Pit of Vipers | White Wyvern | 29 Sept | Meredith

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

29 September 1978

Bellatrix Lestrange was normally only looking for one thing when she visited this establishment. A suitor who was the perfect match for her to go home with. This time, however, she was here being the perfect wife to the perfect husband. Roddy's work friends had arranged a meeting, and he was across the bar happily drinking, one eye lingering on her constantly. No, there would be no need for anyone else tonight. Rodolphus was sure to take care of her later, in whatever way she needed it.

Still, it was incredibly boring just sitting at the bar by her lonesome. She could have invited Narcissa, but as soon as her sister found someone to peak her interest and make Lucius jealous she wouldn't have been good company. Alecto or Aaron would have also sufficed, although both would be interested in leaving for other intentions. And while Bella and Roddy were more than willing to share their bed, tonight he wanted to show her off as his wife. And only his. So she would have to respect that.

Which left her with very little options for company. Most bar patrons were ignoring her, knowing the watchful eye of her husband wasn't far behind. And with the men discussing business, she had to entertain herself tonight. A fact she had been well aware of before the evening ever arrived. And with a short list of people she could actually tolerate, she'd been forced to send an owl to the last woman on her list that she had any interest in talking to. Meredith Mulciber.

The young blonde was new to the group of those who had been accepted by the Dark Lord, and she seemed smart enough to hold her own. She'd gladly accepted all the banter at their dinner a few months prior, dishing out a few of her own insults right back. She had the chance to fit in with them, if she continued to hold her head far above others. And didn't get caught up in lowly men who didn't deserve her attention. And so, Bella sipped her drink as she patiently waited for Meredith to arrive.

[Meredith Mulciber]

If it was one thing Meredith could never stand, it was being leered at. Really, people had absolutely no control over themselves. Alas, when one ventured to Knockturn Alley, it was inevitable. One low-some creature or another would stare lecherously or make some lude comment. It was one of the reasons she rarely frequented the place for pleasure; and nearly never when the moon ruled the sky.

While she had been to the White Wyvern, once, she was by no means accustomed or fond of the place. It held a certain tenure that was in opposition to her own.  But when one received a personal invitation from Bellatrix Lestrange, one did not just say no. She stared at the building with an obvious distaste in the twitch of her face. Meredith pushed the door open with a firm arm, shuffled through and closed it quickly behind her.

The blonde scanned the establishment with keen eyes, spotting Bellatrix easily. The other woman's husband was harder to notice; he was surrounded by several men and Meredith almost missed him. She hadn't know to expect him, she hadn’t known what to expect at all but there it was: the Lestranges. Not unconsciously the woman tugged on the band of her skirt she usually didn’t wear things so tight, and took a steadying breath. Without much more preamble Meredith saddled up to the bar, her heart beating in her chest. She slipped into the stool next to the older woman and gave her customary smile, big and all pearly white teeth.

Anyone who knew her knew her smile never looked different, whether she was saying hello to a friend or hexing someone into the eighth day of the week. This time behind the smile was simply an intense curiosity, why had Lestrange written to her; and the always constant feeling of needing to be on guard around the dark haired beauty. “Bellatrix.” She greeted familiarly, even though it didn’t taste right on her tongue. “You look very nice”

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

As much as Bellatrix was enjoying the view - and enjoying the looks her husband kept shooting across the bar - her boredom would soon take over. She did her job and played the part of the perfect little pureblood wife, but she was displeased that it had run over into free time. She frequented this bar for certain reasons, reasons that most of the men who were staring at her knew, and yet she was having to block them out of her view and pretend to be in love. At least Rodolphus was sure to make it up to her later.

Roddy's eyes wandered, and Bella followed them to the door. Meredith Mulciber, quite a pretty little thing. It was unclear as to if Meredith would make a good play thing. With Alecto is had been obvious, and Alecto was quite enough to keep her satisfied at most times. Bella put on her most charming smile as the girl approached, turning to face her as Meredith sat down. "You look absolutely beautiful Meredith. And please, call me Bella."

A nickname to earn trust, it was simple. Meredith had ambitions, and Bella wasn't about to let one of the new Death Eaters get sucked into a life of prancing around and being a trophy. While that lifestyle suited Narcissa, it did not seem proper for Meredith. Waving down the bartender, she nodded to her new friend. "Rodolphus will be paying for her drinks as well."

