Okay. I know it's been forever since I've updated, but I have my reasons and I'm really sorry to those of you who've been following this story. I'm surprised there are actually people are interested in the story. So, thank you to everyone who's been reading/following/liking/reviewing.
Currently, I'm stuck inside due to that massive snowstorm that's running amuck along the East coast and since I'm sick and tired of writing stories for work/school/applications, I'm taking a break to put my mind at ease (at least for a little while).
Ready… Set… READ!
Chapter Seven
Hermione woke up the next morning draped in sheets. She stretched and yawned, her toes spreading like a cat's would. She looked around through heavy lids and saw that she was alone. Sighing, she curled up under the blankets and shivered as the winter sun filtered through the window. A darkness inside her began to spread through her chest, remembering that she had yet to hear of any sign from the Order or Harry or Ron. Stifling tears, she hugged her stomach, afraid she would be stuck in the Lestrange mansion until Bellatrix grew bored of her and killed her off. She wondered how much longer she had to live and rose from bed.
Dressed in a plain black dress, Hermione made her way through the winding staircases elves or servants would typically use. She listened for Bellatrix as she drew closer to the dining room, but once she made her way around the corner, she saw that the room was empty and dark. Raising her eyebrows, she peeked around the corners of each entryway. No sign. She shrugged and walked over to where the dark witch usually sat, placing her pale hands on the back of the chair.
If I sit here, she'll probably walk in on me in her chair, she thought. Then again, perhaps she's left for the day. Maybe she'll be gone longer… She let her thoughts run away with her imagination and she toyed with the idea of running away. But I can't apparate without my wand and she's kept it hidden—probably with her own.
She sighed and considered attempting to escape. Holding her breath, she walked through the first floor of the mansion, her heart speeding up as she grew closer to the front parlor. She could see the two large, black doors and she ran, her feet pounding against the marble floors. Just as she reached out for the handle, Bellatrix appeared in front of her, almost out of thin air. Hermione screamed and skidded to a stop, nearly running into the woman.
"Where do you think you're going, Mudbaby?" Bellatrix brought her hands to her hips, her right hand dangerously close to where her wand hung from the holster.
"I-I," she stammered. She took a deep breath and rushed, "I heard someone knock at the door so I figured I should answer it."
"Huh," Bellatrix raised a perfect brow and spun towards the door, flicking her wand while it slowly swung open. She peeked out, looking both ways and shut the door looking back at Hermione, giving her a knowing glare. "Interesting, Granger. I haven't had visitors who would knock in decades. I find it odd that now that you're here, someone would knock. Who do you think would have the nerve to pay me a visit?"
"Your sister?" Hermione gulped and backed away, knowing very well what was about to come.
"No… She just appears." Bellatrix shook her head, momentarily distracted. But Hermione's movement reminded her of the predicament and she sneered, grabbing the girl behind her neck and dragged her away from the door.
"You know, little girl, you just bought yourself quite the painful punishment. Not just for an attempted escape, but for lying. If you're going to lie, to me especially, you should really work on that skill." Bellatrix continued dragging a pleading Hermione down a cold, dark stairway to a floor she didn't want to know existed. Bellatrix flicked her wand as they entered total darkness and the tip lit the way. Hermione looked around and began to scream apologies.
"Please, Bellatrix, I just wanted fresh air! I didn't think I would actually get anywhere! I wouldn't have been able to! I would have probably died out there!" Bellatrix threw Hermione into a cell and slammed the iron grates shut. Peering in, Bellatrix sneered.
"You're lucky I don't kill you right here, girlie." She stepped back and aimed her wand through the cell. "Crucio!"
Hermione fell to her knees, crumpling to the floor as she writhed in pain. "Stop! Stop, please!"
Bellatrix cackled, flicking her wand again, continuing the curse. "That's for using my name, Muddy. I never granted you permission to do so!"
The last thing Hermione could remember was another red jet of light flying from Bellatrix's wand. The rest was darkness.
