A/n: So for a little while this story has been bugging me, sitting in my mind and I decided time to write it. I don't know how long it will be it may be two to five chapters. It may not go anywhere, we shall see.

Story: So this story is around the time of the first war, before Bellatrix is married. Obviously this is A/U, Hermione was born a few years after Bellatrix they attended Hogwarts together. Voldemort is just rising to power and the first wizarding world is on the horizon. Bellamione.

Warning: This story contains strong language not suitable for minors, it will deal with mentions of death and scenes some may find disturbing.

Disclaimer: I do not own any recognisable characters and no money has been made from this.

Enjoy...

Part 1

The metal gate swings wildly in the breeze the padlock hanging limply the chains were broken, the pavement cracked and uneven beneath the feet that march. Petals crushed the flower bed destroyed, the heated whispering. A light flickers on; the calling out of names the frightened breathes the fear lingering in the air.

A shout, echoing in the night swallowed by the dark the number eighteen flapping in the wind. Feet pound away, running from the house, stamping over the broken glass on the ground. A flash engulfs the sky, a shrill cry piercing the quiet neighbourhood.

Flames lick at the sky, smoke billowing from the rafters of the house, the cries of alarm. The doors bashing against the hinges an invisible force containing the inhabitants.

"Morsmordre!"

A colossal skull, comprised of what looked like emerald stars, with a serpent protruding from its mouth like a tongue. It rises higher and higher, blazing in a haze of greenish smoke, etched against the black sky like a new constellation.

