HUNGRY AMBITION.

A small smirk on his lips, Barty pushed himself off the wall he had been leaning on, exhaustion making his body feel a little stiff. “I was wondering how much longer you were going to miss out on the fun for,” he replied, his voice a little scratchy, not having spoken for a while. With a couple of steps, he walked up to her, twirling his wand between his fingers. “Not to sound like a creep,” he couldn’t help but laugh, considering the things they were going to do put them well above creep level, “but I was hoping to talk to you. I know that our Lord has ordered chaos and blood spread and I’m more than happy to oblige, however, I can’t help but wonder whether I couldn’t be of more help to his future plans if I knew a little more about them.” Looking at Bellatrix, he let out a little sigh. “You know I like to plan ahead, pure chaos isn’t quite my prefered brand of action.” 

Folding her arms with a large smirk upon her features at the sight of Barty, Bellatrix let her darker nature overtake the pureblooded woman facade as she stepped closer towards the other, raising an eyebrow at the thought that she would miss out on the ‘fun.’ What a thought, especially considering the last bout of fun she had participated in had resulted in a glorious sight. “Oh you mistake me, dear Barty, I always have fun.” She purred as she waved her hand to cast a Privacy Charm to surround them in the case of any eavesdropping individuals as her smirk began to widen at Barty’s comments about seeking to know more about their Lord’s plans. “You know that he only reveals them to those who are worthy.” She replied, her eyes darkening with intent at the possible subordination that Barty was displaying before deciding to continue, “But perhaps if you impress Him with your actions over the next few weeks he will be willing for you to discover more of his plans.”

A dark look pasted her expression, sunken from the smirk painted against her lips briefly before it was lifted once more. The last person she dared to falter before was dear sweet Bella. “Why would you want that?” Marlene sounded simply, hands pocketed, now discretely wrapping around the end of her wand. Did she want an impromptu fight with Bellatrix—certainly not. Known for a particular partial-take of explosive spells, Marlene wasn’t keen on getting into it now. “I mean you’re useless now, you would’ve been useless then—or has no one informed you of such an ill-fated destiny yet?”

What a pity that they were surrounded by so many students that would have been witnesses if Bellatrix had decided to lift her fingers and curse and hex Mckinnon until she begged for her life. She would have to save these plans for a later date when it was just the pair of them. Her smirk only seeking to widen as she moved closer towards the other, she tilted her head slightly as she let Marlene’s words wash over her, not seeing the need to react when the words had arisen from the likes of the filthy blood traitor. “Oh am I useless Mckinnon? Must be why I have such stellar grades and am most likely surpassing your position in any of our classes.” She purred, a dangerous glint in her eyes.

What a spectacular day it had been indeed. And whilst some may have been rejoicing for the apparent Quidditch match that had been one of the houses' unexpected win, she was more interested in the affairs of the Death Eaters, and how pleased she had been with the results of the meeting. She had laid down the law for her Lord’s followers and now she expected results from his recruits; failure was not tolerated. And now it was time to see his glory proclaimed as they flourished in the cover of night. A cruel smirk upon her lips, Bellatrix found herself rather lacking the need for sleep, when she herself could be participating in the joys of torture and experimentation to further her spell repertoire. Turning her head to see the brief glimpse of someone who seemed to also be out beyond curfew, her smirk began to widen as she remarked, “Well well; what do we have here?”

On his way to his seat, Regulus dipped enough at the waist to place a chaste kiss into the crown of his cousin’s head before settling into his chair. Again, such a privately affectionate gesture was only shown to the light of day because they were otherwise alone in the common room. Regulus knew better than to douse his affection for his cousin in the public eye as Bellatrix had designed an image that exuded power and independence. There was no place for the softer affections he dared offer to his only remaining family. “That is rather unfortunate, but I can hardly be disappointed while in your company.” He drawled, glancing at the book and recognizing it somewhat. A deep chuckle shook the cage of his chest before the sound rumbled quietly out of him. “Was the scene not enough for you?” The tease in his tone was harmless, but it shone through in the delicate smirk he produced in the moments after his words had been offered. Bellatrix was a creature that thrived on chaos and bloodshed. It wasn’t a far stretch to imagine dangling a murder in front of her would inspire much more sinister thoughts - ones that required a deep dive into their family’s most cruel work.’

