Revenge.

That is what she believed.

Young Bellatrix Black was taught early on the ways of revenge. She still remembered the time when she was just six years old and Narcissa had broken her favorite toy.

“Cissy ruined my dolly, dad,� she had whined.

Ever busy as he was, he responded with a nod of the head saying, “Oh that’s nice, Bella, now go. Go. Shoo! Away with you.�

“Dad!� she screamed. The tears began to fall (a trick she had learned from her mother.) “It was my absolute favorite doll and she broke it!�

“Well, break something of hers then,� he said while waving her out of the room. And that was just what she did.

Bella never was a bad child, not in her parent’s eyes anyway. She, however, got a thrill from terrorizing her sisters and the local neighborhood children. This always made her parents proud; their little girl, asserting herself in the world. Proving she was far better than those nasty muggles.

That was the Black family’s sole goal in life, to have purebloods rule the world. You wouldn’t find a purer family than the Black’s anywhere you looked.

Bella never really had a problem with the muggles, she merely sought to entertain herself. Being brought up in such a pureblood family changes a person, though. It’s in their nature. There was one person who Bella always knew was different. It was her cousin, Sirius. He was always Bellatrix’s favorite family member, next to her mother. Looking back, she was first drawn to him because he always called her “Trixie.� They were best friends growing up. She always admired him and his contempt for his parents. In the life Bella was used to living, this was truly a breath of fresh air.

“Hey, Trixie, you’ll never guess what my mother did now?� seemed to almost be his catchphrase. He was always getting into trouble, and was the complete opposite of his younger brother, Regulus. One Christmas family gathering, Sirius and Bellatrix were sitting in their hiding spot, the magically enlarged cupboard under the sink. He was eleven and had gotten home for the holidays in his first year at Hogwarts.

“…and then Professor McGonagall just turned into a cat, just like that!� he was telling her. “It really was a sight to behold. I don’t think she meant for anyone to see, I guess I was just in the right place at the right time.�

“Wow! That sounds amazing,� Bella responded with stars in her eyes. “I can’t wait till I am old enough to go to school.�

“One more year, Trixie! It will be here before you know it. But, I haven’t told you the best part yet! Trixie, can you keep a secret?� Bella nodded vigorously, eager to hear what he had to say. “Okay, well you know how I was telling you about my new friend, James? Well, I have this other friend, Remus. Remus Lupin.� His voice dropped to barely a whisper. “He’s a werewolf.�

“A WERE-�

“Shhh!� he scolded.

"Sorry,� she whispered, blushing red. “But a werewolf? What do you parents think about that? What does your MOTHER think about that?� she asked incredulously.

“Are you crazy?� he asked, eyes wide and protruding. “As if I told them! I would be dead before you could blink! That’s why it’s a secret. Besides, I don’t care much what my parents have to say anymore.� He shrugged his shoulders and slouched back. “They’re already bloody pissed that I’m in Gryffindor, not their ‘precious Slytherin’. Ugh!� He rolled his eyes in disgust.

“You don’t like Slytherin?�

“Not in the slightest.�

“My mum always says Slytherin is the best. She says that I will be a great Slytherin and make our family proud,� Bella said softly. She could feel tears welling up in her eyes at the thought that someone would be disappointed with her. If she was in Slytherin, Sirius would be mad, but if she was put in anything but that, her mother would disown her.

“Oh, Trixie, I think she is wrong, your mum is. You are much more than a Slytherin. With your brains, you’ll probably end up in Ravenclaw anyway,� he patted her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her. “And even if you do get put in Slytherin, I will still love you all the same. You will still be my favorite cousin.�

“Thank you, Sirius. You are my favorite, too,� she beamed.

“But really, Trixie, what do you think of what I told you? Pretty cool, eh?�

“I don’t know… a werewolf? Mum always tells me they are dirty creatures, says they’re almost as bad as mudbloods.�

At this, Sirius’s face darkened. “Now, Trixie, don’t you ever use that word again! I’ll have you know that Remus is about the cleanest and most well behaved student I have ever met. And as for the horrible word you uttered, Lily Evans, a girl in my year, is muggleborn and she is the smartest girl I have ever met!�

“I…I’m sorry. My mum always says such horrible things about them, though. I always assumed they were as horrid as she said.� Bella was starting to get upset again.

“You know what, Trixie? Your mum sounds a lot like mine. And I don’t mean that in a good way, mind you. You will learn soon that just because they are your parents, it doesn’t always mean they’re right.� Sirius stood up and grabbed Bella’s hands, helping her to her feet. “Why don’t we go get some dinner, Trixie? I hear someone made a delicious treacle tart.� He turned to leave and Bellatrix followed, feeling quite confused and conflicted.

