RP archived

Bellatrix Lestrange for Rising Phoenix RP

[malfoy-luciusabraxas]

Watch The Throne | Year 6-1969

“Empty your pockets”

Lucius crosses his arms and watches two second year boys remove the contents of their robes onto a table. He yawns as he sorts through the Droobles and Wizard cards, picking out a few sickles and a gold ring that looked like it might be worth something. 

“Leave”

One of the boys, who is rather teary eyed, begins to make a fuss about the ring, but the other quickly ushers him away before Lucius can shut him up. Today’s Prefect rounds were a bit dry, but he had time to spare before supper. He struts through the hall; smirking at younger students who were doing their very best to avoid eye contact, and winking at a group of attractive fifth year Ravenclaw girls. 

He’s about to harass a boy whose shoes were untied when he feels a tug on his shoulder.

“And how can I help you this evening?”

[bella-le-strange-phoenix]

Bellatrix crosses her arms. “Well, you could start by walking like you need a normal amount of space instead of three people’s worth,” she says. She links an arm through his, steering him towards an empty classroom. “I need a favour,” she says. 

She closes the door once they’ve entered. “I’m vexed, and I’d handle the situation myself, but I’ve been assured that another transgression this year-” after the confrigno incident “-would be my last at Hogwarts and I’d like to take my N.E.W.T.s.”

She cocks her head at him, “You understand, however, that when a buch of mudblood Gryffindors think they can get away with ruining my potions project and stealing my grandmother’s priceless haircomb, I can’t very well let that slide.”

[bella-le-strange-phoenix]

snapesniped‌:

“Hmmm” He bites back the scathing retort on his tongue in response to her listing the variants of the potion, as if he were a bloody fifth year. “I am familiar with it, however–” He checks his stock a final time, though he knows the contents as he knows his own hands. “I don’t currently possess one on me at the moment.” He doesn’t comment that the last one he had was actually given to her very sister– Severus makes a mental note to consider the sleeplessness of the Black sisters at a later time. 

“Don’t ever count that out, Bellatrix.” He gives her a halfhearted sneer and turns to take stock in his ingredients. “I have what I need to make it, though it would take the better part of the afternoon and it would need to sit until tomorrow.” Turning back to her he lounges slightly against his counter. “Though I might be able to sort that out a bit quicker with more information as to why you need it.” 

“Money is no issue, of course,” Bellatrix says, relieved he can provide the potion, but disappointed she can’t just take one and leave, “But then you’re not motivated by that sort of thing.” She cocks her head at him. “And don’t think I won’t have one of our house elves try the potion before using it, but I don’t believe my death is in your interest at this time. Since I don’t believe my continued existence is a particular bother, I figured I’d give it a try.” She gives him a smug smile. “One would hope it isn’t, at least.”

She crosses her arms at his question. There was the dreaded question, of course. She didn’t expect any different from him. The truth was, of course, that her dreams were filled with tiny, crying, bleeding faces, just out of her reach, but she’d never give him that ammunition. 

“I perform certain unsavory tasks for our master, Severus, I’m sure you understand that can have some unconscious consequences,” she replies, with some impatience to her voice. “Is that enough reason for you, or should I go into the stressful intricacies of running a household?” 

[narcissa-bm]

Bonding Time | Bellatrix & Narcissa

[bella-le-strange-phoenix]

narcissa-bm‌:

“Bella!” Narcissa finds herself smiling, real and genuine as she lands eyes on the only real sister she has left. Narcissa steps inside and sheds her jacket and gloves before tucking them into the pocket and hanging her jacket on the hall tree. “Thank you, you look well. How’ve you been?” She wants to hug Bella, especially after the whole debacle with Ted and Andromeda. She refrains for now – maybe before she’ll goes she’ll allow herself the weakness. 

She follows her sister to the room, taking in the estate as she does. It’s so different from Malfoy Manor but in all good ways. There are small touches of Bellatrix here too, which make her smile. “How are you? It’s been ages since we’ve had a proper chat.” She takes a seat at the small table, noting how all her favorites seem to be here. 

“This spread looks lovely. You’ve outdone yourself, Bella.” She knows a house elf prepared it all, but she doesn’t so much care about that. Bella put the thought behind it, and that’s what counts. 

“Well I like to make an effort for family,” Bellatrix says, pleased the set-up is well received. Narcissa has the real talent for hosting, but she isn’t necessarily bad at it. It simply satisfies her less. “I’ve been as well as can be, given the circumstances,” she answers, joining Narcissa on the couch. In a more formal setting, she would’ve sat opposite, but she finds herself craving some closeness, more than before it happened. “Had to get rid of some excotic ingredients when the news about Ibis hit. Surely enough we had an auror at the store not long after, but I’m confident nothing will come of it.”