Regulus folded his hands over his knee, but the gesture did little to ruin his posture. Even in a relatively safe environment, the Black son held himself as if he were being watched by everyone that mattered. There was no room to be caught in a compromising position, not after the stain Sirius had nearly left on their reputation. He licked over his lips, watching the flames in the fire rise and fall as one of the logs broke down before his eyes. “I have some news that might be of interest to you.” Regulus was a quieter member of the death eaters, for the moment. He much preferred being a brain than truly getting his hands dirty. Luckily, he had the observant nature needed to make such a choice still useful to the cause.

With the discovery of Sirius’s betrayal to her family, Bellatrix had vowed that she would keep her cousin upon the straight and narrow path; ensuring that he would not stray in the same methods that her blood traitor coward cousin once had. A softer glance appearing briefly upon her features as he placed a chaste kiss upon her cheek, she crossed her legs in her lap as she began to chuckle at his replies before waving her hand to cast a Privacy bubble for the pair of them so that they could remain undisturbed in their conversations, not that any Snake would dare disturb Bella, if they knew what was beneficial for them. “How delightful the scene was, I must agree. But how I wish we could have had more blood spilt for such a glorious painting.” She murmured as she shifted closer towards her cousin as she began to raise an eyebrow at his continued replies, as her back began to move upright to listen to his information that he seemed to have. “Do spill, dear cousin.” She began to purr as a dark glint began to appear in her eyes at the thought of more information to prepare for her Lord, and the potential chaos this could bring. After all, Bellatrix thrived upon disarray and death that appeared in her step, and the possibilities that she could orchestrate more made her delighted.

“I’ve had my eye on a few potentials.” To know you were being watched by Alecto was to know that death had brushed upon your shoulders. She inflicted fear upon those she’d chosen to hunt, enjoyed the thrill that came with the game. They were, after all, pawns in a much grander scheme. To her, and Bellatrix alike, the rest of the castle was disposable. To be put through judge and jury only to meet the pair of the girls as their executioners. Beauty was something in which they’d never taken for granted, for it was this and this alone that allowed them to mask their intelligence, their cunning nature. She laughs, the close proximity of the girls would’ve given the impression of a shared secret. However, unbeknownst to the rest of the castle, it was much darker than they ever could’ve imagined. “We’ve our pick of the lot. Duelling club should be meeting soon, don’t you think? Perhaps we’ll have a go at Mckinnon. She’s been quite adamant on taking a piss of me lately, I’d enjoy nothing more than to drive my wand into her throat.” 

Bellatrix’s smirk began to widen at her friend's remarks, a cruel smirk pulling across her lips at the thought of Lovegood and the way he had been so delightfully strung across for the Aurors to find; what an utter glorious sight to behold. Devotion to their Lord, devotion to their cause, and one that spelled only the beginning of what was to come. “Oh is that so? Do tell me their names.” She purred in response as her eyes darkened at the thought of coming across a younger year that happened to stumble across the deadly pair of both herself and Alecto. Oh, how she could only hope that they would be able to be fortunate enough to have this boon. “Duelling club should come back if only to protect us poor unfortunate souls from the deadly killers of this castle.” She remarked with a callous chuckle before raising an eyebrow at the mention of Mckinnon. “Perhaps it’s time we reteach a couple lessons to our little blood traitor, hm?”

“Buzzkill’s more like it,” Clipped words blanketed in the cold tone. She hadn’t cared for Xenophilius, even if it was alarming that someone in Hogwarts had been so easily killed without anyone overhearing. Still, she was content with her alliance, curious about the world they promised to rebuild, the world they wanted to reclaim, all thanks to the most powerful wizard they called The Dark Lord. His mission was clear, and anyone that posed a threat or didn’t concede to his way were met with a bloody end. Like a ruthless King that wished to rule with an iron fist. If everyone just understood, if everyone just fell back into their former way of life long ago, they could go on as intended.

