The Littlest Wizard

chapter 2

Bellatrix POV

I never fancied myself a protector, but as I stood there, gazing into her innocent eyes, I felt an unexpected urge to shield her from the brutality of the world around us. It was madness to consider it-me, the notorious Bellatrix Lestrange, nurturing a child. Yet, here she was, lost and alone in the midst of chaos, and I, too, felt a fleeting connection to something I thought long dead inside of me: compassion.

"Lost, are you?" I murmured, my voice softening despite myself. "Well, we can't have that now, can we?" I extended my hand towards her, my long fingers surprisingly gentle. "Come with me, little one. We'll find somewhere safe."

She hesitated, her wide eyes flickering with a mix of fear and tentative trust. Slowly, she reached out and grasped my hand, her small fingers trembling as they curled around mine. I could feel the warmth of her touch, a stark contrast to the coldness that usually defined me.

With a gentle tug, I guided her away from the crumbling wall, moving cautiously through the ruins of Hogwarts. The battle raged on around us, spells and curses flying through the air, but in that moment, my focus was solely on the fragile life I now held in my care. Each step we took seemed to echo with an unspoken promise: to protect, to care, to nurture-however foreign those concepts were to me.

As we made our way through the wreckage, I couldn't help but glance down at the little one every now and then. She was a small, delicate creature, her golden curls bouncing with each step, her eyes wide with wonder and fear. How had she ended up here, in the heart of a war she had no part in? And why did I, of all people, feel compelled to keep her safe?

"What's your name little one?" I asked softly, making sure to keep her close and find a safe path for both of us without letting her get hurt. "R-Rosalina" She replied her voice barely able to reach me. Such a cute name she's got.

The answers eluded me, but I pushed those thoughts aside. For now, my priority was to find a place of refuge amidst the chaos. We navigated through the darkened corridors, the remnants of the once-grand castle looming around us. The familiar paths were now twisted and broken, a testament to the ferocity of the battle.

We turned a corner and found ourselves in what remained of the Great Hall. The grandeur of the room was marred by destruction, the enchanted ceiling showing a stormy sky that mirrored the turmoil below. Yet, amidst the rubble, there was a strange stillness, a momentary reprieve from the violence outside.

"Stay close," I whispered, tightening my grip on Rosalina's hand. She nodded, her small frame pressed against my side. We moved cautiously through the hall, the sound of our footsteps barely audible over the distant clamor of the battle.

As we reached the far end of the hall, I spotted an alcove hidden behind a partially collapsed pillar. It was small and shielded from the main area, offering a semblance of safety. I led Rosalina towards it, my mind racing with thoughts of how to keep her hidden.

"Here," I said, guiding her into the alcove. "Stay here and keep quiet. I'll be right back." Rosalina's eyes widened in fear, and she let go of my cloak after a moment and nodded obediently, crouching down and curling into a small ball. I took a deep breath, my heart pounding with a strange mix of protectiveness and determination.

I straightened up and turned back towards the hall, my mind already formulating a plan. I needed to find a way to end this battle, or at the very least, create a diversion that would allow us to escape. My eyes scanned the room, taking in the remnants of destruction and the flickering shadows cast by the broken torches.

A sudden commotion drew my attention, and I spotted a group of Death Eaters converging near the entrance. Among them, I recognized familiar faces-warriors of our cause, but now they were a threat to Rosalina's safety. I had to act quickly.