Work Text:
Bellatrix Black crept through the dimly lit alley, her wand twitching in anticipation. Rita Skeeter, oblivious, adjusted her scarlet glasses as she examined an unsigned note.
“Your words cut deeper than any blade… I long to meet the woman behind them.”
Rita smirked. A secret admirer? How delicious. She tapped the parchment. “Well, come out then, darling. Don’t be shy — ”
Then, a shadow moved. Bellatrix stepped forward, wild, raven curls framing her manic grin. “Oh, I’m far from shy.”
Rita’s eyes widened in delight. “Bellatrix? You’re my admirer?” She preened, her eyelashes fluttering as her eyes drank the woman in. “I knew your eyes used to linger when we were in Hogwarts. Didn’t know it was my journalism that would reel you in.”
Bellatrix’s laughter was sharp. “Oh, it did.” She raised her wand. “ Crucio — ”
Rita sighed dreamily. “To think, the Dark Lord’s fiercest lieutenant, taken to me!”
Bellatrix hesitated. “Taken? You think this is—?”
“Admit it,” Rita purred. “I’m irresistible.”
For the first time in her life, Bellatrix was speechless. Then, she burst into cackles. “You’re mad.” She lowered her wand. “Tell you what… take down Fudge and maybe I’ll let you live.”
Rita beamed. “Darling, consider it done.”