Bella paused for a few moments, taking the time to studying Meredith before once again speaking. "How is your apprenticeship going?"

[Meredith Mulciber]

It was still something new to her to receive complements from people, especially esteemed ones, and she could not help her genuine smile at Bellatrix’s words. She had spent too much of her life invisible, avoidable, avoiding. Her mother had told her once, rather ineloquently, that she was far too anti-social for her own good. It was above two years now that she had made the effort to be seen, social, really paid attention to even if she didn’t like it all that much. “Thank you.” She said evenly, trying not to belie her real pleasure.

The next part of the other girl’s statement, however, had Meredith’s lips tightening just a skoosh. She did not want to call her Bella. It was hard enough not to constantly address her as Miss Black; Bellatrix was just fine for her. Besides when she thought of the name Bella…well it was to say the Lestrange woman was not the image that came to mind. But she couldn’t say any of that, and she was careful not to let Bellatrix get a glimpse of it behind her eyes either. Best to avoid direct eye contact all together.

“Of course Bella, and you must call me Mere.” She flipped her shining mane over her shoulder and gave Bellatrix a sassy smile. Inside she was cringing. She hated being called Mere. Dorcas Meadows had been a favorite of hers at one point and she was quite fond of calling her Mere and also he had called her that, all the time. Meredith was being cautious about her thoughts and quickly pushed that one away, it was not conducive, besides Bella had called over the bar keep.

Meredith’s gaze flicked back to Rodolphus as his wife announced he would be footing Meredith’s bill as well this night. This was not abnormal in their society, of course he should be paying for everything, that’s how it was. Her eyes flicked to him again. She hadn’t had much experience with real men, experience meaning: any interaction at all apart from her father and dinner parties. Her father had warned her about men in general and a few in particular. Rodolphus Lestrange was one of them.

Her gaze slide away dutifully and she focused her attention on a less dangerous male. “Merlot, the best." she said to the barman. Her companion pulled her attention then and she turned to the other woman intently. Meredith straightened in her stool unconsciously. Ah, the safe zone. It was nice to play there; though she was sure with the Lestrange woman they wouldn’t stay there long. “Remarkably easy so far. Mistress Max says I’m superbly apt in the field. All her former little French students look so sour during Sunday tea now.” There a little bit of gossipy fun. She could be social, it was possible. “How is your um... life?” Maybe not possible after all.

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

Meredith's smile was captivating, and the fact the younger girl wouldn't look at her directly in the eyes was amusing. While Bellatrix had her bed full at the moment with Alecto, she couldn't help but take a moment to wonder about the blonde woman next to her. Surely Alecto wouldn't approve, and Bellatrix was not one to draw the rage of her most prized play thing. So far now, these thoughts would be her own. And would be dismissed before Alecto or Meredith ever caught on, that was certain.

She gave a satisfied smile as Meredith gave Bellatrix permission to call her by a shortened version of her first name. And while Bella wanted to see what was on Meredith's mind, she was trying to behave this evening. And one did not get good relationships when one spent time prying into someone's mind, to see their personal thoughts. If there was anything in there unworthy, surely the Dark Lord would have already seen it.

But it was fair game to watch Meredith from the corner of her eye, and see the girl glance back to where her husband was busy with his 'friends' from the Ministry. Bella would be more than happy to share Roldolphus if the girl asked, but she seriously doubted that question would be posed tonight. As the bar keep left to get her drink, she plastered a smile back on her face.

"Well that's wonderful to hear. I can't say I'm surprised though, you do show promise. Mistress Max is lucky to have you as her apprentice, I'm sure there were many who desired to have you with them," Bellatrix replied. Perhaps she was laying it on a little too much, but what was life without a little flattery. "You'll have to keep me posted on those former students of hers as you continue. I'd love to see their faces."

Not that she truly cared what former students thought, but she did have to admit there was nothing like a little gossip. Especially in this society. She gave a short laugh at Meredith's question, lightly patting the other woman's arm. "Oh well, life is good I suppose. Roddy is doing well at work, and we're thinking about redecorating some of the rooms at the manor. You'll have to come by and see it sometime. How about you, what else has been keeping the young Miss Mulciber busy?"

