Random, but in a good way.

What I like about this is that it not only is a worthy canon-compliant fleshing out, but also that so often people who write Bellatrix make her either a wholly unstable cartoon of evil or attempt to spin the darkness into some sort of enviable elegance. You quite literally pull back the curtains, and the metaphor is splendid.

Skillful use of the prompt, here. Burgundy sheets and crimson hangings seem just about her speed.

It would be an effing nightmare to have that woman for a mother. The very thought that Bellatrix might have raised a child is utterly chilling. As is the idea of "Uncle Voldy" slithering about in the family home. *shudders*

Very well done.

Ah. No crimson or burgundy anything in Azkaban; but oh, there's plenty of grey...

Oh, wow, that was intense - really, really powerful stuff. I'm actually really genuinely affected by this fic, which I think is a mark of how well-written it was, because I think that's the entire point of writing - if you're not affecting your readers, after all, you're not doing much. And you've definitely affected this reader - I've never been much of a Bellatrix fan, although I am, to a certain extent, interested in her, and this history that you've created for her - god, it's beyond tragic, and so original, and I really commend you for taking a risk like this. I even felt pity for Bellatrix - I still feel a certain sense of loathing towards her, but this fic definitely evoked my sympathy. Not understanding, but definitely sympathy.

The imagery was so vivid and beautiful, particularly the crimson curtains and burgundy sheets. You absolutely nailed Bellatrix and Narcissa, and you did a great job of Andromeda - obviously we didn't see too much of her in the books so I can't really say if you got her perfect or not, due to the fact we're given very little to go on, but I loved your characterization of Andromeda to bits! All in all, this was a gorgeous fic, very disturbing, very powerful, very overwhelming.

Loved this. Absolutely lovely in characterizing Bella.

This could so easily be canon, in my view and it's creepily excellent. *haz goosebumps* Brilliant.

I have chills... you write in every genre with equal skill. Wow. This is really something else.

Argh. Why do I feel bad for Bellatrix Lestrange, of all people? That is truly good writing.

Now, I love your use of the prompt. It's brilliant and the whole thing just makes me want to cry, because even though we see Bellatrix as evil, we never really have the opportunity to see her as a human being-which you portray excellently here. The idea that she actually felt for her lost children was really interesting, and contrasted well with the killing of her disabled child.

Just in general I really thought this entire thing was spectacularly well-written. Good job!

Allie

Your craft lies within writing the Black sisters, especially Bellatrix (I remember "Triumph" very well!).
Loved the second half, you have a hang for writing drama and tragedy!
Favoriting this!

Intense, interesting portrayal.

I think you have the relationship between Bellatrix and Andromeda down perfectly, here.

A deliciously dark story, but one in keeping with the character. I liked that.

This is pretty strong stuff. It does a great job of portraying some pretty disturbing things without going overboard. The characters seem realistic. Bellatrix acting as not to be outdone by Andromeda is really interesting. I really like the conclusion.