Hi All,

Welcome to chapter 27 of Little Red Bird. Thanks for showing it love.

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As always,Don't like, Don't read. - DZ2

Disclaimer: All HP rights and characters owned by JK Rowling, and fics are created for entertainment only

After Narcissa's little outburst with the muggles, Bellatrix decided to take matters into her own hands. Teaching the Dark Arts required patience and care, any mistake could be costly enough to push a person to insanity or an insatiable addiction. This was fairly easy for her since she was the Dark Lord's best, after him of course, at practicing dark magic.

She started teaching Ginny every day, an hour of theory and another hour applying it practically. She decided to get her own set of prisoners from the muggle village nearby, people who hardly anyone would miss.

Ginny enjoyed spending time at the manor learning darker combative magic and slowly but surely got used to performing them with ease and the feeling of nausea subsided after being asked to repetitively handle the torture sessions and even starting over again if Ginny so much as gagged at the sight. If Bella despised one thing, then it was weakness of any sort.

She would go through any lengths to weed it out of her ward, which meant Ginny had to endure another hour of exhaustive hand to hand combat. Unfortunately for her, the first week Ginny could barely land a punch or kick against an extremely agile Bellatrix. More unfortunate was the fact that Ginny almost always passed out on the floor in exhaustion. She did start making some progress by the end of second week when she was able to sweep Bella's legs causing her to stumble and promptly choking her neck in an arm hold before Bellatrix used a wandless stinger to free herself.

Training aside, the highlight of Ginny's summer was the animagus training promised by Bella. The first step was to be good at transfiguration and potions, which by virtue of her rigorous training and her aptitude, she was already adept enough to pursue it. The second step however, wasn't as easy as it sounded, which was to keep a mandrake leaf in her mouth for an entire month without swallowing or taking it out. Failure to do so would warrant starting the procedure over again.

After swallowing the leaf thrice and even choking on it once accidentally during one of their training sessions, Ginny finally got the trick and that's how a tiny mandrake leaf found itself stuck to the roof of her mouth courtesy some precise wand work by Narcissa. Freshening charms and a more liquid diet helped her keep it intact. She just had to get through a couple of weeks before she could take the leaf out and store it in a special phial that Narcissa would procure along with a strand of her hair, her actual black strands of hair to go into the phial along with her saliva filled leaf.

Another thing that Narcissa promised to procure was a teaspoon of dew from a place untouched by human feet or sunlight. It was a privilege to have Malfoys as your allies, this was difficult to get for the average wizard or witch, but for the Malfoys it was probably a walk into their expansive properties that housed something akin to a mini forest of sorts. She wanted to hunt for it herself, however a quick talking down on priorities and things beneath one's station had her keeping her mouth shut. She'd be eternally grateful to Cissa if she managed to find her animagus form.

Days turned to weeks as Ginny juggled her dual life at the Burrow and Lestrange Manor, her training finally showed results managing to pin Bellatrix on the ground for a full minute without the use of magic. She was rather grateful at completing an entire month with the mandrake leaf in her mouth and finally being able to store that phial mixture safely in her trunk waiting for a thunderstorm.

She didn't really want to miss properly enjoying the feast Dinky cooked for her, it was always something special for her birthday.

Ginny woke up feeling refreshed and in a particularly happier mood. It was of course her birthday, but what made her even more ecstatic was the fact the weather outside seemed dark and gloomy, it was the perfect weather for a thunderstorm. It had been raining the past few days but there was no lightning or thunder, however it felt as though today might just be her day.

She woke up from the bed and before taking off towards the bathroom to get her day started she pulled out the yew wand from her trunk and pointed it towards her heart, "Amato Animo Animato Animagus" she chanted with her eyes closed trying to feel her heartbeat.

This had been her routine for the past week or so, twice a day at sunrise and sunset. The signs were good and by each passing day it was becoming clear that there could be a storm brewing that would help her. Bellatrix warned her though to wait for the right moment and only go through the meditation ritual once she was at the Manor in her presence.

Having finished her morning routine Ginny trotted down to the kitchen to grab some breakfast, she walked into the room while her mother was arguing something with her father. Ron sported a disgruntled look for some reason even forgoing his plate of toast and sausage. The twins sat opposite to him chatting amongst themselves while Percy just moved past her towards the stairs.

"What's going on?" Ginny asked, taking a chair next to her dad.

"You're a slimy snake, is what's going on." Ron replied shortly, glaring at her.

"Oh, not this again." Ginny sighed, this was a recurring theme ever since her sorting and she could do with some original insult if he was going to bitch about, she couldn't help but let some of her irritation color her tone. "For the hundredth time Ron, Slytherin is a respectable house and for the thousandth time, snakes are not slimy. Fishes are, but that would be too much to ask of you to know."

