The Chaos Within (A Bellatrix Fanfiction)

The Unforgivable Curses

I sloped back into the manor after another long day of training with Narcissa. Draco was lounging in the lounge, looking up as I entered.

"You look done in," he commented.

I threw myself onto a couch, wincing as my muscles ached. "I am. Your mother kept us going nonstop with duel training."

"Hey, watch it- you've trailed dirt in from outside. Dad will kill you."

"Oh crap, Tergeo!" I waved my wand, and the dirt on the marble floor vanished instantly. I sighed. "Where is everyone?"

"Dad's off running errands at the Ministry, and Mum's probably deciding on dinner," Draco yawned. "How are you holding up? I know it can't be easy being away from your mum and friends."

"Honestly..." I shook my head. "I'm surprised I haven't had a breakdown yet. I'm already feeling homesick, and I haven't fully processed the idea of not returning to Hogwarts next year."

"It'll get easier, I promise. You've got me," Draco said gently. "I'm always here if you need to talk."

I smiled, grateful. "Thanks, Draco. I'll just go freshen up before dinner."

Upstairs, I peeled off my sweaty training gear and stepped into the en-suite for a quick bath. Clean and refreshed, I changed into light grey joggers and a dark green tank top that hinted at cleavage. Sitting at the marble dresser, I wiped away the last traces of makeup and let my hair fall in loose waves. Maybe I'd ask Narcissa if she could teach me some hair-recolouring spells. For now, my mum was probably wringing her hands with worry, and I hoped I could send her a letter soon.

A sudden crack made me jump. Vaella, the house-elf, appeared.

"Miss Erin, Mistress Narcissa asked me to tell you dinner will be ready in ten minutes."

"Thanks, Vaella." I smiled. She curtsied and vanished. I exhaled and headed downstairs.

The next morning, I drained the last of my coffee and nibbled on the croissant Vaella had brought me. I hadn't asked for breakfast, but it seemed Narcissa was trying to be... nice.

Slipping into my sports bra and leggings, I braided my hair into two French braids, feeling a small spark of pride in my appearance.

Downstairs, the manor was empty. Draco had left an hour ago, accompanying his father to the Ministry. I stepped into the back garden and froze. Bellatrix Lestrange was waiting.

"Hello, little Death Eater," she said, her dark eyes scanning me with a smirk.

"Hi," I mumbled, my stomach tightening.

"We won't be practicing here," she said. "I have a better place for us."

"But Narcissa said I'm to remain at the manor until further notice."

"Unless it's necessary for training," Bellatrix reminded me, extending her hand. "Take my hand. I won't bite."

I hesitated.

"Unless," she added with a wicked smirk, "you want me to."

I sighed, reluctantly taking her hand, ignoring the soft warmth of her skin. In an instant, we disappeared.

We reappeared in an abandoned warehouse. Dust motes danced in shafts of sunlight filtering through the high windows. Crates were scattered across the floor- and a golden retriever ambled among them, sniffing curiously.

"What is this?" I asked, frowning.

"Today, you're learning the Unforgivable Curses," Bellatrix said brightly. "I'm sure you know their names."

"Yes," I said flatly.

"Good." She pointed her wand at the dog. "This will be your test subject."

"A dog?" I blinked.

"They're intelligent, obedient creatures, the perfect target for the Imperius Curse."

I swallowed hard. "Okay..." I pulled out my wand.

"Repeat the incantation," she ordered, stepping close. Her presence sent a chill down my spine. "Imperio, and concentrate on the dog."

I bit my lip. "Imperio."

A strange, powerful sensation swept through me. For a moment, it felt like I could read the dog's thoughts. Without consciously thinking, I commanded it to jump onto the nearest crate. The golden retriever obeyed instantly.

Bellatrix cackled. "Very good! Now, the Cruciatus Curse."

My hand shook. "The... torturing one?"

I remembered the searing pain from yesterday. Could I really inflict that on an innocent animal?

"I- I can't," I trembled.

"Why not?" she demanded, narrowing her eyes.

"It's just a dog! I can't hurt it!"

"You can, and you will," she hissed. "This is what you have to do if you want to be a Death Eater!"

I laughed bitterly. "I never wanted to. But I have no choice."

She waved her wand at the dog. "Crucio!"

The dog yelped and fell off the crate, whimpering. Bellatrix smirked.

"Your turn," she commanded.

I closed my eyes, focusing on my anger, my fear, everything I hated about being here. I pointed my wand. "Crucio."

The dog whimpered but quickly seemed unharmed. Confusion washed over me.

"You've got to mean it, Erin!" Bellatrix shouted. Then she waved her wand. In a flash, the dog transformed into a dragon, the size of a train compartment. It roared, fire erupting from its mouth, engulfing a nearby crate. Sparks danced in the air, and I stumbled backward.

"Go on, little Death Eater, before it turns you into charcoal!" Bellatrix cackled.

The dragon lunged at us with a fireball. I ducked, heart hammering. "Now, Erin!" Bellatrix shouted.

Summoning every ounce of fear, anger, and desperation, I pointed my wand. "Crucio!"

The dragon shrieked in pain, retreating into a corner. I advanced cautiously, keeping the curse focused on it. Bellatrix laughed with delight.

"Now finish it off!" she said.

"Finish it off?" I stammered, horrified.

"The Killing Curse," she said coldly.

"No!" I shook my head. Lowering my wand, I refused.

Bellatrix's eyes narrowed. "Oh, for- Avada Kedavra!"

A jet of green light struck the dragon, which let out an almighty screech before collapsing lifelessly to the floor. My stomach churned.

I stood frozen, heart hammering, stomach twisting, and wondered how I could survive this world without losing myself completely.