Marked, the town drifts to a new sound, chaos, sirens screeching through the town, an unnatural event to fall. The muggles running to help, the smoke making eyes water, except the wizarding community watches on. Impassive, Death has called and there was nothing they could do, nothing for the muggles.

~~~~~ Part 1 ~~~~~~

Tired, she works the muscle on her shoulder heading to the bathroom, the heat of the bath making her bones ache. A cup of tea sitting on the table, something much stronger sitting next to it a choice, she chooses both. She always does. Slipping from her attire, the night firmly in play, her naked body kisses the giant bath, warmth greeting her. She bathes in silence, her wand still attached to her arm, her hair sinking into the water.

A fluffy towel appears courtesy of the elf's at work, her bed already prepared. She was not meant to finish this late; however, she could have to linger. Help fill in the forms, they stumbled upon the Azkaban escapee, a chase that lasted two hours, through the shit of the city, they managed to catch the idiot.

The bruises on her back can testify to her actions, she nearly broke her neck tackling the wizard, flinging herself from two stories not ideal. She could have killed herself, perhaps that was the idea, she never really cares to dwell. Her life too loud, too fast, she enjoys the rush, enjoys the danger the possible death makes her alive.

Her family took everything else, took everything that could bring pleasure, except her job, they could not take that from her. The first Auror in the family, a shock to the family, the first of the Most Noble House of Black to become one. The biggest bully in Hogwarts turning Auror, the brightest witch of her age, she laughs to herself. Her shrill laugh filling the room, she can still recall her mother's face the distraught, their most hopeful daughter now an Auror.

Seven years, seven years she has spent patrolling the streets, keeping the wizarding community safe. Eyes slipping shut, she thinks on this, the pain the days spent chasing fools, the hours never paid for, the thanks never received. It's enough to turn most people away, but she loves it. Loves the fear she creates, the hate she receives and she hates the praise bestowed on her.

"Bella?"

A groan escapes her lips, annoyance flicking through her features her eyes snap open focusing on the open door. Her soon to be Husband, Rodolphus peering in, perhaps a little unorthodox to live together, none the less if she is to marry the moron, they better get used to one another.

"You're late." He says.

Lounges further into the water, staring at the ceiling, she had hoped for peace. She notes despite his words, Rod is rather awake for this early in the morning. She focuses once more on him, her black beady eyes much like a bird of prey zeroing on the curious face peering back.

"Yes," A sigh escapes chipped lips. "I got distracted."

"Again,"

It's not a question more a statement, a complaint against her work. She rolls a shoulder, one to remove the kink and two to shrug half heatedly. Yes, she worked late again; she will most likely do it tomorrow and the day after.

"Why are you awake?" She questions leaning forward.

"I heard you come in."

A single brow rises, disbelief settling in replace for annoyance. The bath no longer satisfying, she moves, causing ripples in the water that lap against the edge. She steps across the marbles stairs, Rod's eyes tracking her body. A forbidden fruit she loves to tempt him with because he cannot touch despite his best efforts, not without her consent.

His dark eyes slip over her, needy and wanting, a tongue licks lips, eager for a touch, a taste. It makes her sick, her stomach curls the urge to throw up, the need to shout. She resists. Lifting the towel she dries her face, concentrating more on him because he has yet to sleep.

"Go back to bed," A quiet demand as she covers her body.

"I don't think I can," He replies lust tainting his speech. "Perhaps I could help you relieve some tension."

A lip curl in disgust, a threat flashing underneath dark curls she pushes past him with barely a second glance. They may force her to marry him, but she will never love him, her heart remains stubbornly cold. Perhaps she will never love she is okay with that.

A hand clamps along her arm, cold. Further confirming her suspicions, Rod has yet to go to bed, either he has waited for her return or been out with his friends. She shakes the grip daring him to try something, he knows of her contempt.

"What's with you?" He spits furiously. "You stuck up cow; we're going to be married soon. You better be ready then, you'll be mine to do as I please."

"Let's make this clear, you sorry excuse of shite," Bella growls stepping closer to him. "I will bed you on the night of our wedding as it tradition. After that, you can find whatever hoe you so wish to warm your bed, I will have no need for your company or your poor excuse of manly parts."

A hand lashes out, smacking her cheek, her face jerking to the side. Eyes slid shut, her lip split, blood dribbling down her chin. Slowly she presses a finger to the blood, turning to study it under scrutiny, surprisingly despite what her parents promised. It is the same colour blood as everyone she has made bleed over time. Her parents who filled them with ideology about Purebloods, it makes her laugh. Therefore, she does. An ear-splitting laugh that tethers on the edge of sanity, she sucks her finger into her mouth, turning to face Rod.

"Look Roddy, pure blood," She giggles eyes alive with a promise of a fight. "Take a good look, your family wouldn't know much about that, now would they."

"You fucking harpy," He hisses stepping back.

"This fucking harpy will slice your bollocks off should you try shit like that again," Bella hisses, hand grasping his hand. Twisting she pulls on the ballpoint of his wrist stealing a cry from his lips. "Then I'll package them and send your prize possessions to your mother. I may marry you, but do not mistake that for affection. This is merely a business transaction; you'll do well to remember that."

Releasing the hand, she shoves Rod away turning on her foot, leaving the room, ignoring Rod's cursing. She has no interest outside the house and money, to keep her family happy. It is her duty to marry another pureblood, she knew this the moment she grew breasts.

"They will expect children Bellatrix," Rod shouts after her. "Then we'll be talking business."

"I'll cut my uterus out before I bear a child," Bella answers pausing by the door, she smiles a bright smile. "I'll hang it on the mantelpiece next to your set like a proper little family."

With that, she slams the door, the building shaking in response she skulks to her room, locking and barring the door. A silences the room, a shrill scream of annoyance leaving her lips, a spell hurtling towards her bookcase destroying it. Panting, she takes a seat on the bed; too tired to change she pulls the cover over her nude body. She has her job, what more could she want?

The smell of food lures her from her chambers, dressed in her robes; she takes the stairs to the dining room. Slipping into an empty seat, Rod spares her a glance, their argument the night before long forgotten like all their arguments. Food appears in front of her, she picks at the egg, munching on toast as she pulls the newspaper towards her.

"We'll have visitors tonight," Rod says chirpily.

"Joy," Bella answers sipping on her juice.

"Try to behave."

"I'll be the spitting image of a proper little housewife."

"Your father will be there."

"I'll remember to spit in his drink."

The snarky comment earns her a smile, one she cannot help but return. After all, they were better friends than they were lovers, they, however, did not have that luxury to choose. Focusing on the front page she almost chokes on the headline, her school years rushing to the front of her mind.

Attack on Ministry Official.

That alone is not enough to upset her, in these turbulent times they all took a risk every day to walk out the doors. A brazen picture covers half the page; the paragraph gives her a trip down memory lane.

Ministry Official Hermione Granger home was attacked on Thursday the 4th January. Despite the obvious attempts on Miss Granger's life, she will proceed to stand in the Ministry hearing. As the Junior Assistant to the Minister for Magic, Miss Granger is one of the youngest and controversial Junior Assistants to work for the Minister for Magic. Minister Eugenia Jenkins has yet to release a statement on the current situation, rumour to believe she is still in talks regarding the riots.

Miss Granger assures supporters despite the threat on her life she will continue to perform her duties as well as progress with her plan to pass the first law of the New Year. The law will affect almost all in society and bring more benefits to those without the prestigious backgrounds offered by some of the oldest Pure Blood families…

A rattled breath escapes Bella's lips as she drops the newspaper onto the table, disbelief numbing her and turning breakfast sour in her mouth. Her rival from school, the so-called brightest witch of her age two years below her during school. The little bookworm she bullied, belittled and fought with regularly was still running for Minister for Magic.

Their rivalry legendary throughout Hogwarts both the brightest witch of their ages, one two years older, the bully, the pureblood from the most noble house of Black, the most skilled in duelling. The second a muggleborn, born to dentists, logical and devoted to others. Her duelling not as sharp as the other, but her words just as quick she spoke without mercy, her tongue quick to defend those she loves.

A cup rattles loudly against the saucepan a cry of annoyance stolen from another's lips, a newspaper thrown into the fire. Anger radiating in waves, a knife embedding deep into the table, a low growl echoing in the room.

"Filthy little mudblood," Rod curses rising to his feet. "How long will they allow this ludicrousness to continue?"

"I assume you mean the mudblood Granger?"

"First they made her Junior Assistant, now they are willing to let her pass a law? Where is this going to end? When she becomes the Minister?"

"Well if the attempts on her life tell anything it tells one thing," Bella says sipping her tea.

"What's that?"

"They fear her success, they fear her becoming Minister and that they're desperate. Stupid really."

She flicks the next page a silence settling over them, pausing at the picture of the Dark mark lingering above the muggle village. Frowning, she scans the page she will hear all about this at work later the latest attacks.

