rise up, the darkness is calling

bellatrix ignatius lestrange; once a black always a black; the dark lord's lieutenant: 27

[theycall-me-crazy]

Running Wild || Alecto & Bellatrix

[theycall-me-crazy]

blackinthedark:

Bella wiggled her hips along with the movement of Alecto’s hands, aiding her in her quest to divest them both of their clothing without actually lifting a finger. She sighed quietly as the heavy fabric fell away from her body, pooled on the floor around her feet. She stepped out of it easily, hands skimming lazily along the expanse of skin between the other woman’s shoulder blades, down and across as far as her hands could reach without having to move them. 

When Alecto began going lower, lips trailing down her body like molten fire, Bella’s breath stuck in her throat and her hands curled into her hair, guiding her without truly needing to. Alecto still had clothes on, far too much clothing, and then she was stripping herself as easily as she had Bella. The darker haired witch was only given a moment to appreciate the goddess that was standing before her before he fingers were being threaded through the blonde’s and she was being dragged along behind her. 

The cool night air of the woods chilled her skin. Gooseflesh cropped up all along her arms and legs but it felt wonderful, so she said nothing. Her head still throbbed painfully but the coolness of the night was helping. The dappled sunlight that streaked through the trees turned Alecto’s hair into molten gold, so beautiful that Bellatrix couldn’t look away. When she began to step faster and faster, Bella tightened her hold and watched as her hair flew out behind her in a great golden arc. She didn’t need to watch where her feet touched. Alecto knew where she was going and Bella trusted her enough with this, trusted her enough to know she would never hurt her. Not here. 

It could’ve taken moments, hours, years as they ran through the forest. Alecto leading Bella on a path that countless Carrow women had swept through. This was a special place. A special place in the Carrow woods where only the women were allowed to go. For a while Alecto had been curious about the reasoning behind it, why couldn’t Amy go with her? She had asked. Mother had never explained, she simply showed Alecto and after that Alecto didn’t need an explanation anymore. She hardly even needed words for it. But Bella needed it and Bella was Alecto’s and Alecto figured that was close enough. 

Alecto ducked swiftly under a low hanging branch, and darted through a slim pathway in between some boulders and they were there. The moon light glistened on the water like liquid diamonds and Alecto knew from experience that the water never chilled here. No one ever knew why. But Alecto thought it was perfect. Turning back to Bella she tugged a bit on her hand as she backed ankle deep into the water. “You like?” she breathed out, barely audible even in the quiet night. 

[blackinthedark]

Bella didn't know where she was going, could barely see anything with the way the trees rushed past and Alecto's hair streamed in her face, mouth, eyes. Their hands were linked, so close that the body heat from the other woman was like a beacon in the dark. She let the wild woman guide her, seemingly entranced by the nimbleness that she navigated the almost pitch dark path. It was trust that led her, trust and something darker, deeper that swelled in her chest at the sight of Alecto illuminated in moonlight.

The dark haired witch barely missed the branch and her arm scrapped along some boulders when the two women darted between them, the pathway barely existing among the debris that covered it. Squeezing through the slim opening, Bella's breath caught in the back of her throat and her eyes widened at the beauty of the water, the way the moon blunted off its surface, cold and perfect like the steel of a knife. Bella's eyes cut over to the beautiful blonde tugging at her hand, water lapping around her ankles, and something tugged at her again. An aching. A pulling. And so Bella smiled and walked forward, sliding her hands, and one of Alecto's, up the blonde's sides before wrapping them around her neck. Her reply was the answer of their mingling breath and the way she leaned into her, hopefully enough to let this glorious creature know just how much she loved this.

[blackinthedark]

Late Night Snack: Bella & Vicky

[blackinthedark]

elementarymydearvictoria:

Victoria’s smile widened. ”Smile like what?” she asked, widening her baby blues innocently. “You smiled first. I was just…returning the favour.” Though her tone indicated that she was not as innocent as the look would suggest.  And she was interested to hear what sort of ideas the raven haired woman thought people would get. 

She allowed herself to laugh at the outright flattery, the sound tinkling as her fingers curled around the glass passed over to her. “Who said I was lonely?” she asked, head tilting a little in inquiry. “And if the only ones who come here are looking for something, what are you looking for?” Her own eyebrow raised in a return of the question as she brought the drink to her lips, taking a slow sip. Her gaze remained on the brunette hte whole time. 