[Meredith Mulciber]

The young Slytherin prided herself on her keen intellect and observant mind, being called Mere didn’t really embody either of those things. But she would grit her teeth and smile every time Bellatrix referred to her as such, she swore a solemn vow to herself, and she could handle such a little annoyance. Meredith caught the Lestrange woman glancing her way out of the corner of her dark eyes and she filed it away for later review and analysis. As far as she knew Bellatrix Lestrange had little time for anyone other than her Master or husband, though she had heard some idle gossip concerning the kind of adventurous life the Lestrange's lead behind closed doors.

The bar tend came back with a large glass of deep red wine as Bellatrix did a wonderful job of small talk. Meredith smiled, both for her love of wine and for her companion who was flattering her so well. And who also seemed so interested in the dull minds of the instructor’s former students. Sure they were capable enough, though not nearly as skilled as Meredith. “Of course there were.” She commented, pausing to savor the first sip of her alcohol. She made a face, and then shrugged, it was passable. “But Max is hands-down the best and the most reputable, I never considered anyone but her. Even if her former apprentices do leave something to be desired. I’ll keep you abreast of all their amusing complaining’s and woes and maybe soon you will get to enjoy their special form of entertainment for yourself.” She assured the older woman with a smile and a tip of her glass. Hardly. But Meredith was sure they were both just playing their parts here, and she was an excellent actress after all.

Or she thought she was that is, until Bellatrix innocently patted a hand on her arm and Meredith stiffened. It was lucky she was too shocked to jump off her bar stool, and too panicked to sneer or pull away. Her mind screamed, No physical contact! No physical contact! Meredith was nothing if not private. In all respects, especially her person, she had strict personal space rules. Only those she trusted ever got close enough to lay a hand on her; and as much as she respected and revered Bellatrix Lestrange she defiantly did not trust her.
Meredith forced a smile, trying to relax her ridged posture, and took a measured sip of wine. She took a moment to pretend to be thinking over the question when really she was steading her nerves and positioning herself in a way that protected her better from unwanted contact. Now she faced Bellatrix head on, having swiveled her seat around, she crossed her legs protectively and laid a careless arm across them; her other arm rested on the bar, fingers idly swirling her wine. She leaned back, providing more space, and managed a much more genuine smile.

“I would love to see what you do with the place, owl me anytime.” See she could still play along. Though really, redecorating rooms? It was so completely domestic. Speaking of such…Ethan. No, she could not tell Bellatrix about him. “Oh you know, Arithmancy takes up a lot of my time of course. I spend a fair amount of time brewing potions for myself and reading. Then a girl has to sleep right? “ Meredith said conversationally. Unwittingly her hazel eyes wandered back to Roldolphus, thinking it unlikely he was really doing much of the redecorating. And then just thinking what he was doing here at all. Her gaze settled back on Bellatrix and she brought her glass to her lips. Alright, pleasantries were done… “So,” she said after a healthy swallow. “what brings you two here tonight? Better yet what brings me here tonight?”

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

It was clear both of them knew that Bellatrix really had no desire to meet any of these former apprentices. In fact, she hardly cared about the job. Her only interest was in convincing Meredith of the proper company she could keep, as well as find out information regarding a certain other young Slytherin graduate who had been added into her social circle. One that seemed to be fond of Meredith, but also didn't seem to care for her at times. "It's good to see a young woman like yourself with such a goal, it's such an underrated thing these days," Bellatrix replied with a smirk. Perhaps the most genuine thing she had said all night.

She didn't miss the other woman's reaction to her simple gesture, however, and she found it quite amusing. Bellatrix wasn't fond of small talk, but it was necessary when it came to maintaining relationships in this sort of world. And what else was a house wife to talk about other than redecorating? Bellatrix honestly had no clue what Narcissa did with her free time, and she never bothered to ask.

Thankfully Meredith was just as uninterested in small talk, asking her a direct question. "Sounds like you have a busy schedule. I do hope that I will get a chance to snag you sometimes, Roddy is so busy with work sometimes. Which is what brings us here tonight, discussing work," she emphasized, taking a moment to take a sip of her own drink. "As for you, I thought it would be nice to chat. I hardly know you, and you seem to know my soon-to-be cousin quite well. In fact, you beat her out of the Arthimancy apprenticeship I believe she said." 