~~~~~ B ~~~~~

Worn out, Bella ends the night much like the one before, stepping into the house hoping for a long bath. Spending days tracking any mention of Death Eaters, following any lead. They did not get very far, although they had suspicions they could not act on any without evidence, something they lacked.

The smell of cigars remind her of attention, with a sigh, she sets her robe to the side. Hoping she can sneak to her room without any pleasantries, she could do without seeing her father. She could do without Rod's creepy friends leering at her, or sneering as many, she has dealt with as her profession. All mistakenly hoping she will let them off due to the mutual affiliation, their mistakes earnt them fines and appearances in court.

"Bella," A familiar voice calls, making her heart sink.

"Father," Bella answers turning to regard her father.

"I hoped you would make it, come."

Biting back the remark, she does not point out this is her house, her rules. Instead, she follows the dutiful daughter, trailing after her father as he leads her to the living room. The laughter of Rod, making her roll her eyes, Rab is here, the disgusting brother in law. He creeped her out more than most, something not right with the wizard.

Stepping into the room, she immediately spots Rab sipping elegantly from his glass, a familiar smirk on his face. His very presence set her nerves on edge; he never leered at her, something she was thankful for, she is not sure she could cope with him staring. No something else about him, made her skin crawl, neither brother particularly kind, none the less she would rather have Rod than Rab. That is reason enough to worry her if even she was wary of the wizard.

"Bellatrix," a low voice greets.

She swallows, unable to help herself as the wizard glides to his feet, a calm reassuring smile slipping across his lips. His very presence setting her on ease he moves forward taking her hand he places a lingering kiss.

"How are you?"

"Very well, My Lord, how are have you been? Was your trip successful?"

He smiles, the deep smile he refrains just for her, he turns to regard the men in the room a disapproving look shot at each one. Patting her hand, he guides her to an empty seat summoning a drink for her; she accepts a muttered thank you.

"My dear Bella, is the first to ask about my trip? It makes me think none of you cares but her?"

"Not at all My Lord," Her father replies smoothly. "She has no manners."