Bellatrix raised a perfectly arched brow and gestured with the hand not holding her drink, “Like that. All innocent and coy. You don’t strike me as the type. Innocent, that is.” The dark-haired witch chuckled at the other’s words. Returning the favor indeed. “So I did. I really couldn’t help myself, though. You’re worth smiling at.” Bella took another sip of her drink and turned to look at the other woman more fully, head cocking to the side as she studied her with interest.

“Looking for something, then. As I am. As are we all. I came for a drink, personally, maybe some conversation. Some of us do not.” She watched as the woman took a sip of her drink and a smile curled around her mouth as she held her eyes. Oh, she liked this one.

[creepykinaesthetics]

Creepy Vulturekin aesthetic requested by anon.

[xprettywhenyoucryx]

[thexunchainedmaiden-blog]

@blackinthedark

Seeing any of the Black family was hard, in different ways for all of them, but seeing Bellatrix might be the most difficult. For years, Bella had truly been her closest friend - she didn’t know if that feeling was necessarily reciprocated, but it had been true on her end - and now … well, she didn’t advertise the fact, but most of her nightmares centered around Bellatrix Lestrange finding Andromeda’s family. She might have some faint hopes that perhaps other family members might still love her, or someday forgive her, but she had no such illusions when it came to Bella. The family pride had been given to Bella in a double dose, and she would never forgive or accept Andromeda’s choosing a man over her sisters.

It was why Andromeda hoped that she could just walk away - maybe she would evade Bella’s notice, maybe she could fade into the background and make her escape unscathed. If they actually spoke, Andromeda knew she would deal with the emotional fallout for weeks - there would be no way to avoid it. There was a narrow street off the one she was hurrying down, and if she ducked down it, she could go undetected - if she were lucky. She didn’t think she’d be so lucky, but she dropped her head, her attempt to elude Bella’s gaze, and slipped into the alley as she came to it. Her hands were trembling, and she hated that she was so weak - her former family members wouldn’t be this way. They prided themselves on their lack of emotion but here stood Andromeda Tonks with her hands shaking and her heart hammering and her breath coming in soft gasps all from a glimpse of her sister.

[blackinthedark]

Bellatrix scampered through the chaos and noise with a grin on her face and a skip to her step. Her wand was raised and she flung hexes in every direction, laughing maniacally as she pushed through flocks of witches and wizards fleeing from the darkness that followed, hot on their heels. The dark-haired witch was Eris incarnate, chaos in heels and a dark cloak, and she licked her lips and smiled so wide that her face split in two.

The devilish woman had no idea who she would run into, not who she would inflict pain upon,knowing only that she had been given the order to spread as much blood on the streets as possible. Those who were worth anything to the cause had been told to stay away or to play pretend, but their families had not been so lucky. As a cutting hex blasted from the tip if her wand, Bella idly wondered where her father was, her sister, Mother. This wondering took the lieutenant off track and so when she saw a familiar head of hair, recognizable covered even by a cloak and hurrying away from the scene if blood and gore, an animalistic cry of pain ripped out if her throat and she gave chase.

It had been so long and yet Andromeda still meant so much that it hurt. She had tried to push it away, swallow it down, but her sister’s betrayal had tasted like poison. The tears when she realized she had lost her best friend were one of the few times Bella had allowed herself the luxury of crying but it is lasted for days. Despite the love that still burrowed deep within her cold, black heart Bellatrix knew rage was far easier to manage. So that’s what she did.

“ANDY!” The name ripped out if her throat on the end of a shriek, wand raised. Her fingers tightened so they wouldn’t shake. She would not show such weakness. Not to her.

[daffodilmalfoy-blog]

Chaos in her Wake// Cissy&Bella

It was like that all-consuming, utterly-sinking feeling she used to get when she was little and strayed too far from her parents. To the point where a little Narcissa couldn’t see them through the towering hoards of Wizards and Witches that used to be in Diagon Alley. When she slipped her mother’s grip just for a moment only to not be able to find her again.

It was like that, only worse. The chaos was worse, the screaming and the smoke and the way it all happened so fast. So much for a nice distraction. Despair may as well be following Narcissa Malfoy these days. Yet she had no time for wallowing because just as she did on occassion when she was a child, she had lost her mother, and could no longer see her through the crowds and the catastrophe. 

Young ladies didn’t scream for their mothers, certainly not when they were 22, it was unbecoming. But Narcissa’s heart was in her throat as she turned about again. Frantically searching for the blonde head of the woman who’d raised her, calling out for her in as calm a voice as she could manage. What if she’s hurt. What if she’s dead. No she can’t even bare to think it. 