Turning so she could lean back against the bar, she shot her husband a wink. "So what can you tell me about Bronwyn Nott?"

[Meredith Mulciber]

“Yes well, my real goal is world domination.”Meredith said with an appreciative smile; a compliment from none other than a Black. It was -sort of- a joke to end that part of the conversation. Mostly she was just through with talking about herself. Usually she found no problem with boasting about her accomplishments and plans for the future. In their society, men made the plans, set the goals. But Meredith was just as sharp and cunning as any man and she knew she had the potential to accomplish all of her dreams. And now Bellatrix knew too.  

She was glad when they moved into more interesting topics -and when Bellatrix seemed like she wasn't going to make another attempt at touching her. “Of course I would make time for you.” she assured the older woman immediately, sipping casually on her wine. Her senses perked at the mention of the married couple being here on work business, but the newest Misses Lestrange was quickly onto a much more important topic and Meredith was forced to push her curiosity aside. 

At first she was a little confused -her soon to be cousin? Bellatrix was married now, her family was large, Meredith couldn't be expected to know everyone about to be wed. Her next however had recognition flooding through the recent graduate. There was only one person who had any shot at that apprenticeship. Bronwyn. Bellatrix's last words confirmed it. Meredith took a deep breath, regarding the dark woman across from her critically. Something inside the blonde seemed to seize up at the idea of telling Bellatrix personal details about her long time roommate.


She normally disliked Winnie, but even through that she was considered a close friend. Freely giving out information about her to Bellatrix seemed dangerous, even if it appeared innocent enough. Surely anyone would want to know all the juicy bits about their soon to be relatives, however, she doubted that was Bella's real reason. People like Bella -people like herself- always had ulterior motives. Lydia would kill her if she got Winnie into any kind of trouble. Meredith was quiet for a long time, sipping her wine, and contemplating Bellatrix's request. Finally she set her glass aside. “It depends. What do you want to know?”

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

Bellatrix let out a laugh at Meredith’s joke, pleased that the girl at least had some sense of humor. From what she had seen of Mulciber before, she was an uptight girl who needed to learn how to relax. The world did not need more wives to stay at home and let the men do the work. There was fun in hunting, in the fear you could bring to the eyes of a muggle as they realized how truly horrifying of a situation they were in. If the younger woman really did have ambition, she would make sure she kept the right acquaintances.

Something that it seemed Meredith knew, as she was quick to reassure Bellatrix that she wouldn’t be too busy. There were plenty of things that needed doing, and some of those things weren’t worth her time. It was why the younger recruits were necessary. However, Bellatrix should have known prying information about Nott out of Meredith wouldn’t have been as simple as she would liked.

She sipped her drink in silence, letting Meredith have her thoughts. She had hoped this evening would prove interesting enough to warrant playing the dutiful wife, seeing as she could have been out with her favorite plaything. She had least needed a good story for Alecto out of all of this. Thankfully, Meredith had made up her mind, and Bellatrix turned back to her with a smile. ”Oh nothing all too much. I’m afraid one can only trust the opinion of my aunt and uncle to an extent - after the job they did with Sirius. I’ve worked long enough with her father to know his loyalties, but I don’t know hers. Regulus is...important. I won’t allow her to ruin him.”

And considering the other side of the Nott Family was known for being less than loyal to their bloodline, why should she trust Walburga? Guaranteed the girl obviously had smarts if you trusted her grades, but the Dark Lord had Nott fetching his robes. If her master didn’t trust Nott there was no reason she should. ”I do feel that Regulus really should have been given more choice in the matter. But he appears to like her well enough regardless. Still, if there’s anything she’s hiding...”

[Meredith Mulciber]

The gravity of the conversation was not lost on the younger Death Eater but she did her best to not let it get her nerves in a frenzy. It had only been a few short months since she had taken her mark, but she had learned a great deal during those months. One of them was that Bellatrix could practically smell fear on people, like some wild animal. Meredith was particularly careful not to let the darker woman smell it on her.