“And you? Tell me what’s been going on in your life. I’ve been quite bored here by myself.” She pours the tea herself instead of waiting for the house-elf. She knows better how Narcissa likes it anyway. 

[narcissa-bm]

Efforts Rewarded | Malfoy Party Open

[bella-le-strange-phoenix]

narcissa-bm‌:

  Narcissa has never much cared for dedicating her life to the Dark Lord, nor does she plan to anytime soon. However, she’s happy that Bellatrix has found a path in life that makes her happy. Truly, that’s all she wants for her sister. She doesn’t stop her laugh as Bella mentions shopping. “You know I love a good shopping trip.” Narcissa is a fan of the finer things in life, in all forms those things take. 

Bella looks fantastic, as she always does. She knows how to dress herself well and sticks to a dress code that’s always flattered her. Narcissa’s smile softens at Bella’s encouragement. “Thank you. I suppose I should.” She glances around at all her happy guests and sighs softly. “I should probably go find Lucius. We ought to at least share once dance tonight.” 

Bellatrix looks at her little sister for a moment and finds a sense of peace in Narcissa’s face. They might be vastly different people now, with other interests and different lives, but she knows that they’ve both found paths that work for them. Paths that give them purpose and their own kind of happiness. This rich, lavish, soiree-throwing life is perfect for her beautiful social-butterfly of a sister. “Go, swirl around and show off how much better and more beautiful you are then all the other people here,” she says, only half-sarcastically. 

She watches Narcissa walk away and then turns towards a corner where she’d spotted Crabbe a few minutes ago. He hadn’t been present at the last meeting and the Dark Lord had asked her to ensure he never skipped class again. She grabs another drink and strides off.

[bartemiuscrouchii]

Wales || Barty & Bella

[bella-le-strange-phoenix]

bartemiuscrouchii‌:

Goosebumps formed on the back of his neck as Bella breathed down his neck. Something about her always made him feel frustrated and tense, she was able to seductively scare the shit out of him. “Still drinking,” he reamrked with a smirk. “You seem rather chipper for someone that has traveled a long distance in the most unpleasant way possible.” He gestured to the girl who was busily making a cup of tea for a refill of his glass at the same time, if he was going to survive being surrounded by Muggles he needed to be slightly more intoxicated.

“Certainly will,” he mused, watching the muggle bar maid prepare the coffee for Bella. The tone of the bar had changed ever so slightly with Bella’s arrival. People were twitching and taking glances at her, it was like they had never seen a sophisticated, witch in their lives and her mere presence was causing fascination and jealously  “I take it you have a detailed plan and that will ensure success.”

“Well, muggles have to make themselves comfortable without magic in some ways I suppose, so it wasn’t the end of the world. The Welsh countryside isn’t the worst sight either,” Bellatrix remarked, uncharacteristically positive, “But yes it was dreadful being among their bustling masses, though I’m afraid more of that is in store for us.” 

She accepted her coffee from the bartender and shot the timid girl a look that made her turn away immediately. “It did give me the opportunity to acquire the last ingredients for my rather well thought-out plan, yes.” She eyed him up and down for a second and concluded that yes, she had picked a quite similar looking boy to steal some hair from for the potions. Similar slender build, but blonde and- well, more Welsh looking. 

“When you’ve finished your drink please take one of the dark green potions and make use of the facilities. Then, we’ll head for a more familiar district and start looking.” 

[bella-le-strange-phoenix]

snapesniped‌:

“Somehow, it’s easy for me to belive.” His eyesbrows raise at her request though, and he walks to his cabinet, rummaging for a spare sleeping potion. “Traditional or was there anything specific about it?” he asks, before giving her something that might be incorrect. 

“I know I’m supposed to feel flattered by the comment but your husband doesn’t impress me that much.” 

“Ah yes, ever so perceptive,” Bellatrix snaps. She can’t be bothered to come up with something clever to say at his vague insults. She’s tired and quite sure that, upon closer inspection, it shows. “Please, don’t bore me with your opinions today, Severus.” His dry frankness was usually amusing, like a challenging spar or duel, but right now she just wanted the sweet nothingness of the potion. 

“It’s the Alabaster variant,” she answers, describing the slightly more delicately brewed potion, “A drop under the tongue gives a calming effect and it’s easier to rouse from.” She knows he knows this, but she needs to be sure.

