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Chapter Three: A Not-So-Dead Visitor

There was a loud thump from downstairs. It woke Hermione up with a jolt. She was sleeping well for the first time in weeks. She sighed and dragged herself out of bed with a groan. She went over to her dresser and grabbed one of her black maid dresses. She took her time putting it on because she really, really, really did not want to have to go downstairs and clean up whatever it was that broke.

Almost as if on cue a call declared from downstairs. "Hermione, come here now," Narcissa's jarring voice called from downstairs.

Hermione wrenched her door open with a call of "Coming Mrs. Malfoy!" She ran down the staircase taking two at a time. She really didn't want to have to clean up whatever it is that broke.

Nothing on earth could prepare her for what she saw when she walked into the parlour.

Bellatrix Lestrange.

Hermione's blood ran cold as she stood frozen in the entranceway. No it couldn't be. She was dead. Ron killed her. Hadn't he? He must have otherwise he had died in vain. But there she stood, with her long black hair, heavily lidded eyes, and her standard supercilious air around her. She smiled as she saw Hermione's reaction.

"H-how are y-you here?" Hermione managed to choke out.

"I have more than two sisters," Narcissa answered for her. Hermione realized that for once she was including Tonks's mother, Andormeda.

"Cissy, I do have a mouth and can address this filthy thing myself," Bellatrix shot a sneering glare at Hermione. Turning to her she said "Yes we do. Our third sister was my twin, the one who died killing your blood traitor boyfriend. Her name was Bronwyn Black." She finished with a conceited look.

A tear fell down Hermione's cheek at the mention of Ron. She quickly wiped it away so Bellatrix wouldn't see her cry. "W-why was she th-there in-instead of you?" Hermione asked, her voice shaking more from anger then from fright, her hands balled into fists at her sides.

"That is between me and the Dark Lord." She said with a final look at Hermione she turned to Narcissa. "I will be staying here for the next few days and want a room far away from the Mudblood."

"Well, since she sleeps in the attic you can have the only room on the main floor. Show her where it is," she added to Hermione.

"Yes Mrs. Malfoy right away, shall I get her some new sheets?" Hermione forced out with a slight bow.

"No Hermione, Helena already changed the sheets," Narcissa answered.

"Yes Mrs. Malfoy, this way Ms. Lestrange," she said to Bellatrix with a little nod down the hall. Bellatrix strutted past her down the hall with a smirk on her face. With a sigh Hermione trailed after her down the hall.

"Well, well, well, seems like little miss snooty has finally been put in her place," Bellatrix glared down at her.

"Well, when you think about it, I was forced here," Hermione tried hard but still some sarcasm oozed out of her.

"You DARE take that tone with me? I am your superior and you had better start recognizing it!" Bellatrix stared down at her, challenge in her eyes.

"You're not my boss. I am to serve the MALFOY family; I am very sorry Mrs. LESTRANGE," Hermione said and enunciating the word Lestrange while returning the glare confidently.

"Well, you just think you're so smart, don't you? One day that sharp tongue is going to get you into trouble, and that day will be soon, mark my words, that day will come sooner then you think."

"Were here Mrs. Lestrange, would you like me to get your things from the hallway?" Hermione asked forcing herself to sound calm.

"No. I will have another servant come and get my things. You may leave," Bellatrix dismissed her with a flick or her wrist.

I may, as if. Hermione shot a hostile look back at Bellatrix; before she went to go and see what the Malfoys would need done next.

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