As Bella solemnly made her way down the stairs, she tried to stay calm and collected, instead of the nervous fidgeting that usually happened. This time was different though. She knew that from now on, whatever happened to her would not just effect her, but it would effect her relationship with her mate. It was another Veela thing covered in her mother's journals. Her mate would be able to feel when she was being hurt, and considering any skin-to-skin physical contact with anyone except her mate would burn, Arabella was going to hurt more than she ever had before.
Silently entering the kitchen, a prayer repeating in her head as she hoped to Merlin that she was the first one down, Bella took a deep breath. Opening the door to hell, she was met with the blistering glare of her uncle armed with his favourite frying pan. This wasn't going to end well. Drawing herself to her full height, which made her concerned that her uncle would point out her extreme changes, she looked him straight in the eyes. She had to act confident. He hated when she acted shy or withdrawn. It felt like hours before either of them made a move to speak.
"Good morning, Uncle Barnabas," she addressed him with all the strength she could muster up. "Are you feeling well?" She hoped that she could distract him from his anger slightly by acting politely and took a few more steps into the kitchen in hopes of starting breakfast. But before she could walk passed him, the frying pan that was previously in his hand, hit the wall hard only centimetres in front of her. She turned to look at him and a sickening smirk adorned his plain face. Her breath caught in her throat as he sized her up, seeming to notice her decreased height and how it would work to his advantage.
"Well, well, well. What happened here? Have you shrunk?" Uncle Barnabas cackled as he stalked closer towards his niece. He cracked his knuckles threateningly once he was mere steps away from her. Swiping a handful of her hair with one hand, he forced Bella to look him in the eye once again. She let out a pained whimper as his skin touched hers with a severe burning sensation. "How did you sleep last night? Sure made a lot of racket," he questioned accusingly bringing himself even closer to her. His grip tightened on her hair as he pulled her up, her feet slowly rising of the ground. Arabella struggled in his hold as her feet tried to find purchase on solid ground. She briefly wondered when he became this strong before she realised that the changes made when she came into her inheritance had made her a much lighter target.
"I... I... I'm sorry, uncle. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. It was just an accid... Ahhh!" Arabella's apologetic rambling was cut short by the powerful hit to hit jaw and she collapsed to the ground, her hair torn from his grasp. Rising to her hands and knees, she spat out the blood that was pooling in her mouth on the tiled floor. Her head was yanked up by her hair again, bringing her face to face with her deranged uncle.
"Ah, ah, ah. You know better than to make a mess." Arabella was thrown back to the ground, landing in the small pool of blood and spreading it across the floor. "Look, now you're a mess. Better get cleaned up. Once you've made breakfast for Candy and I of course." He brushed passed her, clearly to wake his slut of a girlfriend. Just as he reached the door, he turned and addressed her once more. "Obviously no magic is to be involved. But of course, you wouldn't do that. Couldn't risk missing out on going to that fancy school now could you." He cackled as he wandered down the hallway.
Uncle Barnabas had obviously forgotten about her birthday, not that he ever remembered. Her birthday had not been a cause for celebration in over 12 years. She could vaguely remember good times with cake and presents with her loving parents before there unfortunate disappearance. Though her torment was over for now, she had a strong feeling it was only the beginning. She was always careful to keep silent during the night, so this was the first time she would be punished for nighttime disruptions.
Arabella quickly decided that it would be best not to anger her guardian further. Grabbing the frying pan from the floor and lighting the stove, she began cooking breakfast. Making up two plates, she set the table for her uncle and his current girlfriend. She knew better than to make anything for herself, it had only resulted in harsher punishments. It was a mistake she had made a few times before. As she wandered to grab her uncle for breakfast, her mind was racing. Happy birthday to me... just have to hold out a little longer. I need you, my mate. She sighed as the thoughts overcame her. Knocking of the door to her uncle's fortress, she removed all emotion from her face. Just a few more weeks ...
Author's Note: Sorry about the short chapter. I originally kept going until I thought more and wanted to give Arabella a bit more background into her home life. Just a snippet on what she goes through each day of the summer holidays. Thanks for sticking with it. I hope to give you more soon :)
Disclaimer: Once again, I admit I do not own anything from the Harry Potter universe. I only own Arabella, Uncle Barnabas, Candy and the plot. Thanks
