A/N: Well I did not expect such a great reaction! Seriously that was totally awesome! Okay calm collected now.
This story will take place at the start of the Sixth book, just before Dumbledore picks Harry up to meet Slughorn. So as you can imagine the story is going to have an effect on the whole HP story.
I have given you a second chapter because I'm returning back to work to tomorrow, which means full time work and university work. So I thought I'll treat you to this chapter so the wait isn't too tedious.
The chapter you are about to read is slightly darker. I also find this chapter to be setting the story, you'll get to see the odd behavior of Bellatrix in this chapter, which will lead towards developing the story. The next chapter will start with the whole plot and we'll get a glimpse into what Bella is planning.
I do check spelling and grammar but its hard to pick out your own mistakes when you read something so many times! And I apparently do not have the patience for a Beta reader. So you have my apologies.
Disclaimer: do not own the Harry Potter characters and no money has been made from this.
Anyway enjoy...
Discovering Manners
Feet pace against the wood flooring, as dust is kicked up and sent into a pretty spiral, glinting in the sunlight before vanishing against the cold shadows. The never ending steps grating on the young witch's nerves as she watches the wizard pace in front of her. Slim fingers tap against the soft fabric of a worn out chair, as her foot taps an unknown rhythm against the floor. A fire burns in the corner of the room, casting odd shadows, despite the sun shining it does nothing to warm the day.
The smell of bacon sifts in through the gap in the door, creating an irresistible aroma from the kitchen. Her stomach grumbles in reply, but the witch does not react, instead she stares at the scar on her hand. She can see the dirt in her finger nails, the mud coated cloak lying across a table in the corner.
The door flying open is enough to stop the wizard in mid pace but not enough to keep him still. As soon he acknowledges those entering the room he resumes pacing. An older wizard slips into the room to take a seat opposite the witch, helping himself to the biscuits sitting on the table.
"Stop pacing Remus!" Alastor Moody growls slouching against the side of a chair.
Remus Loopin stopped pacing and sinks down into another chair. His eyes strayed to silent witch who was with them physically but her mind remaining on the battlefield.
"Would any one like a cup of tea?" Molly Weasley asked setting the tray of tea down on a table.
"Not the time for tea!" Snapped Moody earning a glare from Mrs. Weasley, she ignored him and continued to pour tea.
"It is the most unexpected turn of events." Dumbledore stated after all the members were present. "I would not have expected such rash behaviour from such a loyal death eater such as Bellatrix."
"It doesn't make sense, perhaps she is working on behalf of Voldemort." Lupin suggested accepting a cup of tea and placing to the side.
"She is not." Came the smarmy reply of Severus Snape.
"Perhaps it is a mission the Dark Lord does not even trust with you Severus." Moody grumbled.
"I am part of all the Dark Lord's plans, I would know if such decision was made. What exactly are you implying?" Snape replied angrily.
"Well Bellatrix is the most trusted of Death Eaters, the Voldemorts right hand. She would be charged with the most secret mission." Lupin said.
"Lestrange has fallen from the Dark Lord's favour ever since the attack at the ministry, her and the Malfoy's involvement is restricted at the best of times." Snape reclined into his seat with the air of snobbery, grating on the nerves of Lupin.
"No one is questioning your allegiance Severus," Dumbledore interjected before anyone else could. "If Voldemort has not instructed Mrs Lestrange, then we have a series problem on our hands."
"The crazy bitch is running round free." Moody voiced everyone thoughts.
"Bellatrix disobeying Voldemort I don't buy it." Lupin said, not wanting to let the thought of Bellatrix running wild dwell.
"The Dark Lord has confessed to me that Bellatrix is currently 'missing'." Snape answered.
"So Voldemort didn't know my deranged aunt was at the forest?" Tonks asks, her voice quiet and lacking its normal emotion, her eyes never straying from her scar.
"Apparently not, one of his followers let slip that the Dark Lord had called Bellatrix to the meeting however she did not answer the call. She hasn't been seen by any of the Dark Lord's followers since yesterday afternoon."
"If Mrs Lestrange has gone awry, this does affect our plans slightly." Dumbledore said slipping to his feet.
"Has anyone told the children?" Dumbledore smiled at Mrs Weasley, trust it to fall to Molly to think on behalf of Hermione's friends.