“I didn’t mean the potion itself,” she retorts, arms crossed, “I meant that you’re the least likely to feed me a draught of the living dead.” Severus, at least, possessed a healthy dose of self-preservation. 

[bella-le-strange-phoenix]

snapesniped‌:

“What did you just say???”

“A sleeping potion,” Bellatrix repeated tightly, “Turns out I’m not so picture perfect after all. I know, shocking.”

“I forgot to check my supply before Rodolphus left and I’ve run out. Believe it or not, you’re the only other potioneer I trust not muck it up.” 

[finestfenwick]

Tip Off || Bellatrix and Benjy

[bella-le-strange-phoenix]

finestfenwick‌:

“Hmm I’m sure they are, nothing says Pepper Up quite like Knockturn, does it?” He takes notes for real now, scribbling down the size and color of the potions on display to run by someone else later. Moody’ll probably make him take a refresher now-and honestly he should, it was stupid to come here without knowing what he should.

Well, stupid maybe, but not a complete waste of time. She’s hiding something-Benjy knew that for sure now, he just didn’t know what exactly “it” was.

“Thank you for the tip, Madam, truly. Perhaps I’ll see you at trainee sign-ups this year.” He tries to keep the sarcasm out of his voice but he knows he’s not entirely successful. Benjy clears his throat, finishing up his notes and circling “New York City” Three times with his quill.

“Well, thank you, Mrs. LeStrange. If we need to, I’ll have my colleagues over in America follow up with your husband. I appreciate you taking the time to be inconvenienced. My superiors will be in touch if we need anything else.”

Benjy extends his hand for her to shake, wondering if she’ll take it at all.

“And, of course, if your husband happens to be in the area again…we’d appreciate an owl.”

  “You’d be surprised,” Bellatrix responds, amused, “it’s always quite a bit colder here than it is on the main street. It adds to the aesthetic- and the number of colds.” She’s toying with him now and she’s sure he can tell, but a bit of harmless teasing never incriminated anyone. 

She must remain careful, though, she reminds herself. Amusing as he is, he’s still an auror. Still the enemy. Perhaps she’ll see if his wand is as fast as his talk, one day. Wouldn’t that be fun? 

“And leave my comfortable existence as a trophy housewife?” she responds, pleasantly sarcastic, glancing at the shop, “Perhaps I’ll consider it.” 

She makes a mental note to contact Rodolphus as soon as possible to let him know about the possible inquiries. He had better be careful, regardless, but it wouldn’t hurt. 

“Happy to help, of course, Auror Fenwick,” she says, stepping away from the register, “I’ll convey that request to my husband.” She takes his hand, shaking it firmly, as her father always did. She stands quite close in the process and notes absently that they’re just about the same height. “It’s been a pleasure.” 

[bartemiuscrouchii]

Wales || Barty & Bella

[bella-le-strange-phoenix]

bartemiuscrouchii‌:

Barty had arrived at the Inn early wanting to get an idea on what the place was like and whether it contained any eavesdroppers. He had settled down at the bar with a glass of whiskey and a book, listening to the conversations of the witches and wizards around him. Most of it was idle chit chat but some conversations were interesting. He looked at his watch and knew it wouldn’t be long til Bella arrived and they could start making their plan. 

@bella-le-strange​

Bellatrix, in order to hide her destination from anyone sticking their nose where it didn’t belong, had apparated to a town near the sea she’d visited before. Once there she’d taken an early train towards Cardiff. It was annoying to travel with muggle vehicles, but as far as they went, trains weren’t bad. She entered the Muggle inn they’d agreed to meet in a little after ten and she looked around for Barty, as she took off her traveling gloves. She spotted him quickly, seated at the bar, and headed over. “Good morning, drinking already? Or drinking still?” she asked, a little too close to his ear.

She sat down on the stool next to Barty and raised her hand to the young woman polishing glasses behind it. “I’ll have the strongest cup of coffee you can make, there’s a dear.” She smiled unpleasantly at the girl, who quickly busied herself with her request. Bella then placed her rather large purse on her lap and opened it slightly, enough to give Barty a glimpse of the several vials of polyjuice potions. “I’ll need some strong coffee to wash this down,” she commented under her breath. 