Growing up in a pureblood family made things rather black and white. Mudbloods were bad; half-breeds were dirty. These were all things told to Bella by her mum and dad growing up. Well, mostly her mum. Her dad didn’t talk to her much. Bella had never heard of someone defending a mudblood before.

If there was one person that Bella respected more than Sirius, it was her mother. Her mum had always been fair to all of her children and she taught them every lesson they had ever learned. Sure, her mum wasn’t perfect: she yelled, nagged and complained. But, she had also gotten Bella out of many sticky situations.

Once, when Bella was eight, she had spilt a jar of ink all over the papers on her father’s desk. Not knowing what to do, Bellatrix just left smugly. When her father came home, he was absolutely livid. He called Bella and Narcissa both into his office for questioning. Just as Bella was about to confess, however, her mother entered with baby Andromeda. Her mum took full blame for everything. She winked at Bella while handing her the baby.

“Get Andy and Cissy out of her, Bell,� she whispered. The door was shut behind them and five yards down the hallway, Bella heard the first slap. He mother’s cry haunted her forever. One day, she would avenge her mother, and never would her father be forgiven. Not in her mind anyways. At the age of eight, the list was born, and her father was the first upon it.

Bellatrix Black was always good at making lists. As a child, she made lists for everything. When her mum would go shopping for groceries, Bella was always entrusted with figuring out what was needed. Her new list, however, was one of a type she was not used to It was a list of revenge, though she didn’t know it yet.

---

During the summer in which Bellatrix was eleven, her owl for Hogwarts came. It was the most exciting moment in her life thus far. The month leading up to her departure was a whirlwind of emotions.

Her mum was so excited for Bella that she bought her an owl. It wasn’t just any owl, it was a top of the line, beautiful gray owl name Podposy. She had said that nothing was too good for “her little student.� This, however, did not make Bella’s father very happy.

“Why spend all of our inheritance on this ungrateful child just because she’s magic?� he spat. “Of course she’s magic! She’s a Black!� Bella’s mother had been punished severely that day.

In total, Bella’s life had been getting worse and worse at home. Everyone in the house lived cautiously to avoid her father’s wrath. Bella had actually begun counting down the days until she boarded the Hogwarts Express.

She couldn’t kid herself into pretending that she wasn’t most excited to see Sirius again. He always had such a fresh take on everything, and no one else she knew gave advice like he did. She knew that he would always be the brother she never had.

When she was him at Kings Cross Station on Platform 9 ¾ , she couldn’t resist giving him a huge hug.

“Oy, Trixie,� he laughed, hugging her back. “Good to see you, too, but not in from of the other kids!�

“Sirius Black! Are you embarrassed by me?�

“Absolutely.� Bella giggled then said good-bye, after making Sirius promise that she could talk to him whenever she wanted. She walked back over towards her mother. Her father was busy working, as always.

“Okay, Bell, you sure you have everything?� her mother asked while smoothing her hair.

Bella rolled her eyes and retorted, “Yes, mum, you packed my trunk last night and checked it about ten times this morning, don’t you remember?� She reached into her pocket and pulled out her list, which had multiple checkmarks next to everything.

“Yes, yes, I know, you and your lists. I… I’m just worried is all.�

“Well don’t, mum, I’m going to be fine.�

“I know. You always are. You’re so strong,� her mum said. A single tear fell down her face as she pulled Bella into a tight embrace. “I am going to miss you so much.�

“I will miss you, too mum. I love you.�

“I love you, too, Bella. Have fun at school.� She gave Bella a kiss on the forehead and sent her on her way, waving until the train was out of sight.

Meanwhile, Bellatrix had found a compartment with two girls and boy in it. She asked if she could sit with them, and joined the conversation.

“So anyway,� continued the girl, her voice thick with sarcasm, “That is why I could possibly be in Gryffindor.� She had a peachy tint to her blonde hair and large, wonder-filled eyes which briefly flashed every once and a while with an odd evilness. It was obvious she was the more outgoing of the two girls.

“Ah yes!� The boy pretended to wield a sword high in the air, mocking a duel. “Gryffindor!� he shouted. “I’m the bravest person you’ll meet here at this dingy school.� Him and the blonde girl guffawed loudly.

“As if!� The girl said between laughs. “That’s a good joke, Jean!� The bold girl turned to Bellatrix and said, “I’m Marti, by the way. Marti Carver. And this here is Jean-Claude Moreau. SO, what house do you think you will be in?�

“Well, most of my whole family has been in Slytherin, and that’s what my mum is hoping will happen,� Bella told them.