Glaring at her father, she resists the urge to curse him, who is he to sit in her house, to sip her drinks and pretend to know what she thinks. She would give anything to return all the lessons he was so happy to show her when she was younger.

"Now, now Bella," The Dark Lord whispers with glee. "Family is blood."

"It can be expendable," Bella mutters darkly.

"My Lord?" Her father asks confused.

Waving her father away, the Dark Lord reclines continuing to answer Bella's question about his travels. She never does like it when the Dark Lord invades her mind, but she struggles to keep him out. Sometimes she wonders if she really tries, what has she to hide? His presence always brought quietness to her normally raging mind. It was almost nice to have his soothing presence moving through her as though a personal calling draught. Still, she was not foolishness to leave certain thoughts out for him to view, some she kept buried deep in the back of her mind, so deep she forgets they are there. They only come out when she dreams.

Pale lips press against the top of her hand, the cold wind blown in from the open door as her father exits. The Dark Lord retracts, rising to his full height he releases her hand she manages a tired smile Rabastain slinking past with barely a nod.

"You work so very hard, my dear Bella." He says the slight tug against her mind but she refuses entry this time. "I dream one day, the world different to this madness we consume ourselves in. None of these foolish strikes, fake politicians, I envision you a part of this world. The keeper of the peace, the enforcer of the law, you would be the right hand. The world without filth, with those returned to their rightful place. Do you think you could share in this vision, Bella?"

Her tongue goes slack against her mouth, she wants to laugh cackle in his face, however, she feels this would be her worst idea. Instead, she bows her head, not trusting herself to speak, what Riddle dreams is fairy-tale spun by old Purebloods.

"Faith my dear Bella that is what I ask of you."

The door shuts softly on his exit her hand still burning from the kiss, the promise that he will return and she is not sure what will happen if she refused to aid him. Shivering she turns to find Rod watching her, she half expects jealousy, perhaps annoyance at the Dark Lords favour over Bella. Rod merely smiles taken Bella back.

"There's still hope for you yet," Rod states with a glee. "The Dark Lord will return us to our rightful places."