So, she smiled politely as she listened to Bellatrix speak, sipping on her wine as if they were still talking about household things. For all her calm, they could have been talking about cushion patterns. They weren't though, they were talking about one of her very good friends and she could feel what was hanging on her answers like a prick between her shoulder blades- Merlin she short of wished Ethan was here to help her deal with the dangerous woman across from her. Meredith had to weigh her next words with great care, that was for sure. 

"You have no qualms with the father and let me assure you, the daughter is very much the same in that respect." That was the easy part of her questions. They were both unfailing loyal to their Dark Lord, that was something she was positive of. Meredith subconsciously swiped her hand down her left forearm, as if she could feel the ink there, the mark of their master. Her eyes wandered to Bella's arm and she forced her eyes away, looking back to the others face though still not quite meeting her eye. "As far as Regulus... you can understand how I may feel the opposite. As you said, given what the eldest Black did -is doing..." 

Meredith pulled on her calm, knowing what she had just said could be taken as an insult to the woman. Maybe it was insulting, but the truth often was. Bronwyn's family name was untainted, Regulus's name would forever be followed by Sirius's disgrace. "But," she said, smiling genuinely and finishing her glass of wine. "I don't think we need to worry there, Regulus is a good boy and I believe the two of them will make a fine match." Her smile grew tight and she fiddled with her glass, aware that she had ignored the last part of the question, about hiding things. About secrets. She called to the bartender to distract. "Another please."

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

Out of everyone who had taken their marks this summer - besides Regulus of course - Meredith was one of the only ones Bellatrix had bothered to take any personal interest in. They’d had their exchanges at the dinner, but that was simply a way to size up the newcomers. And most of them seemed rather useless, if Bellatrix was being honest. Aaron Crabbe thought too highly of himself, Ethan Vanderhyde was hardly capable of filling his father’s shoes, and Bronwyn Nott had been late to the whole event. Hardly the kind of recruits that sparked fear into the hearts of people. But Meredith? She had a lot of potential, and she was smart enough to know there was more for her to learn. But this was the real test - would she be smart enough to tell the truth?

It was an odd choice of words - Bellatrix had plenty of qualms with Cantankerous Nott - but those were all her own personal judgements against the man. He was loyal to the Dark Lord, but still foolish enough to consider the Weasleys and Prewetts part of the Sacred 28. She knew that Bronwyn would have her uses, a job in the Ministry guaranteed that the Dark Lord would find something for her to do. But there was little glory in recruitment, particularly for a woman. Bella could hardly think of being anywhere but the field, but she didn’t miss Meredith’s actions. Fingers lightly tracing her own exposed dark mark as she listened, Bella remained quiet until the girl finished.

Carefully chosen words, just as smart as your father.

Picking up her own drink once more, she smiled into it as she waited for the bartender to refill the other woman’s wine. It would be easy to pry into the younger girls mind, she doubted the blonde had thought to brush up on the Occlumency prior to this night. “A fine match indeed, it would seem,” she spoke quietly, taking a sip of her drink. While speaking to Cordelia would have been a better avenue to learn information on Bronwyn, she knew that Mulciber and Nott had their differences. And that sort of relationship generally yielded much more reliable information.

“Enough idle chatter, hmm?” she asked as her grin widened, her fingers snapping at the bartender to refresh her own drink as she sat up taller. “By now I suppose you’ve been informed that part of your duty to your Dark Lord involves a test of your abilities, but what I am more interested in hearing are your desires. Not many want to stay in recruitment forever.”

[Meredith Mulciber]

The mood changed in an instant, Meredith could all but feel it in the air around her. Bellatrix sat up straighter, snapping her fingers for another drink, and the blonde sat up straighter too. A tiny part of her fluttered, fearful that she had angered the other woman by mostly dodging her questions and nearly giving proper insult to the Black's. She quickly hid that part and regarded her counterpart with cool eyes and an open ear.  

She wanted to blurt out that she had already been tested, the night she had received her mark, but she clamped down on the thought and kept her mouth shut. Interruptions were never taken well in their world. She was glad she had kept it together because the dark woman's true question would encompass all she had been working toward for the last few years. Meredith did like to have her plans and telling them to someone so influential could never be a bad thing. Right? 

