The Chaos Within (A Bellatrix Fanfiction)

New Friends

After dinner, Lee and I took a slow walk around the grounds while there was still enough light to see. The evening air was soft and cool, the sky painted in fading streaks of gold and lavender.

"So, what, you've never been to a Quidditch tournament?" Lee asked, eyebrows raised in disbelief.

I shook my head with a small smile. "Not really. My mum's not into Quidditch, and my dad was always too busy when I was younger. It was never a thing in our house."

"Tragic," he said, dramatically gasping. "A whole childhood, wasted."

I laughed. "I survived, somehow."

"You know," he nudged me with his elbow, "you should try out for the Slytherin team."

I blinked. "Me?"

"Why not? You were good during our first flying lessons. I remember you zooming past everyone like a Firebolt on a sugar high."

I rolled my eyes. "I don't know... I suppose I'm alright, but I've never thought about trying out. I'd need someone to train me up a bit, probably."

"Tell you what," he said, grinning, "you join the team, and when I'm doing commentary, I'll give you the best shoutouts Hogwarts has ever heard. Full poetic hype."

I snorted. "It's a deal. But only if you promise not to call me 'Ezza the Enforcer' or something equally cringe."

"No promises," he said with an unapologetic grin.

We were still laughing when footsteps approached from behind. I turned to see Fred and George Weasley coming toward us. They looked shockingly sheepish. Their usual smirks were gone, replaced with something awkward and hesitant.

"Erm... hey, guys," Lee said, uncertain.

"We, uh... came to speak to Erin," Fred said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"George, she's not-" Lee began, defensive, but I gently lifted a hand.

"It's okay, Lee. Let them talk."

I folded my arms, wary but willing to hear whatever this was.

Fred cleared his throat. "Look... about the train. We were out of line. We judged you just because you're in Slytherin, and that wasn't fair. You've proven you're not like the rest."

"Yeah," George added. "We misjudged you. Sorry."

My eyebrows rose in pleasant surprise. "Thanks. And don't worry about it, I'd already moved on."

Fred let out a relieved sigh. "That's decent of you."

"Mind if we join you two?" George asked.

"Yeah, course!" Lee said immediately, clearly thrilled his friends were trying.

"We were just talking about Quidditch," I said.

"Oh? Thinking about joining the Slytherin team?" Fred asked, suddenly interested.

"Maybe." I shrugged. "Lee's trying to convince me."

George smirked. "Prepare to be outmatched, then."

I tilted my head. "Is that a challenge?"

"Definitely," Fred grinned. "Lee, how much do you want to bet she doesn't last five minutes against us?"

Lee raised a hand. "If there's betting involved, I'm backing Erin all the way."

Fred groaned. "Oi! Traitor. We're your best mates!"

Lee shrugged. "So's Erin. And besides, I like winning."

The twins burst out laughing, and I couldn't help joining in. The tension that had hung between us since the train melted away in shared jokes and easy conversation. For the first time, it felt like maybe, just maybe... I didn't have to live on a tightrope between two worlds.

Maybe I could belong in both.

We talked a little longer, exchanging teasing challenges and Quidditch banter, before finally heading back inside. At the staircase, the three Gryffindors waved goodnight and started up toward their tower.

I turned toward the dungeons, a small smile lingering on my lips.

Maybe I'd write to Mum tonight. Tell her I was making friends, good ones.

... Though I wasn't sure I'd mention they were Gryffindors.

That part might take some gentle warming up.

*****************************************************************************************

A/N

Hey guys, apologies for the short chapter! Please don't be a silent reader, please vote and comment :)