"Ginevra Weasley! You will not take that tone with your elders!" Molly pitched in, "Now, what's all this nonsense? You're fraternizing with pureblood fanatics? They're dark families, don't you understand that."

"What?" Ginny felt utterly lost, where was this conversation going. She looked around the room to find any clue, "What's going on? Dad? I don't understand, why's everyone behaving so weird?"

"Ginny, dear are you friends with the Greengrass family?" Arthur asked her patiently.

"Well, yes. I am; Astoria's my friend. Why's there a big fuss about it? And why's it a conversation all of a sudden."

"Because of this." Molly slammed an envelope on the table, "We didn't know you were being friends with a dark family. This has to stop."

"That's a letter for me. Why would you open it? Do you have any sense of privacy? Dad, why's it a problem if I'm friends with Astoria, and no mother, Greengrass family is neutral and certainly not dark. I've read all about them, they weren't with The D-You-Know-Who during the last war." Ginny snatched the envelope with the broken Greengrass seal.

"Ginny, I'm not saying they're all bad, but your mum is not wrong, you know. They are a family of purebloods who have considered us as blood traitors for a long time and they have had a bigoted behaviour. We just want you to be safe." Arthur tried to placate his irate daughter while trying not to raise his wife's ire.

"Yes, why don't you learn something from Ron." Molly pitched in as Ron sat up straighter feeling proud of himself, "He's keeping good company with Harry and Hermione and look he's already achieving so much. He helped Harry track down the culprit and earned so many points for his House."

"Culprit? It's Lockhart, mother, can't you take the name of the wizard you fawned over until this summer. Besides, the only thing I can learn from him is how to eat like a pig." Ginny sneered, "I am the top of my year and had there been exams, I would have beaten that Mu-Granger's scores as well." Ginny stopped herself from the slip-up before someone took note, "If points are so important, then I have earned them as well for studies and good behaviour, even winning the House Cup for Slytherin. Unlike his pity points, mine are well earned."

"How dare you! Ginevra Weasley! You will cease this foolishness and apologize to your brother at once. I tolerated your sorting but your behaviour is becoming worse day after day. Hermione is a family friend and you're addressing her as a stranger just like those purebloods. You have always been a trouble maker, it seems I'll have to speak with Dumbledore again to get you re-sorted. Those people are just brainwashing you into their bigoted ideologies."

Ginny's temper flared at the thought of staying away from Slytherin House, her House. "I will do no such thing mother. There is no fault of mine and I won't apologize for it. They aren't acting like bigots but you sure are, by the way you speak of them. She's only Potter's friend, Ron's just a third wheel. Bloody bint is probably in it for his fame and influence, just like dear Ronald is."

"Shut up snake. Harry's my best friend, I'm not using him or Hermione. You're just jealous because you can never have what he has." Ron finished with a smug smile.

"What? Blood-sucking leeches for friends? I sure hope not." Ginny retorted as a hand connected hard with her face. Ginny turned her head around to see a fuming red faced Molly Weasley standing to her side.

"That's enough insolence from you young lady. How dare you use such foul words. Harry is always welcome at our home and Ron is being a good friend in making him feel welcome, unlike you. Your punishment is to work all the fields today, alone. No meals for you as well. Now, get out." Molly snatched Ginny's plate and dumped it into the sink.

"Molly, dear… Don't you th-" Arthur tried to reason however was promptly cut off by his wife, "No dear. She needs to be disciplined. You saw how twisted her mind has become. Don't worry it'll be fine, besides you should get going as you're getting late for work."

Arthur sighed and nodded before he floo'd to the Ministry atrium for work. The twins were just as stunned however they kept quiet knowing how serious their mother's temper was. They didn't mind Ginny being in Slytherin, it was all the same for them. She was just another target for their pranks, though more preferred since they didn't receive a backlash pranking her than Ron.

Ginny stormed off slamming the kitchen backdoor towards the fields. She knew she overstepped with the Potter remark but the rest of it was just her family being a nosy bunch. Once again they've managed to put a damper on her happiness and for what, a simple letter. She had to read what was so incriminating that she got relegated to the fields without food, on her own birthday, not that her mother cared one bit for it earlier.

Ginny sat in the tree shade before pulling out the letter. A pang of hunger hit her as she called on her elf to get her some sandwiches and juice. The elf promptly returned with a small basket with fruits, sandwiches and beverages. Taking a bite of her sandwich she opened the slightly crumpled parchment. It read:

Hi Ginny,

First of all let me wish you a very happy birthday.

You are very special and that's why you need to float with lots of smiles on your lovely face. Enjoy your special day.

I know you don't want any gifts but what I'm giving you cannot be bought.

It's the gift of my eternal friendship and the unconditional support of the Greengrass family whenever you need it.