###
She didn't know what the time was, or how long she'd been out, but Hermione knew she was in deep trouble. Startled awake by slamming metal doors, she gasped, listening to unfamiliar footsteps approach her cell. She rolled onto her knees, her body sore from her punishment, and crawled to the bars.
"Harry?" She squinted and saw an outline of a deer patronus. But she paused when she couldn't find the antlers. "Who is that?"
There was no answer and the patronus faded as a cloaked figure made its way to her, following the soft glow of the wand leading. She squinted harder and realized that she would not yet be saved.
"Snape," she hissed, scooting away from the bars.
"Hush, Granger." He tucked his free hand into his robes and pulled out a folded piece of parchment addressed to her. "In case you feel like putting your life on the line again, perhaps it would be wise not to. Unless you wish for your friends to risk saving their corpse of a friend."
"Friends? You mean…?"
"Yes, Miss Granger, we have prepared a plan. Now I expect you to behave to avoid any further mistakes with your captor."
"Why can't you help me now, Professor?"
He simply gave Hermione a look of frustration and she realized right away how stupid the question was. She shrugged and nodded, understanding that he had to continue his charade as a Death Eater.
"Thank you." She opened the letter and began reading it. The ink was red and glowed orange like flames.
Hermione,
Hi. How are you? It's Ron, by the way. Harry and I are working on a plan to get you out of there. Snape told us you're still alive and—I swear to Merlin if that bloody lunatic tou
Hi Hermione. Ron was getting a little carried away and I thought he would tear the parchment. We're coming for you, so just hang in there, okay? We haven't forgotten you, Mione. Stay strong.
—Harry and Ron.
A tear rolled down Hermione's face and she let the parchment fall to the floor, where it broke into flames. She jumped, but realized that was why they chose that particular ink—it was bewitched to destroy secret notes. Crabbe had once used it in Charms class as a mistake and his entire notebook had burst into flames when it was knocked to the floor.
She watched the embers glow and finally disappear. She looked up and Snape had left long ago. Alone again, she tucked herself into a corner in her cell and hushed at her stomach while it growled, begging for food. She knew she wouldn't be released for a while…
###
Bellatrix sat with her heels crossed on the dining room table, reading through another issue of the Daily Prophet. She snorted when she saw the article about Hermione's disappearance and eyed the photo. She hadn't seen the girl in three days and was startled to see how beautiful she was when she was free. Bringing the photo closer to her, she noted the wise smirk across the girl's face while looking at the redheaded buffoon, Weasley. With a CRACK, a house elf appeared with a tray of a coffee pot and a large mug with the Slytherin crest etched into it. She waved her hand and the tray floated to the table and then shooed the elf away.
Pouring the coffee, she froze, listening to movement around the house. She placed the pot back on the tray and stood, wand in hand, when she noticed a flowing black cape make its way into the room. She rolled her eyes and relaxed, falling back into her chair.
"What is it, Severus? I'm busy."
"I'm certain you are, but I've come to give you some news." He took a quick breath, pausing. "It's about the Order."
Bellatrix growled and her eyes darted to a chair at the table. Snape knew what that meant and sat two seats away from her, keeping a gap.
"They understand Granger is held captive, but not where. I suggest we clone her, perhaps? Bewitch an elf and feed it polyjuice? Send the fake to the Malfoy's, which is where they'll stop first, and keep the original here."
"Why is this again?"
"If they don't find her at the Malfoy's, they will continue their search elsewhere, thus it will lead them here."
"What makes you think I can't handle those two little brats? I'll be ready for them, Snivilous."
"I have taken this up with the Dark Lord and he agrees that my idea will prove to work."
Bellatrix snorted, giving in. "Fine. I suppose you have the potion then?"
"It's brewing, Bella, I haven't the time to cater to you day and night. I have a school to run as well." Snape stood and was gone before Bellatrix could fire a snide remark—or spell—at the wizard. She frowned and sat back in her chair, staring at the mug.
"I suppose I should feed the little imp," she mumbled to herself and stood, the coffee mug in hand.
