Tethered To The Story We Must Tell

by PityThoseWhoLiveWithoutLove-95

The power coming from Nina was raw magic. Dark, and very powerful. As her last hint of humanity was slipping away the door slid open. Bellatrix rushed over to Nina, her eyes alarmed, but not afraid. She bites the inside of her jaw as she looks at her lover. Nina is clutching a fist full of her hair between her hands, while digging her nails into her scalp. 'She's so far gone..' GxG

4. Chapter 3:The first sighting

Tethered to the story we must tell

Chapter 3: The first sighting

Dumbledore Pov, 3rd person:

Albus Dumbledore sat in his office, deep in thought. He was reading some papers that he had scattered on his desk. It was nearly nine o'clock Monday morning, and classes started about an hour ago. He had been expecting someone, an old friend one might say. His half-moon spectacles hanging on the tip of his nose as he looked through the papers once more. Perhaps he missed something.

Knock…Knock.

The grand door to his office opened to reveal a plump man in his mid-thirties, perhaps. Dumbledore smiled warmly, "Zachariah Russo…or is it Zachariah Nelson, now?" Zachariah chuckled as he walked over to shake Dumbledore's hand.

"Come on now, Albus! I haven't been a Russo in years!" He laughs.

"How has Italy been for your studies?" Albus asked.

"Excellent…excellent. Clara just had the baby. A beautiful girl she is!" Zachariah says proudly.

"Congratulations, my friend! And dear Clara must be happy to finally have lovely daughter. I'd imagine it probably gets rough with three sons running around." Albus replies chuckling.

"Yes, a bit." Zachariah says. There is silence. Neither wanting to be the one to ask the question that they're both wondering.

"She's not—" Albus starts.

"No. She's not…she looks just like Clara. Besides, there wouldn't be another one so soon, anyway. That is if my dear niece really is the Doppelganger." Zachariah says.

"Why has it taken this long for her doppelganger to appear?" Albus asks.

"Well according to my research, there was no time frame for the Doppelganger to appear, but if it has, that means the heir has also been born." Zachariah replies.

"Indeed he has. That I'm certain of." Dumbledore says, leaning back in his chair.

Nina POV:

"So, we're just going to attack all the Gryffindor's and Hufflepuff's right before Defense against the Dark Arts?" I ask while speed walking down the corridor.

Rabastan laughs at me, "Yes. Come on Nina! We've been through this a hundred times! We've got 10 minutes before Professor Jacklesmith drags his lazy ass down the hallway. 10 minutes is more than enough to start a full scale war!" I laugh at his dramatics.

"Okay…okay, babe. Just don't touch my mudblood friends. I grant them immunity from this "full scale war," Rabastan looks at me with disbelief written all over his face, "I know, Rab, I know. They were my friends though. That's not something that goes away easily." His eyes soften a bit and he sighs.

"You're the leader of this wave. So, if that's what you want…"

"It's what I want." I say softly grabbing the back of his neck and pulling him down for a kiss. He kisses me back, and I smile into the kiss, "Thank you…" I say, as we break apart.

I know it's wrong for me to love two people. I don't love Rabastan the same way I love Bella. Bella and I have a completely different kind of love, but since we can't be together publically, we have to keep up the façade of just being best friends.

As we approach the 3rd floor corridor, I notice the boys looking at me as I walk past; lust fills their eyes as they look at me. I can tell it is bothering Rabastan, so I grab him and slam him into a nearby wall. I kiss him hard. As my lips move in sync with his, I feel his hands wrap around my waist protectively. I pull away once I feel my lungs burning from the lack of oxygen.

I hear whistles from the boys passing by, and I smile.

"Now, stop being jealous." I tell him as we continue through the hall.

Once we approached the classroom there's already a crowd of students. I analyze the crowd. Most of the Slytherin's are already here and ready to duel.

I spot Tearra and Tammy standing by the wall to my left, and I walk towards them.

They seem to be surprised to see me walking to them. We stare at each other for a minute before I break the silence, "You should leave. Get away from here." I tell them, earning a confused look from them both.

"Why?" Is all Tearra says, and I notice her fingering her wand in her pocket. My eyes narrow some. Does she actually think I'm going to attack her? Do they think I'm that far gone?

"There's going to be a duel here. The Slytherin's and some Ravenclaw's are planning to attack Hufflepuff and Gryffindor. So if you don't leave I can't guarantee you won't be attacked." I say folding my arms.

"Why?" it's Tammy who asks me this time. Is that all they're capable of saying today?

I sigh. "Look, if you wanna fight, then fight. I really don't care anymore. I tried to warn you, because it might get nasty. What you do with the information is up to you, but I have to go. I have a fight to win." I turn on my heel, and walk off with my head held high as if I owned Hogwarts.

I signal to Rabastan, who nods his head. I search the crowd and notice all the Slytherin's and Ravenclaw's have moved to both sides of the hall, making our enemies easier to attack.