“Ah, us too,� said Jean-Claude, beaming at her. Marti nodded at this.

“My cousin, Sirius, says that I could be put into Ravenclaw because he says I’m very smart. He’s the first in my family to be in a non-Slytherin house.�

“He sounds like a real piece of work,� Marti muttered.

The meek girl in the corner finally spoke for the first time since Bella had been in the compartment. “You’re related to Sirius Black?� she asked in little more than a whisper.

“Black?!� Marti exclaimed, staring bug-eyed at Bella. “Wow! I can’t believe I’m meeting a real-life Black! Your family is greatly respected by mine.�

“Oy, and I’ve heard of that Sirius character,� Jean-Claude snorted. “My mother says he’s horrible. A real blood traitor, that one. And Robert, my older brother, he says he’s one of the worst. Thinks he’s real cool because he’s in Gryffindor, a cocky devil, I heard.�

“Blood traitor?� Bella asked, not understanding the blatant insults against her cousin. “My mum says that, but I don’t really know what it means.�

Marti scoffed at this. “Where were you raised, Black? Surely you know what that is!� When Bella shook her head, Marti sighed dramatically. “A blood-traitor is a pure-blood who doesn’t respect that. They would rather frolic around with the lesser people.�

“My father reckons they’re as bad as mudbloods,� Jean stated. His dark black hair stayed perfectly in place despite how hard he was nodding his head.

The shy little girl whimpered slightly then began to speak. “My cousin says that Sirius is amazing,� she squeaked. Her brown eyes looked frightened and she nervously began playing with her pigtails. Bellatrix couldn’t help feeling bad for her.

Meanwhile, Marti and Jean were practically rolling on the floor laughing. “Oy, Moreau, you hear that? The girls thinks he’s ‘amazing’,� Marti laughed, imitating the girl’s voice.

“What’s your name, mouse-girl?� Jean-Claude sneered.

“S-s-sarah. Sarah Sing-g-gret.�

“Which house are you expecting, Sarah?� Marti asked, uncharacteristically switching to and interested and kind tone of voice.

“Hufflepuff,� Sarah choked.

“Hufflepuff!� Marti shrieked, back to normal.

“The girl wants to be in Hufflepuff!� Jean-Claude managed to spit out. Both him and Marti were wiping tears from their eyes. “Did you hear that, Black? Hufflepuff!�

Bella laughed nervously, not sure how to react. She did not have a problem with the girl, and she liked that she had stood up for Sirius.

Marti and Jean continued to insult the girl to the point of tears. Sarah got up to leave, but before she was gone, Bellatrix sent her a sympathetic smile.

She looked out the window and realized that it was getting dark, so she grabbed her things and began to pull on her robes. Marti and Jean finally began to calm down and changed, too. The rest of the train ride was spent with Bellatrix sitting awkwardly in the compartment, lost in her own thoughts while Marti and Jean-Claude terrorized any kids who were unfortunate enough to walk past.

The train finally stopped, and they all got off. Bellatrix was transfixed by the huge castle looming in the distance. First years all around her “ooh�-ed and “ahh�-ed. It really was an impressive castle, and Bella couldn’t wait to live in it.

Bella looked around for a sign of Sirius, but before she found him she felt herself being pushed towards the water. She was put in the same boat as Marti, Jean-Claude, a jumpy little boy with thin blonde hair, and a rather large girl who took turns glaring at everyone in the boat. As they rowed closer and closer to the school, the more nervous Bella got.

Her one fear was making friends. She really hoped that she wasn’t an outcast, even if it meant hanging around Marti and Jean. The thing that was still worrying her the most was the sorting. How was she to decide who she would rather please? Sirius or her mother? She did her best to push it from her mind, but it kept creeping back in. She figured she would just let the hat decide.

From the moment she entered the Great Hall, Bella looked around frantically for Sirius. She finally found him in the middle of the Gryffindor table seated between a boy with his chest puffed out and round glasses upon his face and a boy who appeared very mature for his age but also as though he was very introverted. Without a doubt, though, he looked strong and Bella guessed that he wouldn’t be someone you would like to duel with.

Bella waved hysterically to Sirius until the boy with the glasses noticed and elbowed him in the ribs. Sirius smiled and waved back. Then, when no one was looking, he pointed to his other friend and mouthed “Werewolf.� She grinned and made a face mocking fear and then continued with the other first years who were lining up in alphabetical order. Automatically, she headed towards the front and waited.

