Tethered to The Story We Must Tell
A/N: There is a quick conversation between Nina and her Father that is spoken in Italian with the English translation following behind it. After that, any spoken Italian will be "italicized." Also, this chapter has a lot of background information that may come up later. Some new themes are introduced as well. Enjoy…
Chapter 4: Russo Family: The Beginnings of a Monster
Nina's POV:
I slowly open my eyes and sigh in relief. It was all just a horrible dream…
I look out the train window and see hills and grasslands. Realizing that we'll be arriving soon, I decide to sit up and check my hair and makeup. I honestly am not in the mood to hear mother's scolds about keeping up my appearance. Just as I am about to sit up, I feel my hands loosely holding on to something. I glance down and I am greeted with mass black curls. Bella…
I gently shake her, "Bella? Come on…we have to get ready, the train will be at the platform soon. What are you doing here anyway?" I hear her groan. "Come on. I'd rather not have to deal with my mother's moans and scolds from not being properly dressed. I'm sure you don't either." She groans again. I smirk, and gently nudge her again.
"Bella—" I begin, but I am cut off by her elbowing me in the stomach, "Piss off…" She mumbles.
Glad I don't have to wake her up every day…what is she doing here anyway? Did we make up or something? I must've been really tired. I've never slept through the whole train ride home before…
"Fine. At least tell me what you're doing here, though. I thought we weren't together anymore?" Suddenly Bella jumps up, untangling herself from my arms.
She turns to face me, her eyes filled with an emotion I can't quite place…
"Are you okay? Does anything hurt?" I see concern written all over her face. Her dark eyes staring into mine intensely. I narrow my eyes in confusion.
"Yes?" I say, dragging it out as a question.
"Of course. I forgot that you probably wouldn't remember…" She says, sighing. Could it be that my dream was actually real? The one where I lost control and almost killed everyone and anything in my path?
"Remember what exactly?" I reply. Bella takes a deep breath and looks at me with a pained expression, "You lost control again…I had to…restrain you…I didn't have a choice. You were so far gone, Nina…I thought I lost you…it was like you weren't you…I don't know…I was just afraid I wouldn't be able to save you this time…" I see her turn away and stare out of the window.
"I do remember this time, actually. I thought It was a dream. I don't remember everything, but I remember trying to follow your voice. You sounded so distraught and broken that I knew I needed to find you. When I did, I remember you stroking my hair and begging me to stay with you," I take a deep breath, and I see that Bella has turned to look at me again. Her eyes are moist from tears threatening to fall. "The reason why I thought It was a dream was because when I finally found you, we were both dying. You begged me to stay with you…You were dying, and I was too. The thing is, one of us could've survived. You had enough energy to heal me, but you would've died shortly after. So instead, you used the last bit of your energy to perform a spell I didn't recognize. It surrounded us, and I was growing weaker. You thought I would die before it was finished, so you stroked my cheek. Then you smiled softly and asked, "Remember our promise about leaving each other?" I nodded and you kissed me, for the last time. "Then stay with me…just a little longer…" you said and I could tell you were growing weaker too, your speech was slurred and your breathing came out in wheezes. You held my hand tightly. My vision was becoming blurry, and the last thing I saw was your body collapse next to me. I would've thought you were dead, but you still had a death grip on my hand. "Always…" I told you just before everything went black. When I woke up, I was here."
Once I was finished, I saw Bella looking down at her hands in her lap.
"You sure have an active imagination. We're still alive. I just had to restrain you. The spell just takes a lot out of both of us. We both just passed out. It took more of my magic to restrain you this time." In that moment, my heart swelled. Bella came to save me despite our differences lately. She still cares.
"Thank you. I couldn't thank you enough…" I smile softly at her.
"Anytime." I see her smile back. The familiar need for her power comes over me. I try to suppress it, but it's just been too long. I need it. I feel my palms become sweaty and my mouth water just thinking about how her magic made me feel…
I look at her with pleading eyes. She nods her head in approval. "I figured you'd want that. Come. It's been too long." Bella says as she begins sliding her robe off of her shoulders. I am over to her in a flash. Her breath hitches in her throat as I speed in front of her.
"Indeed it has," I move her dark curls away from her neck. I sighed as I inhaled her scent. "I've missed you so much…God how I need this…" my lips ghost over her jawline and neck, planting a kiss every now and then. Bella's breathing becomes more erratic and I feel myself becoming lost in her scent, and the feel of her smooth skin under my lips. Her soft whimpers nearly driving me insane.
"You know what I need to do, right?" I ask softly into her ear. Bella nods and bites her lip as her eyes flutter close. "Good...now kiss me." Bella turns her head ever so slightly and slams her lips to mine. I quickly become the dominate one, as my tongue enters her mouth and slides around hers. Bella immediately surrenders under my touch. I'm always more aggressive after I've lost control. Maybe it's my body's way of trying to get more of what it has lost when I had to be retained.
I push Bella down on one of the seats and begin unbuttoning her blouse. I look down at her body like a wild animal, "You're mine." I say before I take her. I pleasure her for what seemed like hours. It would have been hours if we weren't pressed for time.
About an hour later we were both running around the compartment like wild animals trying to fix our hair, clothes, and makeup. The train slowed, until it finally came to a stop at platform 9 ¾.
I sighed, "I guess I should probably make up some story to tell Rabastan. I've been avoiding him as much as possible the last few weeks." I say to Bella. She looks up at me and I can see the sadness in her dark eyes. "Bella…I have to. My mother was more than thrilled when I told her Rabastan and I were going out."
"Yes, I know. I just can't help but get a little jealous…you will never be mine—I mean, not the way that I want…"
"Shush. I am yours. But we're purebloods, are we not? We've got to keep up appearances." I send her a smirk as I finish the sentence perfectly mimicking my mother. She smiles back before her face turns serious.
"Nina, we have to tell someone…you're getting stronger…what if sex won't satisfy that side of you anymore?" My eyes snap to hers as I bite the inside of my jaw. I've been worrying about that too. If I'm getting stronger, what if I'll need more extreme ways to tame that side?
"Who do you think I should tell? My mother? Hell no, that's a huge argument waiting to happen!" I say, folding my arms.