I take out my wand, and my eyes meet Rabastan's. I hold my finger so he can see. I count to three and as soon as I put up my third finger, the chaos erupts. Spells are flying left and right. I pull out my wand and whip around fast, casting a rather nasty hex at the first Gryffindor I see. It knocks her off her feet and she's slammed into the wall. Someone shoots a spell my way, "Protego!" the spell flies back toward the caster and I notice it is James Potter. I sneer. "You have to do better than that Potter!" I spat. I point my wand at him and a flash of red light erupts from the end. Potter clearly didn't expect that. He tries to wave his wand for protego, but he can't do magic without saying an incantation. Not yet anyway. The spell hits him and he falls to the ground, knocked out. The rest of the students are still fighting, but I decided it's time to ditch. What's the point of a prank if you get caught? I quickly head towards the door, but some Hufflepuff dummy blocks me. Taken by surprise, I wave my hand and he falls to the ground. That wandless magic really does come in handy. I smirk and enter the empty classroom. I quickly fix my hair and place books on my desk. I cast a silencing charm around the room before I sit in the back and put my feet on an empty chair. I decide to pretend that I'm reading. I hear the door slam open, and Professor McGonagall stands at the door, looking frazzled. I put on the best innocent face I can muster.

"Class has been cancelled today." She says.

"Why, Professor?" I ask trying my best to look confused.

"Are you seriously telling me that you failed to notice the commotion going on outside the classroom?!"

"No professor, I heard nothing. Silencing charm." I say pointing to the walls.

Her shoulders slouch a bit and she lets out a long drawn out sigh. "Very well. All the Slytherin's have been instructed to return to their dormitories. I suggest you get there before Professor Slughorn arrives." With that, she turns and walks out of the room.

I gather my books and head to the dungeons.

When I enter the common room, I see all of the Slytherin's having a field day. The attack was a success. We got exactly what we wanted, and the teachers fell right into our trap. My brother Nick runs up and gives me a hi-five. I ruffle his hair afterward and he runs off to celebrate with his friends. I try to spot Bella in this chaos, but couldn't find her. I decide to grab some wine that I had stashed in my room. As I enter my room, I hear the door slam behind me as I'm being pushed against it. "Ow, Bella. That hurt!" I say and she chuckles.

"Shut up, you know you like it." She says before kissing my exposed neck. I bite my bottom lip, trying to stop myself from moaning.

"Be…Bella…someone can walk in on us…" I say, god she makes it hard for me to concentrate.

"No one will, love. Trust me. Just enjoy. It's your day." She mutters, kissing me full on the lips.

If it had been anyone else other than Bella, I wouldn't have allowed him or her to touch me the way I let Bella touch me. Despite this actually being our first time to go all the way with each other, our bodies move on their own accord and we find ourselves lost in a beautiful unknown bliss.

It's funny because I thought I had Bella all figured out, until that day in the library when I rejected her. Her anger is something I am no stranger to, but I have never seen Bella losecontrol like that. It both frightens and excites me. It frightens me because, no matter how hard I try to ignore my thoughts, I can't help but get a feeling that we won't be together in the end…that we can be described as nothing more than "Star-Crossed lovers" and our relationship was doomed before it even began. I just don't want to be the cause of Bella losing her mind. I can't lose her…

While Bella and I were having sex, I noticed something. There was something different about the look in her eyes. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it comforted me, for I had only seen it just then, while she kissed and caressed every inch of my body lovingly. I realize now, lying here, cradled against her naked frame, that the look in her eye was love. Bella was making love to me. That's when I knew for sure that I loved her. I mean I always thought I did, because I feel things that I've only felt with her. Now I'm sure it is her that I love. Judging by how she looked at me, I know she loves me too. So before we would be forced to go join our fellow Slytherin's, I decide to tell her, on my own this time.

"I love you Bella. I do…never forget that." I say, snuggling into her warm body.

She kisses my forehead, her lips curling into a soft smile, "I love you too." She whispers, pulling my body closer to her.

"Nina?" She asks a few minutes later.

"Hmm?" I respond softly. When she doesn't respond I tilt my head up to look at her. I see fear shinning in those beautiful doe eyes.
"Promiseme that you'll never leave me." she whispers to me. I know she's just as scared as I am about us being together.

"I'll never leave you, Bella. I promised you always and forever, remember?" I say to her and I see her eyes soften some.

"Right…always and forever." She says smiling before leaning over to capture my lips. The kiss is soft and fragile. We both want to keep sensitivity of the moment, and not let the other go.

With Zachariah and Dumbledore, 3rd Person:

There was a heavy silence in the air when Dumbledore asked about his family. Not the family he's with now, the one he'd grown to have a strong disliking for over the years when he was a child. Zachariah was disowned the second he graduated from Hogwarts. He had a huge fight with his family that night over dinner about how he wanted to live life, and who he was to be married to. Things got heated, so he fled, vowing to never return. Zachariah hadn't heard from them in years. He wonders if his dreadful parents are even still alive. Zachariah had three siblings. He had a younger sister and two older brothers. He'd heard that his younger sister, Rosalie, was up to no good. It surprised Zachariah at first, simply because growing up, Rosalie was always the golden child out of the three. Now, he heard she's involved with some up and coming leader for pure-bloods. It sickens him really…knowing what she has become. His one brother, Alfonso, the last one he fought that night, the one who begged Zachariah not to go after their duel. Alfonso's wife, Isabelle, gave birth to a baby girla couple of years after he left, then a son some years after that. Zachariah has never laid eyes on neither his niece nor nephew. So you can imagine the surprise he felt when Dumbledore appeared in the floo network asking questions about his dear niece whom he later learned was named Nina.