This was the first time that Bella had the chance to observe the room she was in. It truly was magnificent. The most captivating part was the ceiling which mimicked the night sky outside. While Bella was busy staring up at it, she didn’t notice the hat that was brought in until is sprouted a mouth and began to sing.

“Long ago, I was made
In servitude to this school,
To help four wizards
To enforce their wisdom rule.
I may be torn and ripped
And no doubt am I old
But my cleverness exceeds the norm
As I have seen it all.
So hurry, place me on your head
Hurry and make haste.
I will look inside your mind
And help you find your place.
Which of the four would have chose you,
Maybe Godric Gryffindor?
Does fighting terrors and being brave
Leaving you wanting more?
Or maybe Helga Hufflepuff
Is really more your speed.
She chose the loyal few
Who mean what they say and say what they mean.
Another of the great four
Is Rowena Ravenclaw.
She used her mind and quick logic
To see the things she saw.
Last, and certainly not least,
Salazar Slytherin might have chosen you.
He could always get his way
For he was clever, too.
And there you have it, students,
The four houses you may be.
The only one to tell you where,
Is, of course, magnificent me.�

When the song was over, Bella found herself feeling very nervous again. The thought of going for the sorting was making her stomach turn. The first name was called followed by the second which turned in the sixth faster than Bella wanted. At this point, she was shaking so hard she was positive the whole hall could hear it.

Finally, she heard “Black, Bellatrix!� Ring out. Bella gulped and walked shakily forward. She found Sirius’s face in the crowd and he gave her a thumbs-up sign. It seemed like an eternity till Bella finally made it to the stool and the hat was placed on her head.

Hmmm… She heard in her ear. What to do… Gryffindor. No. I think not. Hufflepuff? Loyal, but too easily corrupted, so no. My, my, you are a clever young girl, what about Ravenclaw? Or perhaps use those brains in a different manner, such as in Slytherin. Bellatrix gulped. Ah, conflicted are we? Worried about what another will think. Must be… “SLYTHERIN!� the hat shouted out.

At that, Bella let out a breath she didn’t even know she had been holding. She stood and headed for the applause that she assumed was the Slytherin table. Looking around, she found Sirius and met his eyes. Nervous about what he thought, she mouthed the word “Well…?� He merely shrugged and acted as the only person from Gryffindor, or any other house, to cheer along with the Slytherins for her. Bellatrix had never felt so relaxed before.

“No! Please, stop!� the shrill voice shouted.


“Shut it, you!�


“Thank you, Jean,� came Marti’s smooth drawl. Her eyes gleamed maliciously. “Now, it has come to our attention that you have been… mocking us?� She stepped up so that her face was within an inch of the boy’s who was being held back by Jean-Claude. “Is this true?�


“N-no,� the boy stuttered. Marti took another menacing step forward causing the squirrelly boy to flinch. “Well, m-maybe a little, b-b-but nothing b-bad. I m-mean, w-well, yet it was… well it c-could be… construed that way.�


His incoherent babbling was cut off by the high pitched shriek which was actually Marti laughing. Bellatrix, herself, couldn’t help let out a chuckle at the poor, fidgety rambler.


“What’s your name, Hufflepuff?� Marti sneered.


“Rupert PIno.�


“Well, Pino, I suggest you knock it off. We don’t like being the butt of your jokes much. Take it back.�


“W-what? But I didn’t!� The boy was absolutely shaking now.


“You heard her,� Jean yelled, exaggerating his words with a sharp poke in the back. “Take it back. Say it isn’t true.� Marti went into another fit of laughter as the boy tried to speak.�


“I-it isn’t tr-tr-true.�


“What isn’t true?� Bella asked silkily, finally emerging from her place leaning against the wall behind Marti. Arms crossed, she moved forward. “You’re going to have to clarify.� Marti was still sniggering. “Rupert,� Bella said stopping directly in front of him looking into his eyes. While flashing him a winning smile, she asked again, “What isn’t true?�


Just as Rupert took a deep breath preparing to speak, a different voice rang out from Bella’s left. “All right, let him go!�


“Ha! As if!� Marti countered.


The mystery voice surfaced from the shadows and Bella recognized him stomach-sinkingly as the bespectacled friend of Sirius’s. “Shall I fetch a professor? I see you are a Slytherin, perhaps I will bring ole Slughorn down here? I say let him go.�


Marti sighed and nudged to Jean-Claude who dropped hold of the kid and sent him scampering down the hall. “See you, Pino.� Jean called after him before advancing on his savior.