"Maybe you're right. Forget I mentioned it."
Once I was pleased with my appearance, I gathered my belongings and stood waiting for Bella to do the same.
"I forgot to tell you, my parents have a business meeting in France. We're supposed to stay with you and Nick for a week." Bella says.
"Oh, goodie! Just more time to spend with you and more times we risk getting caught." I say sarcastically.
"Oh come of it! We'll be all right. Cissy—"
"Yes, the one who caught us before…" I say rolling my eyes.
"I told you I handled it! Oblivate is truly a wonderful spell—"
"Yes, well. We can't Oblivate my parents, so…"
"And why not? If they catch us, it's our only option."
"Negative. My grandparents from my fathers' side have this potion they use from Italy. Some family invention or whatever, but It makes the user immune to mind persuasion spells, like Oblivate or Imperio."
"A potion can counter the effects of Oblivate and Imperio?" Bella asks in disbelief.
"Yes. I mean it makes sense, doesn't it? A spell couldn't possibly work, simply because the victim wouldn't know if they were influenced, right? So a counter-curse couldn't reverse the persuasion if you weren't aware of the influence. Which is why drinking a potion beforehand works perfectly."
"Hmm…never thought of it that way. I suppose that does make sense," Bella says, looking impressed. "Why haven't I ever heard of it before, then?"
I shrug my shoulders, "Different country, and different wizards."
"Have you ever been? To Italy, I mean?" Bella asks me softly.
"Of course. Most of my family still lives there. My Grandparents even moved back to Italy last summer."
"We should go one day. I'd love to see Italy, and your family." My heart swelled. I'd love to go there with Bella…
"You're in luck. I was supposed to be going there tomorrow, actually. I think you'll love it, it's truly an amazing country."
"Sign me up!" Bella says smiling.
"Of course. Now, let's go before my mother throws a fit in the middle of the platform." I say sighing as I open the compartment door.
I finally spot my parents in all of the chaos that surrounds them. Andromeda is already there and is in a deep conversation with my father. Not surprising, my father always was more friendly and down to earth than my mother. He's the reason there isn't a marriage contract for me yet. According to mother, he turned down dozens when I was born, and even more every month. Apparently I've grown "desirable" over the last few years, but my father still refuses to arrange a pureblood suitor for me. He would often tell me, "I would never sell my precious daughter. In the end, it will be your choice. You remember that."
I walked up to my parents, and greeted my father with a hug. I completely ignored my mother. I was still pissed at her from a letter she sent a few weeks back. "Ciao Padre," I say into the hug.
"Ciao il mio caro figlia. Come è stato il vostro tempo a scuola?" (hello my dear daughter. How was your time in school?)
"Piuttosto noioso, a volte. Le classi sono troppo facili. Mi piace pranking altri bambini con i miei amici, però." I reply in fluent Italian. (Pretty boring at times. The classes are too easy. I like pranking other children with my friends though.)
His eyes are bright with pride, "Certo che lo sono! Tu, mia cara figlia, sei un genio! Suppongo che si 're arrabbiato con tua madre visto che stiamo parlando in italiano…" (Of course they are! You, my dear daughter, you are a genius! I suppose you're angry with your mother since we are talking in Italian…) My father replies with a chuckle.
I roll my eyes, "Niente di nuovo! Sono contento che lei non può capire. lei sarà molto probabilmente inizierà a sgridarmi ora," (Nothing new! I'm glad that she cannot understand. she will most likely begin to scold me now.) I say laughing before I begin to mock my mother. Nina russo! è improprio per una donna dire cose quelli intorno a lei non può capire! Io non voglio che tu imbarazzante questa famiglia!" (Nina Russo! it is improper for a woman to say things those around her cannot understand! I do not want you embarrassing this family!)
When I finish both me and my father are laughing hysterically. I look at Bella, who is looking between my father and I with her mouth slightly open and her eyes wide with interest. I thought she knew I was fluent in Italian. I glance at my mother and my laughter becomes uncontrollable. The look on her face was priceless! Soon, both Andy and Bella join in on the laughter because neither me or my father could control our laughter, and my mother seemed genuinely upset.
"That's enough you two! I'm serious, Nina! A lady should conduct herself in a more acceptable manner in public! Alfonso—" My mother is cut of mid-sentence by my father waving his hand.
"Silence woman. It's the holiday, loosen your corset and live a little…" That caused Andy and Bella to snicker a bit, but it is nothing compared to my laughter. My mother looks around at us with her lips pressed tightly into a straight line. Her cheeks are red from embarrassment and her eyes are narrow.
"Where are Nicholas and Narcissa?" She asks in a sharp tone.
"They are visiting a fellow classmate for dinner. They'll be home later." I say in a dismissive tone.
"That sounds nice. Who?" My father asks.
"Evan and Marla Rosier. You know, the Rosier twins? They're second years." I say as my father hums in acknowledgment.
"That's just wonderful," My mother spat sarcastically. "Did he not think to owl me before hand?! Do both of my children insist on disrespecting me completely?!" I roll my eyes. Great, she's starting again.
"You see what allowing Nina to do whatever she wants has caused?! Now, Nicholas expects the same treatment! Oh, the embarrassment my own children cost me!" My mother continues acting dramatic. How my father puts up with her, I will never understand. I mean, will she ever shut up?
"This has got to stop! And I mean it!" She screams to my father.
I toss my arms up in the air. "I just can't…" I say looking at Bella. I walk away from the annoying voice of my mother and head towards the floo network.
"Russo Manor." I say as the green fires erupt around me.
I flop down on the sofa and prop my feet on the small table in front of me. I yell at the house elves to get me a glass of whiskey. As I sip the whiskey I chuckling thinking about my mother's reaction should she walk in the study and see me like this, she'd probably disown me.
