AN: I promise, more regular updates! I had this sitting in my archives for a whole entire year, so it's not that I haven't written anything. I just.. forgot. Sorry! R&r xx

Content warning: sexual assault

Chapter 6

I awoke to loud whispers arguing about something. I could feel a cold and domineering presence in the room, and knew this to be Tom. I also knew that he was sitting silently while the voices around him continued discussing whatever it was that they were discussing. Suddenly, I heard Rodolphus' voice.

"Typical, Malfoy," he sneered. "Her well-being clearly doesn't matter to you. You're just concerned with toying with her."

Then Lucius' strained voice. "This wasn't my intention, Rodolphus. You know I would never place her in harm's way."

"And yet you bring her to him?" Rodolphus shouted.

An icy voice spoke suddenly. "What, exactly, is your point, Lestrange."

"It is only to say that she isn't ready, my Lord," he said, his tone anything but deferential.

Tom allowed Rodolphus' voice to seep into the atmosphere of the room, before I felt his energy focus on me. "And what say you, Bellatrix?"

Inwardly groaning at how perceptive Tom was, I opened my eyes, focusing them on the men in the room. I saw Yaxley, Mulciber, Rosier, Rodolphus, and Lucius convened in a semicircle around Tom, who sat with his back to me. Sitting up fully, and with great difficulty, I swallowed my pain like a bitter pill. "I think," I said, through clenched teeth, beads of sweat gathering on my forehead, "that I made a conscious decision to be here. And as usual, my life is dictated by no man, least of all the ones present," I said, glaring at Rodolphus, surprised by his presence. I shifted my gaze to Lucius and saw him steeling himself. I clutched my rib and made to stand up.

"Bella," Tom said, turning to face me, his voice noticeably softer, "you should rest."

I glanced at the wall clock on the wall across from me and noted it was past midnight. "I'd say I've rested enough," I whispered hoarsely.

Tom peered at me with his dark eyes, then dismissed all the men from the room, leaving me alone with him. He got up slowly and walked towards me. He placed his hands on my shoulders and gently guided me down, his eyes showing what appeared to be concern.

"You took quite a hit."

"It was my own fault," I seethed.

"Shush, now. You have no need to be angry." He tucked a wild curl behind my ear, then considered me again.

I felt uncomfortable under his gaze.

Suddenly, he smiled. "You did very well."

I looked at him, surprised.

"Your male contemporaries didn't even last ten minutes, never mind thirty," he said, his countenance pleased.

I scoffed. "They're hardly the brightest bunch," I said.

Tom's face took on a curious expression, and he nodded. "Yes, hardly. Where did you learn to duel?"

"My father," I said, recalling old Cygnus' warnings about Tom. Luckily, my shields were raised.

"Cygnus Black was impressive in our day," Tom said, nodding. "You've done very well today, and I am sending you back to Hogwarts with a set of tips and pointers. You will begin duel training with Lucius tomorrow, and research with Rodolphus on your own time at Hogwarts. I understand that this arrangement is most convenient," he said, his tone brooking no argument.

I argued anyway. "You realize I despise those two," I said.

Tom smiled. "Yes, I am fully aware. Yet they are my brightest disciples. I would train you myself, but as you can imagine, I am busy."

"I thought we agreed that you would be teaching me," I said, too tired to be angry.

"You aren't worth my efforts in those subjects just yet, but I can tell it will only be a matter of time. For now, I will have you reading new literature about," here, he paused, "different types of magic."

"Dark magic," I asked.

"Yes. Does that disturb you?"

"Yes, but I suppose I am here to learn all types of magic. It never quite made sense to me to learn only about Light magic when Dark magic has so much potential to change the status quo," I said, thinking about my own research on the subject.

Tom looked suddenly interested. "Oh?"

"Yes," was all I said.

He nodded, understanding that we would discuss my research later.

I had one more question. "Is Rodolphus training under Lucius as well?"

"For the time being, yes. His style needs finetuning. But soon, I will be training him."

I sighed heavily, perturbed that I would be wasting my time with Lucius.

"You won't be wasting your time, Bella. You will find yourself surprised at what young Malfoy has to teach you."

I nodded, then voiced a concern that was niggling at me. "There is a discrepancy. How is Lucius to teach two students separately and learn from you?"