Once Dumbledore told him that Nina may be the almighty Evangeline's doppelgänger, he dropped everything to come and see for himself. Dumbledore needed to know more about the story behind the heir and the doppelgänger. Zachariah is a Philosopher and a magical historian by trade, so he knew all about the commonly known legend of the doppelgänger. Of course over the centuries, it has been twisted and changed into something else entirely. Now it is known as the famous tale, among wizarding families, The Heir and His Bride. A well-known bedtime story told by parents, and loved by children; especially the girls. The story had watered down the dark legend completely, leaving an adorable fantasy where in the end leaving the heir and his bride a beautiful, kind, and loving couple that lived a happy ever after with their kids. It truly was every girls' dream, even now. The story evolved so greatly over time that one would even go as far as saying they aren't even the same story. One is fiction, the other one is a disturbing reality.

Zachariah seized the perfect opportunity to determine if Nina is indeed the Doppelganger without attracting any suspicions when Professor McGonagall informed Dumbledore that some 4th year Slytherins' started a massive duel on the 3rd floor. Dumbledore told Zachariah that he would accompany him to the Slytherin common rooms to observe. He would only appear to be a ministry worker and therefore would not draw any students' curiosity.

Together they approached the Slytherin common rooms following a very disappointed Slughorn. Hogwarts had not changed much since Zachariah went to school. Being back in the dungeons made his heart ache somewhat. Believe it or not he loved his time at Hogwarts. Hogwarts had been more of a home to him then his real home.

Slughorn muttered the password and the portrait slid open revealing a noisy common room. They followed suit into the common room while Slughorn rounded up the rowdy Slytherins.

Zachariah 1st person Pov:

As I looked around the room filled with students, I felt my tense shoulders drop. She's not here. No one looks like Evangeline in here which means my niece was not the doppelganger. I let out a quiet sigh of relief as I studied and searched all the female Slytherin students. None of them looked like her. Not even close. Evangeline was a very beautiful and powerful witch. She had cold grey eyes and long dark brown hair. Her skin was a beautiful shade of olive and her body formed a perfect hourglass figure. She truly was one of a kind and because of her extreme beauty, no one ever looked quite like her. I was certain that if Evangeline's doppelganger had been born that I'd be able to spot her a mile away, even in a crowded room such as this.

Just as I am about to shake my head to Dumbledore, there are rushed footsteps coming from the staircase leading to the sleeping quarters and everyone stops to look. That's when my heart skips a beat. It's her. The doppelganger rushes in with a beautiful dark haired witch at her side. The dark haired witch she enters with is no doubt one of Druella's daughters, she has her mother's heavily lidded doe brown eyes and high cheek bones. She's not the one I'm most concerned about though, it's her companion; the doppelganger. The pictures I have seen of Evangeline pales in comparison to the real thing. Seeing her in person only intensifies her beauty and Nina's powerful magic is coming off of her in waves. This is what true power is, and it mustn't get into the wrong hands or we shall all be doomed.

"Nina. Bellatrix. You're late." Professor Mcgonagall says in an edgy tone.

It is Nina who responds, and when she does I am taken aback. Her voice is light but powerful. She speaks with a demanding, yet mesmerizing tone, and just then I knew that she would have everyone dropping to her feet, worshiping the ground she walks on. Her cold grey eyes are hard as stone. Through them you can almost see her intelligent mind working overtime as she's calculating the right reaction to the current situation. Nina is a huge firecracker and she is definitely a force to be reckoned with. If Nina is anything like her predecessor, then she has to be handled carefully. Evangeline was like loose a cannon and could not be controlled by anyone. No man could control her wrath. The best tried and failed miserably. All except for one.

I can almost tell you that Nina will be no different, and it's best to keep her on our side. She could mean our downfall if she fights against us.

I have to force my eyes away from my niece to give Dumbledore a small nod.

Professor Slughorn is demanding the Slytherins' turn in the mastermind behind the attack. Bellatrix is sitting across from Nina and I see her give her a small wink in which Nina replied with a smirk. I already know that this little "interrogation" is pointless because I know from being a former Slytherin myself, that we never sell out our own. Whomever planned this attack is well protected and I doubt they will give up any names.

Nina's Pov:

I can't believe the teachers here are this dumb. Since no one was giving up any names, one of Rabastan's friends swore that the Gryffindors started it and everyone who was caught eagerly agreed. I kept my mouth sealed. As far as they know, I stayed in the classroom studying until Professor McGonagall sent me to the common room. The end result was a warning to both houses. If we were ever caught dueling in the corridors again, both houses would only be able to leave the common rooms for class and meals, for at least two months.

