Alright, on time for this chapter (Let's all appreciate it while it lasts, haha.. I have to move in a couple of weeks and together with work I'm not sure if I can do weekly updates for a while. But I'll try my best, promise! I'll take that moment to thank you all for your lovely support. You have no Idea how much it means to read your reviews and see how much you actually care for the story. It gets the feeling across I got when I started reading fanfiction and got into my favorite stories…reading that from you guys is really the greatest feeling for a first-time-writer. Thank you all so much!
So, next Chapter, enjoy! (I am a little ill and dead tired, I hope I didn't make a lot of mistakes .)
Chapter 10 – Chocolate, Ice and Firewhiskey
„We are looking for some trouble tonight
We wanna party like a g6 Looking for those hot chicks
I said get out the way
I wanna rock the dance floor
I got the moves
You got the keys for the backdoor"
Eskimo Callboy, We're the Mess.
The next morning they went to breakfast as usual, Dee's and Hailey's voices thankfully attached to their vocal cords again. They only sounded a little hoarse today, which also could originate from their loud bickering, that apparently had went on for hours before Hermione had rescued them.
While Hailey went off to Care for magical creatures, Dee and Hermione had decided to work for their homework for the next week, to take some of the stress from the incoming weekend.
As lunchtime arrived, a gleeful Hailey reported on her last class.
„Well, today Professor Kettleburn actually showed us a Bicorn, which was pretty awesome and dangerous on both accounts, he hopes to gather its horn in about two month from now, so we learned how to take care for them and.." Her face became pouty at that point. "...in the end, how to trick them, steal their beloved horn and destroy the potential friendship we would have built with the animal."
„A friendship, yes?" Dee asked drily.
„His name is Spencer and I could never do this to him."
„Of course you couldn't."
"Anyway, thankfully, Black's mood wasn't too foul today, so we had an almost relaxed lesson. Bicorns can get really dangerous when angered…"
„What do you mean by that?" Hermione asked curious.
„Dunno, she just didn't tease anyone of us or tried to taunt the animal into something. I would daresay she was in a good mood, beats me why but I won't complain, mind you."
Hermione didn't say anything, just chewed on her lunch, deep in thought.
It wasn't until she heard the rustling noise of feathering next to her that she looked up again, as a mostly grey barred owl landed near her plate and stretched out a leg for her to take a small, scribbled note which was attached on it. Hermione opened it curiously. Who would send her letters, McGonagall maybe?
Are you free tomorrow? If you like, we could continue our conversation from yesterday. We could meet after breakfast. There is a place behind the lake with a small Pavillon that would be perfect. Just send Scida with your answer. Don't worry, she wont fly directly to me but bring it to my dorm room.
Regards, B.
Hermione thought it through for a bit. She was mostly finished with her homework and had planned to continue with the Waterhouse-research on this weekend. But, she finally had to admit, she was at a point were the library wouldn't help her much more. She needed to take action soon. If only I found that small detail…I know it has to be somewhere…
But, on this regard, extending her break from it would not be too bad, so she took a small piece of parchment and wrote her agreement to Bellatrix, which she fixed on the leg of the owl again, after treating it to some toast. The bird allowed her to nuzzle her neck a little, then flew of. As Bellatrix promised, not directly to her, but out of the great hall. Hermione had only a short time to muse how an Owl would get into the dungeons, when someone interrupted her wandering thoughts.
„Something interesting?" Hailey asked, eying Hermione.
„Oh, only a short note from a friend from home how I am" Hermione quickly replied.
„Ah, I see. Must be hard without them here, right?"
Hermione smiled sadly at that. „You have no Idea."
The day stayed uneventful, after she organized her meticulously taken notes from history of magic about the formation of the wizengamot, Hailey and she went to see Dee at Dinner. Dee suggested, after they worked on the remains of their homework – it was really amazing how she never had to persuade the girls in working, oh the merits of being a Ravenclaw – to spend the rest of the day lazy, so Hailey got them some hot chocolate from the kitchen while the others claimed their favorite seats near the fire. Sipping at her drink contently, Hermione was watching the crackling fire when Hailey let out a long sigh.
„How awesome would it be to have a television right now?"
Hermione chuckled. „Quite, I guess. But then the students would work even less, don't you think?"
„Depends on the program."
„Tevelisions were those things you could watch small people in, right?" Dee asked curiously.
„I never understood why muggle-studies aren't mandatory." Hailey replied drily, while Hermione snickered a little and started to explain the correct use of a TV to the pureblood-girl in front of her.
By now, she knew she liked both of the girls by heart, both remembering her, in some aspects at least, of some of her friends.