"Fuck it…Pinkie!" I scream as I finish the first glass. The small mangy looking house elf runs in and puts another glass of fire whiskey on the table in front of me. "Also, begin packing my clothes for Italy. I'm leaving tonight with Bellatrix Black. Contact her Elf servant at Cygnus' mansion. Have the Elf start pack her clothes immediately," I say in a bored tone. Pinkie stood there for a moment unsure of where to start first. I snap my fingers, "Chop chop, Pinkie!" I yell. I'm usually not this rude, but my mother really set me off today. Speaking of which, I wonder if they made it back yet? Whatever. I don't care. I sigh as I grab a book off one of the shelves in my father's study. He always has fascinating books. I remember when I was in my 2nd year I found a book about Horcrux's. I've always loved learning about magic—no matter how dark it is. Knowledge is power, right? I hear footsteps down the hall. Ugh. Am I cursed to have no alone time?
"Now if you're done being disrespectful, I'd like an apolog—" I hear the high voice of my mother. I turn at her sudden dramatic pause. Her wide eyes are fixed on the near empty fire Whiskey on the table. "Have you been drinking this?"
I roll my eyes and reply, "Yep." I say putting emphasis on the p sound.
"But that doesn't matter. Bella and I are leaving to Italy. So… see you." I wave and walk passed her leaving her standing with her mouth agape.
I bump into Bella in the hall. "Nina, this mansion is truly beautiful—"
"Yeah sure. Come on. Pinkie is sending our things later today. We're going to Italy now."
I pull her down the many corridors of the mansion and into the main hall. I reach the floo Network and pull us both in.
"Il distretto della famiglia Russo." The green flames surround us and within seconds we arrive in the Russo family district in Italy. My family has its own private district, and it's much more like a town than a district if you ask me. It is hidden from muggle eyes, and impossible to find if you're a magical outsider, unless you are with a Russo. While there are many magical Italian families intertwined with ours, if you marry or have an offspring that is of the Russo heritage, then you are allowed to live in our district. As a whole, my family doesn't typically marry unless it is accepted by the higher ups—the elders. It isn't forbidden, you can marry whomever you want, but you shouldn't expect the elders to go easy on him/her.
An outsider for us doesn't mean someone from another family, an outsider almost always means, someone who isn't among the group of powerful families in Italy. Most times the Elders will approve of a marriage if the family is powerful and has a long line of magical blood. In other words—purebloods. Typically, the Russo's marry someone from Italy, but there are occasions—like my mother and father, where a marriage from another country is encouraged. I don't understand it, but I'm guessing it's more of a strategic arrangement to gain power in other countries as well…
When we arrive, we are greeted with some of my young cousins running around playing and shooting harmless spells at one another.
One of the spells nearly hits my face as my quick reflexes take control and I tilt my head to the side allowing the spell to jet passed me and hit a window behind me. Ooops…
"Nice reflexes there, care to join?" the smallest one asks me in Italian. I laugh, and pull out my wand. I love how carefree I can be here. I love it.
"Of course! I won't go easy on you guys, though!" I say back as I shoot a simple spell towards the one who almost hit me. He dodges and they all begin to run laughing as they dodge my spells while sending their own spells towards me.
I look back at Bella who's laughing at us.
"Come Bella! Play with us!" I say, and her confused expression says it all. I'm still speaking Italian. I laugh as I take cover behind a barrel, "Come on, Bella! Play with us! I'll need help with these little rascals." I say in English.
She nods her head and pulls out her wand and follows pursuit of two of the boys. I take the other direction to follow the other three—one of who shot the spell at me when we first arrived. I chase them through the streets, knocking a few people over as I ran passed.
They're almost at the Arno River, which means they are in the "safe" zone in the game.
I sprint after them, shooting harmless jinx's as I ran. I got two of them, and they joined me in the chase to catch the third one. I wonder if Bella caught the other two yet?
As the Arno River became more and more clear, I saw that Bella and the other two boys were already there. The boys had begun play wrestling each other while Bella sat in the grassy hill lands of the Italian countryside. As soon as the three boys I had been chasing saw the other two wrestling, they ran off and joined the fight; laughing and yelling as though they had no care in the world.
I sat down in the grass, next to Bella. My hand absentmindedly begins plucking grass from the ground and tossing it aside. "It's beautiful here. My question now is, how on earth can you stand London and Hogwarts when you have Italy and a whole family district here?" I laugh softly and stare off into the early evening sky. A gentle breeze blows across my face and I run my fingers to my hair.
"I used to ask myself that too. I practically lived here when I was younger. Then, my awful mother decided that I should get used to staying in England since I was going to attend Hogwarts," I took a breath as I pulled some more grass out of the ground and let it go with the wind. I glance at Bella and see her looking at the five boys wrestling with an amused glint in her eyes, before she looks towards the many hills in the distance. "I threw a temper tantrum when I found out I wouldn't be able to visit my family until the following year during the summer. I was told by my mother that I was just coming home for a few months because she wanted to "see what "a beautiful respectable young lady" I was growing into," I shake my head as I realized how full of crap she was even then, "I thought I was coming back, she hadn't told me that she had absolutely no intention of letting me come back here until the next year because I needed to spend more time at home, learning how to become an English pure-blood witch. I remember every time I came back home I would run to meet my mudblood friends at some muggle park not far outside Russo Manor. We'd talk for hours about Italy and my family, and one day I found out they were witches too. Imagine the excitement I felt when I found out I could take them to Italy with me when I went back the next week," I give a light chuckle at how naive I actually was. How I seriously believed that I was only visiting for a few months and I could honestly bring my friends to my family district as soon as the three months were up and the blazing summer sun was at its warmest in the seventh month of the year. I roll my eyes as I continue, "My mother knew exactly what she was doing. She got me to come home, telling me I'd be able to come back to my family in July and I wouldn't have to see her after that until Christmas. It was a ruse. When I realized this, I screamed and cried, which ended up resulting in loads of uncontrollable magic. I broke my Mothers favorite vase, but that didn't stop me. I just wouldn't stop—I couldn't," I pause because I realize that my magic has always been out of control. It has always been powerful and dark. It's who I was; who I am, "My Father eventually got me to calm down. He promised to take me to visit on the weekend once a month until the next summer. Mother was livid. She always hated our relationship and the fact that I was his little "Russo prodigy." I smile as I say the nickname I was given when I was just the tender age of three, "I guess she got the perfect child she wanted eventually. Although, it wasn't with me, at least she got what she wanted with Nicholas. I mean, she got the marriage contract that my father was openly against for me, with Nick. She even made sure he wasn't as influenced by his Russo side by never letting him stay long periods—I guess she figured that's the main reason why I wasn't the darling pureblood English witch she hoped I'd be. Nick, never really came here. He always either stayed home or visited her parents in France. I never really got along with my mother's parents. I hated them, and they were open about their dislike towards me, and they still are. They always openly scold my mother in French about how she didn't raise me right or how I should be disowned from the Deveraux side and kept hidden in Russo district so they can tell people that I'm studying in a private wizarding school in America. I think I have a personal vendetta against that country because of my Mother and her family."