So, now that the serious stuff is done, what have you been up to?

I know you said you couldn't write letters or reply but I couldn't stop myself from writing this one letter, can't miss wishing you on your birthday now, can I?

I'm done with all the summer assignments and hope you are as well.

The summer's been fun, but I'd have enjoyed it more if you could visit us at the Manor.

I trained a bit with my father like we spoke last time, so I'll be pretty good by the time we meet.

I'll be shopping for supplies on Saturday, if it's fine, we can catch up in Diagon Alley. If not we can meet on the train back.

Either ways please let me know.

Regards,

Astoria G

"Huh! All that drama for this?" she sighed, musing to herself "All she did was wish me birthday and asked a few basic questions. It wasn't as if she asked me to burn muggles. I better get started on the chores it's starting to drizzle."

Remembering about the Malfoys' crazy elf Dobby, she got an idea. She called on her elf to clean up the snacks and asked her to monitor the incoming mails henceforth and withhold anything that's not from Hogwarts addressed to her. This could save her some headache at the very least. She'd have to write back to Tori and probably ask her to avoid writing anything sensitive even if she does send her mail.

Ginny worked the fields throughout the day amidst rain which went from a light drizzle to a full on downpour. Having completed work on the fields near the house she moved towards the back near her shed, she sat beneath the large tree to take a breather and also save herself from the incessant rains.

"You're drenched and muddy, little bird." an amused voice spoke above her.

Ginny jerked her head up so fast it caused a whiplash, "Oww! Bella? How long have you been sitting there?"

"Not for long, though being an animagus does help me climb easily."

"Right, so… why exactly are you out here in the middle of the day? It's not safe, you know. Cissa would be most upset if you get caught again."

"Bah! No one's looking for me and I'm here for important business." Bella shrugged, swinging her legs casually.

"What important business?"

Bella jumped down and landed with the grace of a cat. She quickly pulled Ginny into the woods behind them, "Come dear, I'll show you. Here, hold my hand quick."

Ginny felt the familiar tug of apparition as both disappeared in a wisp of black smoke.

They landed near the cliffs part of the Lestrange property. It was a mesmerizing sight, the sea was stormy and violent as well as the torrential rain pelting the plains, the Manor looked towering and hauntingly beautiful in the backdrop of an approaching thunderstorm.

"This… is what I wanted to show you. It's so beautiful dear. Always love a raging storm. Only thing that was constant in Azkaban." Bellatrix remarked with a smile one could associate with watching their favourite flower bloom, "And what's more, this is the place where I found my animagus form and had my first transformation. Granted I had to wait 2 months for the perfect storm, but I feel luck is on your side, merely a week since the potion was complete and you're ready."

"You really have a different view of beauty than most, Bella."Ginny replied with a small smile, she too found it beautiful, but there was no reason she couldn't taunt her. "Should I get changed or… how do I proceed? Also, the potion is in my trunk in a warded box."

"Oh no, little birdy. I have a very sane view of beauty and I admire it everyday in front of a mirror."

"Vain.. owww!" Ginny drawled as she was hit with a stinging hex. "Sorry"

"You better be. No, I'm not vain, I'm just self aware. There's a difference." Bella huffed haughtily before pulling out a shrunken box and Ginny's yew wand from her robes, "Here, take the box and your wand. You have your holster?"

Ginny didn't even question how she got the box and her wand. It must have been Dinky, she was keyed into the wards of her trunk to retrieve or store any item that was needed. She simply nodded as Bella handed her the wand which she holstered on her wrist and proceeded to then unlock the box.

"Hold on. Before you open the box, I want you to do something. Ready?" Bella held Ginny's hand as she tried to open the box. She let go of her hand as Ginny nodded, "Good. Now, follow my instructions carefully. Sit on the ground cross-legged, good. Keep the box aside, now close your eyes and use your occlumency to clear your mindspace. Are you there yet."

"Yes, I'm in my mindspace."

"Now I want you to envision yourself, exactly as you are right now. Take some time and envision yourself to the finest detail. From your body to your wand down to each article of clothing you're wearing. This is very very important, little bird. When you transform for the first time and after that you want everything to transform with your body, otherwise you'd lose your wand and clothes where you shift."

Ginny felt amused, "You seem to be speaking from experience I think. Were you nude after your first transformation, Bella?"

She was hit with another stinger as Bella chided her "Next time it'll be a crucio. Now concentrate."

"Fine, I can see myself exactly the way I am now. What do I do next?"

"Good, now you're ready. It would have been difficult to do this once you transformed, now you just have to use this image to shift back to your human form. One last warning, whatever form you see, it's the manifestation of your traits. Do not fear it, embrace it with happiness and do not hesitate else it will gain dominance over the mind. When you drink the potion it will take you to a place somewhat like your mindspace, you have to walk forward and it will approach you subsequently. Remember, No fear and No Regrets." Bella warned Ginny who opened her eyes and was intently catching on to every word she spoke. "Begin."