Narcissa was too distracted in her attempts to either search for her mother or calm down she didn’t even notice the familiar form of her eldest sister approach her.

@blackinthedark

[blackinthedark]

Bellatrix fell in love with chaos the way she had with many things: tasting it once and then falling headfirst and fast into its embrace. It flushed her system with adrenaline, spiked her heat rate bettwr than sex and booze and potions all rolled into one and she lived for the taste of it on her tongue. The attack on Diagon Alley did just this and she laughed and laughed and laughed as she flung taxes and curses and watched as all the sheep fled in ever direction they could, blood leaving trails for her to follow.

Their families hadn’t been warned at the Dark Lord’s order. They’d had no time, and the ones she truly cared for should have been far, far away. Her Cissa, her father, occasionally her mother. The traitor. Her mind could not comprehend that she needed to worry, that Narcissa was there and scared and as terrified as she had been when they were little girls and a night terror had left her screaming and crying in her bed. None of this dawned on the lieutenant until she saw her, frantic, stock still and face numb as she called their mother’s name.

Instinct kicked in, then, and Bella left the sheep for her dearest sister, a loyalty too deeply ingrained in her to ignore even the pull of the blood and screams and around her offered the dark witch. Wand still held loosely in hand, Bella approached as carefully as a creeping cat, unsure if her sister had seen her. “Cissy,” she called, just loud enough to be heard over the din of battle, “Cissy what are you doing here?!” Bella had come close enough now and she cast a shield around them, eyes searching the younger woman’s face, a concern there she only showed for her, this woman who held the entirety of her heart in her hands. It had always been like this, ever since she was born. Bella would die for her, kill for her, and she never really believed Narcissa had comprehended the gravity of that. Only a few people had that privilege and Cissa had the most of all.

[blackinthedark]

Rodolphus: [to Narcissa and Lucius] Mark my words, the first year of marriage is just a treat. [to Bellatrix] Sweetheart, do you remember ours?

Bellatrix: The silly fighting for control.

Rodolphus: You broke my jaw.

Bellatrix: [to Narcissa] You gotta stop that back talk early.

[blackinthedark]

Cygnus: and This... This young woman is my favorite. My joy of a daughter: Bellatrix.

Bellatrix: [bows before Voldemort]

Voldemort: Yes... I can see why she would be your favorite child...

Cygnus: [beams with pride]

Voldemort: I can sense her strength... her power... Such a big evil in such a young woman...

Bellatrix: Why Thank you My Lord. [winks]

[jilylicious]

black family

I have researched the names of the Black family to make sense of the story line and to see if their names fit their personalities, I hope it helps you, too. Since I love doing research I thought I would just have some fun with their names. I took the following information mainly from Wikipedia but I have used few other sources, too.

Cygnus

Cygnus is a constellation in the Milky Way, it derives from the Latinized Greek word for swan. Swans are known for being “mate for life” and being extremely protective of their nests. Also the males help with the construction of the nest unlike other species that are considered close to the swans.

Cygnus is a neighbour to the Draco constellation, who is his grandson.

In Greek mythology, swans are in many myths. Zeus had transformed into a swan to seduce Leda, who is the mother of Gemini, Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra. 

Druella

Druella doesn’t have a direct translation but I saw somewhere that it was probably German originated. So I did a few translations and a website suggested a word similar to Druella which was duell. As you may have guessed, It means duel in English so obviously I wasn’t satisfied with that.

So I separated the word to Dru and Ella. Dru is an old Greek, Welsh and French name and it means wise, warrior. Ella can be short for Eleanor meaning light or it can mean beautiful fairy woman so I chose the latter because I think beautiful fairy warrior suits Druella well.

Bellatrix

Bellatrix is the third brightest star in the Orion Constellation and it means the female warrior. 

There isn’t much about Bellatrix anywhere but the fact that her star is part of the Orion constellation is making me (and many others) think that maybe Bellatrix wasn’t from Cygnus and that maybe Druella and Orion may have had an affair. Black family is as messed up as Greek mythology so this is completely plausible. 

Andromeda

Andromeda is the closest galaxy to the Milky Way, the galaxy is named after the constellation Andromeda which contains Pisces and is representing goddess of fertility in modern culture.

Andromeda is known as the chained woman in English, the story comes from Greek Mythology. When Andromeda’s mother brags about how her daughter is more beautiful than Nereids (female spirits of se waters) Poseidon punishes them by sending a sea monster. Andromeda is stripped and chained to a rock awaiting her death but is saved by Perseus who is a demi-god (a mortal and Zeus). Perseus and Andromeda get married after this.