Dee's almost non-existing knowledge about the muggle-world reminded her a lot of Ron, even if her mostly layed-back and calm character sometimes remembered her of Harry's. Hailey was a lot more like Ginny, maybe a tad more studious and apparently completely untalented in Quidditch. While they had some resemblances to her friends, they were still very unique in their way. Dee seemed like a calm girl on the outside, her interest in experimental magic again showed she still had a little crazier streak to her than the common knowledge was. Hailey on her part was creative and empathetic, even if often over the top and probably talked more than Hermione herself. The Now-Ravenclaw smiled and nipped at her Chocolate again.
If she had been born to this time, she mused, the three of them would probably have grown pretty close over the years, if the hat had decided to put her in Ravenclaw. What he said he would have, she thought with a small frown, but pushed the thought aside for now. She imagined to meet those two girls on her first ride to Hogwarts, Dee telling them about the magical world, while Hailey and her would have listened and in return tell Dee about their world. They would have been together in their first attempts of the pure-bloods to harass them about their heritage, would have stand strong together and maybe could have made an influence even then.
She would have been part of their first Quidditch lesson, where she and Hailey would've failed together, they could have laughed, could have been close friends without her secret lingering above her like a dark shadow.
And maybe I could have been an earlier and genuine influence on Bellatrix, without worrying about the timelines. I guess there isn't only physical damage long-time-travel could do to your body. Hermione thought sadly, when she considered, that, in a few month, she would probably never see the girls again. Save Bellatrix, and I am pretty sure I don't want to meet her in my time again.
„Say, Jay, next week is the first official Hogsmeade trip. You probably have never been there, right?" Hailey asked the unusually quiet Hermione.
Hermione shifted a little. „Uhm…no, it's pretty new to me I guess. I vaguely know how the village is organised, though. I've read a lot about it."
This was only partly lied. She had never been to this times Hogsmeade, even if she doubted a lot had changed over the thirty years. If Hermione knew one thing, wizards didn't seem to comfortable with rush changes.
„You will be absolutely amazed, I just know" Hailey nodded to herself.
The brunette smiled. „Yeah, probably. I am looking forward to it." Hailey and Dee grinned at her. „You should." Both said in union.
„We also have to buy supplies for the Halloween-Party." Hailey said, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.
„I have almost no firewhiskey left."
Hermione raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything. It wasn't lost on the other girls, though. Hailey and Dee both rolled their eyes at their newest friend. „Really Jay. One could think you never did something against the rules before you came here."
„More often then I like, to be honest."
The next morning, Hermione was awake early and also a little jumpy when she stood up. Both other girls tended to sleep longer if they had the chance, but she couldn't bring herself to go back to sleep, since today she would meet up with Bellatrix again.
She quickly finished her morning routine and went in the great hall for a quick breakfast. She overlooked the Slytherin-table, but under the few students Bellatrix was nowhere to be seen. Not surprising, since it was still pretty early.
She made her way out to the grounds of the castle. She didn't exactly knew where that Pavillon was, since she could not remember it still being there in her time. She carefully made a wide distance around Hagrid's Hut so the half-giant would not get to see her, they were way to close friends later to meet in this timeline.
She didn't need too long to find the Pavillon, even if it was pretty far away from the castle, near the forbidden forest. The Slytherin probably chose that place because almost nobody would go that far out or near the forest. Hermione mused, while sitting down in the small wooden structure. It was a pretty place, you could overlook the lake and the castle as well, while not being seen in return. Hermione had been around a lot the castle and it's grounds, but could absolutely not remember this place. It let her immediately wonder if it had been destroyed, since it was quite lovely here, the isolation only enriching the quite magical atmosphere. Or maybe she just never noticed this place. Still, it was a waste either way. When I return to Hogwarts in the future, I'll check on that.
Wouldn't seem strange if one or two unicorns would start playing here. The brunette mused while taking out a book from her enchanted bag. She had quite some time until Bellatrix would arrive so she could as well relax for that reminder.
But it wasn't even 5 minutes until she heard a voice behind her.
„You're pretty early, aren't you?"
Hermione was a little startled when she turned around. She didn't hear footsteps or anything when the witch got closer to her. Stealthy. Bellatrix crooked her head to the side and held up her hand as a greeting, standing at the entrance of the Pavillon.
„Could say the same to you" Hermione said, smiling to the dark witch, . „And I only just got here as well. Needed to find this place first, mind you."
„Right." Bellatrix said, frowning a little while slowly coming closer and sitting down next to Hermione. „Sorry, didn't think about that, I should have explained it better."
Hermione only waved her hand. „Was easy enough to find."
They were silent for a few moments, until Bellatrix caught eye of the book.
„The metamorphosis?"
„Yeah, It's one of my favorite books from the muggle world."
Bellatrix shifted a little closer to get a glimpse of the short novel. „Tell me about it?"
Hermione smiled. „It's a story about the traveling merchant Gregor Samsa. One day he wakes up and his body has changed into a giant bug."
Bellatrix looked with wide eyes at her. „Like an Animagus? Can muggles do that?"