Tom laughed. "Well, you will also be talking to me every day. I will be teaching you to control your magic at the beginning of each session as a warm up."

"And what of your other disciples," I said, too exhausted to keep my sneer out of my tone.

"They were all convened here on your behalf, my dear. Today was to be your initiation, although I suppose we should hold off on that. I don't think you're keen on joining us just yet. Besides that," Tom continued, "they meet once a week to read up on spells and practice dueling. Unlike you, Lucius, and Rodolphus, they don't hold much potential for greatness. They're merely lackeys," Tom said, matter-of-factly.

I only nodded tiredly, before Tom finally excused me and allowed me to travel home to my bed, which I missed dearly.

"How was practice," Rose asked, settling down next to me to eat breakfast.

"Why?"

"You look like hell and I'm a bit concerned."

I laughed tiredly. "It was fine," I said, spooning some oatmeal into my mouth, too tired for decorum. "Could barely stay on my broom."

"Jesus, Bella. Don't you find yourself overburdened?"

I glanced at her out of the side of my eye. "Hardly," I muttered. "I won't be here at lunch. Naturally, I'm in need of training with Lucius," I spat out.

Rose glanced at me, taking a bite of her sugared strawberry. "Interesting," she said, smiling lasciviously.

"Hardly," I said again, waspishly. Rose was a good friend, but she was so obvious sometimes.

"But isn't it?" she pressed.

"No, I'm only flying. Merlin," I muttered angrily under my breath.

"You're touchy," she said, smirking. She dipped another strawberry in cream and raised it to her lips.

"I'm also tired. But how about you visit later this evening. I need someone to talk to," I said.

Rose nodded solemnly, fully aware of my troubles.

I found myself grateful for her companionship, even if she drove me mad at times.

I grabbed my broom from its perch on my wall and walked out of my room, only to find Rodolphus walking into the common living area. He glanced at me, concerned.

"Bella, you should be recuperating."

"From?" I asked, grabbing a slice of bread from our pantry.

"From last night," he said.

"Funny, I wasn't aware that you would be there," I said, munching on my paltry meal as I walked towards the door.

"Bellatrix," he called.

I turned to face him, still walking towards the door. "What, Lestrange?"

"I've been meaning to tell you, but I thought you'd do better to find out on your own."

"To find out that you joined an elitist lunatic on his quest for the 'purification' of the Wizarding World?" I sneered, finally voicing my true opinions about Voldemort.

"I joined for the same reason as you," he said coldly, voice void of emotion. "The quest for knowledge-"

"Yes, very well then. And what will you do when he asks you to kill Muggles and Muggleborns?"

"I won't."

I scoffed, laughing loudly. "He's a dangerous man," I said, voicing my own insecurities.

"I know better than you," Rodolphus stated.

I nodded solemnly.

"And yet, here we are."

"Well? And you? What do you intend to do?"

"Tom knows my intentions. He won't ask me to do anything I disagree with," I said, sure of myself.

Rodolphus laughed. "Naiveté does not suit you, Mrs. Lestrange."

Angered into silence, I turned on my heel and exited our quarters, letting the door slam shut behind me as I did.

I walked towards the pitch, a small crowd of first years trailing after me. Apparently, some idiot had told them that I would be flying with Lucius today. They were anxious to see the formerly dynamic duo in action, although, with the way things had been going lately, I had a feeling they were in for a rude surprise.

"Oy, Bella!" I heard Rose call. I glanced behind me to see her running up to me, her broom in hand.

"Rose, what in the bloody hell are you doing?"

"Giving myself the best seat in the house," she laughed.

"Imbecile, this is a private practice," I whispered furiously.

"Then why, pray tell, is Rodolphus and his gang of idiots following just behind your first years?"

I glanced behind me again, to find that Rose was indeed right, unfortunately. I scowled at Rodolphus, then barked an order at the first years. "Follow your other prefect," I shouted, before running full speed towards the pitch, anxious to hop on my broom. I heard Rose trailing shortly behind me, and knew immediately that she knew what I was up to. Extending a hand behind me to pull her up to speed, I ran faster and faster until I gathered enough momentum to execute our signature trick, which we had taught ourselves third year.

"Bella!" Rodolphus yelled, amidst the jeers of his friends.