I hear Bella laugh lightly at my words, "Why do they dislike you so much?" she asks me softly.
"To be honest, I never really knew. I always thought it was just because I was more of a Russo prodigy than a respectable Deveraux, which I'm sure is more than half of the reason. The other part is, I guess when I was born, the Russo side wanted me to live in the district. Not only is my mother married to a Russo, but she produced Russo heirs, so the Russo Elders expected her to raise me here. The Deveraux side was furious because they wanted to have power with a respectable family in England. My grandparents had worked in England when my father, aunt, and two uncles were teenagers, so they formed a good name for the Russo family in England."
Bella scoffs as she rolls her eyes, "It's always about power with purebloods. I mean, I don't mind having power within the wizarding world, but this whole disown because of the shame thing all our families have going on, I don't agree with. I will never agree with turning your back on someone from your family. I mean, they're still pure, right? Toujours Pur, it means—"
"Always Pure..." I finish. I chuckle when I see her brown eyes wide in question.
"Deveraux, remember? My mother's side is French. I was forced to learn how to speak it." I laugh at the disbelief in her eyes, "Wow. I envy you. I can only speak English and very little French." Bella laughs as she bumps my arm.
"It's really not all it's cracked up to be, you know? Especially when I was a nine-year-old girl who could understand every insult to my character the Deveraux's threw at me. I despised speaking French so much then, that for many months, I stopped speaking it completely when I visited. Some of my Deveraux relatives just assumed I couldn't speak French, so they thought it was okay to insult me because they believed I couldn't understand them. They'd call me things like, "Stupid girl," or say, "How on Earth is she a Deveraux? She's a complete embarrassment! Stupid girl can't even speak French! Oh, can't she be hidden somewhere? She'll bring down the reputation of our entire family!" I feel tears form in the corner of my eyes, "And you know what the worst part is? My mother never took up for me! And I never asked it of her either! I used to wish that I had a mother who would love me unconditionally. I wanted a mother who was proud of me just because I was her daughter and I wanted to please her. I always wanted that wonderful unbreakable bond that a mother and daughter should have with each other, but instead I got this. A mother who will never be content with her daughter no matter how hard I try. I mean, she hardly knows me at all…" I stop because I can hear my voice crack a bit from trying not to cry. I didn't think Bella noticed it, but of course she did.
She gives me a hug, and whispers she loves me in my ear.
"Don't cry, Nina, please? I promise…the next generation of purebloods—our children, we're going to do it right. We're going to be everything our parents weren't." Bella says as she offers me a weak smile.
I return the smile, "I sure hope so. I can't believe you noticed I was crying. I feel like such a baby." I say laughing as I wipe my tears.
"I don't miss much, especially when it comes to you." Bella says softly.
"Then stop watching me like a hawk!" I say, hitting her on her arm, laughing as her mouth hangs open in disbelief.
"It's not my fault you're easy to read. You're practically an open book. I'm sure everyone already knows your secrets before you know them yourself!" She says just before sticking her tongue out at me.
"Unfortunately, I think that's true." I tell her giving her a fake pout.
I turn my attention back to the long forgotten boys who now decided to push each other in the river. Boys…
Bella and I begin laughing uncontrollably when one uses his wand to send a tiny dragon made of water after him while he tried to run away. Although he never got very far before the dragon dived into his face over and over again. Suddenly, I feel something. It's very familiar, and calm. The energy is so soft and gentle, it's comforting. Oh! I know!
"It's been a while…Grandpa Richie." I say in Italian as I stand on my feet quicker than a blink of an eye. I already have my wand pointing at his chest. He has his out not even a millisecond later.
"It certainly has, child." He replies also in Italian, his gaze never leaving mine.
I hear Bella asking me what's going on. I just noticed that she's standing to my side, eying Grandpa Richie dangerously.
"Did you really think you'd be able to sneak up on me unnoticed? Come on…you must be growing senile in your old age, huh?" I smirk.
"Very funny, child. I'm not even in my sixties, yet." He replies returning an almost identical smirk.
"Well that's wonderful. Doesn't change anything. I can still win against you…" I reply, cracking my knuckles, the smirk never leaving my face.
"Well, I don't know…how about we find out if your arrogance matches your skill!" Grandpa Richie says, as he practically mimics my gestures from the knuckle cracking all the way to the smirk.
"Certainly. Just don't expect me to go easy on you because of your old age…" I chuckle a bit as I tease him.
"Don't get involved, Bella. Stand with them," I say in English for Bella and I point my finger towards the five boys who have stopped wrestling with each other to watch the duel between me and Grandpa Richie, "This is between Us…" I say locking eyes with him.
Grandpa Richie shots a quick hex at me. I dodge it quickly and almost effortlessly and he sends another almost immediately after I move from the first attack. I quickly deflected the curse with a simple flick of my wrist. The first hex was clearly meant to get me in defense. He knew I would dodge that, but he obviously expected me to take a longer time recovering from it than I did. The second spell was supposed to catch me of guard, but I'm obviously a lot faster than he thinks. We duel like this for a few minutes, trying to catch the other of guard with simple hexes and jinxes. Gradually, our spells became more powerful, and both of us begin trying to predict the others next move; any last minute dodges or quick protection spells are detrimental to us if we don't react in just the right amount of time. He sends a rather nasty stunning jinx at me and I quickly cast the proper shield to defend against it. He obviously thought he was going to beat me with that jinx. Not this time, Grandpa Richie…
I send the same jinx towards him when I notice a chic in his armor because he began to celebrate his win too early with that last spell. He doesn't have time to put up a shield, so he jumps out of the way. I smirk, this is just the warm up. Grandpa Richie smirks right back. He knows it too…we've not even reached the water yet—quite literally, actually. I quickly cast a powerful protective shield around me to stop him from interrupting my next spell by attacking me. This shield is damn near impossible to break, but I can ever only get it to last a little under a minute before it withers. My smirk grows wider as I realize that's plenty of time for me to cast my next spell; my trump card. Well, my newest one anyway.