Some say that the constellation looks like a woman holding a sword instead of a chained girl which suits the Latinized Greek version of Andromeda which means ruler of men.

Narcissa

Narcissa is female version of Narcissus which is a flower, more specifically a daffodil. Narcissus is one of the most well known and depicted stories in the Greek mythology. 

Narcissus was a hunter who was known for being beautiful, he knew he was beautiful and he never though anybody who loved him was enough, he even despised them. One day Nemesis tricked Narcissus to come by a lake and when he looked at it he saw his own reflection and fell in love with an image. Unable to keep himself from looking at himself Narcissus died by the lake. This story is the root of the word narcissism. 

She is the only daughter of Cygnus and Druella who is not named after a star. Narcissa’s name reflects her personality but her narcissism isn’t just for her herself, it’s for her family. Yes she is narcissistic, yes she cares about herself but she is also a text-book Slytherin who is loyal to the ones she loves.

Orion

Orion is one of the most recognisable constellations in the sky, it is known as The Hunter. Orion is a very big constellation and it contains an asterism called The Belt of Orion which contains three stars who are known as either Three Kings or Three Sisters.

In Greek Mythology, Orion is a giant huntsman places among the stars by Zeus.  In Homer’s Iliad, Orion is described as a constellation and Sirius is his dog. (as if)

Walburga

Walburga also derives from German and means ruler of the fortress it also means strong protector probably for the blood lines rather than her family. I couldn’t find much on Walburga so I decided to search for Walburg and it means protector on the battlefield which is irrelevant to Walburga’s personality. 

Sirius

Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky. Sirius means glowing in Ancient Greek. The star system which Sirius is a part of is called Canis Major which literally translates to great/big dog and the star is also known as the Dog Star.

In mythology, Sirius was usually mentioned as Orion’s dog. The constellation Canis Major also follows constellation Orion with Canis Minor. Canis Major’s family is Orion, which is scary but true.

In Chinese astronomy, Sirius is known as the Celestial Wolf. (and some of y’all still don’t ship Wolfstar) 

Regulus

Regulus is also one of the brightest stars in the night sky, it is a part of the Leo constellation. Regulus is Latin for prince or little king. 

Leo is one of the Zodiac constellations and it means lion in English. 

In Greek mythology, Leo was the Nemean Lion killed by Heracles. The said lion was impervious to the warrior’s swords and weapons so the warrior had to kill the lion with his bare hands so Heracles went into the lion’s cave caught it from behind and broke it’s back. Regulus.. died.. in.. a.. cave.. too. 

I promised you “brain blowing” but I couldn’t because my brain refused to cooperate. If Orion was named Cygnus and Cygnus was named Orion, we could have had a marvellous story consistent with the characters in mythology and their constellations but welp. My excitement was because my brain confused Orion and Cygnus and I thought it was Cygnus who had an affair with someone and had Bellatrix, if that makes sense but still, I think the names explain a lot of things. 

Also it’s worth noting that Walburga, Cygnus and Alphard are siblings and Orion is their first cousin as disgusting as it may be. Druella is a Rosier and is married into the Black family. 

Also I will make additions if I find out anything else.

[melodyzucker]

House of Black | Astronomical Names  >> print available

[catastrophepins]

Hecate Aesthetic ; requested by @kakussy-licious

Hecate is a goddess in Ancient Greek religion and mythology, most often shown holding two torches or a key and in later periods depicted in triple form. She was variously associated with crossroads, entrance-ways, light, magic, witchcraft, knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants, ghosts, necromancy, and sorcery.

[benjythewise-blog]

Variables | Open

[blackinthedark]

benjythewise:

Benjy inclined his head, thinking that the woman he was with seemed incredibly polite. It was rare that he spent many times with purebloods from older families – the majority of them did not even realize he was a pureblood himself though he kept that secret close to his chest. “I appreciate that,” he said with a soft smile on his face, still unsure of what exactly Mrs. Lestrange wanted. He appreciated that she wanted to walk, for Benjy liked stretching his legs. He spent too much time behind a desk and after work he spent too much time helping others than taking the time to focus on what he needed.

“Thank you,” he said as they walked through the doors to the lobby, out into the rest of London. “I tend to eat at my desk most days,” he admitted, finding her question curious. “It’s more efficient and I try to get as many things done as I can.” He smiled in response. “The work won’t do itself, will it?” he asked, somewhat rhetorically. It seemed a nice day out and he appreciated the way the sun came down on his skin. “Do you get out for lunch often?” he asked, trying to make conversation.

