Bellatrix Black

“I’ve never been one for brevity, it’s far too boring,” she sighed, moving to take a seat. “So what are we discussing that none of those people can hear?”

“Perhaps, but valuable when used correctly.” Turning the foreign objects over in her hands, she leaned against the mantle. “My sister. I’ve heard rumors that she and the filthy mudblood are becoming more serious. When I need gossip confirmed or denied I come to you.”

“Someone’s got to,” he replied. “And The Dark Lord couldn’t tell me that himself?” he questioned light. “Plus, I kind of figured that out on my own.”

“Pity you can’t find amusement elsewhere,” Bellatrix quipped. She then quirked an eyebrow. “He has more important things to do than discussing matters of mudbloods, enemies, and blood traitors. Which is why the unfortunate task falls to me.”

“A long list,” Verity nodded with a small laugh. 

“The list could go on, but brevity seems to be needed nowadays.” Bellatrix walked to the shelf along the wall and picked up various objects with a sniff.

“I know but the cloak and dagger routine is all very entertaining,” he joked. “So, what’s going on?” he asked now they were alone.

“Unnecessary, but I’m glad you keep yourself entertained.” Bellatrix sat down and crossed her legs tightly. “Pettigrew. The Dark Lord is anxious to learn more about the Order of the Phoenix now that that particular resource is out of the picture.”

“Who would even overhear us?”

“Reporters, mudbloods, my cousin, really any undesirable person.”

“Thank you for allowing me to speak,” he drawled sarcastically, rolling his eyes. 

“Oh don’t play dramatic with me, you and I both know the things we discuss can’t be overheard by anyone outside our circle.”

“Yes, because I said wasn’t, which is past tense,” he said slowly.

“Charming, truly charming. Then enlighten me, why are you continuing it now?”

“Have you ever tried it?” he asked with an amused look as he raised an eyebrow at her.

“No, but I know fully well I could handle what’s expected of me. Have you?” She tossed back at him, absentmindedly swirling her drink.

“I assume you’ve heard about what’s happening with Pettigrew?”

Bellatrix smirked. “Of course, but what does that creature have to do with my cousin?”

“You’re not interested in hearing what I did to your cousin then?”

Bellatrix instantly sat up straighter in her seat. “If you had led with that we could have skipped the previous few moments. But I’m listening.”

“Making someone cry while at work doesn’t seem particularly nice to me.”

“Someone tougher would have been able to handle it. I’m simply teaching her she isn’t cut out for a service profession. It seems nice of me to offer such lessons.”

“I wasn’t talking to you,” James dismissed, not even looking at her.

Bellatrix chuckled darkly. “And yet here you are, doing exactly what you said you weren’t. How about you let us continue our conversation.”

“Ignore her,” James said to the other person, rolling his eyes.

“And just what makes you think you’re a part of this conversation?”

“Play nice, Bellatrix,” Thorfinn mused, not even looking up from the paper.

Bellatrix shot a short glare at Thorfinn before waving the now crying server off. “That was nice, they deserved worse.”