„Haha, no, this work is purely fiction. Well, let's rather say, it's all highly metaphoric. At first, his family tries to live with the new ‚him', since he can't change back. Bit the situation with him grows worse and worse, until he finally dies, out of his own wish. It's a deep and melancholic story and, in it's own way, beautiful."
Bellatrix remained silent at that, obviously thinking about what she had heard from the brunette.
„It actually sounds pretty amazing." She finally said with a slight smirk. „And who would have thought you would be into the creepy stuff? A giant insect, really?" Hermione huffed a little at that. „Well, I appreciate good literature. And if you want, see for yourself." She threw the thin booklet into the other witches lap. „You can borrow it, have fun reading."
Bellatrix looked again at her. „Really?"
„Sure, I have read it often enough. I'm sure you'll like it." Hermione smirked. In the end, sharing knowledge was one of the things she could easily use to get closer to the dark witch, since it was kind of the reason for their encounter.
„Thank you…" Bellatrix said astonished, while browsing superficially through the booklet before putting it in her own bag.
„Men changing in giant insects…" She murmured. „If muggles are on thing, they're inventive, I guess." It let Hermione smile again.
„Soo… let's see how good we can clarify them good ol' pureblood-believes of yours." Hermione tried to start joking, only to receive an quirked eyebrow from Bellatrix.
„No, really. Tell me what you think you know about the muggle-society, apart from the stuff I told you a couple of days ago. It's also pretty interesting for me, since I really don't know what the pureblood-societies view on us is. Of course I know it can't be good, but nevertheless."
Bellatrix shifted a little. „Well, okay, but I guess this will be pretty embarrassing. From the few things you told me, I gathered that almost everything I heard up to that point is pretty much bollocks."
Hermione looked at her, more serious now. „That's not embarrassing. You are not at fault for being falsely educated and it's highly respectable of you to want to do differently, since you had the feeling something didn't add up."
Bellatrix looked again at her, now twisted, chewing on her bottom lip again. „And", Hermione said with a wry smile. „At least you knew all along the muggles existed. For me, you had only been parts of fairytales until I was eleven. I only had the chance to learn from more open-minded people than you."
Bellatrix still looked unsure of herself, but nodded. „Okay you're right. I'll spill. But only if you promise to tell me about those magical fairy tales afterwards, okay?"
„Deal." The brunette grinned.
After that, they developed a game of some kind. Bellatrix started with a statement her parents or fellow purebloods had made about the muggle-world and she would try to gather from Hermione's expression how wrong that suggestion was. Hermione had of course known that the pureblood-view on muggle-borns and muggles had been twisted, just how twisted really was the icing on the cake for her. Mostly, she could not decide if she should be angry at how blunt those people were able to lie to preserve their own view of the world, sometimes she found it completely hilarious, though.
„Once my parents told me that muggles aren't able to craft decent clothes for them."
Hermione quirked an eyebrow and a smirk tucked at the corner of her mouth.
„Oh, and what are we wearing, then?"
„Uhm, well…" Bellatrix said, obvious highly uncomfortable with this particular subject. Hermione grinned a little wider at that display of awkwardness.
„The leaders of your… tribes are clothed in crude animal hides…and…and the other people…"
„Yeees?" Hermione almost could not hold her laughter at the moment.
„…the other people are going na..ked…" Bellatrix sighed, a slight blush of embarrassment about this creeping on her pale cheeks.
At that point Hermione broke out in uncontrolled laughing fits. „Oh my god! I can't believe it. How is it possible this was even established between purebloods? It is like you never had seen a muggle in your life!"
Bellatrix pouted. „Well..I didn't, I think. Mother and father wouldn't let us near them. As a child, it sounded rational to me…"
„Hahaha, I can believe that. And how did this work for muggle-born magic-students? Imagine Professor McGonagall between a hoard of naked people trying to get to one child, with a robe for the kid, explaining that it has to wear this now and please come with her?" Hermione felt tears emerge from the corners of her eye. „Oh god, this is too much."
By now, Bellatrix had fallen with her into the laughter, that image of the stern teacher between a bunch of naked wilds really was too hilarious.
„Soo…" She said after she had calmed down „Care to tell me the correct tale?"
„Sure." Hermione said, while wiping of the leftover tears from her cheeks.
„First, what I wear right now are muggle clothes. And I have never been naked in public, mind you."
Bellatrix eyed Hermione's clothing consisting of a pair of sneakers, jeans, a jumper and a light jacket above. „Looks more practical than wizarding clothes."
„Yeah, because I like to wear it like this. Believe me, there is a wide range of highly unpractical and uncomfortable muggle clothes out there."
„Why would they wear those?"
„Fashion."
Hermione let Bellatrix muse a few moments over those newly won knowledge. Then, she snickered again.
„Okay, what I gathered by now is, that you primarily think that Muggles are still stuck in the stone-age, right?"
