Summary:

Bellatrix and Tom Riddle—two of the most enigmatic characters in Harry Potter—have puzzled writers and readers alike since their equally horrifying introductions. Why did Bellatrix believe she was Lord Voldemort’s most dedicated and favored follower? Why did the Dark Lord indulge a woman he could have squashed like an insignificant bug; why did he allow her to continue in her ‘delusions,’ if, indeed, they were delusions?

I believe that these allowances are not simply coincidences. Why should the most feared dark wizard of all time cater to a pawn? There must have been prior connections between the two to create this bond.

In “Black as Snow,” we glimpse a snippet of Tom Riddle’s life at Hogwarts, his (hypothetical) introduction to Bellatrix, and, afterwards, the special bond the witch and wizard shared … then, and now.

Created for the wonderful rita_skeeter in MNFF’s Ravenclaw Christmas Exchange, 2006.