Satisfied that I had everyone's eyes on me, I let go of Rose's hand and watched as she mimicked my actions, down to the flick of her wrist and the model of her broom.

"Count of three, then!" I shouted.

"One if you can manage!" Rose shouted back, her whipping hair distorting her voice.

"Right! One!" I shouted, and at the exact same time, we swung our brooms out in front of us. In the next two strides, we had reached enough momentum to hop onto our brooms mid-stride, angling them up and out to take us over the pitch. I completed a barrel roll as Rose followed.

"Show off!" she laughed, her voice nearly drowned out by the impressively loud voices of the first years below.

"Rose," I called. "I never understood why you didn't go for Quidditch! You'd make a much better Keeper than the midge we have now."

Rose called back, "You know why! Father wouldn't have it."

I slowed down, letting Rose catch up. "Bugger him," I said, as we approached Lucius, who sat in the direct center of the pitch. "Do it anyway. Come on," I said.

Rose peered at me. "If you can arrange a tryout, sure. But for now, I'll settle for watching you banter with Malfoy." She winked at me, then twiddled her fingers and soared to where she could sit over the stands.

I watched my best friend, secretly grateful for her presence. I knew she was there to offer support, which was more than I could say for a great many witches in my House. Shaking myself free from my thoughts, I slowly drifted over to Lucius, keeping an ear out for the first years, who were bound to arrive with Rodolphus in tow any minute now.

"Why is Rose here," Lucius asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Moral support."

"And the first years?" he drawled.

"Someone leaked about our private practice."

Lucius peered over my shoulder, lowering his voice so that only I could hear his next words. "That someone wouldn't be your betrothed, would it?"

I bristled.

Lucius noticed and commented. "What, lover's quarrel?" he asked, amusement lighting his eyes up.

I resisted the urge to reach out and strangle him. Instead, I plastered a fake smile onto my face and spoke in my trademark saccharine voice. "Shall we begin, then?"

Lucius laughed uproariously. "Sure thing, Bellatrix." He drew closer to me on his broom. "Although, I was hoping that this practice would be private so we could talk," he said.

I gazed at him quizzically, knowing that Rose and everyone else was judging his proximity to me.

"About last night," he clarified.

I felt my face shutter. "Nothing to say, Malfoy. We can talk about it later, if you want, but we really don't have much time left to fly, seeing as how you've wasted it by horsing around."

Lucius glowered, then zipped forward and away from me. "Alright then, Miss Black! Show me what you've got!"

"Meaning?" I called back, baiting him.

"Come, then. Show us your tricks."

I bit the inside of my cheek, swallowing the retort I had for him. Instead, I asked, "What, no criteria?"

I felt Lucius push a thought into my head. Just show me what you can do.

I grimaced at the intrusion. Pushing aside my agitation, I directed my broom to soar towards Rose and the grounded students. "Alright, you first years. I'm demonstrating a barrel roll through the hoops, alright? No easy feat, I assure you, as I haven't done it before on this particular broom." Zipping away from them and towards one side of the pitch, I leaned forward, placing all my weight in an up-and-out motion at the front of my body. When I had obtained maximum speed, I righted myself and shot straight towards the goal post in the middle. Then, I leaned all my weight onto my right side, snaking my right arm around my room and using my left hand to hold balance. I felt myself spin, and struggled to control the speed at which I spiraled. Finally, I cleared the hoop, free from injury and incident. The first years were very excited, of course. I made a wide arc back towards Lucius.

"Well?"

"Well, that's all we have time for today," Lucius said loudly, urging all students on and around the pitch to ready themselves for afternoon classes.

"Let's hustle then," I said, readying myself to descend. I wanted to leave before Lucius could stop me; he had obviously ended the practice early for his benefit.

"Bella," Lucius said, stopping me.

"What now?"

"Well?" he glanced around to make sure the entire pitch was cleared. I could see Rose's hair gleaming in the distance and found to my great annoyance that she was talking to Rodolphus. "What was that all about," he asked.

"What," I said, feigning ignorance.

"Why did you drag the cavalry out here for a simple flying practice.

I scoffed loudly. "There's hardly enough time to practice anything during lunch, never mind flying. If you want to corner me and coerce me into talking to you, pick a more boring and innocuous activity to cover your true intentions."