Imagine that? I probably wouldn't be able to spend time with Bella the way I want to for fear of getting caught since everyone would be stuck in the common room all day. As of right now, though, I'm standing in the room of requirement waiting on Bella to show up before her Quidditch game against the Gryffindors. I can imagine today's game is going to be even more brutal than usual because of all the tension between the two houses. I am snapped out of my thoughts when the door forms and then opens, revealing Bella with her hair pulled into a ponytail and her green and white Quidditch uniform showing off her athletic body. My eyes widen a bit. Bella never has her hair pulled up unless it's for Quidditch, which she immediately takes it down after the game. I like it pulled up. It reminds me of when she and I first met as children. My eyes trail down her body and I my tongue absentmindedly licks my lips, slowly. Oh how amazing she looks in her Quidditch uniform…

"Done eye-fucking me?" My eyes snap up as I heard her voice. Bella looks at me, a smirk playing at her lips.

I scoff, "I wasn't 'eye-fucking' you, Bella." She chuckles at me.

"It's funny actually, I can't believe how we're turning out. If my parents knew that their fifteen-year-old eldest daughter was in a secret relationship with a fourteen-year-old female; they'd certainly kill me. But even after knowing that, I can't bring myself to care." I gasp lightly at Bella's confession.

I turn away and look into the mirror behind me. I stare at my reflection. Who would I be without her?

Oh, My beautiful brown-eyed girl…

I see Bella come and stand behind me in the mirror. She wraps her strong arms around my waist and leans her chin on my shoulder.

"You're beautiful, Nina…now let me make you shine…"

I turn my head slightly and kiss her lips softly. After a few moments of our mouths moving together, Bella kisses down my jaw and starts sucking on my pulse.

"Be—Bella, as good as that feels, I didn't come here to have sex with you…we've gotta practice dueling, my love." I say and Bella groans against my skin.

"Can it not wait until after we've had our fun?" she whines.

"You know the match would've started by then." I say turning to face her.

"Yes, I know. Just hoping to get a little action before I go hitting the bludgers at those idiot Gryffindors." She says wiggling her eyebrows in a suggestive manner.

I giggle and lightly punch her arm.

"Hey, maybe you'll get some action after the game…if Slytherin wins of course…" I say, winking at her seductively.

"mmm…yeah now I'll definitely make sure we kick some Gryffindor ass…" Bella says smirking.

I chuckle, "You better, you look good enough to ravish my love and if I hadn't already planned on training with you today, then," I snap my fingers, "mmm, you would have been out of that uniform and breathless against that wall before you could even say Quidditch." Bella stares at me, her brown eyes darkening with lust.

"Now you've got me all hot and aroused before the game…how in merlin's beard am I supposed to concentrate? I'll probably dry hump my broom to relieve the tension…" That got me. I'm laughing so hard. Then the look Bella gives me basically saying that she's being serious. I double over in a fit of giggles.

"Oh come on Bella," I say once I've managed to control my laughter a bit, "dry humping your broom? Okay...okay, I'm sorry I just didn't expect that…" I burst out laughing again at the thought of seeing that.

"What? How is that even funny? I mean, I've got urges and hearing you talk about how'd you fuck me gets me all hot and bothered!" Bella says folding her arms trying to look angry.

Hearing Bella say that unleashed my wild side. A side I wasn't sure I had until Bella and I started having sex.

I push her against the wall and place my hands on her sides.

She seemed shocked and her eyes are wide with lust and excitement.

I smirk and lick my lips before attacking her lips with my own.

I drink in the feel of her powerful magic, making me drunk with lust.

Bella knows what she does to me. How the feel of her magic alone blinds me and I become irrational, drinking in the feeling of her power. I feel the power with every witch or wizard I am around, but no one's magic can compare with Bella's…her overall magical core sucks me in and I easily get addicted. As much as I can control it most of the time, there are certain times, times like these, where I lose all sense of judgement.

I feel like a vampire hungrily drinking human blood. I am the predator and Bella is my prey.

I place kisses all over her neck, sucking here and there, making her throw her head back in pleasure. I know it will leave a mark, but I don't care. I am marking what's mine. I grope her breast through her uniform, and she moans my name. God, I wish I had more time before the game.

I suck on her neck again as I put my hand inside her pants.

Her breath hitches as I rub my fingers against her wet core.

"Shit, you're so wet…mmm I can't wait until tonight, I get to take my time with you…" I whisper in her ear. I drag my fingers up to her throbbing sensitive nub.

"Oh fuck, Nina! Right…Right there, love. Don't stop!" Bella screams as she rocks her hips into my hand. Loving how Bella looks coming undone from my skilled hand, I move my hand faster gaining loud moans and whimpers from her.

"You feel so good rubbing against my hand…not to mention how intoxicating your magic feels…" I whisper nibbling at her earlobe.

"Nin—Nina…oh fuck!" She's close and I want nothing more than to see her orgasm ripple through her body.

"You're so close Bella…come for me…moan my name when you do." As if on cue, Bella's orgasm makes her body tense for a second then she moans my name loudly as she rocks out her orgasm, and her juices soak my hand. Her eyes are squeezed shut and her head is thrashing from side to side wildly. I realize I'm moaning too because her magic heightens tremendously and I feel like I'm having an orgasm just from her power alone. We're still struggling to recover when I pull my hand out of her now soaked pants. I smirk and put one of my dripping wet finger into my mouth, sucking it dry. I moan at the taste, "Want a taste, Bella?" I ask and she nods, still breathless. I pull my finger out of my mouth with a loud 'pop' and place my other finger in her mouth, moaning as she eagerly sucks it clean.