“I think…” Her tone purred, allowing herself to drift back to what she’d witnessed, her thoughts then. The sight had made her stomach coil, until she saw the dark mark, and that coil lessened with relief. “Though a horrid sight, by that I mean if any of that blood got on my shoes I would kill, there was a message that was being sent, and it was effective. Simply, eloquently put, join us or die.” There was a darkness to the smile on her lips as she turned to Bellatrix. “And you, dear Bellatrix? What of your thoughts?”

Her gaze regarding Rabia with a cold bemusement at the oh-so unfortunate fate of Xenophilius Lovegood, a callous laugh began to escape her lips at the replies of the other as she stepped closer to witness every shift in reaction in the other. After all, in place of her Lord, she was here to ensure that his followers did not step out of line, nor falter in their beliefs and cause. “Blood can be a rather messy affair at times.” She agreed, although she herself delighted in the reactions that her victims brought when she cast her various spells, often not caring at the blood that spilled as long as she had her protection charms already cast on her clothing. “My thoughts Rabia? I think it depicted a glorious sight of devotion.” She purred as she raised an eyebrow to continue her train of thoughts as she stated, “And what steps will you take now, will you join in the chaos, or will you remain behind?” Perhaps a challenge, but she would not tolerate failures nor would her Lord. They desired excellence only, and for followers that would be eager to commit the chaos that was only the beginning.

Marlene had been wandering after her last class, taken upon herself to stroll the castle while her friends finished up with their day. It was too early to head back to the tower, too soon to head to dinner. Too late to even want to consider catching up on assignments—plus, that seemed like too much of a Lily-influence, and she wasn’t in the mood, that day. Opening the door to the empty corridor, curiosity struck her, until a dismal voice broke, and that same happy look faded quickly into an expression of annoyance. “Always a pleasure, Bells, but I doubt I could use your help.” She briefly stopped. “Or—would ever even want your help, I mean, you being helpful is no use to anyone, why offer?”

Her attentions scattered away from her thoughts of her plans and towards the unwelcome appearance of Mckinnon, a larger smirk began to appear upon her lips as she stepped towards the other, bemused by the other’s words and the way she presumed that in this current political climate that she would triumph over her Lord and his Death Eaters. “Oh trust me Mckinnon, I have better things to do than to offer help to the likes of you.” She remarked as she raised an eyebrow at her next response as she began to chuckle before replying, “Oh I know how helpful I can be to the right people, what a pity I wasn’t there to help Lovegood out in his time of need.”

Andromeda held mixed feelings about her sister. She loved both of her sisters, would go to the ends of the Earth for them, but there was something about Bellatrix that frightened her. It was the way she could sling a curse without feeling an ounce of remorse. It was the way she could watch some first-year cry and not care. Andromeda didn’t hold the bloodthirstiness that Bellatrix and some of their companions had. She was cold, but she wasn’t emotionless. She valued herself first, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t occasionally feel guilty for leaving some younger years to fend for themselves. It was some observations that made Andromeda feel a bit separated from her elder sister. “I am now. I had to endure Rabastian as soon as I walked in. I spoke to your lovely fiancee as well.” Andromeda gave Bellatrix a pointed look. She knew how both of them felt about their engagements. 

Bellatrix cared so deeply about her sisters, it was most likely the only thing that she truly loved or would love for the rest of her life. She had left the womb kicking and screaming — and a warrior she was, but the hardened warrior was only truly soft when it came to family, and specifically Andie and Cissa. It was for them and for herself that she had risen through the ranks to become her Lord’s lieutenant, wishing to ensure their safety and that she could carve a better future for them, one that would not be marked by the likes of the Muggle world at all. Taking a long sip of the drink in her hands before raising an eyebrow at the mention of her lovely fiance, a small smirk began to appear upon her lips at the thought of the Lestrange brothers. And whilst she knew that Andie did not like Rab at all, she found the potential that brewed underneath something that made him worthy of her time; and less irritating than her actual betrothed, Rodolphus. “How lovely, I suppose he will try and speak to me at some point during this affair they are trying to call party.” She remarked before her demeanour shifted to become more serious as she took her sisters hand into her own before continuing, “Andie, you know I’d do anything for you, right?” And it was true, unlike many of the falsities she could so easily speak — she would.