[narcissa-bm]

Efforts Rewarded | Malfoy Party Open

[bella-le-strange-phoenix]

narcissa-bm‌:

Narcissa listens to her sister and watches her, looking for queues in her body language that would convey the truth of what’s been going on at the Lestrange household. She frowns for a moment and nods, taking a contemplative sip of champagne while she considers her sister’s words. “Well, there is something to be said about the merits of a quiet household.” That’s not a fantastic reassurance, but Narcissa can’t be detailed in her words given how public the setting is. They really ought to have a conversation just the two of them at some point in the near future. 

“When will he be coming back? Perhaps we can do tea before he does. Fill the empty house with a bit of noise for awhile.” Narcissa offers a kind smile. “It’s been awhile since we’ve had a proper catch up. I miss you, dearest sister.” She has missed Bellatrix, and the appearance of Andromeda in her life has only encouraged the desire to strengthen her bond with her remaining sister. 

“That there is, it gives me plenty of time to attend to my- hobbies.” Hobbies, of course, meaning missions and work for the Dark Lord. Briefly, she imagines a world where her and Rodolphus’ son had been born, where he would have livened up the place with small pattering feet and sticky hands, but she quickly brushes it to the back of her mind. “He’s is to return late next week and will return with a sizable reward for his troubles. After we catch up, perhaps some shopping is in order for us.” 

Bella might not enjoy parties, but she enjoyed her aesthetics, as evidenced by the very well-tailored black and red dress she was wearing to the soiree. “I miss you, too, of course. You’ll come to tea soon and we’ll share all, but you mustn’t worry about me, little sister, especially not now.” She smiled at Narcissa fondly. “It’s your party, you should enjoy yourself.” 

[finestfenwick]

Tip Off || Bellatrix and Benjy

[bella-le-strange-phoenix]

finestfenwick‌:

“I know what I need to.” Benjy replies smoothly, lying through his teeth. “I’m not in the habit of letting people know everything I know, I think that’d make me a rather shit auror, don’t you?”

Without waiting for a response he continues, scribbling down a few notes as he looks around the shop. A brief flash back to his Dreadful in Potions reminds him that even if there were illegalities in the store, he wouldn’t have the faintest idea.

“A search won’t be necessary at this time, but I’ll make a note here that you were receptive to it in case my bosses decide they need to carry one out, with the proper paperwork in place, of course.” 

He feels Bellatrix’s eyes on him as he writes a few more notes-nothing pertaining to this investigation, just his grocery list for the following week, but he wants to see if she’ll give anything else away under pressure. 

“Where did you say your husband was, Madam LeStrange?”

Bellatrix’s movements pause for a brief moment as she puts the bottles back. “I’m sure you do, Auror Fenwick. I’m sure you do.” She turns around to look at him. “I think telling the truth shows confidence, and knowledge can put pressure in the right places if applied correctly.” She cocks her head, letting her hair fall to the side. “For example; Mrs. Lestrange, the ministry has been made aware of a relationship between your husband and the Deputy Minister and have concluded, given the monetary exchange documented, that Deputy Ibis has an interest in either your husband’s expertise, his enterprise, his connections or all of the above. Could you tell me the nature of the exchanges between them?”

Bellatrix leans across the counter slightly and whispers, almost conspiratorially, “Directness can be very effective, Auror Fenwick.” She swishes back around and opens the till, beginning to count its contents as she continues. “I, of course, would have responded by saying that my husband was paid to inform Deputy Ibis when certain magical ingredients that were of interest to him became available on the market.” 

Given the information she’s just given him, she feels safe enough to polish the following words more in their favour. “A search would be a waste of everyone’s time. My husband doesn’t buy such ingredients - we have no use for them. Our best-selling vials are pepper-up potions.” She gestures at the shelves around her, guessing that the auror doesn’t know enough to correct her. 

“Most of the time Rodolphus doesn’t even see the items, he just knows of them. He points the Deputy Minister in the right direction, often beyond our borders, and receives payment for the information. I believe the Aurory works with informants in a similar manner?”

Her eyes narrow at his question. “Last I heard he was in New York.”

[bella-le-strange-phoenix]

bartemiuscrouchii‌:

Barty signaled her to move away from some gossiping witches that had tried to eavesdrop on their conversation. “I’m telling father that I’m going to inquire about job prospects in the docks as they are advertising positions and he keeps pestering me to get a job.” 

“I’m sure whatever arrangement you find will be agreeable,” he spoke with  a hush tone. “Can’t imagine a lot is happening in Cardiff at the moment, seems like an dismally boring place.” The idea of the mission excited Barty as finally he had a chance to prove himself the most loyal follower.