"If you knew I wanted to talk to you, why did you bring Rose and the rest of those idiots out here," he roared.

I tsked at his anger, reminding him to control it. Really, so unseemly. "Lucius, those idiots are your friends, firstly. Secondly, need I remind you that I am a prefect and am in charge of providing for those Slytherins that ask for my assistance? Surely you are familiar with the idea. Thirdly, they all came of their own accord. In fact, I was quite miffed that Rose wanted to come along at all."

"Didn't look it," he sneered. "You both seemed to be having a grand time showing off your tricks."

I rolled my eyes and descended, refusing to be late for Arithmancy, which I unfortunately would attend with Lucius and Rodolphus and Rose (whose nosiness knew no bounds, truly). "We're best friends, Malfoy. What do you expect?" I asked rhetorically.

"Stop calling me that!" he shouted.

I glanced at him over my shoulder, then smirked. "What, then. You want me to call you Lucius, do you? After how you've treated me, like a stranger?"

"What?" he roared, incredulous.

I steeled my eyes and glared at him, letting my furor over the events of the last two days seep into my tone. "Do not ever presume to speak for me."

"I was only echoing what you would say!" he said, referring to his argument with Rodolphus.

"Well it's my business, isn't it?"

"It's mine too!"

I scoffed, walking faster, anxious to escape the angry masculine man and his antics.

"Bella, don't dismiss me," he growled, grabbing my arm and nearly ripping it out of its socket.

I immediately pulled my wand from my hair and stabbed it into his chest, pivoting to face him as I did. He continued pushing me back, both hands on my arms now. Wary not to trip over my own feet, I yelled at him: "Unhand me! Unhand me or I will castrate you," I shouted.

"Yeah?" he asked. "If you castrated me, how would I ever be able to do this again?" He grabbed my hand and forced it down to his cock and wrapped my hand around it, urging me to squeeze.

I met his gaze, shocked and disgusted, primarily, and aroused, secondarily. "You git," I said. "You smarmy, disgusting, bloody git. Let go of me."

"You should let go of me," he whispered, breath hot against my forehead as he stooped down to kiss the top of my head. "Wouldn't want your betrothed to see this, would you?"

"See what?" I screeched. "There's nothing to see!"

"Oh really," he growled, before wrapping an arm around my torso and lifting me up so that my face was level with his.

I stared wide-eyed at him. "Lucius, do not do this," I said, panicking as I whipped my head back to see that Rose, Rodolphus, and a few Slytherins had waited for us so that we could enter the hall together, as was the custom. I briefly made out Rodolphus' steely glare and Rose's angry one (Rodolphus was holding her back, it seemed) before Lucius forced my head back to look at him.

"So now I'm 'Lucius.' Do what, pray tell. This?"

Panic seized me as I realized what he was about to do. He forced my head down, crushing his lips against mine and sealing away my reputation as he sapped away any semblance of control I had left, in front of my peers. Hot, angry tears spilled down my cheeks as I realized that he had made the conscious choice to embarrass me and use me as a pawn in his competition against his so-called best mate. But above that, the fear I felt at not being able to escape his brutal embrace pervaded all my senses, and I felt the energy crackle around me as I started to lose what little control I had left of my emotions. I was frightened, terrified. I had never felt such helplessness before.

Finally, he disengaged his lips from mine, taking little note of my tears. A flicker of worry danced across his eyes, but I paid no heed to it and angrily pushed against him, beating my fists against his broad shoulders until he let me fall.

He wiped his lips with the back of his hand and smiled down at me, his brevity not quite reaching those silver orbs of his. "Come, darling. Arithmancy is starting," he said, voice calm as if he hadn't just realized what he had done.

I stood up, brushing my black silk skirts off as I did. I felt my magic course through my veins, rippling outwards, fueled by my distress. I considered reigning my emotions in, tried to, even, already recognizing the futility of my efforts..

I heard Rose call from a distance. "Bella, no!" she screamed, fear coloring her voice with urgency. I saw her rush toward me from my peripheral, her wand pointed between Lucius and I.

It was too late. The word exploded from my mouth with such force that it felt as if my wand lifted of its own accord and pointed directly at Lucius' heart.

