Hermione Granger was an accomplished Healer and the absolute best in her field, that is why she had to take care at the prisoners from Azkaban. After the Battle of Hogwarts, all Death Eaters had been shipped back there and as the only approved Healer for their care she had a lot to do. They were not the nicest people and the fact that she was a muggle born did not sit well with any of them.

That very morning though, Kingsley Shacklebolt came to her office and told her that there was a special prisoner she had to see and Hermione even had to sign a confidentiality agreement. She was not told who it was but she suspected that it would be no one nice and chatty if Kingsley made such a big deal out of it.

„Let me go you filthy bastards, if my Lord was still here you would all be dead!" Hermione heard someone screech and she was quite sure right then that she knew who her special patient was. She looked around the corner and there she was. Bellatrix Lestrange. Hermione still had nightmares of her torture and that had been ten years ago, the sight of the horrible woman made Hermione cringe.

The screams were piercing her ears and Hermione was shaking all over. She was back in the room at Malfoy Manor with the older witch above her, cutting into her arm with a dagger. Unconsciously she started to scratch over the fading scar.

Hermione took a deep breath and put herself together. The witch was here as her patient, she needed her help and would probably die if she didn't. Kingsley would never have agreed to take her to a Healer if it was not serious. Hell, Hermione as well as anyone else in the wizarding world believed her to be dead. But if she was not one thing then it was dead. Bellatrix was alive and very much so, she was screaming and with no apparent need to stop.

She walked into the room with an air of confidence around her, she took the file from Bellatrix bed and began to read. „Did no one teach you any manners muddy? Can't even say hello to your old friend Bella? What a shame that I didn't get the chance to play with you a bit more the last time we saw each other, dearie." Hermione did not even bother to look up, she feared that Bellatrix would see just how scared she really was and Hermione did not want to give the other witch the satisfaction.

„Good day Madame Lestrange, from your file I read that you need a soul healer. Your soul seems to have fractured, that process can be extremely painful and I understand why you would not stop screaming even though those profanities would be better kept in ones head. I would not have expected any less from someone like you and it has been a long time since I have cared about my heritage. I am as much of a witch as you are, with the minimal difference that I can still use magic, which I hate to point out but you cannot do anymore. So if you could be so kind as to stop being so childish, I could start to help you. I am the only one who will be able to give you the help you need since you and your people murdered all existing soul healers except from my mentor who is dead by now too."

Hermione looked right into Bellatrix eyes during her entire speech, but she kept a bored look in her face.

„You disgusting little mudblood, I do not want any help from the likes of you. Actually I do not want help from anyone, I can take care of myself thank you very much." Bellatrix put a dignified look on her face.

„As I said, I don't appreciate name calling. We are not in preschool anymore, actually, how old are you? I am 27 so you are what 54? You are well over the age to behave so childishly but I guess the high and mighty Bellatrix Lestrange doesn't care about that. If you don't want my help I am off. Have a great five days, after that you will be dead. Dearie."

Hermione was never as mean, sarcastic and cheeky but in the presence of her torturer she just couldn't help herself.

Hermione turned around and just when she opened the door she heard Bellatrix call out. „Wait!"Bellatrix cried out.

Hermione turned and went back to the bed. „Got anything to say for yourself Lestrange?"

„First of all it is Black, my husband died ten years ago. Secondly, I am sorry for how I treated you and I would appreciate your help."

Hermione couldn't help herself again and laughed at Bellatrix.

„Are you serious? I think you hit your pretty little head on the pavement. You fucking tortured me! I have nightmares every night about you and when I came in here to help you, you called me names and talked about how filthy I am. And now an apology is supposed to make everything you did go away? I don't think so. You must be in a lot of pain to bring up the nerve to apologize to a mudblood though, and to ask for some filths help. You are so shallow Bellatrix Black, you disgust me."

Hermione runs out of the room and leaves Bellatrix alone with her thoughts.