the Black Lake, as storm clouds opened wide -torrential rain falling. She'd never realized how powerful she truly was until the moment. (The moment the dementors appeared.) Flying like fog in the wind. She'd felt as though all the happiness was sucked from her soul. She'd seen them then- making straight for Bellatrix. Who was already touched by darkness and couldn't produce the spell to save herself (or Narcissa.) Her screams – were cut short, but they seemed to echo forever- Andromeda saw her sisters attacked by the specters. Bellatrix had thrown herself between the largest one, holding Cissy to her (her face pressed into her breast.) Narcissa was crying and the dementors began to suck the life from her. Andromeda could only gasp – "Expecto patronum" the spell they'd learned repelled dementors. She'd never cast it - her own fear would, lick her like flames. Tears falling quickly – a smoke appeared and then disappeared - as the dementors noticed her she yelled the spell. It was her love that made it soo. As she fell to her knees, a unicorn burst forth from her wand. It ran at the dementors, they dispersed at its light. Standing she ran to Narcissa, who lay holding Bellatrix (her eye's vacant and cold.) Both sisters held each other -their cries drowning out the thunder. Dromeda would never forgive herself -but she saw Narcissa completely heartbroken. It was then she realized her baby sister was in love with Bella. She whimpered as she'd reached out and touched Bellatrix's (on the gruesome mark she knew belonged to him.) He'd already branded her like a prized animal. As Lord Voldemort stood before the girls – he looked at Bellatrix with not a shred of pity. She was useless now? But she was still alive (her magic had kept her safe– her madness -it had saved her). The dementors might have taken her soul-but they'd shied away from her broken mind. She could be made over -he could make her his instrument. He'd smiled at the sickly sight and the girls had shuttered to see it. He'd taken Bellatrix in his arms and turned to look at them. "It'll be alright" his words had sounded like death to their ears "I'll repair her -you don't need a soul to live. A soul is a fail safe and she'll be better without it anyway." Narcissa had looked then upon him with her own version of devotion – but Andromeda could only feel hatred. Lord Voldemort had laughed "I can't let you remember this -obviate" he'd directed the wand at Narcissa. Andromeda hadn't waited – she'd grabbed her sister and apparated (she'd heard his screams before she'd arrived in the entrance hall of Black Manor.) She'd known she wasn't to remember either.  That night fearing for Cissy's safety and what Lord Voldemort would do to and with Bellatrix (she ran away.) She never looked back. Bellatrix was married – but she came back different – wrong (the only ghost of her former self locked in her painting.) Andromeda was blasted off the family tree – Narcissa was forced to marry the man her sister had avoided by running away. The painting was forgotten for years – it remained in the Lestrange's' vault. Bellatrix's blood staining the magic ink with her essence. Blood is life – it always has to be blood you see. ===============================================================================  On Narcissa's seventeenth birthday – it snowed. She waited for Bellatrix to come – but her sister had forgotten her -she was deep in the war. Even as she sent a letter - a furious and heartbroken Narcissa let Lucius take her on a date. She never knew that Lucius had been intended for Dromeda. The war was a bloody one and Bellatrix was consumed by Lord Voldemort. The pure love she once had for her sister, gone with her soul, now replaced with a savage lust was left. Whatever dark spell he'd done on Bellatrix left her fully capable to murder without thought. She had a crazy madness that only Narcissa could reach through. Voldemort had been right -you could live without a soul and Bella's madness had been born of torture so it was torture she desired. She'd given everything to protect Narcissa. So Bellatrix lived in a nightmare she couldn't wake from (her sister's love - couldn't stop the screams. It was only in killing she felt she wasn't completely lost.) Hearing that Narcissa was to marry Lucius – she wasn't hurt. She had her Dark Lord now, and she threw- herself into the war with a blood lust (that lead Voldemort to know he'd made the right choice.) Never had he seen a woman with such a thrust – thought there had never been a wizard as powerful as he. A wizard that could reverse some of the effects of a dementors kiss. She hadn't ended up in St. Mungo's (he'd repaired enough to make her fully functional – a puppet -for him.) No one was the wiser - she was the only woman with half a soul. Oh Voldemort was clever – he'd lied. The dementors had taken only half of her soul - something that had never happened before. He didn't know how that was possible… But Narcissa and Andromeda would know it was from love -Narcissa protecting her (holding her safe in her arms) as the dementor tried to suck everything from the broken woman. Every hope -though Andromeda's patronus hadn't completely saved her (rather it was love - coupled with the abuse of her fractured mind—that saved her.) Bellatrix's soul was splintered. A little was left -just enough that love could still reside in her heart. As a well aimed "Crucio" fell from her lips only fueling a manic delight that crossed her face with a well timed smirk. He was awestruck - her devotion was absolute -she was his most loyal. He'd made her. To her he gave one of his most precious – things- a cup (more than what met the eye.) He treasured and used her whenever he desired, the once proud woman became nothing but a slave to his whim -his emotions. She was now completely his. She was content. She didn't – she couldn't remember – but he said he'd saved her. He'd told her there had been an accident that Andromeda had abandoned her to dementors. He'd said he alone saved her from complete madness. Bellatrix thus hated Dromeda with a passion and by an extension her daughter. As the years went by - the more destruction she left in her wake (the more lucid she seemed to become.) Killing filled her with her own sort of delight. As the love she had for sister struggled to break free of the bindings Voldemort had made. When Bellatrix – found out Narcissa was pregnant-something began to change. All who saw her fight –would be at awe- to her - fury – like a manic warrior she struck without thought – her only thought to concur – control – this was better than killing. She liked seeing their clarity dim for their eyes - madness she herself had. Then one night – she completely went too far-in her own blind pain (the night her Lord disappeared.) Please drop_by_the_archive_and_comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!