„Stone-age?"
Hermione sighed inwardly and silently agreed with Hailey. And next to muggle-studies, muggle-history should also be mandatory. With that, Hermione started to explain, extremely superficial, the different parts of the human history, beginning from the stone age. When She reached the middle-ages, Bellatrix frowned.
„This sounds awfully familiar somehow, at least in some parts."
Hermione smiled at her, sadly. Well…yes. In some points, the wizarding-society lives a lot like they had in the middle-ages…"
It let Bellatrix frown become deeper.
„And the muggles have developed that much since then? Looks like complete dependence on magic wasn't the best thing we could have done…"
Hermione shrugged. „Muggles grow more dependent on technology as the days come by, that's probably just the same."
„Technology..you mean stuff like cars?"
Hermione was amazed how quick Bellatrix was on the uptake, knowing this little about the muggle world but nonetheless developing connections. She nodded. „Yes, like that. And a lot more, but this would go to far right now, I think."
She looked at her watch. „And lunchtime just started, we better get back to the castle soon. It was amazing how quickly the time had went by. Bellatrix was an eager listener. And since she seems like she wanted to know everything about the muggle-world, the flow of questions never ended. Even now, Hermione saw the slight pout on her face. It let her reconsider.
„Well…I have some rather unhealthy muggle-snacks in my back, we could eat here and then go for a little walk? I still owe you some of the muggle-fairytales, I think." Hermione smiled at the black haired witch next to her, even if she felt a little unsure. They already had talked for several hours and maybe it would become to much for the other witch. Even her closest friends could not listen to her constant babbling for so long.
Suddenly, Bellatrix started to beam in a way, that let Hermione be happy she made that suggestion. „That would be awesome."
With that, Hermione opened her small back and started searching for their lunch. After one or two minutes of fruitless searching, she lost her patience. „Oh, for god's sake, this bag…accio!
With that, the required items flew into her hands. Bellatrix raised her eyebrows when Hermione produced two small bottles of water, some sandwiches and two chocolate-bars from her bag.
„I doubt this is muggle-made, then?"
Hermione shrugged. „Well, in some cases wizards clearly outmatch muggles. Here." She handed the food to Bellatrix. She had used a charm to keep the food fresh, what would work for at least 3 month. No refrigerator could do that, at least.
„Well, at least in some cases…" Bellatrix muttered darkly, thanked Hermione for the food and started nibbling on her Sandwich.
While eating, a comfortable silence emerged between them, only interrupted by Bellatrix twice, first, when she asked Hermione about the strange material the watter-bottle were made off – Plastic – and when she complimented the muggle society on their skills in chocolate-bar-crafting.
After their quick lunch, both of them could not stand to sit around any longer, so they decided on a walk along the lake. While walking, Hermione told Bellatrix three of her favorite childhood-fairytales. Which consisted of Snow White, the Little Mermaid and the Beauty and the Beast.
Bellatrix had to smirk at her name-resemblance to the Heroine of the last story.
Bellatrix, in return, rewarded her with one of her favorite childhood stories. Or rather, a memory, since she experienced it herself around the age of 10. Apparently, she and her sisters, before they entered Hogwarts, had tried to steal some of their parents brooms to go on a little detour to look at the place beforehand. Bellatrix and Andromeda could fly at that time, Bellatrix put Narcissa simply in front of her on the broom, and off they were. Their parents caught them after about half an hour and gave the girls the worst curfew order of their lives. Even if Bellatrix insisted they would've made it to the castle, especially since she almost escaped their parents servant who was in charge of catching them at that time.
"It was the moment I knew I would go for the Quidditch try outs." She finished the story next to a gleefully laughing Hermione.
The day had went on way quicker then both of the girls had anticipated. When neither of them had the energy to walk any further, they sat down near the lake, knowing soon it would be a goodbye for today.
„Can I ask you one final question?" Bellatrix wanted to know after a while, hugging her legs close to her body.
„Of course." Hermione said, mimicking the raven girls action.
„What do you think is the most impressive thing about muggles and muggle-society in general?"
Hermione had to think about this for a short while, until she settled on her answer.
„I think, it would be their ability to adapt. Regardless the situation, they use their abilities to the fullest, gathering knowledge in every available direction. There isn't a „not possible" for muggles.
Bellatrix was silent for a while and than said, with a surprisingly haunted voice. „Yes, I imagined you would say something like that."
When Hermione looked at Bellatrix at how her voice sounded, her eyes widened. Bellatrix still hugged her legs close with one hand the other was cramped in her mass of black curls, revealing red shimmering eyes to Hermione. „It sucks, really."
„What exactly?" Hermione asked carefully.
„I was really scared about our meeting today, you know." It was more of a statement than an actual question on the Slytherins side.
„Why?"
