-- Nothing From Nowhere --

- Final Chapter: One Dark Flame -

The next morning Bellatrix's presence was made known to the other Death Eaters. Voldemort did not tell them that he had gone to her rescue. The official story was that once she had recovered sufficiently from her injury, she had escaped from the Order of the Phoenix's headquarters and made her way back to the Death Eaters' base of operations on her own.

The Dark Lord also announced that as her reward for her part in the success of the mission to retrieve the prophecy, Bellatrix would be allowed to become his mistress and bear his child. (Lucius thought this was unfair, seeing as how his only reward for his part in the success of the mission had been being allowed to stay alive, with a side of public humiliation.)

The meeting ended and the Death Eaters were dismissed to go about their daily tasks. Except...

"Stay, Lestrange," the Dark Lord commanded.

Rodolphus remained in his seat while the other Death Eaters filed out of the room. He was surprised when Bellatrix came and threw her arms around him.

"Are you mad?" she asked softly, still hugging him tightly.

"No," Rodolphus answered, sliding his arms around her and returning the embrace. "I'm glad you're alright." That really was the way he felt, but he didn't understand this sudden burst of affection from her.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I really wish I could have loved you. If... you want... to have an affair... I won't be angry."

"No," he said firmly, and placed a soft kiss on the top of her head. "It will always only be you."

She let go and he let go. She left the room.

Voldemort had watched the entire exchange with interest and now Rodolphus noticed that the Dark Lord was looking at him stangely.

"Yes, my lord?"

"Why aren't you angry?" Voldemort asked curiously. "If you love her?"

"Because," Rodolphus answered sadly, "not being angry about this is the only thing I've ever been able to do that will make her happy."

-end-

"Nothing from nowhere. I'm no one at all. Radiate. Recognize one silent call as we all form one dark flame." - AFI, from "Miseria Cantare - The Beginning"

A/N: I'd like to thank all of my lovely readers, and especially those who reviewed. It makes me sad to end this fic... which is why I've already starting post the sequel, "The Phoenix He Helped Create".

Reviews are love.