“That should suffice,” said Bellatrix, nodding, “I’m sure he’ll convince himself its true. Denial is such a fun little emotion.” As if on cue, Crouch Sr. looked in their direction and Bellatrix sent him a sharp, beguiling smile. As expected, he looked away quickly. 

“Not all missions involve fighting and excitement- unfortunately,” she replied, “I”m not looking forward to the local Welsh cuisine either, but needs must.” She grabbed a napkin from one of the buffet tables, and her lipstick from her purse. “This is the address of the inn. I’m expecting we’ll be there at least a few days so I’ve arranged for two rooms. I’m sure you can arrange your own transport, as we obviously cannot be seen traveling together.” She deposited the napkin neatly in the front-pocket of Barty’s jacket. “If anyone asks, I just gave you our private floo-password, as I’m a very nice businessman’s wife who’s kind enough to ask her well-regarded husband to write you a letter of recommendation.” 

She gave him a quick wink. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I believe I’m expected to dance with old farts.”

[narcissa-bm]

Efforts Rewarded | Malfoy Party Open

[bella-le-strange-phoenix]

narcissa-bm‌:

Narcissa glanced at their entwined pinkies, her smile softening into something soft and genuine. “Thank you, Bellatrix.” She looks back out at the crowd, letting her hand linger for a moment before delicately pulling it away, not because she wanted to, but because it was a crack in the infamous Black family facade. They couldn’t appear to be weak, not even to each other. “I’ve gotten more than a few jealous stares tonight. I’ll have to be careful not to let it all go to my head.” Narcissa’s teasing and they both know it. She gives Bella a small smirk. 

“I’m glad that someone other than myself appreciates the food.” She’d put a great deal of thought into this party. She laughs, lightly nudging her sister with her elbow. “Me? Wrinkles? Never.” 

“How are things in your household?” It’s a roundabout way of asking how Bellatrix is really doing. There don’t seem to be any prying ears, so Narcissa risks the ask. 

Bellatrix straightens after their brief moment of affection. They’ve done this enough that she’s quite certain nobody should have observed it. “If this is the thing that goes to your head, I really must have a talk with Lucius,” she replies, frankly. She expects nothing less than her sister being worshipped, of course, despite her teasing tone.

Bellatrix grabs a glass of champagne from a passing-by house-elf. “Well, he’s off on one of his trips, so it’s quiet,” she responds. He was away more often than not, ever since the- incident. “His absence doesn’t cause much of a difference in our lives,” she admits. She sounds confident, but she shoots Narcissa a look that conveys ‘I worry about how that doesn’t bother me’.  

[finestfenwick]

Tip Off || Bellatrix and Benjy

[bella-le-strange-phoenix]

finestfenwick‌:

finestfenwick‌:

Shit, Andy was right. The level of sharpness of the woman in front of him would’ve thrown him off his game had her former sister not prepared him. He’d done his research at Andy’s urging and discovered the connection between Rodolphus and Ibis-the need for a personal brewer was definitely something to dig into, combined of course, with his and Andy’s initial motivation thoughts.

“Well if you’re closing up, we can do this here.” He says easily, his mouth upturning slightly to ease any severity that might leak through.

“We’re checking up on all of Deputy Ibis’s personal contacts.”

It wasn’t entirely true, but she didn’t need to know that. “All discrete of course, if anyone asks you why I was here and standing on your stoop…I’m sure you’ll think of something to tell them.”

It might be a risk to challenge her, but her unease about allowing him inside the shop really makes him curious to know what’s in there. For a wild minute, he pictures finding the Deputy help captive in the basement of the Lestrange’s potion shop, but he pushes it out of his head.

“Are you privy at all, Madam, to why Deputy Minister Ibis needed the personal attention of your husband? Perhaps whatever ailed him enough to require that level of attention from a poitioneer might also be the cause behind his disappearance.”

Bellatrix smiles slyly, almost appreciative of the auror’s sass. It's always refreshing when people aren’t either scared or sucking up to her. “I’m sure I’ll think of something,” she replies, as though anyone would dare ask. She leads him further into the shop, where she casually resumes bottling the ingredients she’d laid out. The thought of staying in the shop any longer than necessary was more tedious than talking to the auror. Plus, it might throw him off. 

“It’s interesting to me that the nature of my husband’s relationship with the Deputy Minister is of such interest to you, yet you don’t know what it entails,” Bellatrix answers him, leveling him with an unimpressed gaze. 