„Because I knew I would be dumfounded and wrong-proven by what you would tell me. That you would proof everything wrong I ever learned about the muggle-world my whole life. That a huge part of my life was just a fucking lie."
Hermione was a loss at words, but Bellatrix went on, talking herself in a frenzy. She heard hurt pride, sadness and confusion.
„I don't even know where to start! First, I feel like a total idiot! Obviously, I had my doubts about what my parents told me, but I can't believe how far it is from the actual truth. And I don't even know a fragment of that world. I know NOTHING, for god's sake. And what about my family? Do they really believe what they're saying? Or were they manipulating us from the start? How idiotic! Muggles seem to be amazing, developing their abilities to extends we could not even dream off while feeling superior because of our magical abilities that most witches and wizards aren't even capable of handling correctly. What stupid, fucking ARROGANCE, for merlin's sake. And the forsaken purebloods are the worst. It will be our fucking downfall someday!"
Bellatrix smashed her fist out of frustration against the grass beneath her.
Hermione just looked at her, mouth slightly open. It came down to her how hard this had to be for the other witch right now. She felt like she was tricked for her whole life, from her family nonetheless. And, Hermione had to admit, she was. It felt surreal to hear those words from one of the proudest purebloods she had ever known in the future. She would have never dreamed that the witch could be so thoughtful, so self-aware.
She was at a loss how to comfort the Slytherin next to her, but decided she had to do something at least. So, awkwardly she put a hand on the shoulder of the girl, who had put her head between her knees by know, arms circled her head and legs as if she wanted to protect herself.
„Right now, you are the absolute evidence that this scenario is totally avoidable."
„How did you work that one out?" The girl in question said, turning her head to look at the brunette between her curly hair.
„You know, I think you are a lot like Belle from Beauty and the beast. No, hear me out." She said when she caught the look on Bellatrix face. „All the villagers were prejudiced of the beast, who, in the end, was a shining prince. Maybe the comparison is a little off, but you are the one to break through that prejudice and look behind the facade. That's quite amazing."
Bellatrix actually smiled a little at that.
„And" Hermione added cryptically. „Maybe there are others within the pure-bloods who think like you? Who aren't dense enough to ignore the evidence either." Thinking about Andromeda. The sisters are so close right now..why can't they reach each other about the most important thing?
Bellatrix sighed and sat up straight again. „Maybe…who knows. Ugh, those earth-shattering insight always give me a headache." She said, half-jokingly. „You won't happen to have any firewhiskey or muggle-alcohol in that nice bag of yours, would you?"
Hermione snorted at that in good humor. „Sadly, no. I am not too good ad holding my liquor, you know?"
Bellatrix smirked mischievously at her. „Critical information you're giving me here, Gabor. I bet you're hilarious when drunk."
„Sadly, we'll never find out." Hermione said drily.
„We'll see on that. The Halloween-parties in Hogwarts are legendary."
Hermione crooked hear had to the dark witch. „You know…Muggles also celebrate Halloween. It mostly consists of people dressing up in strange costumes."
„Really? All the people?!"
„Well, mostly children. They dress up in some cute costumes as vampires or zombies and knock on doors to get sweets. And, I guess, a lot of people in their teens or twenties, even if it's mostly in the context of highly slutty dresses and a lot of alcohol."
Bellatrix gave her a queer look. „Your people have some weird traditions."
„High, coming from you."
„Touché, I guess."
Hermione looked at the Sky, which color had changed from blue to a creamy orange in the last hour.
„I think we should head back, shouldn't we?"
„Yeah, probably, starts to get a little fresh anyway."
They stood up and slowly started to walk back to the castle.
„Thank you, Jean, really. I appreciate your effort." Bellatrix said earnestly.
„It was a pleasure, really." The brunette smiled.
At some point in front of the castle they stopped.
„Well, I guess you'll go first in the direction of the dungeons, I just wait here for a minute, alright?"
„Sounds good." Bellatrix nodded. „Well, good night then." Before going, she quickly squeezed Hermione's shoulder with her hand as a last, thankful gesture and vanished in the direction of the castle.
When Hermione entered the castle soon after Bellatrix, neither of the girls did notice the figure that entered shortly after both of them.
The three Ravenclaw Girls spent an uneventful yet relaxing Weekend, since they had finished their homework during the week. No late-pleading from her friends to let her see her notes really was refreshing, even if she had to admit she even missed that otherwise annoying fact about her ‚future'-friends. Hermione also knew she was somehow lazy about the whole Cataract-affair now, but she had come into a low concerning this subject. She couldn't shake the feeling she had overseen something important which should be obvious. And she really hoped it would come to her soon, but she had spent hours over hours on thinking about this and just felt like the break was the best thing she could to right now. And nothing felt better at the moment than listening to Dee's and Hailey's excitement about the upcoming Halloween-party. Apparently, directly after the party in the great hall, which mostly lasts until 22 O'clock, most of the students from the fifth to the seventh year from every house would meet up in another location at the castle to celebrate for themselves. When Hermione asked if the teachers would be okay with that, Hailey only rolled her eyes while Dee answered with a sympathetic smile.