She inclined her head in acknowledgment, a small smile on her lips. He was such a sweet thing, a true dear. It was a shame she had such nefarious ideas, though certainly not yet. For now, a lunch. Bella let the door close behind them and caught up with him easily, despite her heels. Bella laughed quietly at his honestly, finding it both curious and endearing. She knew what it was like to be so focused on her work that she wouldn’t eat, Cillian or someone else having to remind her from time to time. When she was working on a project she had a single goal in mind, and that would be to finish what she had started. She said as much as they walked, enjoying the ability to stretch her legs. It had been a long day, indeed.

“No, not much these days, and certainly not when Rodolphus is away. I tend to focus on keeping myself busy in times like this, especially with these most recent events.” She felt her brow draw into a look of concern, a pout on her lips. “It was horrible, truly. All the people...” 

She looked down, as though in emotion, before clearing her throat. “Well. We certainly don’t need to be talking about that, now, do we? Tell me something about yourself, Mr. Fenwick, whatever you’d like. It shall pass the time.”

[blackinthedark]

brain matter/open

[blackinthedark]

the-swan-star:

“Yes well we lost a time turner, I’m afraid it took longer than expected to track her down.” Cygnus replied to her observation, finally allowing his eyes to leave the ceiling and wander down to her face. “Indeed?” he continued, raising an eyebrow at the comment about lighting. “Did I never show you how to use your wand as a lamp Bella? I had thought, or perhaps I just thought I had. I’m sorry love, that probably would have helped your project greatly. Sorry about that love.” he smiled gently. She had been proud of her work, she was always proud of her work. Which was a good thing in his opinion. He shouldn’t have snapped. Nauseous or not. That wasn’t very nice of him. 

“Bella” he sighed at her apology. Taking her chin in his hand making her look at him. He smiled gently. “I’m not mad or disappointed Bella love, in fact I am very proud of how well you have come along as an Unspeakable. I’m just not too fond of brain matter, it makes me rather nauseous. So as long as you don’t put one on display in the manor, we’ll be just fine.”

Bella looked up at him again, eyes still unsure but a small smile on her face. “I’m surprised it took you so long. Normally you’re quite good at finding them.” Her father had always been plenty adept at his job, had always enjoyed it. The stories he used to tell her as a little girl, about how he’d had his eye set on Unspeakable for years ultimately drove her to become one as well. Well, that and her unfortunate ailment, curse, what have you. The Brain Chamber afforded her the chance to study her affliction at the root of his problem and, maybe, even find a counter curse for it. But that was only an idea she played with when she was hopeful. She had resigned herself to the fact, long ago, that it had chosen her. 

“You didn’t forget. You never forgot to teach me anything. I just don’t like it. The light isn’t always bright enough, and I need both my hands for the majority of my work. I am dissecting specimens, most days. That isn’t something that can be done singlehanded after all.” His smile made her feel a little bit better and the praise made her heart swell, as it ever did, but her fingers still fidgeted with her case, like a scolded child, and she felt like another reprimand would be just around the corner. She cocked her head at his explanation, brow furrowed in concentration as she listened. 

“Of course not, Daddy. If it upsets you that much I wouldn’t.” She smiled slightly, a mischievous twinkle in her eye, “Is that why Aunt Walburga always said you’d never play with her as a boy? Or was that more because of her, well, affliction?” Bella had often wondered how her father had survived having a sister whose madness had set in so early in her life. She often thought about what could have happened if that had been her, too. It wasn’t something she often enjoyed doing. Casting a quick cleaning charm to assure that she didn’t have anything on her skirts or hands, Bella quirked a brow at her father and smiled, offering him a hand: “Would you like some company? It has been a rather long while since I’ve seen your office.” 

[aestheticschaos]

Black Magic aesthetic

requested by @featheredkisses

[incorrectmarauderquotes]

Murder relaxes me. It’s like yoga, except I still get to kill something.

Bellatrix Lestrange (via incorrectmarauderquotes)

[the-bloodiestcarrow]

Cruel Intentions |{ Bellacus }|

[blackinthedark]

the-bloodiestcarrow: 

The pain inflicted upon his shoulder was nothing and he showed no reaction as she dug into him further. Bodily harm was so easily ignored. He had learned to become immune to it so long ago; back when his parents were alive and more likely to dole out beatings than anything else. No, what made him react, what made his snarl deepen as he glared at this belladonna in front of him were her words. 