I begin to mold my magic with the energy around me. I mold my energy with the water from the river. My wand pointing toward the sky. I see Grandpa Richie's calm and collected expression and I smirk slightly. He has no idea what Element I am using, because unknown to him, I've mastered keeping the flow of the Element calm and gentle. For example, the river behind me looks perfectly normal. It doesn't appear to show any disturbance to its natural state. I have the upper hand, simply because Grandpa Richie's natural Elemental Core is fire. Which means, he will use fire before any other Element. It's one of his weaknesses, because instead of being able to use all the elements effortlessly, if it's not his natural fire element; it takes a lot more out of him and a lot longer to use the element. Since he has no idea which Element I am currently using, I have the advantage. He'll automatically use Fire without realizing that his flames will be doused. I send the spell his way, and right as my wand points towards him he does the exact same. This apparently has turned into a battle of The Elements.
My water Elemental spell quickly forms into a giant water monster. I smirk. just as I expected. He used Fire.
The water and fire clash for a split second before the water begins putting out the flames. Smoke began to form as a result to the clash of our Elements.
I laugh as the water quickly burns out his flames and I notice the look of surprise on his face, but when I look into his eyes I see what I wanted; I've made him proud. As the water continues to douse the flames, I see Grandpa Richie's face is beaming with a delight.
"Now then…That's my girl. You're as powerful as ever, aren't you?" I smile as I run towards him as he opens his arms and pulls me into a tight embrace. I hug him back just as tightly and laugh as he tickles me like he's always done since I was a young child. This is how we've always been. Grandpa Richie would always test out my powers just for fun. He always told me that I was one of a kind and that I was very powerful.
"You wore me out there. Grandpa…I need rest!" I say while laughing.
"Nonsense! You have enough energy to take me out a least five more times, and then some! I can still feel your magic. You're nowhere near being worn out." He says still beaming proudly at me.
"Well, I was trying not make you feel bad, Grandpa Richie…but since you brought it up, I have to kindly agree with you." I reply back, chuckling at my own words.
I turn my head towards Bella and I wave her over.
"Grandpa, this is Bellatrix—" I say, speaking English now.
"Black, Bellatrix Black, right?" he says smiling slightly also now speaking English.
"Yes. It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir." Bellatrix responds politely.
"Ah, very nice manners, indeed. Although, there's no need for mannerism with me. I don't demand it. I like to talk with you youngsters and not at you. I believe that is the best way to earn respect."
Bella appeared to be taken aback. Grandpa Richie, laughed wholeheartedly, "In other words, I want you to feel comfortable around me!" Bella's eyes were the size of golf balls. That only made grandpa laugh harder. "How about this, Bella. Friends?" Grandpa Richie extends his hand for Bella to shake. She looks at me as if to silently ask if this is some sort of test. I nod my head in approval.
"Friends." Bella says as she takes Grandpa's hand into her own in a firm handshake.
"Well, now that I've made a new friend, Nina…Leonardo and Yen—" My heart skips a beat, and my palms began to sweat as I realize what he's about to say.
"Yes. I know." I say lowly.
I can sense Bella's concern for me. It's flowing through my body. I can also feel a slight tickle in the back of my head as she enters my mind…
'I'm fine, Bella. Stay with Grandpa Richie. Ask him to show you around a bit…I'll be back shortly.' I say in my mind. I know Bella can hear me.
'Okay. Hold my hand. Take some of my power, in case you need it.'
I quickly grab hold of her hand. I forgot all about Grandpa Richie who seems to be quietly observing our small interaction. I feel her energy flowing into me and I suddenly feel more confident. "I'll be back soon, Bella." I let go of Bella's hand, and immediately feel the loss of her touch, but her magic is still flowing strongly through me.
I walk up to Grandpa Richie, "Whatever you do, don't let her near there. Okay? You have to promise." I said it soft enough so Bella wouldn't hear. But I can tell Grandpa hears the urgent plea in my voice. He nods his head in response.
I begin to walk away, 'You love her.' I hear Grandpa Richie in my head.
I close my eyes softly. If it had been anyone else, I would have denied it. I would have pretended to be outraged at the accusation, but because it's Grandpa Richie…I know I can be honest about this with him. 'Yes.'
Before he can ask any more questions, I sped away in a flash.
I reach the back of the training center in about 2.5 seconds while using my dash at full speed. It was something I learned to do when I was young by my father because of my excessive amount of control over my magical energy. Magic isn't just casting spells. Magic is energy. It's our very being. As witches and Wizards our magic isn't just tied to wands and simple incantations. In fact, using wands for spell casting is a European invention. The same way using chop sticks is directly derived from traditional Eastern Asian cultures. While forks are from the Western cultures. Using a wand is a way to channel our magic quickly and easily, but it's not necessary simply because the wands don't produce the magic—we do. The magic is us—or better yet, we are the magic. Because our magic is our very being, we are able to manipulate certain aspects of our body to more extreme measures than what any muggle can do without killing themselves in the process. Like running. While it seems simple enough to master a dash, it takes a lot more than just a simple spell to give you a speed boost. If it were that easy, then everyone could do it. It's more like a talent. It is very hard to use your magic to manipulate any part of your body without using a critical self-inflicted spell, followed by a potion that would act as a supplement. But like all potions, none of them last forever. To keep the effectiveness of the potion, you'll have to keep brewing more and drinking it after it starts to wear off. Just polyjuice potion wears off after about an hour. Therefore, to keep the appearance of the person you are impersonating, you will have to make another potion and add the hairs of the person you are trying to become all over again.
I entered the large building through the back door, and I flash through the building, heading straight for the large secluded room near the back courtyard. The room has a force field around it, just in case some powerful spells cause an explosion.
