The Chaos Within (A Bellatrix Fanfiction)

Ownership

2 Weeks Later

Had that clock always been there? 

I stared blankly across my slowly darkening room, as I lay stretched across my bed, but I was anything but relaxed. It had been 3 days since Draco had gone back to school without me, and I was bored already. He promised he'd write, but I hadn't heard from him yet. I assumed he was just settling back in, then he'd send me a letter. 

My fingers found my left forearm. My eyes drifted down to the starkly bold lines of the Dark Mark. I often found myself touching it absentmindedly. 

I didn't choose this. Any of it. But it had chosen me. I couldn't back out. I was already in too deep. This was my life now, and it didn't come with a resignation notice. 

My door clicked open, pulling me out of my stupor. I looked up to see Bellatrix coming in, without invitation. She never did anymore; she came and went as she pleased. 

"By all means, come in." I said sarcastically anyway. "I could have been changing." 

"Don't be a tease, little Death Eater." She laughed, walking over to the bed and lying down beside me, as she snaked an arm around my waist. "What are you doing, up here, alone?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" I smirked. 

Her dark eyes found my hand still absentmindedly brushing over the tattoo on my arm. "You'll get used to it." She said, kissing my shoulder. "Besides, you earned it... you've done very well, Miss Travers." 

Something in her tone didn't sit right with me. "Earned it?" I repeated, my fingers stilling. The word sat wrong in my mouth, like it didn't belong to me.

She hummed in agreement. "The Dark Mark is more than a tool. It's a symbol of power. Of legacy. Belonging." 

I nodded, but I didn't know how to feel about that. I wanted to believe her, but the way I'd practically been forced into this role, seemed anything but powerful or familial. 

"Darling, I can practically hear your thoughts." Bella murmured against my neck. I closed my eyes, giving in to the sensation. "You'll understand in time." 

I didn't reply, as she pressed her lips against my neck, and my breath hitched. I gave into her touch despite myself, as she deepened the kisses, and bit on my skin a little, causing me to gasp. I felt very warm all over. 

She stopped just as quickly as she started. I looked up at her in confusion.

"I've got to go out, I have a few errands to run, little Death Eater." She smirked. "I'll probably come by and see you later." She climbed off the bed, heading towards the door. 

"Promise?" I asked. 

She turned to give me a wink, without answering and left. 

I flopped back down onto my bed as the room grew silent again. It suddenly felt colder than before. 

I closed my eyes again, hoping to catch up on a little sleep, since I'd been up all night last night. 

However, life had other ideas, since I heard a soft pop, and I opened my eyes again to see Vaella stood in my room. "Miss Erin, Mistress Narcissa has asked to see you. She's in the drawing room."

"Okay, thank you Vaella". I said before she bowed and disapparated again. 

I dragged myself off my bed, and straightened my clothes, brushed my hair and headed downstairs. 

There was no sign of Bellatrix; she'd already left then. 

I headed into the drawing room where Narcissa was sat, nursing a goblet of dark wine. She looked up as I entered. 

"You wanted to see me, Narcissa?" I asked. 

She poured me a glass of wine, before handing it to me. I thanked her silently, sitting in the armchair opposite her. 

"I just want to let you know, for the next few days, I won't be here, and neither will Lucius; we have a trip we need to go on, by the Dark Lords orders. Normally we'd take you with us, but this errand strictly doesn't include you." She explained. 

I nodded. "Okay." 

"So, Lucius has asked Bellatrix to stay to keep an eye on you. Just for security reasons, you understand. You're the newest recruit, so your protection is paramount."

I had a feeling it was less to do with "protection" and more to do with "control" but I simply nodded again. 

"I've also asked that your father come by to see you." She added delicately. "Since you've been exceptionally competent and cordial since you've been here. You're very easy to live with, and I know you've been a good friend to Draco." 

"Thank you." I could only say. I wasn't expecting that. I sipped my wine to avoid saying anything else. I noticed Narcissa looking at my Dark Mark, and I self-consciously started to roll my sleeve down, before she gently stopped me. 

"There's no need to hide it here, Erin." 

I hesitated, then pushed the fabric back up. Her eyes flickered back to my arm, assessing rather than admiring. 

"You'll feel it burn," she said calmly, as if discussing the weather, "when the Dark Lord summons you. It will not be subtle. Do not ignore it, and do not delay."

"How long do I have?" I asked.

"Enough to arrive promptly," she replied. "Not enough to make excuses."

She took a sip of wine. 

"If it flares unexpectedly, sharp pain, spreading heat- you report it to me or Lucius immediately. It may mean a summons intended for someone else, or a shift in his attention."

That made my stomach twist.

"What if I'm not here?" I asked. 

"Then you come anyway." 

I nodded, leaning back slightly. Her eyes assessed my expression. 

"Bellatrix will tell you it is an honour," Narcissa continued coolly. "Lucius will tell you it is duty. Both are true, in their way."

Her eyes softened, just slightly.

"But survival requires knowledge, Erin. Not enthusiasm."

"I know." I nodded quickly. 

"One more thing," She said, just as I stood to leave.

I turned back.

"The Dark Mark has a way of making people... reckless," she said carefully. "It can create a sense of invincibility."

I thought of Bellatrix's smile. The way she wore hers like a crown.

"Do not let anyone convince you that pain is proof of loyalty."

I frowned. "Isn't it?"

Narcissa held my gaze.

"Loyalty," she said quietly, "is proven by obedience and discretion. Not theatrics."

She glanced once more at my arm.

"Remember that."

As I left the drawing room, my sleeve slipped back down over my arm.

The Mark burned faintly beneath the fabric; or maybe that was just my imagination.

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Hi everyone! 💙

I just wanted to say thank you so much for your patience while I've been away from this story. Life got a little hectic, but I never stopped thinking about Erin and this fanfic. Your continued support, comments, and reads honestly mean more to me than I can put into words. I hope this chapter was worth the wait, and I'm so excited to keep going with this story now. Thank you for sticking with me 🖤