Hermione looked at the Muggle man in front of her. He was average hight, with greasy hair and a slick smile. It was obvious he wasn't a good man. It didn't matter though, she would try her new curse on whomever her cousin Sebastian delivered.
"I know who you are, and what you've done," she began, circling him just as her mother taught her.
"Listen little girl, I don't know who you are, but you better let me go," he growled.
"Surly you've heard of my mother? Jane Granger," she asked, smirking as he went pale.
"The butcher? You're the butcher's daughter," he asked, squirming in the chair he was bound to.
"So you do know who I am. That means, you know what's going to happen to you, if you don't cooperate," she said, amused by his fear.
"Your lyin' ain't no way your the butcher's daughter," he tried, she'd give him that.
"I would listen to her, she has quite the temper," Jane said, finally coming out of the shadows.
Tom watched, intrigued by the fear Jane instills in his cousins captive. She's good, for a Muggle.
"Alright! What do you want," he said, looking at them both.
"I want Felix dead, by your hand," she said casually.
"What? Are you crazy? The whole Blancher family would be gunnin' for me then," he said, struggling.
"The way I see it; you do it, you die. You don't, you die. Slowly. Your choice," she said, smirking.
"Then kill me," he yelled, shaking.
"I thought you would say that," she said, pulling out her wand.
"What are you doing," he said as she pointed it at him.
She didn't answer, but he soon found out with a flick of her wrist. He screamed in agony, twitching the longer she held the curse. After a moment, she let him go and he leaned forward to vomit what little was in his stomach.
"You know," she started, dragging a finger across the back of his chair,"the mind is most vulnerable when in immense pleasure...or pain."
"What-"
"Caecus fide," Hermione cut him off, flicking her wand .
He stopped talking, and looked at her. She grinned, standing in front of him.
"Now John, I need you to do something for me," Hermione said, uniting him.
"Alright, lets hear it," he said, crossing his arms.
"Your boss, Felix Blancher? Kill him," she said, leaning on a table.
"That all? Alright, anything else," he said gruffly.
"My mother will direct you if I need anything else. Now go," she said, letting him out of the house.
The all piled out of the dungeon of the Blackstone castle, and Tom and Hermione retired to her study.
"I must say, cousin, I'm impressed. What was that curse you used," he asked, smirking evilly at her.
She looked at him with a cheeky grin, her amusement lighting up her slightly red tinted hazel eyes,"I tried out the imperious curse, and decided it lacked real power. All it did was let you control someone, and the tasks they preform aren't done with their true potential. Caecus fide, however translates to 'Blind loyalty'. If you weaken someone's mind enough, it's easy to break in and mold beliefs to your advantage, insuring loyalty for up to months if wielded by a powerful caster. The only draw back is, after a few uses on one person it slowly drives them mad, like any other unforgivable."
"Interesting. I must say, Salazar was right about you; the power you have is amazing for someone so young," he said, nodding his approval.
"Thank you, cousin," she said, looking out the window.
"I have a task for you. Upon it's successful completion, I would like you to join me in my cause," he said, watching her.
"I am always willing to help family," she said, knowing it was something he couldn't trust his Death Eaters to do properly.
"Several of my top ranking Death Eaters are being held in Azkaban. I want you to free them, quietly," he said, gliding as gracefully as a snake across the floor until he reached the wide windows.
Hermione gazed at him thoughtfully. She refused flat out to be placed in the roll of a Death Eater, this he knew well. So what-and she knew there was one-was his plan? She noticed he looked out at the gardens with an almost peaceful gaze, his shoulders relaxed as they only were when they were alone and he was protected by strong family ties. She realized with a start, that he trusted her. Or, more accurately, he trusted in the blood ties the shared.
She was a Slytherin through and through, she looked after her own and would crush anyone that tried to stop her. She knew he saw everything. They way she watched Wormtail with careful eyes, least he try to betray her family. The warmth that she held for Sebastian, a warmth that she had slowly started to feel for him.
She didn't try to hide the fact that she didn't trust him fully, but that was only because she didn't know him. He was family, yes, and she would help him always, but that didn't mean he gained her trust purely from family ties. He's trying, though. She can see him relax around her, consider her thoughts on some things, and the ultimate act of trust was when he allowed her parents to be in his presence. She was quick to assure him, they were the only Muggles worth leaving alive, she wouldn't hesitate to attack any other. In her mind, when all the other Muggles turned their back on her, they stayed firm and tore down anyone who tried to harm her. If only they had magic, they would be the perfect Slytherins.
"Give me a week to form a plan," she finally answered.
"Of course. I wish you luck cousin, you will need it," he said, looking back at her with his glinting red eyes.
_
"We go at dawn," she said, looking at Sebastian and Lucius.
"And how do we get passed the Dementors," Lucius asked snidely, glaring at her.
"I scouted out the layout. There is an alcove near the bace of the prison, inside is something the Dementors want more then prisoners. You will retrieve it and bring it to me before we go in, once we've planted the bait, only the human guards are left," she said, smirking.
