[HPforGrownups] Bellatrix as 'Bella'

[T.M. Sommers]

No: HPFGUIDX 69352

sibel_saya wrote:
> While rereading OOP, something struck me as rather strange.
> In the chapter The Only One He Ever Feared, when Voldemort comes back 
> finding Bellatrix and Harry, Voldemort calls Bellatrix 'Bella' twice 
> (p716-717 UK Edition).
> 
> Now surely this is a sign of affection from Voldemort, something we 
> haven't seen before. He calls all the other DEs by their last names 
> at the end of GoF, except for Lucius Malfoy, whom he calls Lucius. 

I wouldn't call that affection; rather familiarity.

> Not only does he call her by her first name but shortens it, 
> something we associate with affection. Is this just because she is a 
> woman? 

Probably.  Also, there isn't any obvious short form of 'Lucius' 
(I don't think 'Lucy' would do).

> Or because their relationship may be a bit more advanced 
> perhaps (cough cough)?

Highly doubtful, I would say.