Disclaimers: The story icon is borrowed from Makani on Deviantart. As far as this story itself, I don't own the characters of Bellatrix, Rodolphus, etc.

The First Kiss

Beginning

The ball's dancers were twirling smears of color effortlessly weaving through blurs of lace and silk. By the lavishly decorated table of appetizers—the gleaming silver trays of cavier, the peachy pink of carefully crafted shrimp cocktails, the alternating slices of pale yellow and white cheeses- Rodolphus stood with his brother, their deep brown eyes both idly shifting between different members of the crowd.

"Andromeda Black is in my Ancient Runes class you know," Rabastan murmured in the conspiratorial tone characteristic of aristocrats' small talk.

"And where may she be at this fine gathering?" the elder brother politely inquired, knowing full well that his brother was merely exerting the effort necessary to subtly segue onto the topic of Bellatrix Black.

"Why, she's standing with her two sisters, directly opposite of us." Rodolphus darted his eyes in the direction of the trio as subtly as he could, catching sight only of a blonde, a brunette, and a woman with long black hair in his brief glance. "I do believe Father was discussing the Black daughters recently, was he not?"

"You are quite correct," Rodolphus replied succinctly. His younger brother had not actually been there for the discussion, and was thus most likely full to the brim with curiosity, but for now Rodolphus was going to decline informing him of the topic conversation. His younger brother already knew that the Blacks were an influential, wealthy, pureblooded family; he would eventually realize the immediately adjacent connection between a wealthy, pureblooded girl around their age and marriage. Arranged marriages had long disappeared from aristocratic culture but the forceful suggestions of parents had not and, as Rodolphus had no interest in any specific girl, he saw no reason to oppose his parents' subtle exaltation of Bellatrix Black as the perfect wife.

"I shall return briefly," he informed his brother with a nod of his head before striding across the room. Bella, who had noticed Rodolphus's swift glance in her direction, watched him with a detached, haughty air as he approached. After sweeping into a half bow, he turned toward the eldest Black sister and spoke, "Miss Black, if I may request the honor of a dance." She scrutinized him a few seconds longer—the slight curve to his outstretched hand, his erect posture, his squared shoulders. In sum, he was holding himself exactly as any proper pureblood should. Her parents had already been pushing her towards him as a potential suitor, and if this was the proper course of action for a proper pureblood like herself, then she would follow it.

With a stoic expression on her face, she wordlessly offered her hand and they swept onto the dance floor, joining the crowd of seamlessly interweaving colors. Neither of them spoke, until the dance had finished, at which point Rodolphus thanked her for a lovely dance, brought her hand to his lips, and lightly kissed it.

…

A/N: Written for femme fetal's Seven Kisses Challenge at the HPFC. Each chapter will be one kiss between Bellatrix and Rodolphus, hopefully updated daily. Feedback and constructive criticism always appreciated!