"Clever," Sebastian said, sharing a smirk with her.
She gave him a knowing look as Lucius grudgingly agreed it was a good plan. Not waiting for a response he promptly left, causing Sebastian to grunt in annoyance, and Hermione to roll her eyes.
"Every since Tom told me about this mission, I've had the strangest feeling," she mused out loud, relaxing into the plush leather chair.
"What kind of feeling," he asked, fixing himself a scotch.
"It's hard to explain. I just feel like something important is going to happen," she sighed, mulling it over once more.
He sat across from her, watching as she became lost in thought. Sebastian was unsure of what to do, should he interfere or allow her to deal with it herself? There wasn't a clear choice on the matter, so he resolved to keep a careful eye on Hermione from now on, that's all he could do. After all, he had heard her mother speak those very words shortly before she had met Henry, and look how that turned out.
"Go now Lucius, so we can finish this," Hermione commanded, getting a scowl from the much older man.
She and Sebastian watched as he braved the howling winds near the shore, before disappearing into the small cave. Once he was out of sight, she motioned for Sebastian to follow her up to the prison.
"Shouldn't we wait for him to bring the bait," Sebastian asked, keeping an eye out for any stray Dementors.
"No," she replied simply, sending a stunner at a stray guard.
"Why not," he inquired, looking at her for a second.
"Because he is the bait," she said, ginning devilishly as they watched the black figures all fly to the cave.
"Good idea, I'm glad I won't have to drag him around," Sebastian said, grinning gleefully.
The two made their way into the building, Hermione casting the obedience curse-as Sebastian had dubbed it- on anyone in their way. Finally they made it to the Wardens chambers. Sebastian opened the door, and Hermione stepped in, her black robes billowing behind her as the man look at them in confusion. Luckily, she wore a half mask and her hood was up, otherwise he would have seen her face.
"Where do you keep the Death Eaters," she asked calmly.
"I'm not telling you. You have no right to be here," he growled.
"Sebastian," she said, and he smirked.
The warden fell into his chair, screams pulled from his lips helplessly as Sebastian held the curse on him. Hermione placed a hand on Sebastian's arm, and he dropped the curse, still smirking. She looked up at her cousin and smiled in thanks, and he just shrugged. She looked back to the helpless man at the desk, and he glared weakly back at her.
"Will you tell me, now?"
"Fuck you," he hissed.
"Have it your way," she sighed, placing her hand on Sebastian's shoulder before leaving them both in the room, he gave a nod and she closed the door.
Five minutes later, a smug Sebastian walked out of the room, a bloody cloth in his hand, and told her where they needed to go. The traveled up several flights before coming to the last where there was a brick wall blocking her way.
"Blood ward," Sebastian said, placing the cloth onto the wall.
The stones moved and shifted to allow them entrance. Crazed screams met their ears the moment the walked through, and Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Find the LeStrange brothers, I'll find Bellatrix," she said, scanning the cells.
It didn't take long, the woman was practically screeching her lungs out by the time she got there. When she came into view, Bellatrix pressed her face in between the bars, eyes wild. She let out a mad cackle as Hermione stepped closer.
"Hello love, how's about you step your pretty little self a bit closer, I don't bite hard," she said, grinning.
"I'm here to get you out of here, I'm sure you know of your masters return. Stand back," she said, pulling out her wand.
Having learned wordless magic for simple spells, she swished her wand at the hinges of the door, causing the door to fall forward. She threw her mask away, brushing bangs out of her face as she looked at the insane woman before her.
"What are you waiting for? We don't have much time," Sebastian yelled, pulling the LeStrange brothers behind him down to the coast.
"Come," she commanded, pulling on the skinny woman's hand.
"Not yet," Bellatrix purred, eyes fixed on Hermione's body.
Hermione ignored her with a smirk, watching with amusement as Lucius tried to fend off the Dementors with weak spells, his hands shacking as they were barely kept at bay. Bellatrix, never one to be polite, laughed her ass off at her pathetic brother-in-law.
Taking amused mercy on the the blonde, she saved him.
"Expecto Patronum," she said, and a large silver snake flow from her wand to wrap around Lucius and causing the dark figures to flee.
Too shaken to argue, he left with the rest of them after they cleaned up their mess. Hermione had left a decoy Bellatrix in her old cell as well as the others, and obliviated the wardens mind. Tomorrow, the Death Eaters would come and make a scene while 'breaking them out' and none would be the wiser.
"Follow me," Hermione said, leading a dirty Bellatrix down a hall into a room next to hers.
The pair walked in and Hermione snapped her fingers. Twinkie appeared, blinking up at her with his round eyes as he waited instructions.
"Find Bellatrix some clothes that fit her and draw her a bath, make sure Dotty is preparing dinner," she said, and he grinned at her happily.
"Yes, Mistress," he squeaked, before leaving.
"Where is the Dark Lord," Bellatrix snapped, eyes darting around the room before settling on Hermione's calm face.