"Not yet, I shall tell Harry when I see him next, there is a more urgent situation to contend with before he hears the news of Miss Granger." Dumbledore answered.
"What are we going to do for Granger?" Lupin asked fearing the worst for his past pupil.
"There is not much we can do, except wait for news or a sign." Dumbledore shot a look towards Snape who nodded in agreement. "Snape shall listen for any news of Bellatrix, until then I suggest you pray that Miss Granger holds up to her reputation of being the smartest witch of her time."
"What do we tell the children?" Moody questioned.
"Tell them Miss Granger is currently travelling with parents, she will not return to school until further notice." Dumbledore replied, moving towards the door that creaked open for him.
"They will only accept that for a short time." Lupin interrupted knowing how close the children were. "They know Granger would not willingly miss school."
"By the time school has started the news will no longer be able to be repressed, the secret of Miss Granger's absence will be common knowledge." Dumbledore answered before exiting the room.
The unspoken truth lingered in the air between allies, all knowing but unwilling to speak their worst fears. Was the girl still alive? If so how long for? Bellatrix was not known to be merciful, she took great pleasure in the pain of others. The ticking of clocks sounded like the ticking of time spurred Snape into action. Regardless of his cold exterior, even he would not wish his worst enemy to fall into the hands of Bellatrix Lestrange.
Standing he murmured his farewells, he had meeting with the Dark Lord, he would not like to keep the man waiting. Lupin was next to leave the small room, leaving Molly and Moody with the quiet witch. Molly slowly pushed a cup of tea towards the youngest witch, offering the woman a small smile before making her exit.
"I'll go check on the food." She murmured.
A hand on Tonks shoulder caused her to jump out of her trance and turn lost eyes towards her old mentor – now friend. Despite everyone's thoughts about the ageing Auror, she knew him to be a kind man. Almost like a second father to Tonks, a man of infinite if not tainted wisdom.
He squeezed her shoulder, "You did all you could Nymphadora."
Not even bristling to the use of her first name, she concentrated once again on the scar on her hand. "One curse," She whispered staring unseeingly into the past, relieving the scene over and over again. "She took me out with one curse!"
"You did not expect it you were busy escorting your ward." He replied if you did not truly understand Mad eye Moody you could not possibly tell the difference in his voice. But Tonks noticed the kind tone and it caused her blood to boil.
Jumping to her feet she resumed the pacing Lupin had only moments ago just finished. "How can you say that?" She glared at him. "If anything I should have been more alert, I was in charge of her safety. HER SAFETY! And I get taken down by one simple curse, because I wasn't paying attention! HERMIONE SAW IT! She was behind me, FOR MERLINS SAKE!" She shouted, her voice strained from the emotion ransacking her body. She failed how could she fail?
"Precisely, it was a well timed ambush you were too close to react to the curse." He stepped towards the young witch resting his hand on her slumping shoulders. "Do not let Bellatrix win, no one could have anticipated the attack. You did what you could."
He stood waiting for her reaction her head turned towards the window, he knew how important it was to face your fears. If she doubted herself then Bellatrix would have won a bigger victory, she would have won psychologically as well as physically. Eventually her eyes met his and he saw the young defiant girl that had come to him wanting to be an Auror. He smirked, if Tonks met her aunt again, she would have a fight on her hand.
"Good now stopping your winging someone might think you to be a Malfoy!" He grumbled making for the door. "Then where would we be? I don't need a cowering mess on the floor while fighting Death Eaters." He held the door for her. "Come on I want food before Lupin eats it all."
Smiling slightly fighting the self-hate burning deep in her chest, she made to follow her mentor. Before she could help herself she gave the man a quick hug, knowing how much he despised physical emotion she left it brief. She didn't need to see his face to see him rolling his eyes.
"Thanks mad eye," She murmured, nearly skipping out the door, always happy to make her mentor blush.
"Merlin's beard next I'll be getting a hug from your hyped up love puppy." He growled causing a blush to spread across her cheeks.
"You know bout that then?" She said shyly.
Her only answer was a gentle slap to the back of the head, causing her to laugh.
"It's like teaching at Hogwarts all over again." He shot back at her laugh. "You best not be eating all the food Remus!" He barked storming into the kitchen.