A few minutes after we both fully recover, I hear Bella laugh.

"I soaked my uniform pants, Nina! I need to dry them…" She giggles looking into the mirror turning around looking to see how noticeable it was.

I laugh, "You're the one who wanted a quickie, so you wouldn't…what was the phrase? Dry hump your broom!" I laugh again, earning a glare from Bella.

"I'm positive that was not a quickie, I mean yeah it was quick, but that orgasm…that was too good to happen during this so called quickie. I'm worn out…there's no way I can focus during the game now." I laugh lightly.

"Obviously, you've never had a quickie with me before then…and you'll do fine. At least you're not tense anymore." I say pulling out my wand. "Here, let me fix that for you." I wave my wand and her pants dry instantly, good as new.

"Thank you." She says quietly.

"Now, training? Tonight?" I ask.

"Sure. After you celebrate with Rabastan." I hear the venom in her voice.

"Uh oh. I sense anger. What did I do?" I ask as I feel the magic surrounding her shift dangerously.

"Are you in love with Rabastan? How many times have you entertained him with your, "oh so great quickies?" Because apparently you must have done a quickie with him before since I obviously had never done it with you. Or are you having sex with another girl that I don't know about?" Her chest is rising and falling rapidly in anger.

I stare at her wide eyed.

"No—I mean yes!" I sigh, "Yes, Rabastan and I have sex sometimes and no. I am not in love with him!"

She walks toward me slowly, her eyes burning with anger and her face turning a deep shade of pink.

"How often?" She asks, her voice is laced with venom.

"Wh—Bella, I don't know?! Once a week, maybe—" I say confused as to where she's going with this.

"Once. A. Week?" She says, disbelief swarming in her eyes. "You please him. Once a week?" Her voice is strangely soft, but it trembles somewhat toward the end.

"Yes, but what—?" She cuts me off by sending a rather nasty hex my way and I dodge it at the last second.

"What the hell?!" I scream as she continuously shoots spells my way, which has me moving around to avoid them like I'm doing a muggle dance routine.

"You let him fuck you once a week, and yet you stand here telling me that he means nothing to you?" she stops sending spells my way, awaiting my answer.

"I didn't say he meant nothing to me! I said I'm not in love with him! I still care about him!"

Bella balls her fist before shooting another spell my way, "You lie. You are a liar!"

Dancing around Bella's spells, I try to think of a way to stop her without actually making her think I'm trying to attack her. Bella is much like myself, we are easily angered and hard to calm down. I can't believe her! I am not in love with Rabastan…she has sex with Rodolphus and they're betrothed! She has to marry him. While Rabastan and I are just dating. We might not end up marrying or maybe we will. If we do, it will be just as she said, I would be married in the name only. I love her. How can she not see that?

I realize that if I don't stop her soon, I'll be out of breath from all this dodging.

"You. Love. Him. You fuck Him. Every week. If. Not. More. I Hope. You end up pregnant. You. Disgust me." She sends spells at me every time she finishes her sentences, which are more like one or two words.

Enough of this.

I wave my wandless hand and her wand flies out of her hand, landing on the other side of the room. She screams in frustration, as she pounces on me like an animal.

She shoves me back when I try to grab her hands.

"Which one of us makes you scream louder, huh?" She yells.

"Bella what is wrong with you?! I've done nothing more than you have done with Rodolphus! You fuck him too!" I scream trying to reason with her.

"Not anymore," she seethes. "A man's genitals are a joke."

A gasp leaves my mouth as I realize the meaning behind her words. My eyes soften with sadness…I didn't know…

I nod my head biting the inside of my bottom lip almost hard enough to draw blood.

"You're a lesbian, then." I say out loud. It wasn't a question. I said it more for myself than for her. I realize that we're in love and that we are both females, but I won't lie and say I don't enjoy men. As much as I do get turned on by Bella and dare I say, looking at other girls sometimes, I still get excited when I see an attractive male. I just assumed Bella was the same…we never talked about it. I thought we were both attracted to men and women…but, I get it now. Bella will never be happy with Rodolphus and I understand now why she says she can never be in love with him.

"I'm not interested in labels." Bella says through clenched teeth. She gives me one more shove before she picks up her wand from across the room and walks out of the room, leaving me standing there, dumbfounded. A small tear makes its way out of my eye, followed by a whole stream of tears.

Oh, Bella…why didn't you tell me? I ask myself, but then I wonder if knowing her sexual preference would have really changed anything? I still love her the same, but it doesn't change the fact that I am still attracted to men as well. My heart aches for her because no matter how this plays out, when she's out of Hogwarts she'll still have to marry Rodolphus. Bella will still be expected to give him an heir. I can't imagine having sex with someone that you will never be attracted to. Never being able to love that person intimately, to be forced to have a child with a person whom you are incapable of feeling true love for. I can't imagine…I cannot imagine what Bella is going through; what she's been going through.

