Chapter 6 - Nightmares

Selene lay restless in her bed, blankets twisted around her body as a constant stream of images invaded her mind. Her nightmares had returned, bringing with it the haunting memories of her darkest times. 

She was back in Malfoy Manor, the damp, cold cell walls pressing in on her. Her stomach growled with hunger, a constant reminder of how long it had been since she and Luna had eaten anything substantial. The dim light from a single torch flickered, casting eerie shadows across the cell.

The clinking sound of keys echoed through the stone corridor, and the cell door creaked open. A Death Eater stepped in, dangling a piece of bread just out of reach, mocking them with a sinister grin. "Feeling hungry, girls?" he taunted. Selene's stomach twisted, not just from hunger but from the humiliation and hatred she felt for their captors.

Death Eaters would taunt them with baited food, placing it just outside their reach, relishing in their desperation. The tormentors reveled in their sadistic games, their enjoyment evident as they toyed with the sisters' fragile mental state. Selene could see the pleasure they derived from their suffering.

Scenes shifted rapidly in her dream, like a broken, haunted carousel.

With a burst of unsettling energy, Greyback burst into the underground cell, his eyes gleaming with a disturbing hunger. In a swift motion, he reached out and snatched Selene from her confines, his bruising grip constricting tightly around her delicate wrists. As he yanked her towards the cell's entrance, Selene's heart pounded with fear and defiance.

Every nerve in Selene's body screamed out in pain as Greyback's fingers pressed cruelly into her skin, leaving behind angry imprints.

Greyback dragged Selene forcefully to the presence of Narcissa Malfoy, his grip still tight and unyielding.

The werewolf's yellowed eyes bore was filled with a twisted hunger that sent shivers down her spine. His malicious gaze tore through her, making her skin crawl with a chilling mixture of repulsion and fear. He leered at her, his voice dripping with desire as he declared his intentions.

"Let me have her," Greyback declared, his voice laced with a lecherous tone. "I want to taste her flesh, I want to mark her."

His words cut through Selene like a cold knife, his intentions horrifyingly clear. Every fiber of her being rebelled against the thought of becoming a creature of darkness, his advances evoking a fierce revulsion within her. It was then that she clung to the sliver of hope that Narcissa Malfoy's orders provided - the order that kept Greyback at bay, he was forbidden to lay a finger on them until their father had fulfilled his role as a willing informant on Harry Potter's whereabouts. They were kept as hostages, their safety solely dependent on their father's usefulness.

Greyback's face twisted into an unsettling rage and frustration. His grip tightened even further, causing Selene to wince in pain, but he knew he had to heed Narcissa's orders.

Filled with malicious intent, he hissed threateningly, his breath hot against Selene's ear.

"Enjoy your temporary safety," Greyback growled, venom dripping from his words. "But mark my words, Lovegood, your time will come. When your father becomes useless to us, I will be the first to have my hands on you."

Retreating with a malevolent grin, Greyback released Selene from his grasp, the bruises already forming a stark reminder of his ruthless nature.

Among the fragments of her nightmare, a specific scene emerged with chilling clarity. 

Bellatrix Lestrange, clothed in her insanity and unyielding madness, had descended upon the cold, dank cell. With a merciless grip on Selene's delicate silver-blonde locks, Bellatrix reveled in the pain she inflicted, callously ignoring Selene's agonized moans. The sharp tendrils of her laughter filtered through the air, adding to the nightmare's haunting symphony.

In a cruel display of power, Bellatrix forcibly dragged Selene away from Luna, who called out to her in desperate concern. The sound of Luna's voice, laced with fear and helplessness, pierced Selene's heart like a thousand needles.

Selene's heart pounded against her chest, each beat a desperate cry for escape from this twisted reality. She could feel the searing pain of rough stone against her face and stomach as Bellatrix threw her violently to the ground. The force of the impact stole the air from her lungs, leaving her gasping for breath.

Time seemed to slow as Bellatrix brandished a cursed knife, its malevolent aura making Selene's blood run cold. She watched in horror, her voice reduced to a pitiful plea, as the wicked blade kissed her skin. The pain was excruciating, white-hot and searing, as if her very soul was being torn apart. She screamed, her voice echoing through the dark corridors of the manor.

Bellatrix laughed, a sound that pierced through the haze of agony. "Scream all you want, little witch. No one is coming to save you."