Tonks couldn't help the smile that spread across her face, seeing her old mentor slipping back into his brash normal self. She seated herself next to Lupin who couldn't help but feel pleased Tonks seemed to be back to her normal self. All though there was a no element of tension during the meal, they still carried on talking. Each slipping into their own thoughts now and again, trying to think the best way to help the young girl in the clutches of the dark witch.
Hold on Hermione, we're coming. Lupin thought to himself, begging the young witch could hear him, knew they would come looking for her. Just be smart and you should be fine. You're the smartest witch I know.
~~~~~~~~Caught In The Mist~~~~~~~~
Snap! Eyes blink open.
Crunch! Heartbeat racing hands searching, wand missing.
Footsteps coming closer, blood running colder as hands fruitlessly search for her only defence. Eyes straining to work against the harsh light of the sun. Head thumping furiously against the tiniest twitch, soreness emanating from shoulder cause ripples of pain to flood the body. Memories lapse as she tries to piece together how she found herself to be here. Her eyes squeeze shut as she tries to ignore the footsteps as they get closer. Please think I'm asleep! Please!
Feet stop inches from her face as she feigns sleep. A sigh of annoyance from the person towering above her, before they move away once again. Muscles relaxing, as the threat moves away. Eye squint open once again, the sun less offending than the first time though still a problem as they adjust to the light. Head calming, she slowly turns to her side, she moves as quietly as possible so not to gain attention. Dry mud digs into the softness of her cheek, grass blades tickling nose causing her to squirm and blow them away. Clothes stiff, dry and uncomfortable, cut against her skin. Hands press against the arid ground grass giving slight cooling relief against the rough texture of mud.
Eyes gritty, throat dry, she tries to remember why she is lying on the floor of a forest. It comes back to her suddenly.
Curses fly past you, inches from your face, water clogged mud ground, slowing your ever step. You're fighting to stand as well as fighting for your life. Masks of death sneer and laugh as they surround you. Feet, your running, running away. More curses as you come face to face, not with a mask of death but the deliverer. Instead of metal faces you face off against what remains of a human. Skeletal body, gaunt features, cold calculating eyes. Ice cold clammy hands holding you prisoner, as the deliverer of death forces you to watch its master. Death such an art form only to be experienced once, and yet so fleetingly short compared to years that build you to that last second.
She gasps as the memories assault her, so powerful it takes her seconds to gather her thoughts. Hazel orbs focus on the task at hand, she looks around to find herself alone. A fire crackling a few feet from her, a pot of food sitting inches from it. Her senses smell the remains of a soup, her nose greedily taunting her empty stomach as it takes in the wonderful smell. She sees the flask of water sitting innocently next to the pot, her throat begs for relief. She wants to stand, but isn't sure her legs will hold her. Wasn't it dark earlier? The logical part of her mind asks, but her instincts are telling her to find food and water. They sit so temptingly closer, that she tries to get to her feet. Her arms fail to support the notion of standing and her feet slip from beneath her.
Holding back the shriek of pain caused by jolting her shoulder she glances once more at her conquest. Tearing her eyes away she looks down at shoulder, her jacket ripped completely around her shoulder, her t-shirt cut and bloodied. She can see the jagged marks on her shoulder, half healed, but so easily to be reopened accidentally. She only half healed me? Bitch!
Covering her wound the best she could with what little clothing she had, she feels her stomach shift as though trying to eat itself. Taking one quick look around she begins to crawl. Her shoulder protests, but she pushes it aside. Fingers dig deep into the hard ground as she drags herself the last few feet. Hating the fact she has been reduced to such a state, knowing that this must be some sick twisted thing of Bellatrix.
Shaking hands reach out, fingers brushing the flask of water. A foot stamps down on her wrist as she gives an involuntary cry of shock. Hazel eyes meet the black depths of one Bellatrix Lestrange.
"Filth Mudblood," She spits hands snatching the water away from her grasp. "Taking what's not yours."
She lifts her foot away, leaving bright red marks on the retreating wrist of Hermione's arm. Wary eyes track the course of her captor as she circles the girl on the ground.
"Didn't your parents teach you any manors?" She growls, pushing the girl onto her back with the tip of her foot, digging it painfully in to her good shoulder. "Of course they didn't they're nothing but filthy muggles."
