Submitted for The Houses Competition Forum - Challenge Round
House: Ravenclaw
Subject: Potions
Category: Drabble
Prompt: [Pairing - platonic] Cho Chang/ Bellatrix Lestrange
Word count: 396
Warnings: Muggle AU
bending over backwards
Bellatrix grinned and walked towards Cho. "Alright, Chang, we're about to enter a state of… relaxation. Don't let your guard down."
"Uh… should I worry about being with my guard up?" Cho asked, trying not to grimace at the feral smile on Bellatrix's face.
"You should always have your guard up," Bellatrix barked, coming to stand in front of Cho. "Now, into the Cobra pose… slowly… like a snake slithers up, ready to strike."
She made a long hissing sound that had Cho honestly fearing for her life.
"I'll try, but I can't guarantee I'll be able to do… whatever you're doing." Cho tried to move up into the Cobra pose but failed miserably. "I won't even attempt the hissing."
"The hissing isn't for you. It's for… her," Bellatrix said and pointed to something in the corner. Cho's eyes widened with horror when she noticed the large snake coiled around a chair, and she whimpered out loud. Ignoring Cho's reaction, Bella went on instructing her, "Anyway, ignore Nagini. She'll sleep through our class. Focus on stretching your spine. Feel the tension, relish the control you have over your body."
Cho thought her spine was stretched, but seeing Bellatrix's pose, she wasn't so sure anymore. And honestly, the snake in the corner, looking at her as if she was the next meal wasn't helping with keeping her spine straight. Cho just wanted to turn into a small ball and disappear.
"Now, breathe as you come into your Warrior pose. Remember: it's strong, unwavering… like me. Imagine you're standing over your fallen enemies, laughing in the face of death!" Bella showed her the move, her pose elegant and strong. She looked like a true warrior, whereas Cho was sure she was going to die of either exhaustion or fear.
The snake hissed as it slithered closer slowly.
Cho didn't have a clue if it was coming closer or not, but she was too afraid to ask. And she wasn't sure if Bellatrix was friend or foe at the moment.
"Now, balance yourself on one foot, and we'll see how far you can bend before breaking." Bellatrix threw her head back and cackled.
This would be the last time Cho ever trusted an ad in the newspaper. Next time, she would ask Marietta for yoga classes recommendations instead.
Hopefully, the next one won't have a snake in the room.