The Chaos Within (A Bellatrix Fanfiction)

Training

There was a gentle knock at my door. I looked up from the book I'd been engrossed in, my mind still spinning from the day's horrors.

The door opened just a crack, and Draco poked his head around. He looked tired, but relieved. "Erin?"

"Draco! I'm so glad you're here... I've had the worst day so far," I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

He stepped inside and perched on the edge of the bed. "I know, I'm sorry this happened. I got your mother's message; she sent an owl to the train explaining briefly that you were at our place and to bring your luggage. She couldn't put too much in the letter, so I explained the rest when I arrived. Your luggage is downstairs."

"Thank you," I murmured. "At least I've got most of my possessions. I suppose I won't be needing my Hogwarts uniform anytime soon..."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Do you want something to eat? You probably haven't had a proper meal all day."

Now that he mentioned it, my stomach growled. "Yes, I'm starving."

"Vaella!" he called sharply. A house-elf appeared with a soft pop.

"Yes, Master Draco?" she asked, bowing deeply.

"Bring us a plate of sandwiches, please."

The elf nodded, curtsied, and vanished. I smiled faintly. Maybe having Draco around would make this place feel a little less intimidating.

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The next morning, I woke to the smell of coffee and the sound of soft footsteps. Narcissa Malfoy stood at the doorway, a pile of clothes over her arm and a steaming mug in hand.

"C'mon, get up, Erin," she said briskly. "You've got a full day of training to catch up on the basics. I brought you clothes you'll be required to wear and some coffee." She placed the items on the bed and left as swiftly as she'd arrived.

I dragged myself into the en-suite, letting the warm water wash some of the dread from my mind. When I emerged, I quickly dried off and dressed in the black training outfit Narcissa had provided. I tied my hair up neatly and applied a bit of concealer and waterproof mascara to hide the remnants of exhaustion. Wand pocketed, I made my way downstairs.

Draco met me on the staircase, taking my empty mug with a soft, "Morning, Travers."

I laughed lightly. "It's still weird hearing people call me by my real surname."

"It's who you are. Nothing to be ashamed of," he said simply, descending beside me.

Narcissa was waiting in the hallway. "We'll train outside in the back garden today. Follow me."

I followed, offering Draco a brave smile. The garden was beautiful, surrounded by towering hedges, white peacocks strutting about, and delicate hedge sculptures scattered throughout. The sun shone warmly, and I felt grateful I wouldn't freeze in the sports bra and leggings I'd been given.

"Right, Erin," Narcissa began, "I trust you learned non-verbal spells at Hogwarts?"

"Yes," I replied confidently.

"Good. Show me. Attempt to disarm me."

I focused, picturing the energy moving through my arm to my wand, and flicked it in a spiral. "Expelliarmus," I muttered non-verbally. Narcissa's wand flew from her hand, landing a few feet away on the grass.

"Very good," she said, retrieving it. "Now, duel me. Keep it non-verbal. The element of surprise is on your side. Your opponent won't know which spells are coming, giving you a split-second advantage."

I braced myself. Narcissa lunged with a spell, which I barely blocked with a shield charm. Another flew at me, and I blocked that too.

"Come on, Erin! Don't just block- fight back!" she commanded.

I gritted my teeth and began firing non-verbal jinxes while dodging hers. We danced around the garden, dodging, spinning, weaving. My adrenaline surged, and for a moment, I actually felt exhilarated.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Bellatrix leaning casually against a hedge sculpture, her dark eyes fixed on us with amusement.

I lost focus for just a second. A spell hit me square in the side, sending me sprawling to the grass. I groaned and slowly pushed myself to my feet.

"Rule number one, Erin," Narcissa scolded, shaking her head. "Never allow distractions. Say it starts raining or a giant appears... whatever the illusion, be ready. One slip, and you could be captured in seconds."

"I just lost focus for a split second," I muttered.

"Distractions are deadly," Narcissa corrected. "A Death Eater must always be alert."

Bellatrix sauntered closer, smirking. "How's the training going, Cissy?"

"Not as badly as I expected. She has potential," Narcissa said, eyes on me. "I thought you were off with Rookwood and Avery?"

"We finished early," Bellatrix replied.

"Well, entertain yourself elsewhere. You'll train with Erin tomorrow." Narcissa's voice was firm.

Bellatrix shrugged, smirked, and cackled as she left. The adrenaline and unease left me jittery, but strangely exhilarated. There was something about Bellatrix's dangerous aura that made me more alert, sharper.

"Right, again!" Narcissa called, raising her wand.

I took a deep breath and raised mine. It was going to be a long, gruelling day.