"Crucio!" I felt my hand burn hot and was distinctly aware of my wand bending under the sheer force of my magic, almost cracking in my outstretched palm.

His fear was the last thing I registered before I blacked out.

I woke up in the infirmary, with Rose holding my hand and Rodolphus sitting at the foot of my bed. "What," I said groggily, "in the bloody hell happened?"

"You used a Dark curse on Lucius," Rose said calmly, her steely gaze shutting Rodolphus up before he could speak.

He angrily stood up and walked out of the room. As my eyes followed him, I registered Lucius sitting in a bed close to the door, his face black and blue.

"Did I do that," I gasped.

"No, Rodolphus did," Rose said, turning me to face her and blocking Lucius from my field of vision. "I was able to block your spell before it did too much damage to Lucius."

"Any disciplinary action?" I asked.

"No one is saying anything, thank Merlin," Rose said, sitting down on the edge of my bed.

I pulled her into a tight embrace. "Thank you, Rose. Honestly. You really saved me back there. I don't know what would have happened if I had been expelled for my anger."

"You're lucky I saw the signs when no one else could. Honestly, Bella. We need to get you help."

"I'm getting it," I said. "I'll tell you more tonight."

"Fine. But I'm miffed. This could have been prevented had Rodolphus not been restraining me."

"It's no one's fault but Lucius'. Honestly, I feel like such a fool, I-" I stopped speaking, my throat choking up from the effort of holding in my tears. Rose turned her head and allowed me a moment to collect myself and fend off my despair. "Anyway," I continued. "So I missed Arithmancy," I stated matter-of-factly.

"Yeah, the entire school knows you're in the infirmary, so you're excused for sure."

"Where are Andromeda and Narcissa then," I asked.

"Waiting to receive your dad," Rose said, face paling at the mention of my father.

"Merlin," I breathed. "Who called him?!" I shouted, agitated. I did not need one of his lectures.

"Dumbledore," Rose said.

"Right then. Well you best be off before my father gets here. Thanks again, Rose. I'll see you tonight."

Rose packed her things, gave me a kiss goodbye, and left, muttering curses at Lucius as she went through the door. Lucius looked over at me, his face slowly healing.

Bella…he broadcasted, trying to get my attention.

I felt my heart seize in panic at the sound of his voice and tried to beat away the overwhelming feeling of apprehension. My vision swam, and I felt myself fading.

"Bella-" Lucius yelled, before he was cut off.

"That's enough, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy. I wonder what your father will have to say when he finds out you forced yourself onto his goddaughter," my father's voice carried icily, interjecting itself into the room and dropping the temperature down several degrees. I felt myself struggling to latch onto his calming voice.

"Lord Black, honestly, there is no need. It was merely a joke," I heard Lucius say, voice raised a pitch in his urgency to reach me.

"You are betrothed to Narcissa, and Bella to Rodolphus. I can't imagine how this joke that so blatantly mocks PureBlood traditions is intended to be funny," my father said, the coldness in his voice scaring even me. "Now step away from my daughter. Best be off, son. Before I get a chance at you."

Lucius backed away out of my line of sight, then quickly exited the infirmary.

"Dad," I sobbed, finally freeing my emotions, letting my fear and anger wash over me.

My father's cold demeanor dropped instantly as he rushed to my side and pulled me into a crushing embrace. "Bella, my dear Bella," he whispered, voice thick with emotion. "What has happened to you?"

"I was helpless, my lord. Helpless. I could do nothing as he held me. I fear I overreacted but-"

"You didn't!" my father stormed. "I know what it is to feel helplessness at the hands of someone you trust. For games, no less. Tell me, what did you do?"

"I cursed him, father. Look at my wand! He was very lucky that Rose was able to block my curse before the damage became irreversible.

"Lucky indeed. You're fortunate to have Miss Costello at your side during times like these." My father paused, then continued. "Which spell?"

"Cruciatus," I whispered.

My fathered let a stream of curses flow freely, an indicator of his agitation. He swallowed his lecture, knowing it was useless, and just held me. "Your mother is worried sick," he said.

"When isn't she?" I laughed tiredly.

My father laughed with me, then got up to request my charts from the Healer in charge.

By the time he was back with the charts, I had faded out again, succumbing to my exhaustion and powerlessness.