The Chaos Within (A Bellatrix Fanfiction)

Hogsmeade

Finally - the weekend.

It had been a long, exhausting week. Classes dragged, the castle felt tense, and even the students seemed on edge. Something about the air at Hogwarts had turned sour, like a storm was always just on the horizon.

Tristan, Tyler, Rosanna, and Becka had planned a trip to Hogsmeade, and I agreed to come. A few hours outside the castle sounded exactly like what I needed.

Besides, I didn't have anything better to do. Mum hadn't written in a while, not since before Christmas. I told myself she was just busy, that she'd write when she could. But a quieter part of me, the part I usually tried to ignore, wondered if she was avoiding me.

As the owls swooped into the Great Hall at breakfast, I scanned the sky out of habit. Nothing for me.

Tristan noticed.

"Nothing from your dad?" he asked casually, biting into a slice of toast.

I blinked. I'd given the same story to the Weasleys. "No. I expect he's probably too busy," I lied easily.

He gave me a sideways glance. "I don't want to seem intrusive, Erin... but you never really talk about your dad. You mention your mum sometimes, but not him."

I kept my face still. "Erm... he and my mum have a rough history," I said, trying to sound offhand. "I don't see him much because of it."

Tristan looked momentarily regretful. "Oh. Sorry. Didn't mean to pry."

"It's fine," I said quickly, forcing a smile. "Really."

He hesitated. "I guess it's hard when your parents don't get along."

"Yeah," I echoed, nodding. "It is."

Thankfully, he let it drop.

After breakfast, we bundled up and stepped into the crisp morning air. Hogsmeade looked welcoming, wreathed in soft snow, shop windows glowing like little beacons against the pale winter sky.

"So, where to first?" Rosanna asked, buttoning her cloak.

"The Three Broomsticks," I said immediately. "I just want to chill out for a bit."

"Oh, I wanted Honeydukes first," Tyler protested. "Apparently they've got a new range of sugar quills."

"We can go there after," Rosanna offered.

"No, I'm with Ezza, Three Broomsticks," Becka said, tossing me a wink. I grinned.

"To be fair, I fancy a butterbeer right now," Tristan added.

Tyler sighed in mock defeat. "Fine. Honeydukes after."

"Sounds like a plan," I nodded.

We reached the pub and slid into a quiet corner booth. Tristan went to fetch drinks while we claimed our seats, Rosanna and Tyler across from me, Becka sliding in beside me.

Rosanna leaned in, frowning slightly. "I've been hearing rumours."

"About what?" I asked.

"These attacks. Word is, if they keep happening, the school might shut down."

"Seriously?" I raised an eyebrow. "Bit extreme, isn't it? No one's actually died."

"Maybe not yet," she muttered.

I took a long sip of my butterbeer. "I hope they shut it down," Tristan said as he returned with our mugs. "I can't stand another minute in that pathetic excuse for a school. Letting mudbloods and blood traitors in, it's disgusting."

"Outrageous," Tyler agreed, lifting his drink. "They deserve what they're getting."

Becka nudged me. "What do you think, Ezza?"

I smirked. "Totally agree. The school's gone to shit. Headmaster's useless and mad. Defence Against the Dark Arts is a joke. And the mudbloods? They're just making the place look untidy."

Tristan nearly choked on his drink. Becka snorted.

"Couldn't have said it better myself, babe," she laughed.

"Just saying what everyone else is thinking," I shrugged.

"You're not wrong there, Ezza," Tyler said approvingly.

"That's the thing about being blunt and honest," Rosanna added with a sly smile.

My heart skipped. Her eyes glinted; had she meant something by that? Was she hinting at... me?

"Erin?" she tilted her head. "What?"

I blinked, realizing I'd been staring.

"Oh. Nothing," I muttered. "Zoned out. I'm gonna get another butterbeer."

"I'll come with," Becka offered, hopping up.

At the bar, she leaned closer. "You okay, Ezza? You seemed a bit... off back there."

I shrugged. "Fine. Just got a lot on my mind."

She hesitated, her hand brushing mine. "You don't have to tell me. But... is it about your dad? I overheard your chat with Tristan."

I waved her off. "It's nothing. He's just busy. He'll write when he can."

"Well," she said warmly, "I'm here if you ever want to talk."

I gave a real smile. Becka was genuine in a way that mattered. "Thanks. I appreciate it. Same goes for you."

We carried our drinks back to the table and finished chatting, laughter easing the tension in my chest.

Later, we finally left the Three Broomsticks, heading toward Honeydukes. Snow flurried softly around us, turning the path glittering white. I tried to shake off the strange paranoia that had crept into me. Rosanna hadn't acted any differently. I was probably just being paranoid.

Then-

"Impedimenta!"

My legs locked, and I went sprawling face-first into the snow.

Laughter erupted.

I looked up to see a group of Gryffindors, doubled over, grinning like idiots. One boy still had his wand raised, clearly proud of himself.

Tristan reached for me. "Erin-?"

But I wasn't listening.

My vision narrowed. Blood boiled.

"Damn mudbloods," I snarled, drawing my wand. The laughter stopped. The Gryffindors paled.

"Stupefy!!"

The boy flew backward with a thud. His friends rushed to him, shocked.

"Whoa, Ezza," Tyler said, raising his eyebrows. "Remind me not to get on your bad side."

"That was the most vicious I've ever seen you!" Rosanna laughed.

"That was great," Becka grinned.

"They were asking for it," I muttered, tucking my wand away.

I knew there would be consequences. And sure enough, back at Hogwarts, McGonagall was waiting. Her lips were pursed so tightly I thought they might snap.

Detention. Fifty points from Slytherin.

Worth it.

I was really starting to hate the Gryffindors.