“Do you happen to have a different opening line? Pretty sure I’ve heard that one before.” Ted was on edge. It wasn’t unfair to say that he was acting out because of it. Of course, acting out against Bellatrix Black of all people wasn’t his smartest decision, but he had simply been walking past her and felt that her hostility was unbidden and just plain rude. 

“You know.” He rounded on the girl he’d just walked past, eyeing her for a long moment despite every muscle and neuron in his body screaming at him that this was definitely a bad idea. “I thought you people were meant to have class and grace. I grew up with money, too. Dirty muggle money to a lass like you, sure, but money and status, and I’ve never in my life seen a debutante act the way you do. They know how to hold themselves. Doesn’t seem to me like that message of being better you’re preaching is really working when the muggles act more respectable in polite society.”

  Perhaps Edward Tonks desired to be in the same position as Lovegood, as the next victim or target of her Lord’s efforts. So soon in time as the first death, but perhaps one that would be even more significant as a repercussion, and much more scandalised. Her hands folding to cross about her body as a larger smirk began to appear upon her lips at his attempts to irritate and try to reprimand her for her behaviour, she stepped closer to raise an eyebrow as she awaited for him to finally make his point. “Class and grace? Something that I exude much of Tonks, but only to those who are worthy and deserve it. And as for you? I’d watch what you’d say about topics such as these, especially with the tragic recent death of Lovegood. I would hate to watch the same happen to the likes of you.” She purred in response as a faux saddened expression appeared upon her features as she shifted her stance, rather delighted that she had encountered him out of all individuals.

Other students cried out of fear, immediately clung to their most trustworthy friends, while the rest had relished in the triumph of Death Eater glory. Rabia wasn’t sure who exactly had done the deed, if there’d been more than one, but she was curious to know’ It was obvious who were the more bloodthirsty of the group, who hurled a curse from just a glance, even more tormenting if annoyed. Bellatrix was one of those Rabia to be, and remain, in her good graces. “You just looked so picturesque and serene that I almost forgot someone had been murdered and mangled.” Lips twisted into an almost sneer as her words rang down the empty corridor. The compliment was effortless, Bellatrix was a rare form of beauty, like a viper coiled just before striking you dead. “Sickle for your thoughts?”

Her attention shifting from the ruminating thoughts of the glorious bloodshed that had occurred the grounds in the previous nights towards one of her Death Eater potentials, and a fellow Snake, Bellatrix’s lips curled to a wider smirk as she was allowed to drop the facade that had once been one of mourning in the name of a lost student. “What a pity that such an occasion was to happen, and on the hallowed grounds of this school as well.” She replied serenely, as she took a step closer towards the other, her gaze regarding the other as she replied, “Perhaps after you tell me Shafiq exactly what you think about the events that transpired with Lovegood.” A test perhaps, but one was never sure of loyalty, and as one of her Lord’s most trusted, she would ensure the loyalty of his followers.

As a child you’re simply taught to keep monsters at bay, to not stray from the path of enlightenment. Alecto, however, had seemingly missed out on that opportunity. Simply settling for something that was forged from nightmares, that caused her blood to boil and her heart to shrink within her chest. She, as much as Amycus, was taught that they were the monsters. The creatures who’d torment and haunt those who were unfortunate enough to cross their paths. It wasn’t until Bellatrix that Alecto truly felt something of a kinship, that she found her hedonism was something to be relished in. As if together they were more sadistic than they had been sane. Wearing the mask of fright, as if they’d been blissfully unaware of the happenings that had caused the stir within the castle. Dutiful daughters who’d found themselves frightened at the state of the Wizarding World as much as the rest of the vermin that inhabited the castle.  “Well, you know what they say, good things seem to come in threes. Perhaps we’ll be lucky enough to have that be the case.” Death, she liked to think, was to be treated as a courtesy by their hands, something to only dream of obtaining. “I will admit it’s been rather dull lately. I wouldn’t mind something for just the pair of us, for old times sake. What do you say?” 