I can never remember why the hell they always have me meet them in this stupid room anyway. I always forget to ask…
I wave the sealed door open with ease. Sighing in relief as I realize they hadn't changed the complexity of the force field and I didn't even break a sweat trying to break through its defenses.
"Well well…Look who's getting stronger…" I hear a high feminine voice from my side.
I cock my head to the side, as I spot Yennefer leaning with her arms crossed on the wall.
For some reason, seeing Yennefer sparks some emotion within me, but I can't seem to place why. Actually, I can't even seem to place what kind of emotion Yennefer has sparked in me.
I decided to go along with this game of hers. I always do.
"Hardly. I've just grown accustomed to you and Leonardo's worthless tricks…" I say smirking.
"It actually is a much harder force field. As I've said, you're growing stronger." Yennefer replies, pushing herself off of the wall as she begins to make her way over towards me. She's beautiful, but that's always been the case. She has long wavy black hair, a curvy hourglass figure, and beautiful intense violet eyes. All in all, Yennefer is very beautiful—a fact she seems perfectly aware of, unfortunately. She's actually not much older than me. Yennefer will be turning eighteen in three months.
"Well, if you're done ogling me…I can start removing the seal…"
"What seal? What the hell are you—" Before I can finish, Yennefer waves her hand over my forehead while muttering, "Release…"
"Why am I here Yennefer? Where's Leo? We have to get started, I need training!" I scream suddenly, as if some sort of switch inside of me was flipped.
She laughs lightly, "Shhh. He'll be here. I always have you come early. We usually have some, fun. Don't you remember?" I do. I remember well. The sex, the passion, the power, the lust, the…no. I'm with Bella. The love of my life. I can't do this with her. Where are all of these memories coming from, anyway? Does this have to do with this so called seal she just released?
"Of course I do…" I trail off as I feel a tingling sensation in the back of my mind as Yennefer attempts to search my mind for an answer. I give it to her. I show her Bella and I together, and how happy I am with her. How she helps me when I lose control.
I feel her pull out of my mind, "But…you've found her. You've found someone else to love." I squint my eyes in confusion as I strain to remember what the hell she's even talking about. If I couldn't see the pain in her eyes, I would've thought this was a trick. But for some reason, I don't think she's joking…maybe she's delusional. I remember us fucking. Not love.
"Okay, what are you even talking about? I never loved you. We had a mutual agreement; We fucked. I didn't love you…where is this even coming from?!" I question, practically yelling at her.
"That's right," Yennefer says, shaking her head as she rolls her eyes and scoffs. "Damn you, Leo…"
"Yennefer, what—" Yennefer captures my lips, effectively shutting me up.
I am unresponsive. I feel her desperately kissing me with everything she has and my heart aches. What happened between us that could make her feel like I loved her? What don't I remember?
Eventually, she pulls away, looking at me desperately with intense violet eyes. Her eyes bore into my grey ones, searching desperately for some hint of recognition. I stare back, trying as hard as I can to remember what love we supposedly shared…anything. I get a quick flashback of her mouthing, "I love you." but I can't be sure…it's not clear, and almost as fast as it came, it blurred away…But deep down I know it's her. Her beautiful wavy hair, her sparkling violet eyes…her signature smirk that has sexy written all over it…but where is this coming from?
"Aww. I always have had a soft spot for two girls in love…" I hear a familiar masculine voice snicker from behind us.
Leonardo…
I turn to glare at him, scowling at the stupid smirk on his face.
"And how's my favorite doppelgänger on this fine day?" He comes up to me and places his hand on my forehead. I try to pull away, but his grip is stronger. I feel the slight tingle my mind, that tells me someone is reading my mind. I realize this too late, and I didn't have enough time to put my defenses up.
"Bellatrix Black…hmm, quite the looker huh? Well I guess you think so too…you always were a sucker for pretty brunette's, weren't you, little doppelgänger?" I feel Yennefer tense beside me at his words. I clench my jaw, "If you ever lay a hand on her…I'll kill you myself!" I can feel my anger fueling my magic. I try to calm myself. I try to think about Bella…my beautiful brown eyed girl…
I am snapped out of my thoughts by Leo throwing his head back in a fit of laughter.
"Déjà vu, eh Yennefer?" I hear Yennefer gasp softly from my side, and I cock my head towards her. What the hell is he talking about?
Leo takes a step back and observes us quietly. His hazel eyes narrow slightly. I take this time to analyze my position. I'm standing slightly in front of Yennefer, and it almost looks like I'm protecting her. It seems vaguely familiar…Has something like this happened before?
"I recall you saying that about someone else before though," He pauses as he hears a rumbling sound from deep in my chest. It surprised me too. Did I just growl? Leo must be wondering the same thing because he narrows his eyes before continuing. "Yes, Déjà vu indeed. But then again, your existence alone is the exact definition of déjà vu…" His arrogant smirk, sent me over the edge. I'm going to kill him.
I feel my magic radiating around me, my rage is adding fuel to the flame. He doesn't seem fazed at all which only makes me angrier.
I see that Yennefer has moved away from us. She's smart. I have no intention on controlling my power. I'll probably end up killing her too if she stayed near me.
My eyes narrow as I attempt to fire a spell at him but nothing happens. I scream in frustration as he begins to laugh at me. "You haven't figured it out yet. You were too caught up in your own rage that you didn't notice the room is enchanted. It drains your magic each time you attempt to cast a spell." I clench my fists as I realize he's right. I can sense some kind of enchantment placed on the room. "Although, if you were strong enough, you could probably break the spell placed around the room. You're still too weak…" His words unleashed some power deep within me. I look down at my body and notice the magic is covering my skin, it almost appears to be a protective cloak. I've never…this has never happened to me. This power is…addicting. I feel invincible!
I look back at Leo, his eyes flicker with fear for a second before returning to their usual calm hazel color. It happened fast, and if I had blinked I would have missed it.
"That's enough. You're still too weak, doppelganger. It seems all you are capable of is living in Evangeline's shadow…" My jaw clenches when he compares me to Evangeline. I hate it when they do that.
