The Chaos Within (A Bellatrix Fanfiction)

The Hijack

June

Finally, it was the last day of school. Exams were over. I'd passed my Apparition exam, and the sun was shining high in the sky. I hoped I'd done exceptionally well on my NEWTs, but I'd find out over the summer. Next year would be our final year, and I'd be turning eighteen in a couple of days, so I'd have the entire summer to practice magic freely. I couldn't wait.

I was currently relaxing by the lake with my friends during a free period. Becka was lying across my legs while I absentmindedly stroked her blonde hair. Our relationship was no longer a secret, and the rest of the group had been supportive ever since they'd overheard me and Becka talking about my past.

"So, Ezza, what's the plan for when we come to see you?" Tyler asked, lounging beside me.

"My mum wants to spend a couple of weeks catching up first. Then you guys can visit, there are plenty of rooms at the manor, and the beach is only a ten-minute walk away, or, if you've passed your Apparition exams like me, a second," I said, grinning.

"Hmm, a romantic picnic on the beach, I like the sound of that," Becka teased, glancing up at me with a playful smirk.

"Don't think you can monopolise Erin the whole time, Becka," Rosanna joked. "That'd be... cringe."

"You're just jealous," Tristan laughed.

"Oh, please," Rosanna scoffed. "I don't need a boyfriend. Relationships are overrated."

"Guys, we should head up to the end-of-year feast," Tyler reminded us, standing. We all agreed and began the walk back to the castle, laughter trailing behind us.

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The Next Morning

"Guys, get a bloody move on!" Tristan roared. "We need the best compartment on the train; we're seniors!"

"Shut up, Tristan, we're coming!" Rosanna yelled, laughing. It felt good, finally heading home after a long year, free from the stresses of exams and the castle's chaos.

We managed to secure a secluded compartment. Becka flopped onto a seat, pulling me down with her.

"Hey guys, watch this," Tyler said with a mischievous grin. Quietly, he opened the next compartment and hurled a dungbomb before quickly shutting the door and returning to us.

Within seconds, the horrified screams of the other students echoed through the carriage. We howled with laughter, the sound ringing across the empty end of the train. "Classic," Tristan chuckled.

For the next hour, we played Exploding Snap, ate snacks, and occasionally wandered up and down the train, teasing other students and occasionally glancing at Gryffindor compartments. I passed Lee Jordan at one point with Fred and George; he gave me a tentative smile, and I returned a brief nod. We hadn't spoken in ages.

Eventually, we settled back into the compartment. The sun was high, and the air sweltering. A couple of windows were cracked open to let in a breeze, but it was still stifling.

"Hey guys, what do you think-" Becka began, but the train screeched to a sudden halt, jarring us all.

"We can't be at King's Cross already?" Rosanna asked, puzzled, craning her neck. Tyler leaned out to see, then returned with a frown.

"No, we shouldn't get there until at least six," Tristan said, shaking his head. "Maybe the train broke down?"

"Doubt it," I said. "Unless there's something on the tracks..."

"I'll check," Tyler said, hopping to his feet.

Minutes passed in tense silence. 

Then Tyler returned; but he wasn't alone.

Three men followed him, one grabbing his scruff and hurling him back into the compartment. Tyler landed in a heap, apologising as he tried to scramble to his feet.

The men were scruffy, dressed entirely in black, wands at the ready. And then I saw it... the Dark Mark emblazoned on the forearm of the one in front.

Death Eaters.

My blood ran cold. My dad wasn't among them; I would have recognised him from the photos Mum had shown me years ago.

"Now, which one of you would be Erin Travers?" the leader asked, voice low and dangerous.

"And what would you want with her?" Tristan spat, stepping protectively in front of me.

"None of your business, boy," the black-haired one sneered. "Now tell us, or we'll make you." Sparks danced from his wand in a clear threat.

I swallowed my fear. "It's me."

"Erin, no!" Becka cried, grabbing my arm.

"You'll be coming with us," the leader said, advancing. "Or we'll hurt your friends."

I squared my shoulders. "Fine. Just leave them alone."

"Erin, don't!" Rosanna shouted.

"I've got to!" I said firmly. "Send a message to my mum, tell her I love her."

Tristan drew his wand; a fatal mistake. The Death-Eaters swiped the air in front of him, and he collapsed with a bleeding gash across his face. Tyler and Rosanna rushed to his side, helpless.

I was dragged from the compartment, off the train. The carriages behind us continued forward, leaving London further behind. Endless fields stretched on either side, the sun beating down mercilessly.

"What is this about?" I asked, my voice trembling despite my attempts at defiance.

The black-haired one smirked. "The Dark Lord would like a word with you."

"What? No-"

I was cut off as the same Death-Eater grabbed my arm and apparated. The world blurred around me in a nauseating swirl of light and air.

Seconds later, I gasped for humid summer air. Bright sunlight blinded me as I took in my surroundings. High hedges lined the perimeter. A white peacock strutted atop one, its feathers glinting in the sun. Massive wrought iron gates stood before us, opening automatically as we approached.

I took in the enormous manor house beyond the gates. Beautiful, yes, but foreboding in every sense.

"Where are we?" I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper.

No answer came. My stomach knotted. My father had escaped from Azkaban, but why was I here, and why now? The fear crawling up my spine told me only one thing: the Dark Lord's interest in me was far from casual.