I decided on not going to the Quidditch game today, instead I bury myself in a pile of books from the library. It's not because of Bella, though. At least that is what I'm telling myself. Earlier, before Bella joined me, I was thinking about the moment we shared when we first met. If I remember correctly, I was angry and threw a tantrum, which resulted in multiple outbursts of uncontrollable magic and getting locked up in my room. I remember when I was three and father tried to get me to control my magic. Grandpa Richie always would tell me how he thinks I'm "one of a kind" and that I have extraordinary abilities. I never believed him, though. I just thought he was being a typical proud grandfather who thought that their grandchildren are a blessing to the world. That is, until I came to Hogwarts. My first year was hard. I was separated from my friends, and I became close with those who want nothing more than to see mudbloods like my old friends dead.

The thing is, I can't say I disagree with the pure-blood beliefs. But for some reason…no matter how deep I fall, there's still a part of me that cares for them.

Unfortunately, the blood running through my veins is stronger; my power is stronger than anything that I have felt for my former best friends.

I sigh staring at my pocket watch, the match should be over now and Bella should be headed here soon. Hopefully, getting to hit the bludgers at people allowed her to release some of her anger. I want Bella to understand that I love her. Besides, all the times Rabastan and I have had sex, he initiated it. How is it my fault that a kiss would turn into something more with him? I realize that if I hadn't fallen for Bella and we were just friends I would've been in love with him. But the thing is, I did fall for Bella and she fell for me.

I hear students start coming in the library. The game had ended. I wonder who won?

I sigh and stare out the window. It's a beautiful evening, probably one of the last before the bone chilling weather starts.

"I finally found you. Guess you had better things to do then watch your girlfriend play in Quidditch, huh?" Bella says. Her voice is playful, but not in a friendly way. Oh, Slytherin won that game alright. She's still upset with me, I can tell. She's right though…I should have been there, but what can I say? I wanted to read and learn about different spells.

I scoff, "Come off it, Bella," I roll my eyes and continue to look away from her, "I am angry with you too, you know." I look at her for the first time since she stormed off earlier. She still has her Quidditch uniform on, and much to my delight, her hair still pulled into a ponytail.

"Hmm, maybe once you fuck Rabastan it'll relieve that stress…" I shake my head in disbelief. She cannot be serious!

"It isn't the same! You act like I said I'm in love with him!" I whisper loudly, checking over my shoulder to see if anyone heard.

"It is the—!" She stops in mid-sentence, letting out a sigh, "Okay. How about we don't have a couples fight in the middle of the library. Walk with me?" she offers, raising her eyebrows a bit in question.

How could I refuse?

"Of course." I don't bother putting my books back. I'll just leave them for Madam Prince.

I follow Bella out of the library. I have no idea where this conversation will lead, but I know we need to have it.

Bella leads me towards the staircase that leads toward the Great Hall, which is filled with students gathering after the Quidditch game that ended not too long ago.

"Nice game there, Bella. You and Clara are the best beaters!" A 5th year Ravenclaw boy says walking past her. He's trying too hard. It's obvious that he has a crush in her. He is practically drooling. Sorry, buddy. You're out of luck.

She smiles back at him, "Why thank you. Maybe we can hang out sometime? I'm flattered that you think so highly of me." Bella says sweetly. The boy turns ten shades redder. "Sure! Of course we can! Just let me know where and when…" He replies. I turn away. What does she think she's doing? I thought she was a lesbian? If she's just trying to make me jealous, then 100 points to Bella, because that's exactly what's happening.

"Of course, cutie pie. I'll see you around." She winks at him and pulls my arm as she walks away.

What the hell?!

She pulls me to a quiet and deserted classroom.

I couldn't wait any longer. As soon as she casted a silencing spell, I start asking questions.

"What the hell, Bella?! How could you?! I thought you weren't attracted to men?"

she sighs, "Look, I know I was very confusing earlier. I want this to work…I want us to work, but…the thing is, I don't know what I am. I like men, I know I do. Maybe it's just Rodolphus…I just want experiment with—"

"You want to experiment? Are you serious? You know what? Fine. Just don't expect me to wait around until you figure it out." I say coolly, turning to walk out of the classroom.

"Nina, please…" She says pulling me back towards her. I try to shrug her off, but her grip holds me still.

"No, Bella! This…this is insanity! What do you want?! I fell in love with you and now you're telling me that you want to experiment! I can't…I won't sit here while you figure it out, Bella, I won't." I yell, and when I finished my chest is rising and falling rapidly.

"Nina, I love you too. I care about you so much that it scares me. I would do anything for you. I just want to figure things out…please, don't leave me…" Bella looks at me with pleading eyes.

I sigh, "I won't leave…not yet anyway. I won't wait forever though, I'll give you until Christmas day, after that, you can forget it. I'll just have to move on."

Bella leans in towards me, and I know she wants a kiss. As soon as her lips are about to brush against mine, I pull away and walk towards the door.

I'm not going to let her kiss me. If she decides that she wants us to be together then hell, she can kiss me all she wants, but until then, I won't let her lips near me.

"Sorry Bella…" before she can respond, I'm out the door. I have to get away…

Beginning of Christmas Break: Hogwarts express

Nina POV:

I look out of the window and silently watch as mountains blur past. A single tear runs down my cheek as I think about how painful the last few weeks have been.