"Fuck you! I am better than she was! I'm only fourteen…When I'm completely done with my training at Hogwarts, I'm going to travel the world. I'll learn all kinds of magic! Then I'll come back here and kill you. I will be ten times the witch she ever was!" I scream at Leo. He raises an eyebrow, "Perhaps you will, then…but I think that's enough for now."
I look down at my feet as chains appear around my body. I can feel myself slowly getting weaker. I see the faint red cloak gradually fading away. That bastard! This was the strongest I've ever felt!
"Damn you…You little coward! You can't fight me! You wait—I'm going to KILL YOU!" I scream in rage, thrashing around against the chains like a wild animal.
"I don't doubt it, Doppelganger…I don't. You'll give me a run for my money when the time comes. I look forward to fighting you when you are a fully trained witch—as equals." He says softly to me. I hadn't even noticed that he was suddenly in front of me. He placed his hand over my forehead. I know what comes next, so I decide to stop fighting. He is going to replace the seal. I will only remember what he wants me to. I feel my eyes roll into the back of my head. I let out a sigh as a relaxing sensation tingles through my body…
'As equals…'
I can't open my eyes…My entire body is sore and my muscles feel like they are on fire…
I hear something…a woman speaking…but it's so soft…I can't understand her…I strain my ears to see if I can at least hear some of what she is saying.
"My power is getting too strong for you, mini me." I know that voice. It belongs to me…a little older me, but it's still mine.
"What do you mean? Are you an ancestor of mine?" I hear her laugh lightly at this.
"You could say that. We are actually very much alike. You inherited my powers." She replies smugly.
"It really isn't anything to be proud of. It's more a curse than a gift for me." I mumble.
I hear her chuckle, "I thought so too when I was your age. Sex is one way to keep the rage at bay. I see you're definitely not deprived in that department." She laughs softly and I find it somewhat creepy that we have the same laugh too. Who is she?
"Not at all. Sex does help tame me…" I reply.
"You are very much like I was, Nina. I enjoyed sex very much. The only difference was; my indiscretions weren't tolerated back then. It wasn't as easy to, "sneak around," like it is now. My greatest desire was to bed a woman…" She trails off. I gasp. Just how much alike are we?
"I'm secretly with one now. I love her. Her magic just…calls to me, you know?" I feel like an idiot telling her that. I doubt she'll understand.
"Hanfod y hud captivates ydych yn hoffi seiren . Mae hynny'n ei gwneud yn amhosibl i beidio â amsugno hud ac yn ei ddefnyddio ar gyfer eich bwer ei hun…" She says as if it's the answer to everything.
"What is that? Welsh?" I ask confused. I have absolutely no idea what she just said.
"Very Good!" She exclaims, "It translates roughly to…The essence of the magic captivates you like a siren. That makes it impossible not to absorb magic and use it for your own power." My heart skips a beat.
"So are there others? Other witches or wizards who have this power?"
"Now? No. They were destroyed long ago. I was the last one. You are the first one in centuries. If there are any others, they have gone undetected, which means they have a block on their magic that controls any abnormally powerful magical abilities. The block alone is damn near impossible, and is more likely to kill the witch or wizard than control them."
"So it is possible?" I ask hopeful that there might be a way to control my powers.
I hear her sigh loudly, "Weren't you listening? It's basically impossible! Not only is the spell extremely difficult, but the block has about an 100% chance of the witch or wizard dying after the block has been placed. Just like every other wizard at your age, your body has molded itself into your magical core by now. Meaning, you will die if someone places that spell on you. Your body is used to having a certain amount of magic—imagine your magical core being drained low enough so that you pass out, wouldn't you need an excessive amount of magic to refuel you?"
She's right. After I pass out, I typically need a lot magic to regain my composure.
"Yes, but I am just weak for a while. I never die." I say just as she huffs in frustration.
"Think, Nina, think! The spell blocks any special powers. You think absorbing your little girlfriends' magic is normal? No. It's about as far from normal as seeing pigs fly—even in the wizarding world. But it's even a lot more complicated than that…your powers and your magical core are intertwined, yes? Your magic is you. In other words, your magical core has grown with you. You need it to live. What if I ripped your heart out of your chest? You would die. The same can be said about your magic. You need your magic just as much as you need your heart at this point."
"Okay, you said that the spell had a 100% chance of killing me because by this point in my life, the magic has fused with my very being, right?"
"Correct."
"So, if I had been a baby when the block was placed on me, would I have survived to grow into a normal witch?"
"Good question. No." She responds simply like the question wasn't really a good one at all. She was obviously being sarcastic then…
"But you said the spell would only kill me basically because my body relies on the magic, but I would be a newborn so—"
"The spell has about a ninety-five perc—No, wait that's too low, you'd have about a ninety-eight percent chance of dying if you were a newborn."
"Wow…that is damn near impossible then."
"Yes well, I did tell you that before you decided to try to act like you're so intelligent and that no one else could've thought about that long before you were born…"
I decide not to comment; she actually has a point…although I'd never admit it.
"I have to cut this short, the connection is going to be broken soon. Nina, you have to learn to control your powers better. You're still a young witch in training…you have plenty of time, but for now you need help. Sex helps, and blood does as well…I can't explain why…today…not much…time…drink blood…it…helps…don't tell anyone…see…next time…" I mentally curse myself.
What does she mean by drinking blood? I'm not a vampire, what would I drink blood for? That sounds disgusting…damn! I never even got her name…
I open my eyes to the bright sun almost making me blind.
"Ah, about time you made it back to the land of the living…" I groan as I stir awake.
"Nonna…How are you?" I ask my grandmother as I smile softly.
"I'm well, but the question is, how are you?" I squint my eyes as I try to remember my training session. Nothing. I remember wearing myself out and passing out after dueling Leonardo…
"Worn out. Leonardo's strong…even I have to admit that. I absolutely hate him though. I hate him more than life itself." Her mouth forms into a sad smile.
"I know. You two were great friends once. I believe that is what's fueling this hatred. He let you down. He betrayed you in a sense, now you have the urge to get stronger to beat him."
"No…he killed those muggles—Nonna, it was horrible. He said he was going to do it again. That he didn't care about me or them, or anyone. He was leaving here one day, and that he'd spend every day making my life here a living hell until he did." I say remembering that horrific night four years ago.
