Good Girl
My whole body ached.
My shoulders; my back; my legs; my arms.
There was even a stripe across my cheek.
It burned. Burned like a white hot poker pressed against my skin.
Burning.
Fire.
Screaming.
I couldn't get her image out of my head. The girl with the black melted face.
Tears eaked out of my eyes, soothing my burning face.
Daddy stood facing me, one hand on the portrait behind him.
Please don't lift the curtain again! I silently begged.
I flinched and lifted my hands to cover my face as he strode towards me, but he merely lifted me like a toddler and set me on a chair facing his desk.
"All is forgiven little one," he crooned kneeling to hug me. "Don't be afraid."
Easier said than done!
He straitened and walked round to his desk chair. So much comfier than the hard wooden one I sat on. But I'll admit I did feel safer with a desk between us.
"Now Bella, do you understand why you were punished?"
"Yes sir. I talked to mudblood scum."
"And you understand how dangerous they are?"
"Yes sir. They'd burn me if they got the chance."
"Good girl..."
"And they'd burn Cissy and Dromeda and you and Mummy..."
"That's right..."
"And because of that filth I got beaten."
He was smiling at me now. His eyes were full of unspoken praise.
"It's all her fault. The pain I'm in now. And if I see her again..."
"Yes darling?"
"I'll pay her back! I'll make her feel that pain!"
The smile grew ever broader.
"Oh my angel! Not even ten years old and already a pure warrior. Come here."
This time I hugged him back.
"I'll never disrespect our family name again Daddy. I'll do my best to live up to it."
"Good girl Bella. Good girl."
I revelled in his praise. I would make him proud. Make our family proud. And treat that scum that burnt my ancestors to the punishment they deserved. One day everyone would know my name.
Bellatrix Black.
One day those filthy blood traitors would fear it.
One day.