There truly was no one that suited her interests and talents when it came to being the monsters at night, creatures that were feared left, right and centre than Alecto for Bellatrix. Each powerful in their own right, with magic dripping at their fingertips, and a strong will to couple together with, they were to be feared when they acted together were frankly a sight to behold as they cast their spells in tandem. They were the ones that were figments of one’s nightmares, their imaginations broad enough to create havoc and despair with a slight incantation or wave of a hand; each accompanied with a wide smirk and perhaps even a smile at the destruction caused. And because of this, how right it was to have Alecto by her side as they were to plot to have their Lord’s plans to come into fruition in this next term. “Rather dull, I’d have to agree.” She immediately concurred as she took a step towards the other, her eyes alight with mischief with the undercurrent of something sinister as she remarked, “Perhaps we will be lucky and there’ll be a little bird caught in the midst of this chaos for us to experiment upon, no?”

He kept from the others, perpetually by habit or just on purpose—to stipulate question into it was a waste. Ludo didn’t have time to think, his mind so muddled by so many other things, it was hard to say—this is what I should focus on. A student was killed. His own parents considered this a win, in some ways, being too cowardly to actually come out and say it. Ludo wondered in his absent walk if they rejoiced, in the comfort of their own home, hiding their truths and picking their sides. As though they hadn’t already. Approaching the entrance of the corridor, a voice rung out, as he stalled. Catching glimpse of Bellatrix, a bored expression passed his features. “It’s called walking, Bellatrix. I’m sure you could stand to enjoy it if you weren’t so busy policing the bloody corridors.” He snapped back, indifferent to the coil of her tone.

The darkness was what Bellatrix felt most akin with, the cover of midnight allowing her to commit such depraved acts that were undiscovered and unknown by most men as she utilised the absence of night to cover her tracks. A small smirk appearing her lips and widening as she realised who it was that she had come across, she leaned against the cobblestones, folding her arms against her chest as she regarded Ludo with nothing much more than feigned nonchalance although her innermost being was rejoicing at the acts that had occurred the nights before, and was only just the beginning for what was to be seen. Oh poor Ludo, probably feeling much regret and guilt for what had occurred as a result of his little party, with Lovegood found the next morning. “Oh I’d not call myself policing, I leave that up to the fearless Aurors.” She purred back in response.

CHAOS. The air in the castle hung as heavy as ever, death looming like sick and twisted justice above their heads. Had she been more foolish, the girl would’ve surely allowed a bounce within her steps to follow for good measure. However, in trying times, one had to be proper. In the most simplistic of terms, blood traitor filth was wiped clean of her hands in the form of Xenophilius Lovegood. He’d received exactly what he’d asked for, perhaps better off for it, Alecto imagined. Waves of unkempt pleasure washed over her within the hours since it had been announced, as if keeping a dirty secret tightly pressed between her petal pink lips. Now, twisting easily into a sly grin, oft reserved for the girl speaking into the darkened corridor. 

“Not in the slightest, I didn’t come here to repent.” Words are spoken with nothing short of vicious intent. A game of cat and mouse the girls had taken part in for years on end. Where others saw animosity, the pair of them had only ever seen admiration in the form of venom. “What’s got your wand in a knot, trying to silent an itch you just can’t scratch ?”

How glorious the sight before her had been to behold. One that had Bellatrix’s lips pulled into a tight smirk and a pleased look upon her features; at the wonderful display that had been created in devotion to their Lord. Yet alas she had to play the part of a disappointed student, one that perhaps almost was saddened at the passing of a classmate; despite the glee that she had held within that their plans had begun and would only continue as the year sustained. Her smirk widening at the appearance of her very dear friend Alecto, a small chuckle began to escape her lips as she stepped closer towards the other. “Of course not dear Alecto, I wouldn’t expect you do to do so at all.” No, the other would go down screaming, kicking and scratching just like she would; they were too proud creatures to ever fathom repenting to another. “How unfortunately true, I so would love to create another gorgeous display like we witnessed last night.” She purred before continuing, “What a pity they didn’t leave it up long enough for more students to witness.”