„For good grace the students choose another location every year. The teachers are nice enough to let us have our fun, as long as we don't do anything over the top. When we come to class obviously hungover, we sometimes get detention. But if you don't overdo it, you're safe."
Hermione thought about it for a moment, then smiled. „It's nice to see the different houses to be so connected to each other and not only compete für the House Cup."
Dee and Hailey looked at each other, then shrugged. „Well, sure..would be strange to hate each other because we are in different houses, right? Sure, some of the Slytherins can be giant jerks, like the oldest Black and Malfoy, but you can talk decently with some of them." Dee said. Hermione shifted a little in her seat but otherwise remained silent.
„And her younger sister is pretty nice." Hailey interjected, shrugging again.
„Narcissa?" Hermione asked, curious.
„No, Andromeda. Well, I don't know about Narcissa since I've never really talked to her. Most of the Snakes look pretty much down on me, but Andy is different, though." Hailey said, without the need to explain she was referring to her Muggle-heritage.
„Maybe there are more who don't think like that as you think." Hermione said vaguely, thinking of her meeting with Bellatrix.
„Well, yeah, but if you're in Slytherin and openly spread your friendliness about muggle-borns you won't have an easy life anymore. You're seen as a blood traitor and will be treated equally to them." Dee said drily.
Hermione sank back in her seat, looking out of a window where she saw the sun slowly sinking to introduce the upcoming night.
„That bad, huh?"
„Yeah…sadly. Gladly, they're mostly civil, except for some idiots like Malfoy and the eldest Black."
Hermione scowled at that information, but remained silent, preferring to watch the sunset above than to discuss this specific subject right now.
The next week was relatively calm, even if Hermione started to become giddy again, since there was no progress with Waterhouse at all. It irked her without end, but she still didn't have that mental breakthrough she needed. Regardless, she was looking forward to their Hogsmeade-visit. She was curious how much the little wizarding-village had changed over thirty years. Probably not much, but still.
The other thing she had started to look forward were her now regularly meetings with Bellatrix.
This Tuesday, they had, despite Hermione telling her again a bunch of stories about the muggle world, mostly talked about the different jobs that were necessary in the muggle world to keep the society working, Bellatrix had been especially conflicted with the garbage collection – You actually need to collect trash? What the...– they had, at some point, started to talk about normal all day stuff. Their schoolwork for example. Bellatrix had even shown her one of her wrist-techniques for casting protection-charms, which would allow Hermione to switch quicker to the next one in combat. For that, Hermione treated the grinning Bellatrix to another of her now-favorite chocolate-bars.
The more time she spent with the dark haired witch, the more Hermione had to admit that she liked the girl. She was intelligent, studious and fought against the prejudice she knew she inherited like no one Hermione has ever met. She was confident, at least as much as with Hailey and Dee, that, if she had been born to this time, she and Bellatrix would've been good friends. She never seemed to mind if Hermione talked to much, even encouraged her to tell her more and never lost her interest in discussions they held.
They had known each other for only a short time, but Hermione already felt strangely close to the girl. It left her with a myriad of different and somehow contradict emotions.
Puzzled - still the overwhelming feeling when she thought about her current situation. Sitting with Bellatrix Black in the quire room, enjoying a chocolate – bar while talking about muggle stuff – because Bellatrix wanted it. What kind of fictional story am I in, really? Movies, besides, were another thing Bellatrix seemed to be really fascinated about - talking people in a box? But they are only recorded… I am not sure I understand, to be honest. This was probably one of the things you had to show instead of tell. Well, it was what a movie was all about.
Conscience-stricken - It was a feeling that often enough crept upon her, like a nausea. This was the future torturer of Neville's parents, the killer of Sirius and who knows how many other crimes. Whenever Hermione looked at Bellatrix, she felt like she saw a shadow of what she would become in the future. And that she interacted with her and even liked her… well, she basically felt like she betrayed her friends. She often had to remember herself that this girl was not yet the woman she would become later. And the more time she spent with her, it became more and more difficult to imagine this could ever happen. It didn't help her conscience, that she also had to lie to Bellatrix all the time, either.
Amazed - If Hermione needed to describe Bellatrix and would be completely honest, she would downright say she was pretty cool. Good looking, intelligent and an ace in sports. She sounds like the heroine of a high school novel. It's a shame her marriage will be arranged for her…
„–listen?"
„What?" Hermione was pulled out of her thoughts when she realized that Bellatrix had said something to her. „Sorry, come again?"
Bellatrix rolled her eyes. „I just asked you if you listened to me. But I could just answer this for myself." She said with a wry smile. „Before that, I asked if you will go to Hogsmeade this weekend."
