The fire was already licking at the walls of the Burrow when you tore after Ginny into the tall grass, breath tight in your chest. You weren’t even supposed to be here. Slytherins weren’t exactly welcome during Order business, but you’d been adopted by Molly into this mess.

Ginny didn’t wait for you. Of course she didn’t.

You tripped—hard. Your shoelace had come undone again, and by the time you scrambled up from the wet grass, she was gone.

“Ginny?” you hissed. Nothing.

Only the sound of spells cracking in the distance. Shouts. Something sharp and snarling. Harry. Greyback. You moved toward it, your hand gripping the wand tucked into your sleeve, every step slow and silent.

But then— A rustle. Not ahead. Beside you.

You turned fast, wand raised, heart hammering.

And there she was.

Bellatrix stepped out of the shadows like she belonged to them. Black robes soaked at the hem, hair wild, eyes locked on yours like she already knew your name. Like she’d been waiting.

You froze. You knew you should run, scream—something. But she tilted her head, and something in her expression stopped you.

“Well, well…” Her voice was silk over broken glass. “A little snake in lion’s territory. You don’t belong with them, do you?”

You didn’t answer. You couldn’t.

She stepped closer, slow and deliberate. “You were following the blood traitor girl, weren’t you? Sweet of you. Brave.” Her lips curved. “Stupid.”

She raised her wand, and you braced—but the curse never came.

Instead, she leaned in, just close enough for you to feel her breath against your cheek.

“You should tie your shoes, darling,” she whispered. “Wouldn’t want you falling again.”

Then she was gone. Just like that. No spell. No pain. Only that voice curling into your spine like smoke you couldn’t shake.

You didn’t know what it meant. Only that she let you live— and smiled when she did.