“While my husband is a talented potioneer, his strongest suit is the acquisition and identification of hard to come by ingredients.” Bella knows that staying as close to the truth as possible is her best play here. She doesn’t know what this auror knows or what the ministry knows and what they might put together. 

She gestures to the rest of the shop. “Nothing illegal, I assure you, and you’re free to check should you desire. My husband simply specializes in knowing which specific flowers bloom only once a year on a mountain on, say, Madagascar and is quite good at getting them for our clients.” There is a hint of pride in her voice, as she, more gently than she otherwise would have done, puts the bottles where they’re supposed to be. 

[narcissa-bm]

Efforts Rewarded | Malfoy Party Open

[bella-le-strange-phoenix]

narcissa-bm‌:

Narcissa smiles at her sister’s compliment, feeling a swell of pride. She’s always sought her approval, even before Andromeda went and betrayed their whole family. She laughs a bit and rolls her eyes before taking a sip from her flute. “Hardly. Just a bit of good party planning is all. I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself though.” She looks out at the crowd. It makes her happy, seeing everyone all dressed up. She’d received plenty of compliments tonight as well, which was an overall plus to the evening. Narcissa enjoyed all the people attempting to suck up to her and her husband; she liked knowing they were revered, that they held power in these circles. 

“How’s the food? I hired the same company that did the catering for the wedding.” 

Bellatrix’ face mellowed ever so slightly at the pleased look on her little sisters’ face. She covertly reached out to link her pinky finger with Narcissa’s. “You know I’m not one for parties, Cissa,” she said quietly, but more genuinely, “But I do so enjoy yours. If only to see everyone turn green at the sight of it all.” 

“Given that you re-hired them, I’m going to say that the food is great,” she replied, as she reached behind them for another one of the shrimp. Just as with parties, her taste in food was- well... she was easy to please. ‘Edible’ being her usual bottom line. “The party’s doing great, stop worrying, it’ll give you wrinkles.”

[bella-le-strange-phoenix]

bartemiuscrouchii‌:

“He needs support and more backing, as he fears being ousted due to how vocal he has been,” he wasn’t normally very interested in his fathers politically life as it didn’t entertain him.

“He’s also causing controversy with trying to allow Auror’s to use dark practices,” he scoffs as he watches his Dad trying to talk to another elite witch. “He needs all the support he can for his drastic actions and not to be branded a lunatic.”

“Good,” Bellatrix replied, pleased, “He should be afraid.” She smiles sweetly at the thought of bringing the elder Crouch to his knees. Too risky, now, but they would. One day. “Fear is a weakness - one we can use.”

“Speaking of politics - what did you tell him regarding our assignment?” she asked quietly. “I should get my story straight, should I be asked.” They were due to leave early the next day. Bella could feel it buzzing under her skin - a new chance to prove to the Dark Lord she was his best and fiercest follower. 

[bella-le-strange-phoenix]

oh hello | Open

[bella-le-strange-phoenix]

mayazabini‌:

“Ah yes, murdering an auror, a surefire way to look innocent.”

Maya’s eyebrows raise despite herself, too curious to pretend otherwise.

“He ever order anything…interesting?”

Maya nods, almost absentmindedly.

“Yes, that should be fine. What were you thinking in terms of payment? Surely something sufficient to cover up the massive inconvenience? I’ll have to give up my wine cellar.”

Maya checks her nails and smiles softly at Bellatrix.

“What type of creatures? Magical, or the type you used to sleep with?”

Bella contains the urge to roll her eyes. “You do always jump to murder,” she observes, “There are other ways to make problems go away, especially with the resources my family has at its disposal.” She narrows her eyes. “Should we make this go away and you make the items go away for a while, I’d say that’s a win-win scenario, wouldn’t you agree?” 

It wouldn’t be too hard to sink a bit of money into a pay-off here, a favour given or taken. It would be annoying, but it could be done. “If that should not suffice,” she continues, “I’m sure we can provide you with something you need. That includes gold, of course.”

At Maya’s question, Bella remails quiet for a few seconds, thinking. “Not to my knowledge,” she replies eventually, “But then, I don’t keep my husband’s books.” She smiles the sugary-sweet smile she so often gives Rodolphus when she wants to get something done, almost reflexively. She won’t have to this time - he’s away on his trip and she can look into whatever books she wants. And she definitely will. “He doesn’t order, exactly, either,” she adds absently. 

“Hmm, funny,” she says. Maya really has no right to insult her. Especially given her own apparent taste in partners- either ancient or psychopathic. “Just a few small ones. Bowtruckles, Mokes, things like that. You’ll be fine, darling.”