„Ah, sorry. Eh, yes, Hailey and Dee will show me around a little." „I see." Bellatrix said and suddenly had a weird look in her face. Hermione couldn't really pinpoint it, but if she needed to guess it would be – relief?
„You going to?"
„Nah, I've been to Hogsmeade often enough, don't really need it. And since I'm not in charge of the booze for this years Halloween-Party, I don't really see a need to go."
„Understandable." Hermione nodded. „When I was a kid, my parents used to take me to the same amusement-park every year. At first I really loved it, but later I begged them we could do something else instead, visiting a museum or something like that."
„And what exactly is an amusement-park?"
Hermione grinned. „You would love it." She started with her next explanation on Amusement rides, Ferris Wheels and ghost trains.
The week went off quickly and the hogsmeade-weekend soon rolled by. Hermione really felt a little excited, since she hadn't anticipated to visit the city anytime soon since she never actually planned to return to her seventh year in Hogwarts. So it was really welcome when the Ravenclaw-Girls drag her out into the fresh morning air to go to the city. She actually had asked McGonagall if she could go, but from her side it had been no problem.
„Since you're of age Ms. Gabor, I don't see any problem with you going and it would not be in my authority to forbid you that." Hermione nodded, thanked her and turned around to go again, when the older witch asked. „While you're here, is there any progress with your, lets say „task" at hand?"
Hermione shifted uncomfortably. „I think…there might be…in the future" She finally said. „But it still has to be seen." Professor McGonagall only nodded at that and dismissed her.
Hermione technically hadn't lied, she still hoped there would be something in the „future" she could do, even if it was a pretty tensile choice of words.
So she was happy, to, once again, ignore the matter at hand and just enjoy her day with her two companions. They had promised her a full tour of the city and took their task pretty seriously. First, they visited the post-station with hundrets of owls delivering different tasks as they flew in and out with a deafening sound of squeaking, crawing and screeching. They strolled along the village after that, looking in different shops for books, quills & inks and also went to the joke article shop. In one giftshop, Hermione bought presents for Harry and Ron, both would get Shirts from their favorite Quidditch team. Hermione snickered. This is like living Quidditch-history, I guess. Then, they went to the honeyduke's to eat a decidedly unhealthy snack, their next stop would be the shrieking shack. Much like in Hermione's third year, they leaned against the fence to look up to the building. While Hailey did a little explaining, Hermione had a narrow smile on her face, remembering her adventures in that building.
After that, it was nearly afternoon by now, they had decided to go to the three broomsticks to warm up a little. When they sat in a relatively quiet corner, hearing the distant chatting of other costumers, mostly students today, they let out a content sigh in union when their Butterbeer arrived. Served not from the curvy Madame Rosmerta that Hermione would know in the future, but from a leaky young man in his twenties. „So…what do you think? In general?" Hailey asked curious after sipping from her drink.
Hermione, who had tried her best to show a face of curious-excitement for the whole journey, since supposedly she had never been to the village, grinned at the other girls. „It was pretty amazing, alright." It still didn't feel good to lie to the girls, but the day had been amazing. It just wasn't as new to her as they anticipated.
„You probably already know, but this is said to be one of the first only-wizarding-villages in great Britain." Dee mused. „It's kind of exciting to be at a place were it kind of..began, right? The wizarding community and such."
A place were it began.
„If you are willing, first look at the prime, go to the place where it begins."
How could she've been so stupid!
She quickly rose, startling the girls next to her, who gave her a confused look in return.
„I, uhm, I have to go." Hermione stated. „I just remembered I forgot a part on my essay for Slughorn."
„Seriously?" Dee asked disbelieving. „You had a whole week for it, this isn't like you." „Well, I was just so excited for the visit and I just remembered…" Hermione trailed off.
„Well, sucks." Hailey said, not looking at Hermione, sipping her Butterbeer again. „But we showed you the most important stuff, we probably would have stayed her anyway getting drunk. So no harm in you heading back a little early. Good luck with the essay."
„Thank you, guys. See you later." Hermione said, and with a last look to their faces, she quickly trailing off into the night. She had a strange feeling somehow, it wasn't like Hailey to just let go on a matter that even Hermione had to admit was a bad excuse. Dee only looked confused when she left, Hailey however had a strange look on her face that bothered the brunette a little who now was halfway back to the castle. As if she knew something and actually tried to help me out…
Shaking this line of thoughts from her mind, she hurried back to the castle, coming back to the Idea that had forged a few minutes ago.
I think I had the wrong approach. I have to make sure.
By now, she had entered the castle and hurried to the library. The notebook was safely tucked away in her enchanted bag, but she had memorized the poem by now anyway. There was something else she had to look up again.
She always had thought ‚the place where it begins' would have been Hogwarts, since the infamous fifth house should be here as well. But maybe that was wrong. Maybe she had to look deeper, to go further…
„AAAAAAAAAARGH!"