Each inch of contact sent shivers of terror down her spine, her body paralyzed by both fear and the despair of her helplessness. She pleaded desperately, her voice merging with the void that stretched before her, her eyes glistening with tears, terror and disbelief.

"Never forget what you are," she hissed softly.

With malicious intent, Bellatrix etched the words 'blood traitor' into Selene's vulnerable, exposed upper back. The sharp pain sliced through her body, a symphony of agony etching the twisted letters deep into her flesh. Selene's anguished screams of pain echoed, a deafening chorus of anguish and despair that seemed to pierce through the fabric of her very being.

And then, in a fit of cruel irony, Selene was wrenched back into consciousness, her eyes snapping open. She gasped for air, her heart thundering against her chest, the remnants of her nightmare clinging to her like a suffocating shroud. Beads of sweat clung to her forehead, mingling with the tear-streaked trails on her trembling face. Her body ached, as if it still bore the physical wounds of the nightmare.

Clutching the sheets tightly, her knuckles turning white, Selene summoned all the strength within her, fighting to steady her trembling form. 

She sat up, hugging her knees to her chest, trying to steady her breathing. The vivid memories of torture and helplessness were like a dark cloud over her mind. She took several deep breaths, reminding herself of where she was, of the safety and warmth of her new home.

Selene wiped her tears away, though the emotional scars still throbbed within her. She reached for her wand on the bedside table, gripping it tightly as if it could ward off the lingering shadows of her past. "I'm safe," she whispered to herself, her voice shaky but determined. "Luna is safe. We're free." She repeated this like a mantra until she was no longer crying. 

Eager to escape the lingering darkness of her dream, Selene swung her legs over the edge of the bed and slipped her feet into the cozy slippers Luna had insisted she bring.

She made her way to the bathroom, her hands trembling slightly as she turned on the hot water. The steam began to fill the room, and she stepped into the shower, letting the warm water cascade over her. The heat soothed her sore muscles and washed away the lingering chill from her dream. She closed her eyes, allowing the water to help her relax, and silently hoped that Luna's nights were more peaceful than hers.

After she finished her shower, Selene wrapped herself in a soft, warm towel and padded back to her bedroom. She dressed in comfortable clothes, trying to shake off the last vestiges of her nightmare. In the kitchen, she prepared a simple breakfast: toast with marmalade and a cup of tea. The familiar routine brought her some comfort, grounding her in the reality of her new life.

As she sat down at the small wooden table by the window, she noticed an owl perched outside, tapping on the glass with its beak. With a smile, she opened the window and retrieved the letter it carried. Recognizing Luna's neat handwriting on the envelope, she felt a wave of warmth and relief wash over her.

Selene unfolded the letter and began to read. Luna wrote about the latest status of Hogwarts, how the repairs were done around the castle, including interesting hidden rooms and comforting interactions with teachers. She expressed her support for Selene's decision to move to Forks, encouraging her to find happiness and assuring her that they could both heal from their shared past.

Selene smiled softly, allowing Luna's words to soothe her heart. She finished her breakfast, feeling a bit more at peace, and then set about writing a reply to her sister. In her response, she shared her experiences in Forks so far, mentioning the cozy house, the breathtaking nature, and her new friend Bella. She reassured Luna that she was settling in and expressed how much she missed her younger sister.

After sealing the letter to Luna, Selene turned her attention to a more pressing matter. She took out a fresh piece of parchment and began to write a letter to the Ministry of Magic in America. She needed to understand more about the magical supervision in her new area and the potential dangers posed by the supernatural beings she had encountered.

In her letter, Selene introduced herself as a recent arrival to Forks and inquired about the magical supervision and any known information regarding the local vampire coven that used to inhabit the area. She explained her concern for the safety of the local community and requested guidance on monitoring and ensuring the well-being of both magical and non-magical residents.

Selene sealed the letter and called for her owl, a graceful tawny named Athena. "Take this to the American Ministry of Magic," she instructed, attaching the letter to the owl's leg. Athena hooted softly before taking off into the morning sky.

With her letters sent, Selene felt a sense of accomplishment. She was taking steps to ensure her safety and that of those around her.

***

Selene stood in the cozy kitchen, the afternoon sunlight streaming through the windows and casting a warm glow in the room. She packed her extendable magical bag with a few essentials and double-checked her list of items she hoped to find. She had a sense of curiosity and excitement about visiting the Quileute reservation in La Push, intrigued by the mysterious wolves she had encountered.