Bella refuses to reply, stepping past Rod towards the stairs, her skin crawling; just what monster Rod has brought into their home. Perhaps she should go away, a break from the madness spewing around her, but for now, she needs sleep.

~~~~~ Coin ~~~~~

Filing the paperwork away, Bella rubs her eyes leaning back in her chair to stare at the ceiling. Her neck sore she rolls it in response hoping to move the kink. She hates doing paperwork, the room full of its usual chatter she glances at the clock. It is too early to leave just yet; perhaps she could take a patrol or find some new blood to upset.

"Black!" Rufus Scrimgeour voice breaks her making her startle in her seat. "In my office."

Startled, Bella leans her elbow against her desk, staring at the open door to Head Auror's office. With a groan she pushes to her feet, someone has probably made a complaint against her again, it is not the first time and it will not be the last.

Raising an eyebrow as Bella steps into the office, Scrimgeour motions for her to shut the door. The door shuts with a click, sealing her in the room no promise of escape.

"Well," Scrimgeour gravelly tone greets her. "Do you want an invite Black, sit."

"Sir," Bella replies taking a seat.

"You are probably wondering why I called you in here," Scrimgeour summarises. "Well I will be quick, an assignment has arrived, of the utmost important and secrecy."

Pulling paperwork out of his draw, Scrimgeour sets it down on the desk head down. Interest peaked; Bella waits for the catch wondering why she is in this room out of all the Aurors available.

"The Minister has asked for my best, and despite Moody's skill, I fear he does not suit this role. Which leaves me with you,"

"I could beat Moody with my hand tied behind my back." Bella hisses, she is the best Auror in this office.

"I will not debate the subject," She smirks because she knows there is arguing on the subject. "This mission will require you to fully immerse yourself in the role. You must not communicate with anyone unless asked to do so. It may require you to spend more than six months from home, the time scale is undecided."

Her ears perk at this bit of information she can think of nothing better, it would get her away from Rod, from the Dark Lord. It will also drag out her engagement allow her freedom for a little longer. Where can she sign, she looks eagerly at the paperwork almost considering stealing the paper.

"I will warn you once you sign; there is no going back from this."

"I'll do it," Bella confirms.

"That this assignment will test you,"

"It can try."

"Regardless, but I am warning you now, you will not agree with some aspects and I fear it will go against much you believe. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

"Once you sign, there is no room for change, you will leave tomorrow and after that, you will not see your family or friends until an unknown amount of time."

"I'll do it."

He regards her, cool eyes glazed in disbelief, sceptical; Scrimgeour pulls the paperwork lying it flat in front of Bella. He hands her a quill, which she accepts eagerly wondering where they will send her. Who will she be spending her time with, excitement courses through her body as she signs? The adrenaline of the upcoming assignment making her nearly bounce in her seat.

"Very well," Scrimgeour acknowledges collecting the papers.

"What is my assignment?" Bella questions, leaning back into her seat satisfied with herself.

"Minister Eugenia Jenkin has asked for protection for Junior Assistant to the Minister for Magic, Miss Granger."

The world lurches, she jerks in the chair hands flying to grasp the table, disbelief running through her she hopes this is Scrimgeour version of a joke. Instead, the Head Auror returns her blank stare no sign of a laugh on his face, the knowing look passing through his face.

"No," Bella snaps furiously. "Absolutely not."

"You have already signed."

"Obliviate me," Bella demands as she slaps her hands against the desk.

"I will not." He replies. "I forewarned you, you will complete this mission to your utmost ability, and with keeping the reputation of this unit in good standing. You will not fail this Bellatrix is that understood?"

"I refuse," Bella hisses jumping to her feet. "Are you mad? My fiancé is against her very bill she is trying to pass. Everything I am goes against this, my whole family; she is a mud… muggleborn for Merlin sake. Surely she won't be happy with this; we don't have the best history."

"The Minister has asked for my best Bellatrix. Alastor, unfortunately, is not suitable for this role, therefore; it falls to you. You are to guard Miss Granger you will become her shadow. A threat is against her life and I trust you will do your very best to protect her. Should I fear differently, I am not opposed to taking your badge and given some of your fiancé recent affiliations how safe will you be then?"

Furious, Bella slams her fist against the desk in anger, cursing herself for being so foolish. She knows the risk of disappointing Aurors she is not that foolish. Biting her tongue, she prevents herself from saying anything more accepting the piece of paper held aloft by Scrimgeour she storms from the office.

Packing her bags was easy, telling Rod she was going away for a while due to work was even easier, pausing on the brink of her door to leave made her heart ache. If her family finds out, if anyone finds out they will ruin her, the world will laugh at her. She ignores the tightening of her chest, vanishing from her home she reappears outside another mansion.

Frowning, she steps through the metal gate, tension creeping up on her clawing at her back. She pauses at the main door, stealing herself for the reaction. How did Hermione Granger Mudblood come to have such a massive house? The last she heard Granger parents were dentists whatever that meant. A modest house if Bellatrix overheard a correctly during school.

An elf opens the door, Bella refusing to knock; Bellatrix Black does not knock not for anyone. With a low bow, the elf lets Bella in earning a suspicious look from the Auror. Granger was all for Elf rights and now she has an Elf opening doors for her.

Interesting has fame got to the younger witch, destroyed her morals if the house and greeting were anything to come from then it would appear so. It will make the next few months a lot more fun than Bella thought it would be. Stepping through the threshold, Bella allows the Elf to take her bag, snorting at the turn of events.

The clicking of heels echoed in the marble room announces the mistress of the house, marching through the building. Feet stop a few feet away from the first look between old school rivals. Still the skinny know it all, bitch that Bellatrix remembers just grown up now. A smug grin etches onto Bella's face as she greets her new assignment.

"Auror Black," Granger greets hands folded bushy hair controlled in a tight ponytail. "Let me show you around. Thank you, Saj."

The elf bows, disappearing with the bags, leaving the two witches alone in the cold hallway. Disgust makes her want to spit, but she is far too keen to find out information. She will withhold her blatant disgust for a little while. This Hermione Granger is not the one Bella was expecting to meet and that makes the whole situation just more intriguing.

A/n: So here it is, I don't know what it is nor where it's going. If it goes anywhere...