"Fthe.." Hermione gasps the curse on her tongue rasps out through her chapped lips.
Bellatrix smirks, "Thirsty?" She coos shaking the flask in front of her face.
"Please!" Hermione breaths out, barely audible even in the quiet forest.
Laughing she throws the flask down several feet away from her. "Use your magic, oh of course mudbloods don't have any without stealing wands. You're powerless."
Hermione watches the witch saunter away, obviously pleased with herself. Bellatrix wand nestled against the witch's robe, she caught glimpse of another and knew that to be her own. Anger unlike any she felt before shakes Hermione from her submissive pose, she turns her attention back to the flask. Powerless my arse!
"You could always earn..." The words die on Bellatrix tongue as she turns to survey her Mudblood. "Are you listening to me?" She snaps realising the girl concentration on the flask.
Bellatrix could have sworn she heard the girl whisper no before summoning the flask to her outstretched hand. Open mouthed; she stood in surprise as the flask slipped into the girls filthy fingers, her nimble finger unfasten the lid and defiant eyes flash at Bellatrix, before she takes a swig of the water.
"Bitch!" Bella curses stalking towards the witch.
The girl drowns the water in mouthfuls making sure to take quick breaths in between. Bellatrix doesn't take her eyes of the girl who is still watching the Death Eater stride towards her. The water obviously helping to give the girl strength back, she sits up, sliding back inch by inch. Bella matches hers.
About to move the flask away knowing if she drinks too much it would likely cause more damage than good, Hermione moves to hand it back to the witch. A rough hand grabs the back of the young witch's hair, while the other takes the flask. She was expecting the dark witch to throw the flask away and curse her. She doesn't.
Holding the girl in place, she jerks her head back, the girl whimpers from the movement. Bella makes use of this and forces the flask to the open girl's lips. The water slips freely and the witch's eyes widen.
"Drink up!" Bella growls.
Struggling against the grip holding her in place, water sloshes out the corner of her mouth, Bella lips slip into a thin line. She presses her knee into the wounded shoulder which holds the Mudblood in place, tears leak from the corner of the girl's eyes, as she begins to choke, she flails with panic.
She's going to drown me alive! Hermione's mind screamed and she lashes out, trying to shake the woman of her. When she feels she can take no more, the flask is brought away and her head pushed to the side. She gags, the water spewing from her mouth as she splutters, trying to take a breath. Her lungs protest from lack of oxygen as she coughs uncontrollably. The hand in her hair tightens and she squirms.
"Ask next time and I may be more lenient!" Bella growls, "What do we say?"
Still trying to find her breath, Hermione's mind races for an answer. "P..Please." She gasps unsure if it's the correct answer.
"My my you are a dim mudblood, I was told you were smart! What do we say when Bella gives you something?" Bella taunts.
Gives me something? Does she think she's being kind? Angry eyes turn to look back at the dark witch behind her.
"You want me to call you Bella?" Hermione mocks.
Slap! The stinging pain exploded across Hermione's cheek as Bella pushes to her feet.
"Stupid of you Mudblood, call me Bella and I will make my act on the Longbottom's seem merciful compared to what I would do to you."
Hermione did not need to be told twice, she would at least refrain from winding the witch up until at least she had some way of defending herself physically. Without her wand, she would have to find some sort of weapon until she could get it back.
"Well get up!" Hermione jumped at the cruel tone of Bellatrix's.
A cold hand gripped the young witch's arm and hauled her to her feet. She wobbled slightly before finding stability, she glanced at the older witch who was cleaning up the remaining items of their camp. Not that there was much except for a blanket and basic cooking utilities, she did remove any evidence of the fire. Why didn't she just let me struggle? Why did she help me? Hermione shrugged of the questions as the Death Eater turned to her, with a raised eyebrow. Must be in a hurry.
"Hurry up Mudblood haven't got all day." Bella ordered, she watched as the girl stumbled slightly, uneasy on her feet before catching up to her.
