The Chaos Within (A Bellatrix Fanfiction)

Letter

2 Weeks Later

"What happened to your face?" Draco asked, glancing up as I flopped onto the couch in his room, brushing against him.

I touched the gash lightly. "I couldn't dodge one of your mother's jinxes." I grimaced. "I think it was Sectumsempra."

Draco sighed and raised his wand, moving it slowly over the wound. "Vulnera Sanentur."

I felt the deep cut stitch itself together. "Thanks, mate," I muttered, feeling a little relief.

"I've just asked Vaella for some food, if you want any," he offered, his eyes softening slightly as he watched me.

"Oh good, I'm starving," I said, nodding. My stomach rumbled at the thought of something to eat.

The past two weeks had been a whirlwind. I'd spent most of my time training with Narcissa, occasionally Lucius when she was busy, and I hadn't seen Bellatrix since that... confusing moment in my room. In some ways, I was grateful for that. She scared me—terrified me sometimes—but at the same time, she'd left me feeling completely off balance, and I wasn't sure I could handle more of that. I'd heard she was busy running errands for the Dark Lord, which at least gave me some breathing room.

I was slowly starting to settle into life at the Malfoys, though pangs of homesickness still gnawed at me. Draco and I had grown close—he was almost like a brother now—but I missed my friends terribly. Becka, in particular, weighed heavily on my mind. I'd let Bellatrix kiss me weeks ago, but had been kidnapped by Death Eaters at the time. For all I knew, Becka had assumed our relationship was over. She might already have moved on. The thought made my chest tighten.

"Hey, Erin, I was talking to my mum," Draco said, breaking into my thoughts. "I asked her about whether you'd be with us for Christmas, and she reminded me that the Dark Lord has ordered you to stay here until further notice. But she was thinking of inviting your mother here as well."

"Really?" I sat up, interest piqued.

"Yeah, but don't let on that you know. It's not definite yet. She's also going to allow you to write a letter soon, as long as you don't say too much in case it's intercepted by the Ministry." He gave me a small nod.

I grinned. "Oh brilliant."

Vaella appeared suddenly with a loud crack. "Master Draco, your mother requests you to eat downstairs with her. She'd like to talk with you in private too."

"Okay, thanks Vaella." Draco nodded and she bowed before disapparating again.

Draco and I both got up. "Wonder what she wants to talk to you about," I mused aloud.

"Knowing my mother, it could be anything," he shrugged, heading downstairs.

I went to my bedroom, stripped off my training gear, freshened up, and changed into denim shorts and a coral-red tank top. I collapsed on my bed, grabbing the latest book from my bedside table. My eyes drooped within minutes, exhaustion from training overtaking me. I blinked to stay awake but gave up, setting the book aside and letting myself drift into a restless sleep.

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"Hey, little Death Eater..."

I shot upright. Bellatrix was sitting on the edge of my bed. My heart leapt into my throat. "W-what are you doing here?"

She smirked. "I've missed you."

I rolled my eyes, trying to keep my voice steady. "No, you haven't. Draco's told me everything about you. You don't care about anyone or anything."

"You're right, I don't," she admitted, her voice low and teasing. "But you... you intrigue me, little Death Eater." She leaned closer, brushing her lips against the crook between my neck and shoulder. I bit my lip, hating how good it felt. "You're all mine," she murmured.

"Bellatrix-" I stammered, heart pounding, as my breath hitched.

A sharp crack echoed in the room, snapping me awake. Oh god, how long had I been out?

Vaella appeared, standing rigidly in the center of the room. "Miss Erin, Mistress Narcissa has asked me to tell you dinner is ready in about five minutes."

"Okay, thanks, Vaella," I said, wiping the sleep from my eyes. My pulse slowed as the dream slipped away, leaving only a lingering confusion. What had that been?

I got out of bed, brushed through my messy hair, and splashed cold water on my face. I felt more alert but unsettled.

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Downstairs, Lucius sat with Draco, passing a pipe back and forth. I slid into the chair beside Draco, noticing his slightly troubled expression.

"Everything okay?" I asked quietly.

He nodded absentmindedly, taking a slow drag before handing the pipe back. I didn't believe him but let it go.

Narcissa swept in, her usual presence commanding attention. "What have I said about smoking at the table?"

Before Lucius could respond, Bellatrix followed, her gaze locking on me. I cast my eyes down, trying to make myself invisible.

"It's never usually a problem," Lucius said dryly.

"Unless before dinner, I'd rather not eat with the fumes around us," Narcissa said firmly. Bellatrix raised her wand, and the pipe disintegrated with a small pop.

Lucius gave a sarcastic smile. "Always a pleasure to have you join us, Bellatrix."

"I wish I could say the same for you, Lucius," she shot back, cackling.

I kept my head down as Vaella floated in, magically arranging dishes and plates on the table. Dinner dragged on, with Draco unusually quiet, and Lucius and Bellatrix sniping back and forth. I focused on my food, avoiding attention.

"So, Erin," Bellatrix finally said, eyes glinting, "Cissy tells me you've successfully used the Killing Curse."

I swallowed. "Erm... yeah," I said awkwardly. "I've... already... killed a few animals."

She smiled arrogantly, and I felt heat rise to my cheeks. I looked away, embarrassed.

"Good," she said, voice sharp. "The Dark Lord will want a full report on your progress tomorrow."

Well, that was something to look forward to, I thought bitterly.

"In other news," Narcissa said, "I'm allowing you to write to your mother, Erin."

"Thank you," I said, relief washing over me.

"Be careful what you write, in case it's intercepted. I'll review it before you send it. You may write after dinner if you like."

After dinner, I retreated to my room, grabbing parchment, ink, and a quill. I hesitated for a moment, thinking of how to word everything carefully, before beginning:

Hi Mum,

I'm really sorry it's taken me so long to write. Things have been extremely busy. I hope my friends have told you what happened. I didn't want to worry you, as it was very sudden with dad. I can't say too much, but I miss you very much and hope to see you soon. Please let me know how Shadow is, and try not to worry too much. I'm in good health, and the people my dad knows are being friendly and accommodating. I have a beautiful bedroom and have been given some gorgeous new clothes. Let me know how you are. I'll write as often as I can, but I'm being kept quite busy.

Much love,

Erin

I signed the letter, sighed, and set the quill down. Hopefully, my mother would read between the lines and understand that I was safe, despite everything.