Bella and I haven't been together since that day in early November. I haven't kissed her nor touched her since she decided she wanted to experiment. And experiment she did. I caught her once…it stung like hell to watch her with someone else. I've been depressed. Even Rabastan noticed something was wrong. I go to class, study, eat the very minimum amount at meals, study again, practice, sleep. I barely talk to my friends, and I practically sit alone. Bella on the other hand seems even happier. Rodolphus is a great friend, but he's definitely an idiot. Bella's playing him like fiddle and he's blind to it. I'm snapped out of my thoughts when I feel someone else enter the compartment. The magic feels like Bella's but there's something different there also. It doesn't feel as intense, and it's not nearly as addicting as Bella's... it's softer; kinder too.

"Andy…" I say, never looking away from the window.

I hear her laugh softly, "Bella told me about your special power, I shouldn't be surprised that you knew it was me…" I stiff at the mention of Bella.

I don't respond and eventually she sighs. "Trouble in paradise?" my eyes snap to hers in surprise.

She smiles softly, "Relax. Bella told me…I mean I already knew of course, the way you look at each other, anyone paying attention can tell you love each other."

My eyes widened, "sh—she told you? Andy please don't tell anyone…my family—your family…we'd both be disowned…" I gasp, as the panic settles in.

"Oh come on, Nina! I would never do that! I'm honestly quite hurt that you would think that I would tell anyone!" She puts on a cute pout. God, she looks so much like Bellatrix, it's scary.

I relax and chuckle, "You look just like Bella, it's really creepy." She shoots me an annoyed look.

"Yes, yes. I know," Andy looks at me intensely. "But you are avoiding my question, Nina. What is going on between you and my sister? Neither one of you is happy, and you both seem to be beating yourselves up a lot over something…"

I sigh.

"I love her more than she loves me, I guess. She wanted to experiment with different people…which she has, and I've been feeling like I'm having withdraw symptoms because I can't be with her! Her magic calls to me, Andy! It's addicting! I need it! I'm weak without it! I get shivers, cold flashes, and my coordination is off…you know what the worst part is? I fucking love her, Andy! I love her so much, I thought about committing suicide when I caught her with that slut from Ravenclaw!" my outburst caught me by surprise and I start fidgeting. Oh merlin! I'm going insane…

"Nina, Nina…hey, calm down and listen to me, please?" Andy reaches her arm to grab me gently. Tears begin sliding down my cheeks as Andy tries to sooth me. I've been holding this in for weeks…it needed to come out.

"Nina…I want you to know, Bella feels the same way—well minus the withdraw symptoms, but that's expected since she doesn't possess this power that you do…she misses you too, and—" I cut her off with a dark laugh.

"Bella doesn't feel the same way! Stop lying for her! I'm mean even you must have noticed it! She's happier than ever! She loves controlling people, and that's exactly what she's doing! Controlling all those love sick idiots with sex!"

Andy's eyes soften. She shakes her head, a small smile playing at her lips.

"You couldn't be more wrong…" She says and I snort in response, "Here. Let me show you." Before I could protest, Andy reaches out her hand and softly cups my cheek.

It's nighttime. We're in the Slytherin common room, and I'm staring into the scene before me. Andy walks into one of the rooms and finds a distraught Bellatrix. She quietly sobbing and her hair's all ruffled.

"Bella?" Andy says, making Bellatrix snap her bloodshot eyes towards the door.

"Go…go away, Andy…I'm fine…" Bellatrix replied. She didn't say it rudely, and it seemed as if she really said it to convince herself. I watched with wide eyes as I realize that I've never seen Bella in so much despair.

Andy doesn't listen to her and continues advancing into the room.

"Bella…you're not fine. Did something happen between you and Nina?"

"You don't know anything! Now leave me alone!" Bellatrix suddenly snaps at Andy. I jump at the sudden outburst, but it didn't seem to faze Andy.

"I know that you two have something going on," Andy pauses as she sees look shocked look form on her sisters face, "Oh, come on Bella! You two haven't exactly been discreet! A blind man can even see it! You're in love, and that's okay."

"No…no…it's more than that…I fucked it up! I always do…now I'll never be happy…"

"Of course you will, Bella. You'll get your happy ever after, okay? I promise. You just have to let go on some of things…a relationship is hard; I mean you have to constantly work at it every day…just don't give up; don't let happiness slip away from you…" I am shocked by Andy's words. She's a year younger than me and two years younger than Bella, but at this moment she seems well behind her years.

"Wow, Andy…when did you grow up on me?" Bella chuckles, gaining a sheepish grin from Andy, "Well, what can I say? I'm smart like my older sister." She says and pokes Bella in the arm. I smile, I love seeing them like this. Their bond is truly great, and I don't think It can ever be broken. I always knew Bella and Andy were much closer than either of them are to Cissy. I suspect it has something to do with the fact that they're practically twins and act almost alike. Except Bella is much more brutal than Andy. Good twin, and evil twin, I guess.

"Andy?" Bellatrix asks softly.

"Hmm?"

"I hope you're right…I hope we make it through this, because…she's the one I wanted to marry…" Bellatrix's confession left me speechless. My eyes are like golf balls and I find myself unable to breathe.

Andy pulls her hand away and the memory snaps away. My eyes are still the size of golf balls and my mouth is wide open. I am as stiff as a statue. I can't move…I can't think…I can't breathe.

Andy looks at me with worry. I can't do this. It's not fair.