Ginny picked up the box as thunder and lightning roared in the background lighting up the darkened evening sky. The potion held inside the phial had turned into a blood-red colour which meant it was time. She held it in her hands and uncorked the phial feeling nervous and excited at the same time.

With her right hand she placed the tip of her wand at her hand and spoke the Animagus chant and chugged down the potion held in her left hand. Intense pain shot through her body causing her to double over to her side. She clutched the grass in agony as the pain subsided after a few minutes. Everything felt silent, her eyes were closed and she couldn't feel the rain pouring around her nor the storm, it was mind numbing silence and darkness, and then she felt her heartbeat in addition to another one beating with a slightly different rhythm.

She felt relieved despite being in an unknown space, the potion had worked. Now she just had to wait for her animagus form to appear. After waiting around the darkness subsided to a familiar landscape. It was a moonlit sky and she was back to the Lestrange property, the only difference being she was alone and now there was a single tree near the cliff.

Ginny moved towards the tree slowly looking out for any movement, however there was none, until she was just about 50 feet from the tree. There was a rustling of leaves as a long pitch black snake glided down the trunk. It was quite long, about 10 or 12 feet almost and thick as her own fist. The moon light shone on it's glossy scales and at certain angles it gave a purplish gloss. It slithered about halfway and coiled up as if waiting for her to make a move.

She felt a bit disheartened, watching the tree she thought could have been a jaguar or feline predator similar to Bella, however Bella's warning rang in her mind. Whatever the animal, it was her form now and she had to embrace it else the transformation wouldn't be fruitful and she could lose control over it. With a bit of reluctance she moved ahead.

The snake waited expectantly until Ginny was halfway, when it uncoiled itself and raised its body so that the hood was at Ginny's eye level. She stopped walking at that moment and realized the majestic nature of the snake she couldn't quite recognize the name.

Almost half its body on the ground and other half raised high, the snake slithered ahead slowly. It reached extremely close to her literally a breath away. Ginny saw the purple serpentine eyes with brown flecks gazing deep into her own looking for any sign of weakness, the hood flattened into a threatening position. The sound was more like a roar than a hiss which unnerved Ginny as she gulped trying not to flinch at being so close to a predator.

After what felt like eternity the snake coiled back to the ground and with a swiftness turned around and slithered back to the tree while the entire landscape faded into darkness and Ginny felt thrown back into reality.

She opened her eyes to Bellatrix sitting next to her on the ground waiting for her to awaken. "Oh good, you're awake. So, what's your form?"

Ginny's face fell at that, "It's not what I imagined… I'm some sort of snake… just like my brother calls me often."

"What! Are you insane? This was Not the reaction I expected." Bellatrix felt her ire rising at Ginny's idiocy, "Didn't I tell you whatever be your form, embrace it. And there's nothing shameful about being a snake. In fact it's a boon, the Dark Lord is a parseltongue, Salazar Slytherin, the founder of our House was a parseltongue and favoured the traits of a snake during the sorting. Cunning, self-preservation and deadly deceptive is what a snake is. So quit moping and tell me more about your form."

"Uhmm… sorry. I didn't mean it that way, I'm not ashamed, it's just I wanted to be like you. Never mind, it was pretty long I mean about 2 and a half times my size with a big head and narrow hood. Color was black and glossy scales, but I'm not sure if it had any purple on it when the light shone on it at certain angles. The eyes felt exactly opposite to mine, you know like I have these purple flecks, it had brown flecks on purple snake eyes."

"Anything else? From what you described it seems like a venomous snake. Did you miss any characteristics? Something that you haven't seen snakes do generally." Bella felt certain it was a non-native one, she could narrow down the name if she had a few more details.

"Nothing peculiar, why don't you see it when I transform?" Ginny sat up trying to clean her hair of any mud.

"Yes, I suppose we can do that. Fine, keep your wand tip at your heart and clear your mindscape. Now instead of your own image, envision your animagus form to the finest detail. Once you can do that, take a deep breath and envision your transformation, Will your magic to transform your body." Bellatrix instructed as Ginny sat cross-legged and followed her.

After a number of failed attempts, she was finally able to start the transformation. Bellatrix watched in fascination as Ginny's body along with her attire melded together before a majestic black snake stood before her.

Bella's eyes bugged out as she gasped, "Sweet Circe! You're a King Cobra…"

Thanks for reading, if you liked/disliked the fic please do leave a comment. I love to read what you've got to say.

Cheers!

PS: No flames on the choice of animagus, if you thing it should have been another animal, well then I can't help it. I love snakes and they inadvertently find a place in my fics.