They were untrue, used only to weaken him, and yet they stung much harsher than the first time he had ever been slapped across the face. He would not allow her to see the effect they had on him. She would not see the inadequacy floating in his eyes, torturing him day in and day out. Bellatrix was not so privileged as to see that. Instead he would show her the anger, the indignation. He not good enough for Alecto? It was laughable. in many ways he was the only person good enough for his dearest twin.

It was Bellatrix that was not good enough for her. It would be Bellatrix that would be forced out in the end. Amycus would be there at Alecto’s side until death separated them, if it separated them. Bellatrix was the one that was replaceable. Interchangeable. All it would take was Amycus’ word, his evidence of Bella’s wrongdoings towards him.

“I do not refuse a gesture from my sister. I refuse the gesture from you,” he spat, nails digging deeper into the flesh of her wrist. “I imagine it would be the same if she knew how horrid her Trixie was to her brother. Goading him on and being cruel. Filling our home with such f i l t h and l i e s.” He growled the words out dangerously low, sharp teeth barred at her as he readied himself for the inevitable fight.

“The only one not good enough for her is you. She is your second option, one you chose after you tied yourself to Rodolphus. A dirty little secret. You’re nothing more than a common whore. A plaything she will leave behind when she grows tired of you.”

Bella smiled, wide and with a touch of madness about it. She did so love playing with fire these days. It didn’t really hurt anymore to get burned. His snarling deepened and the hand at her wrist tightened, the bone creaking but not snapping. She could feel it, the pressure of it, and idly wondered if he would finally do it, hurt something of hers. She licked her bottom lip and smiled again, coy now, thoughts turning as she cocked her head and snickered at his words. 

“Refuse all you’d like. But we both know Alecto wouldn’t think I wasn’t doing anything wrong. I’m only playing, you see. Dearest Alec knows that. Filth and lies only live in your head, darling. They breed there like rabbits, so easy to kill and yet there are too many of them to ignore.” She threw her head back and laughed, the sound of it echoing throughout the empty manor. Oh, he didn’t know-

“Amycus.” the sound of his name came out almost pitying, the look on her face just driving it home. “Your sister is no dirty secret. Rodolphus knows. He just realizes I’ll always come home. At the end of the day, can you say the same? She loves you. You're her brother of course she does. But. Will she come home? Are you home anymore?” She knew his words were meant to hurt but Bella wouldn’t let them. Yes, she had most assuredly thought of these same things. But she had Rodolphus, Sully, if something unfortunate happened between her and Alecto, Merlin help anyone who got in their way. 

Amycus had no one but her. 

[blackinthedark]

work song / open

I didn't care much how long I lived But I swear I thought I dreamed her She never asked me once about the wrong I did

Bellatrix stared out the window of her office, for once not enjoy the way the rain sounded on the glass of the window. Instead of joyous laughter, it sounded like the tears she had tried to drown out, earlier that day. One of the few times she could cry, and it was alone, where no one could see or hear. She ran a hand through her hair and tried to breathe but there was nothing there to suck into her lungs. She didn’t want to try her cigarettes. That had only gotten her yelled at the time she’d done it. And she didn’t need that, not right now. 

The dark haired witch felt empty, though she couldn’t tell you why. She was tired, emotionally compromised, and probably shouldn’t be in the office. But she couldn’t listen to the rain on her roof without thinking of Rodolphus and him being out in it, off on another mission and partnered with her. The acid that bubbled up in her chest at the thought of Dorcas Meadowes never startled her, but always surprised her in its intensity. There had been so much that had happened, so much that weighed on her, and she was just tired. 

My baby never fret none About what my hands and my body done If the lord don't forgive me I'd still have my baby and my babe would have me

There was so much responsibility weighing on her now, crushing her chest, suffocating her. Bellatrix Lestrange did not often need things but she needed something to help her forget, human contact that was warm hands and a body to envelop her and swallow her in her entirety, let her forget that she was a lieutenant and a dark witch and a formidable opponent for a moment. Just a moment...to make her remember that she was also a woman and that she needed, no matter how much she tried to lose that part of herself in the blood and chaos of war and the cause she felt obliged to and the one she loved because her husband loved, too. 

A soft knock at her door had the Pureblood closing her eyes shut tight before sighing and muttering a quiet acknowledgment to the person behind the door. She spun her chair so her face was shrouded in half shadows and watched the tracks of rainwater as they slipped down the glass.