"Nina—" I feel it. I feel the magic coming from me in large bursts. Andy must feel it too, because her eyes widen as she realizes the severity of the situation. I can't control all my emotions and sometimes they all combine into one and they explode. By the way Andy looks at me, I know she's scared. There's nothing she can do…

"Get…Get Bella…" I clutch my head as the pain from my powerful magic becomes too much. When I look back towards Andy, she's gone. I try to keep it at bay. I've done this before…besides I don't want anyone to get hurt...

I wonder why no one has heard my cries and screams yet, then it hit me. Andy. She casted a silencer charm around my compartment. Smart girl.

I try—oh, how I try to keep my magic under control. Just a little longer.

I glance towards the window through my hands. The weather changed drastically. It was a clear day, now the sky grew dark and a terrible blizzard formed. The wind is blowing furiously and there is lighting striking from the sky. Am I doing that?

I'm so close to giving in. This magic—my magic is too strong; too powerful. People are going to get killed and I have no doubt that I'll be one of those people.

This is it…I can't hold it in anymore…

3rd Person Point of View: Based off of Bella

The magic coming from Nina was raw magic. Very dark, very powerful. As her last hint of humanity was slipping away the door slid open and closed back just as fast.

Bellatrix rushed over to Nina, her eyes alarmed, but not afraid. She bites the inside of her jaw as she looks at her lover. Nina is on her knees, clutching a fist full of her hair between her hands, while digging her nails into her scalp. Her eyes are shut tight and she's growling through clenched teeth. The powerful magic coming from Nina is beginning to weigh Bella down, literally. The magic feels like gravity is working against her and is making her body feel extremely heavy. This is the furthest she's ever gone…

Bellatrix waves her wand. Her eyes squint in concentration. The spell takes precision and even a lot of power for it to work properly. Alas, if done correctly, it will cause some pain to Nina. It's better than her destroying herself with her own magic…

Bellatrix sighs in relief as the chains appear around Nina. The chains are invisible to everyone besides the castor. The chains are awfully tight and one time Bella almost released the spell because of the pain Nina was in. This spell is the only spell that Bella knows that can not only contain Nina, but also drain her magic to a low enough level that will make her pass out. Luckily, she is usually refreshed when she wakes up and remembers hardly nothing. Bellatrix's chest is rising and falling rapidly as she struggles to catch her breath. It's a very powerful spell and takes a lot of magic from the castor all at once which causes extreme fatigue and weakness. Bella drops to her knees. She's struggling to breathe, and her breaths mostly come out in wheezes. She hears Nina cry out in pain and her eyes shoot up to meet hers. They're blank. They're dull and show no hint of recognition. It is almost as if her brain won't think. As if it can't process anything…

She's not even making any noises anymore. The only way Bellatrix can tell that she's in pain is because every now and then her body tenses up and her nails dig into her palm. Bella looks up at Nina, still trying to fight her own fatigue. She has to fight it just a little while longer to make sure Nina will come back. That she's okay. Bellatrix sees Nina's eyes flutter shut a few times and her breathing starts to even out. She starts to crawl towards Nina slowly. Bellatrix is fighting her own magic drain from the spell being used to contain Nina. It takes a lot of energy just to crawl to her and suddenly she's winded again. When Bella is face to face with Nina, she notices her eyes flicker for as split second. It was so fast that she almost wonders if she imagined it. Her face is blank again. Bellatrix swallows the lump in her throat. What if she doesn't come back this time?

"Nina…" Bellatrix says softly, followed by a cough. There. It happened again. Just a small flicker of light in her eyes. It didn't last long, but it lasted a little longer than before. Bellatrix is fighting to keep her eyes open, she wants to ensure that Nina is well before drifting away from exhaustion.

Bellatrix reaches her hand out and strokes Nina's cheek. "Nina…" She says again.

There it is again, a little brighter than it was, and it stayed there longer too.

Bella looks deeply into Nina's dead gray eyes, she's getting weaker and it's almost too hard not to close her eyes…but she has to see it again, the life in Nina's gray eyes. Those beautiful eyes she fell in love with…she just needs to make sure Nina will recover from this…

"Nina…please…" Bellatrix tries again; she's begging her now. Begging her not to stay like this…

Then it happened. Nina's eyes blinked then snapped open, revealing the bright twinkle that Bella was looking for. For the first time today tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to fall. It scared Bella because she can see Nina fighting not to lose her mind completely. Nina's eyes flicker in and out between dull and dead, to bright and lively. Bellatrix moves her hand to move some of Nina's hair out of her face.

"Fight, Nina…" Bella hears her speech becoming more slurred as she fights to stay awake just a little while longer. This time it seems she has won. Nina's eyes are bright and alert, the dullness slowly fading away. Bellatrix smiles softly. Nina's eyes look tired, but still; it's her.

"Stay with me." Bellatrix says slowly, her dark eyes staring into Nina's gray eyes intensely. Bella smiles softly as she notices that Nina's eyes look at her now, just as they always had. With love, and admiration…like she gave Nina a life worth living. Feeling confident that Nina will be okay, she decides it's time to let go.

She looks up to see Nina slowly closing her eyes, before drifting off to sleep, but not before she hears Nina softly mumble, "Always"

Then everything goes black.