“So, what’s your deal?� Marti enquired. “You think because you’re a big, bad Gryffindor you will just come to the rescue?�


“Yeah, that’s pretty much it,� said a new voice. Out of the dark stepped the boy Bella knew as the werewolf. “Not to mention, I think you are forgetting what year you are in, fledglings.�


“Marti was cackling while Jean-Claude said, “Well mind your own business from now on!�


“Move on out of here, first-years, before we start some trouble,� the glasses-boy said while drawing his wand. Bellatrix was beginning to feel uneasy about the situation.


“Stand down, James,� came another voice. Bellatrix gulped. This was a voice she recognized. Sirius’s face appeared and he glanced contemptuously at the trio of bullies. “They’re not worth our time. Now go on.� Sirius just shook his head and turned to walk away. James looked dumbstruck but then shrugged while him and the werewolf moved to follow.


Bella’s hands felt clammy and she started to feel hot. She felt Marti pulling on her leave to leave, but it didn’t register to her. Acting on impulse, she ran down the corridor that Sirius had disappeared into until she spotted him again. Ignoring the fact that she was about to be late to class, Bella called out, “SIRIUS!�


He stopped and turned around with blood-freezing slowness, his glare shooting daggers. Immediately, Bella’s mouth fell dry but she shrugged off her fear and forced herself to speak. “Please, wait.� Looking down she said, “I’m sorry.�


Sirius relaxed a bit and sighed. “Go on, you guys. I’ll meet up with you and Peter later on.� His eyes were fixed on Bella, and it was clear he was waiting for her to speak.


“I’m sorry,� she repeated.


“About what, Trixie? About what?� It seemed that Sirius had finally lost his cool in the situation, with arms running wild through the air. “I mean, really, Trixie!� Just because you’re in Slytherin, it doesn’t mean that you have to act like that. Being rude to innocent people is not going to get you anywhere in life, no matter what your mumsie says.�


“Don’t you bring my mother into this!�


“Well, honestly,� Sirius sighed and ran a nervous hand through his hair. “I’m sorry for my outbreak, but I hate seeing you this way.�




“Sirius…� Bella paused a moment thinking of what to say next. “I’m sorry. I’ll try to do better, I really will.�


“Do you promise?�


“I promise. I’ll make you proud.�


“Good,� he said, crossing the distance between the two and wrapping her into a hug. “I know that you are going places.� He pulled apart and looked around tensely. “Speaking of going places, I’m going to be late for class.�


As he started to walk away, Bella called out, “Wait!� Sirius turned on his heel and nodded. “Thank you.� Sirius beamed, putting a hand on his heart then continuing on his way.

---

“… and that was what I said! Oi, Jean, look who it is? Get over here, Black.�


Bella smiled dutifully at Marti. She hadn’t spoken to either her or Jean-Claude since the incident in the hallway, and she was exhausted. All she wanted to do was eat her dinner, but she couldn’t ignore Marti. Every time she spoke, it felt like nails on a chalkboard, and Bella’s head pounded again. Like the good friend she was though, Bella loyally crossed the Great Hall to where Marti and Jean-Claude were sitting.


“What’s happened to you?� Jean asked.


“I have to ask the same question, Black. You kind of disappeared today. Did your mean cousin get wittle Bellatrix in trouble?�Between Marti’s screech and Jean’s low food-spitting bray, it was all Bella could do to not cover her ears with her hands.


“Guys, can we just not talk about it?� Bella pleaded, trying to stomach her potatoes while Jean made those gross noises he always did while eating.


“Oh, touchy touchy, are we?� Bella swathe unmistakable flash of maliciousness flicker over her eyes.


A long sigh on Bella’s part was followed by, “You’re right. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have snapped. I just…� Somehow, the words Bella was looking for wouldn’t come. Instead, she waited for Mari to inevitably begin talking again.


“Hmph, of course I’m right,� Marti said, cocking her chin out and her shoulders back. Just like that, Bella knew the argument was avoided. More so, she knew how important it was to avoid all the arguments and remain on Marti’s good side, despite what Sirius said.


The rest of the dinner passed in a blur. Looking across the hall, Bella saw Rupert, nervously eating his pie, glancing over his shoulder every once in awhile. Not far from he sat Sarah. Bella remembered her from the train by her pigtails. No matter how she was raised or what she had been taught to believe, Bella sympathized with the two. But she knew she could never do anything about it. She was no Sirius. Lost in her own thoughts, she was surprised to find herself down in the bowls of the castle in front of her common room door. Bella didn’t even remember leaving the hall. By the time she finally made it to her bed, she was asleep before her head hit the pillow.