"Well, I intend to be of use to Our Lord in whatever way he sees fit. I'm studying currently to help him better predict attacks and defenses and likely outcomes - victories, defeats; though we should have none, the other side is so wholly unprepared by my calculations. But for my initiation, I showed a great aptitude for the Imperius, and I believe that could be of more direct use to Him right now more than anything I'm going to be mastering in in a few years. I think Our Lord might agree." 

Meredith took a deep breath, suddenly unsure of herself and how her answer would be perceived by Bellatrix. No, everything I said was true and honest and it is my place to have such expectations and aspirations for myself. Resolved, the woman smiled sweetly at her counterpart and awaited her response.

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

Under normal circumstances, this wasn’t something Bellatrix enjoyed. Working with Alecto when she was a new recruit had been fun, but there had been a mutual attraction between them. Alecto had desired her, had wanted to prove herself to Bella. Alecto was the perfect plaything, and their relationship was still strong all these years later. But Meredith? The girl was pretty, sure, but there was nothing about the girl’s demeanor to suggest that she was the type to be fun. Following orders was one thing, enjoying the act of murder was another. Bella knee she should be honored that the Dark Lord has entrusted her with so much, but no matter how many good recruits she could help mold he didn’t seem to love her the way she loved him. Had she failed him in some way? She had given him Alecto, the woman just as twisted as she was. Malfoy wasn’t her fault, he was a lost cause from the beginning. Perhaps he was disappointed in her for the failure of her sisters - but that was also out of her control.

It didn’t make a difference now, but what did matter was making sure the fresh batch of recruits didn’t f*ck anything up. Some of them didn’t seem promising, (Nott had been late to the first dinner, and Vanderhyde? He was like a puppy with its tail between its legs). At least Mulciber showed promise, with her fancy internship. Her father was one of the most trusted, which meant the girl had probably been planning for this for a while. At least, that was what Bella hoped. She listened carefully to the girls words, sipping her drink as she tried to conceal a smile. A person who could pull off a flawless Imperius curse was quite useful indeed, especially within the Ministry. It was a shame the girl didn’t have a position at the Ministry herself, as it would be less suspicious for Meredith to be around. But that mattered not, they could easily arrange for the girl to be visiting Bella at work if her skills were needed.

“You are quite a clever girl,” she smirked, downing the rest of her glass as she looked back to her husband. His business would be finished soon, judging by the open minds of some of his coworkers. “The Dark Lord will be quite pleased to hear how seriously you are taking his work. Your skills will come in handy, in fact, I may already have an idea of how they will be used.” She locked eyes with Rodolphus, giving him a nod to towards the door. “Thank you for joining me, Mere. You’ll hear from me soon.” She gave the girl a smile, dropping some coins on the bar to pay for their drinks as she stood. “Oh, and don’t let that Vanderhyde boy hold you back. You’re much better than he is.”

[Meredith Mulciber]

Meredith was on pins and needles as she waited for a reaction or response from Bellatrix. This meeting was important, she had always known that from the moment she had gotten the invitation. But how important remained to be seen. She knew Bella was possibly the most loyal of the Dark Lords followers and the one who admired their cause the most. If she didn't like what Meredith had to say, the blonde knew she was doomed. 

A smile broke her face as the older woman spoke, relief flooding her. Bellatrix thought she was clever! She wasn't dismissing her at all, in fact, she thought the Mulciber girl could be useful. Mere wanted to pounce on her words, find out exactly what the other woman already had in mind for her but that felt too much like an eager firsty with their annoying hand in the air. No, she would just have to wait until Mrs. Lestrange contacted her again. Meredith knew she was more than ready for whatever the dark woman had in mind. 

Standing to bid Bella farewell, Mere's smile faltered. A dull panic in her mind threatened to derail her - you weren't careful enough, she's seen your thoughts- but she pushed that down, forcing a smile back to her face in a matter of seconds. Quickly she thought: should she deny Ethan? No, that was a lie easily found out. Best to just go with the flow. "Oh Bella, there is nothing powerful enough to hold me back, but I'll keep that in mind just in case." She said easily, giving the woman a swift pat on her arm, feeling the touch like a burn, but knowing it was necessary to strengthen their bond. She waved to the Lestranges as the took their leave, carefully avoiding the ever handsome Rodolphus's eye. "I look forward to hearing from you."