A/N: As always: not mine and quite disturbing.

Chapter 17: The Emperor Stands Naked

After that day, I didn't see much of Abraxas. We smiled awkwardly when we bumped into each other, in the hallway, in the cafeteria - seemingly everywhere. My friends asked me about it and I just shrugged and told them that it had not worked out, that we were too different. No one was particularly surprised. Maybe they too had seen the relationship for the weirdness that it was. But I enjoyed it while it lasted.. I think. And Abraxas continues to appear being the worriless kind; even now he glows and smiles.

Tom, I have gone out of my way to avoid. I have stayed out late at night, at a friend's house, at the library, only returning after confirming that our parents are indeed home. Once or twice he has managed to intimidate me; pressing himself against me while reaching for the upper-shelf in the kitchen, crushing me against the counter in the process. Another time he stole my hairbrush while I was using it in the hallway, insisting on brushing my unruly hair – which I did not allow.
But it's the little things that make a difference.
The small things that no one pays attention to apart from him and me. A pat on the arm while enjoying a joke during dinner; the silent brush of his hand on my back as he passes me by.. little reminders so that he should not be forgotten. But how could I ever? How can I learn to forget?

We're in class. Ginny is busy with Harry, sneaking pecks when the teacher isn't looking. I am scribbling away furiously, trying to obtain every ounce of information as Padma leans over.

"What?" I snap, before she has a chance to open her mouth.

She recoils.

"Nevermind, I just remembered.. never disturb a working Hermione."

Feeling a little guilty over my reaction, I try to smooth things over and with strained politeness I ask her what it is that she wants. (Even though I am, in fact, irritatad over the information that I have just missed out on.. Now there's a plot hole in my notes.)

"Wanna come to movie night? We're gonna binge-watch the Godfather-movies."

"Sure," I say, still trying to catch what it is that the teacher is saying.

"Awesome. Now get back to work!"

I wink at her and she giggles softly then turns around.

Movie night is great. We've created this game that if you know the line beforehand, you'll have to say it. Sure, it takes focus from the movie, but adds a little something else. Neville, Ginny and Seamus have also added alcohol into the mix, taking a shot of whatever they manage to get their hands on, if you say the line incorrectly.

The warmth of the company is exactly the kind of distraction that I need, even if my mind seems to drift off from time to time. I try to stop it, but even in the middle of laughter I can feel myself zone out. My eyes become blank as the unwanted thoughts grow louder.

You're attracted to me too..

I'm really not. Objectively, Tom is beautiful. But so is Abraxas' mother, so is Ginny: it does not mean that I want to have sex with them. In reality, movie night is just another excuse for me to stay out of the house. My parents have gone to my uncle's place for his birthday party and are sleeping over, seeing as he lives a bit off. And I just don't want to be alone with Tom. Never again.

When the trilogy has ended, it is three in the morning. I head home, accompanied by a very drunk Seamus, who insits that I need someone to walk me to my doorstep. Amusing, seeing as he can barely walk in a straight line and probably is in greater need of help than I am.

We laugh the whole way home though. Seamus is very charming, even more so when he is drunk, so I don't feel too awkward when walking alone with him. I insist on that he calls me when he gets home; just so I will know that he is safe. He doesn't live that far off and should be fine in these neighbourhoods, but you never know.

As I enter the house I notice that the lights are still on. My heart climbs up my throat and I pray that someone just left the light on.. wanting to rule out other options.

But then, as I silently move towards the stairs, I hear a strange sound coming from the living room.

Being the nosy person that I am, I turn.

But nothing could have prepared me for the sight I am given as I sneak up to the archway leading to the living-room. I feel bile rise, almost instantly as my mind goes dizzy. Stupdily I stand there - regarding the scene. Feet like stone, my mind growing blank.

Tom has his back to me, but Bellatrix I can see clearly.

She is spread out on the armchair, seated at the edge so her bare cheeks are connecting with the white leather; creating noises as Tom thrusts forward in a frentic, yet even pace. She moans, naked in all her glory. One leg is hanging over Tom's shoulder, the other, clutching his lower back to her as she is repeatedly pushed into the couch.

And Tom. When he moves a bit to the right I can almost see the entirety of him. His back, his side, every part, except from the place where he and Bellatrix are joined. His eyes are closed as one hand rolls the dark nipple of Bellatrix's right breast, the other is placed like a vice on her hip. His legs are strong, his buttocks muscular. His back is well formed and the pale skin taunts the veins and muscles underneath. His hair is wet from sweat and so is the rest of his body. The ever beautiful Bellatrix looks pained and almost ugly in this position, redfaced and panting. Tom, although never unsightly, appears to have lost some of his grace. The whole scene is raw, primitive, and I can't seem to take my eyes off it.

Then Tom does something that shocks me.

He releases Bellatrix breast – releases it because he has kept it prisoner – then he slaps her. Hard. On the face. Not once, not twice, but so many times that I find myself unable to keep track. When he is done with that he moves over to her breasts, slapping and beating them instead of caressing. It makes my stomach churn in an even more uncomfortable way. The taste of bile becoming more prominent.

But Bellatrix is screaming in ecstasy – loving the treatment. As she grows louder, Tom puts both hands around her throat, effectively choking her. The screams become muffled, the veins of her forehead pop out and her eyes close into thin lines and then, she is quiet. Tom continues to thrust, harder, and grunts, because men doesn't moan, and then Bellatrix is back. She whimpers, as she gasps for air Tom relinquishes his grip around her neck. And it is then, with a broken innocence, that I realise what just happened. She just came. Tom made her cum.

I hear my phone buzz.

And it is then that Bellatrix's eyes snap open,

and she sees me.

A/N: Helloooo to Bellatrix. I know I introduced her earlier, but she is to play a larger part in the story now. And no, this is not going to be something akin to fifty shades of somethingsomething. Although Tom and I are both batty perverts, this is just one side of him. Best described as Bellatrix's Tom. (aka. batty, sadist Tom).

And bye bye Abraxas! It was good while it lasted.

Lastly: how is everyone? Honestly now! (I'm tired as fudge, so I will just respond to reviews tomorrow. Okay? :D)