Halfway to the library, she was ripped out of her thoughts when suddenly a huge quantity of ice-cold water washed over her, leaving her with an outcry of surprise and discomfort, not to mention in a puddle of icy cold water, wet to the bone.
„WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!" She cried out in a high pitched voice, she already began to shiver.
It was, when a group of 4 students, Slytherins, recognizable through their uniform, emerged from a near corner. She only recognized one of them for sure. An arrogantly laughing Lucius Malfoy looked at her, next to him tree other guys, all of them were bursting out in laughing over her drenched appearance.
„Oh my god, this really is the best catch so far. Never get's boring, really. Hey, Bella, come on and look at this, i bet you'll like it."
„Mh, this better be a good one, I'm almost bored of those first-years crying…" The haughty posture of Bellatrix emerged from the corner, a slightly bored look in her face. „Soo, who do we have here now..." She said with a sweet voice, turning her head slowly in Hermione's direction.
Bellatrix was one of the people with the palest complexions Hermione had ever met. But as soon as she laid eyes on their new victim, she lost the least bit of color she had had in her face. It would have been amusing, Bellatrix Black with a look on her face as a small child who was caught with a broken vase in her hand. It would have. If Hermione wouldn't have been so furious. She would not have been surprised if she would have dried herself by sheer force of ire right now.
Lucius only laughed more on that, missing Bellatrix' strange behavior since he only eyed Hermione. „Nice we got the new mudblood. Maybe you're cleaner now, what do you think? I doubt it for my part."
Hermione drew her wand. There were so much things she would like to hex the now young Malfoy and his friends with. Or maybe she would prefer a good old punch in the face like with his later son.
And Bellatrix. That treacherous…bitch. Hermione knew, even more since she saw Bellatrix expression, that it wasn't part of the plan to catch her here. She remembered something. That was why she asked me if I would go to Hogsmeade…so I would not notice what she's doing. From one second to the other, she became calm.
The five Slytherins were eying her, not used to a reaction like that.
She pointed the wand at herself.
„Siccio". As soon as she spoke the drying-spell, she felt warm and comfy again, at least on the outside.
„What, no fighting back, muddy? There really is not much willpower in you, right?"
„I just refuse to lower myself to your level, Malfoy." She said drily, wand casually at her side. „It's pathetic how you try to put yourself over others by bullying them in a group, waiting for your victims. It's sickening how weak you are."
Lucius growled. „You take that back."
„You can't take back words and actions. It defines the person you are, right here, right now." Hermione said calmly, walking by the group of Slytherins. When she was on eye level with Lucius, she stopped shortly.
She looked over the group of Slytherins, looking at Bellatrix, who stood in the back, for a second longer and met her gaze. The witch was biting her lower lip again.
„And right now, all I see is disappointment."
With that, she went away.
„Who would care if you're disappointed in us, muddy?" Lucius snarled. „I take it as a compliment. And don't just walk away from your betters. Stupefy!"
Hermione had waited for that. Since she had started talking she had slowly build up a protego-charm around her back, since she had anticipated Lucius to use unfair tricks to get to her. Trying to hit her with the jinx on full force, it bounced of quite effectively on her shield. The cry of the young blonde showed Hermione it had found another target. Without another word or glance, she went to the library.
Oh. A nice relationship development you've got here.
Would be a shame, if someone…
Fucked it up.
Nah, you could've guessed I wouldn't make it SO easy for the girls. That also would be a little too boring, I think you'll agree with me on that one. Right now I don't even know how much chapters this will going to have (pretty sure my calculation broke the 30 recently but thats the absolute minimum, planned Sequel (I expect excited screaming right now) not included.
(Again, I'm sorry. There are so much reviews I feel like replying to, but fanfiction and my email account don't always show me the same reviews and I get confused and forget to answer . But be sure I read and appreciate every one of them!)
Glokaa: Wow, it literelly is so awesome for me that someone ‚recommended' my story oO I feel friggin' honored, you can believe that! Thats awesome :) I'm so glad you both like it!
TimeClockz: That we'll se…well, in the future :D Thanks a bunch for the compliment!
SH4D0W44: Still funny? :D
Mandy: THAT would be telling, dear :D Do not fear, I love my fluff and this story will have plenty.
KSR: Well, obviously you were right about the setbacks. They're like a given in Bellamione-stories, I think. And how I would love to answer your questions, but we'll need to be patient ;) La: Thank you so much, you literally have no Idea how much a review like that motivates me :) No fear, even if I need a little more time for a few weeks, I absolutely intend on finishing the story.
Boomerang: Thank you so much :) Yeah..moving…I feel you right now, friend.
MilandaAnza: Nice guess, I admit, but not quite, so much I can say i think ;) Since Hermione just cut it out of her conclusion. But whoo knows what that girl is thinking right now, right? ;)
'Till next week, guys!