"Leonardo was always a bit troubled…you looked up to him. He was like an older brother to you. I don't agree with him massacring ten muggle teenagers either, but I think it hit you especially hard because your friends were muggle—at least you thought they were at the time." She says walking closer to the bed to hold my hand. I grab hold of her soft warm hand and sigh, "Yes…I mean, he didn't cause too much of a disturbance in the muggle community. They just thought they were attacked by a wild animal…" I grimace at the memory, "I remember telling him that I'd duel him when I'm a fully grown witch. I told him that duel would result in his death. He accepted it, saying that I'd probably give him a run for his money then."
"You won't kill him. I have no doubt that you will surpass him." I nod my head at her. I will kill him. I have no good emotion left towards him, but he doesn't need to know that. I always have to remember that no one, but the Russo Elders and Leonardo and Yennefer know how strong I actually am. I still have absolutely no idea where my power comes from…I guess from the woman who I spoke to while I was knocked out. Supposedly she's my ancestor and I inherited my unique power from her. Who was she?
"Nina, you need to know…Leo left this morning. He told the Elders he was leaving to see the world and that he'd be back on his own time." I bite the inside of my jaw. That little bastard…don't worry. I'll still find you, Leo. I'll get a proper duel with you one day…don't get yourself killed before then. I have to stop myself from smirking at the thought.
"That's no problem, I'll find him when I'm ready if I need to. But right now he's close to the last thing on my priority list. Right now, I need to focus on school. And becoming a powerful witch."
I tell her smiling.
"You sure do. You've been out almost two days and—"
"Two days? Where's Bella?!" I ask, sitting up a little too fast. I flinch at the pain.
"She's fine! Playing Quidditch with some of the other kids. Richard says she's magnificent on a broom, almost like looking at art." I smile. That's Bella alright. I'm glad she's having fun…
"She is an amazing Quidditch player. She plays for our house at school. She's plays a beater currently, but she's played all the positions on the team. She masters them all. That's pure talent she has…" I say smiling fondly.
"Indeed it is. Maybe she'll play professionally? Seems right up her alley."
"Hmm, I could definitely see her becoming a professional player. I should ask her."
"Yes. I would love to know. Speaking of Bella, I told her I'd send you on your way to the Quidditch pitch when you woke up. Now get ready before she has my head!" Nonna says before we both burst out in laughter. After a few minutes, I finally decide I should start getting ready.
-After I got ready, I made my way down the busy streets of the district towards the Pitch.
I smile and wave at a few people on my way. I barley pay attention to where I'm going and before I know it, I'm all the way on the opposite side of the district. What the…?
I shake my head and begin to turn around toward where I should have been going.
"Stop it, Jacob! We're going to be late…" I hear the muffled sounds on the outside of the barrier. That's strange…you aren't supposed to be able to hear the muggles on the outside.
"Come on Nelly, just a little more…" I hear a male voice say.
Drink blood…it helps…
As if driven by impulse, I wave my hand to break through the barrier. My body is moving on its own accord. I see the couple kissing against a tree, unaware of my presence. Blood…
I pull out my wand in one hand and a pocket knife in the other. I flash over to them. The girl starts screaming hysterically while trying to run away. I ignore her. I'll catch her before she reaches anyone. She's not getting anywhere in that muggle car without the keys.
The guy tries to hit me in the face. "Will you just stay still? I'm trying not to kill you…"
He doesn't listen. I should just kill him. It would make this much easier...
No. I can do this without killing…
"Incarcerous!" Ropes appear out of thin air, tying the struggling man down. I made one rope appear between his lips to shut him up. I can't deal with both of their screaming. "That's better…now…" I trace my knife along his skin before I decide to add pressure. I cut his skin deeply. I watch in awe as the blood flows like a thick waterfall out of the deep cut.
I bring his arm up to my face. My hand begins to shake as I closely examine the blood. Gosh, am I turning into a vampire now or something?!
No. I don't need it to survive. It's just to help control…
I bring his arm to my lips and slowly stick my tongue out for a small taste.
More…
I begin licking his arm feverishly, moaning as I suck and lick the blood from his cut.
The taste is euphoric…it's like heaven and I feel my aches and pain slowly fading away. I feel my power coming back. Through my high, I notice that he's getting weaker. How much blood have I taken?
It takes everything in me to pull away. No worries. I have the girl too…
I pull out my wand, "Oblivate." I erase his memories of the incident.
I turn toward the screaming girl and roll my eyes, "Can you just shut up?" I say in Italian.
When she notices I'm walking towards her she screams louder. She takes off running.
Damn…now I've got to chase her, don't I?
I guess I could just shoot a spell at her, but where's the fun in that? Besides, it'll be funny to see her face every time I appear in front of her.
I flash in front of her, making her scream and run the other way. I tackle her to the ground, but she punches me in the mouth making stumble backwards. She takes off running again. She's pretty fast for a muggle. Track runner, perhaps?
I flash in front of her again, and smirk. "This is getting old really fast, you know. Stop running!"
She spits at my face. I mean, she actually spits at me!
"You little—" I start, but she doesn't give me time to finish before she takes off again.
I growl, I have to chase her, for the third time! And I don't play baseball. That's a muggle sport.
This is the last time…
"Can you stop running now?" I ask her sounding bored.
She screams and throws a punch at my face. I taste blood in my mouth, "You bitch!" I growl at her. All I see is read. I stab her, over and over again. Nineteen…. twenty…
She died somewhere around the sixth stab, but I didn't care. The blood is oozing out of her body. It's teasing me…I've got to taste it…
I moan loudly as I practically suck her dry. I'm in love with this power. The blood makes me feel alive. The blood is like a drug…I'm already addicted. I feel in control of the magic. I feel powerful.
So no. I don't feel any remorse for the girl. I tried to spare her, but she pissed me off. So she paid the consequences…oh, but I'm so glad she did…killing her was the best choice...
Thank you for telling me about the blood, mystery woman…you've helped create the beginning of a new Nina Russo...by the time I'm fifteen in four months, I'll be the strongest witch in history…I need more…