"He will be here shortly, he had business to attend," Hermione said, moving to the door,"Dinner is in an hour, don't be late. Oh, and don't harass my elves."
With that, she closed the door, leaving a bewildered Bellatrix behind.
The dining hall was filled to the brim with Death Eaters, all listening to the announcements the Dark Lord was making. A few cast glances to the empty seat next to him, and to the imposing redhead standing next to it.
As if on it were planned, both men's heads turns to look at the door as Hermione walked gracefully through it. She smirked when Sebastian got her seat for her before sitting down. She nodded a greeting to her pale cousin and looked up at the Death Eaters at the table.
"There is someone very important I'd like you to meet. This is Hermione Blackstone, my cousin and also another Heir to Slytherin," Tom announced, causing whispers to flow in the hall, and confused glances.
Hermione smirked evilly, her hazel eyes glowing with a dark humor that put some on edge. Bellatrix however, gazed at her with hungry eyes, soaking in the blossoming teen before her. She was drawn to the dark Ora that oozed from the girl, something she'd only seen from her master. Hermione caught her stare and teasingly licked her bottom lip, before looking away again.
"It seems you have an admirer," Tom hissed, not wanting to draw attention.
"I'm sure it's nothing," she hissed back, brushing it off.
"I highly doubt it. My dear Bellatrix is never one to have an obsession that wasn't about killing someone," he replied, amused.
"You don't seem terribly upset," Hermione said, raising an eyebrow,"I thought you didn't approve of what was it? Ah yes, 'senseless human emotion'."
"There are always exceptions to rules, after all you are family. However, should you choose to pursue this...courtship, she will not be pulled from her field missions," he said, obviously uncaring about the whole thing.
"You really never cared about emotions in the first place, did you? You just told them that to work them harder. Clever," she said, amused.
"Yes, well it worked. I could care less what they do in their free time, as long as it does not interfere with my orders," he said, bored.
"Well that's fine. However, I doubt it will matter considering its just a passing fancy of hers. I'll see about getting a pretty witch to warm her bed," Hermione replied, uncaring.
"We shall see, cousin," he smirked.
"I have news," he stared, getting everyone to look at him,"I will be leaving the country soon for a few weeks, and Hermione will take me place. For that time, she has all of my power. You would do well to listen to her orders, those who don't will suffer her wrath."
If Hermione was surprised by his announcement, she didn't show it. She continued to look at her nails as people talked among themselves. Once the meeting was over, she left to head to her room. She ignored the dark figure following behind her, curious as to what she has planned.
"Hello, Kitten," Bellatrix breathed, coming up behind Hermione as she entered her room.
"What do you want, Bellatrix," Hermione asked, turning to look at her.
"Oh, where to begin," Bellatrix purred, stepping closer.
"I have no time for you games, what is it?"
Without a word, Bellatrix pulled her flush against her, her ample cleavage pushed against the younger woman. She tilted Hermione's head up and kissed her roughly, biting her bottom lip. Hermione hissed and pulled away, a drop of blood rolling down her lip.
She glared,"What the hell are you doing."
"I was trying to seduce you, before you interrupted," Bellatrix growled, dark eyes flashing dangerously.
"Nothing is going to come of this little passing fancy, so find another witch to bother with it, or maybe you should go fuck your husband," Hermione hissed, removing her from her room and closing the door.
She heard crazed screeches as Bellatrix banged on the door, rattling the thick wood. She rolled her eyes and placed a silencing charm on the room. She was NOT going to have another psycho stalker girlfriend. She just got rid of the last one. What is it with Slytherin girls being batshit crazy?
"You never did tell me why Pansy snapped and went crazy on you," Sebastian chuckled, after she told him what happened last night.
"I refused to allow her to touch me," she said, shrugging.
"If I remember correctly, you two couldn't keep your hand off each other," he said, looking at her.
"I never said I didn't touch her. She was fun enough, I guess, but it was just a little screwing on the side. When she kept insisting I let her touch me too, I cut her loose. She completely snapped, yelling at me about how we were perfect for each other and that we would be married. When I said I'd never marry someone like her, she burst into tears and went on about how I took her pureness and used her. I left after that, and I guess that's when she went around the bend," Hermione said, chuckling at the memory.
"Heartbreaker," Sebastian teased.
"Ha-ha," she said dryly.
"So what are you gonna do about Bellatrix," he asked, relaxing.
"Nothing. She'll get over it," she sighed.
"What if she really likes you? You did say something important was going to happen the day we got her from prison, what if it was her," he said logically.
"...we'll see," she said, thinking it over.
"I think it is! Trust you to want the craziest person in the world," he joked.
"This is too much drama," Hermione grumbled, grabbing some Floo powder.
"Where you going?"
"I need a distraction," was his only reply before she was gone in a green flash.
He never noticed the lone black figure slinking back into the hallway. Bellatrix frowned, unsure of what to think at the moment. But she did know, she would get her answers.