Bella kept pace with the girl not wanting to let her drag behind. It would give muddy an opportunity to escape and she wasn't going to have that. Why did I help her to her feet? Well she obviously didn't have all day to wait for the girl to get to her feet. After her horrible attempt earlier, she couldn't spend time waiting for the mudblood to struggle. We have all the time in the world. Her mind whispered, apparently her inner voice was conspiring against her. Instead of arguing with her inner voice, she turned to her surrounding taking in the beautiful forest they so happened to find themselves in. She ran her hand over the exotic plants as they made their own track through the forest. She glanced at the Mudblood beside her, she was holing quite well. She had refused to fully heal the girl, not that she feared the girl could overpower her. No, she just did not want to chase the girl, it would cause delays and she enjoyed putting the mudblood in place.
A muffled hiss rose her from her musings, she gave the girl a withering look noticing that she was clutching her injured shoulder. Pushing their way through the trees was obviously affecting the half healed wound.
"What?" She ground out she could make the mudblood beg.
"Nothing," Hermione answered, earning her a surprised glance.
"Then why are you making noises?"
"I'm an expressive person." She bit back.
"Really, how expressive do you get?" The older witch asked turning her full attention on the blushing witch, Hermione turned away from the inquisitive gaze.
"You won't make noises at night will you? I do like my beauty sleep." Bellatrix couldn't believe how easy it was the wind the girl up.
"No, what? No what the hell is wrong with you?" Hermione shot back flustered.
"You're too easy." Bellatrix laughed picking up pace.
"Do you even know where we're going?" Hermione asked struggling over a fallen tree.
"Yes and doesn't it bother you that you don't?"
The young witch didn't answer just scowled at her captor, noticing how the witch had picked up pace. It wasn't long until the wound on her shoulder had opened slightly, trickles of blood slipping down her arm. She tries to ignore the burning sensation, soon noticing that she was starting to pant a little heavier. She wasn't sure how Bellatrix knew where she was going the place looked all the same. She did find it slightly unnerving how the forest was quiet. Not even a single bird chirping, no rustling of trees in the background, only the crunching of leaves beneath their feet, the noise swallowed instantly.
Bellatrix stopped suddenly causing Hermione to run into the back of the witch.
"Sorry." Hermione murmured stepping back.
She watched the witch eyes sweep over the forest, was there something out there? Were they lost?
"This way." Bellatrix uttered cheerfully be jumping down a slight ditch.
Sighing Hermione jumped down behind her, stumbling and cursing before righting herself. She straightened up and walked straight into Bellatrix who stood facing her.
"Wha..." Hermione began, but cut off instantly who raised her finger.
Moving like a cat, she took the girls injured arm in her bigger hand. She could see the questions bounding around in the mudblood's eyes. Shaking her head at the girl who was desperate to ask questions. Her fingers grasped the remaining material that hung loosely from the girl's tattered jacket. Giving a firm tug, the sleeve ripped off. Ignoring the look the girl gave her, she quickly cleansed the rag with her wand before wrapping the material around the injury. She made a make shift bandage and stepped back to approve her work. It would hold for the rest of the day, no point healing her without giving her food, the girl would spend half her time throwing up.
Turning away from the questioning eyes, she began a brisk walk, she didn't need to turn round to know the mudblood was following her. What was that? Why did you just help her? Bella ignored the voice, concentrating on the uneven ground in front of her. Why?
"Thank you." Hermione said softly.
Bella couldn't understand why the mudblood was thanking her, she had used the girls own clothing. Wasn't exactly any hardship to her. Because she couldn't do it herself!
"Um," Hermione started pausing slightly.
"What?" Bellatrix growled back already regretting the decision to help the mudblood. Of course you regret it! Bella shook her head trying to shake the voice.
"Bellatrix," The mudblood said timidly as though unsure how she would react. Of course she's unsure you didn't tell her what to call you! She's a mudblood! Well she obviously has a brain, she snapped back at the voice, stopping instantly. Why was she defending the mudblood?
A tap on her shoulder spurred her from the inner battle she really wanted to curse the little mudblood. She turned to glare at the girl, but her attention was looking back the way they come.
"If you're thinking of running!" Bella warned.
"There's..." Hermione started her eyes searching the forest, she could swear they were being followed. "I think we're being followed."
Bella rested her chin on the mudblood's good shoulder, the girl going rigid beneath her. Paying no attention to the girl her eyes traced the forest behind them. She leaned in whispering in the girl's ear...
"Of course we are...