After securing her wand in a hidden pocket of her light jacket, Selene wheeled her mother's old bicycle out of the backyard. The bike had been a reliable mode of transportation for her, allowing her to blend in with the muggles while still providing a sense of nostalgic connection to her family.

She mounted the bike and began pedaling down the gravel path that led from Celestina Cottage to the main road.

As she cycled along, the cool breeze ruffled her silver blonde hair, and she felt a sense of peace envelop her. The lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest provided a stark contrast to the familiar landscapes of England, and she found herself appreciating the natural beauty of her new surroundings.

The ride to La Push was pleasant, barely any cars compared to the big cities like London, and Selene arrived at the Quileute reservation with a sense of anticipation. She parked her bike near a small general store and began her search for a bookstore or library. The reservation was quaint, with a close-knit community vibe that reminded her of the magical village of Ottery St. Catchpole.

Unfortunately, after asking a few friendly locals, Selene discovered that there wasn't a dedicated bookstore or library on the reservation. 

Undeterred, she decided to explore the gift store for any books or information that might be of interest. As she browsed through the small selection of products and anything that caught her eye, she couldn't help but think of the massive wolves she had seen and the connection she had felt with the russet-colored wolf.

Selene approached the cashier counter, a collection of items in her hands. As she placed them down to pay, one item caught the eye of the cashier - a beautiful, iridescent stone.

"Oh, this stone here is lovely. What kind is it?" Selene asked, running her fingers along the smooth surface.

The cashier, a kind-looking woman with warm eyes, smiled. "That's a moonstone. They're quite special - known for their calming, soothing properties." She paused, noting Selene's delicate features, British accent and distinctive silver-blonde hair. "I don't believe I've seen you around these parts before. Are you visiting someone in the area?"

Selene returned the smile. "Actually, I just moved to Forks recently. My name is Selene Lovegood. It's a pleasure to meet you."

The woman's eyes widened slightly. "Really? Well then, welcome to the neighborhood!" She extended her hand. "I'm Sue Clearwater. It's lovely to meet you, Selene. Are you or your parents from around here originally?"

"No, we're from England, but my grandmother was," Selene replied, shaking Sue's hand. "My grandmother left me a house in Forks, so I've decided to make a fresh start here."

She began ringing up Selene's purchases. "That's nice of her. So, what do you think of Forks so far? It's quite different from England, I imagine."

Selene nodded, her expression contemplative. "It is, but I'm finding the change rather refreshing. The people here seem quite friendly as well." She smiled warmly at her. "I'm looking forward to settling in and exploring the area more."

"You seem quite fascinated by our culture," Mrs. Clearwater remarked with a teasing smile as Selene's purchases were mostly intricate beadwork on some of the handmade jewelry, the traditional artwork on display, and the various tribal symbols that adorned many of the items.

Selene beamed. "Yes! I've spent most of my day searching for any book or library about your culture because I was eager to learn more about your land and history. I recently moved close by and thought it would be wonderful to understand and appreciate the heritage of the area. But it seems there isn't a dedicated bookstore or library here."

Mrs. Clearwater's eyes softened with understanding. "You're right; we don't have a dedicated bookstore or library for our history. Not many outsiders show much interest in our culture, and we usually don't go around spreading the word outside our land."

Selene's expression turned somber, glancing downwards, her disappointment evident. "That's a shame. I was really hoping to learn more. Your culture seems so rich and fascinating."

Sue studied Selene for a moment, her heart warming at the young woman's sincerity. "You seem like a sweet girl, and I can see your interest is genuine. Since you're living close by, perhaps you could try asking some of our tribe elders. They might be willing to share some of their stories with you."

Selene's eyes brightened with hope. "That would be wonderful. I'd be so grateful for any opportunity to learn more."

Mrs. Clearwater chuckled softly. "Well, you're in luck because you're speaking to one of the tribe elders right now. But I must say, Billy Black is the better person to ask. He's quite the storyteller, especially during our bonfires. He's used to sharing our legends and history."

Selene was amazed and filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Mrs. Clearwater. I think I'll just do that."

Mrs. Clearwater nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Call me Sue, dear. You're awfully polite, aren't you? Just let Billy know that I sent you. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to share our stories with you."

After finishing her shopping, Selene packed her groceries into her magical bag and set off to find Billy Black's house. She cycled through the reservation, following the directions given by Mrs. Clearwater—Sue, until she arrived at a modest red house by the water's edge.