Title: Masquerade
Pairings: TMR/FemHP, DM/LL, HG/BZ, SB/OC, RL/NT, NL/DG, dubious TN/OC, AG/OC
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or the quotes. I also kind of took the quote idea from another story. I don't own the language Druhir. I also don't own the Ancient Language from Eragon nor do I own the language of Quenya from Lord of the Rings. I just need them for my story to work and I don't fancy making up a language. I'm dedicated but not that dedicated.
Most of this language will not be mine and will be taken from various sources. The list goes on and on so I will not list them but as previously stated and now reiterated, the Elvish language is not mine. See…that rhymed.
Masquerade
By: Sistersgrimmlover
Chapter IX
St. Mungo's, London, England, Great Britain
Tuesday the 1st of September 1998
8:20 AM
Blaise Zabini stood in the doorway of his boss's office with obvious confusion. Healer Radbury was filling out paperwork for an emergency surgery that he had just completed days ago and Blaise knew that the patient was waiting to be discharged. But, that wasn't what was so strange about the entire scenario.
The gift surgeon had called him in two hours before his official day started.
"Healer Radbury?" he asked, quietly and the older woman looked up, serious brown eyes staring up at him and she gave a slight smile as she placed her quill back into the inkwell.
"Ah, Zabini. I did summon you early, didn't I?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Come and sit down. Lets talk about your progress in this program," Healer Radbury said, pushing her paperwork to one side of the desk and she reclined in her seat, waving her hand towards the chair across from her hair.
Blaise frowned but did as she requested. He sat in the chair, ramrod straight. Blaise had been raised to look as people expected of him. That was how his mother hunted. She became the ideal woman for every single one of her victims and he though he didn't wish to follow in her footsteps, he had picked up a few skills. Namely, becoming what people wanted you to be.
"What is it, Healer?" Blaise asked, quietly.
Healer Radbury laced her fingers together and she leaned into her desk with a stern look in her eyes. There was the smallest glimmer of amusement in her eyes but besides that, she was probably one of the most stoic people that Blaise knew.
"Zabini…Blaise, you're bloody brilliant. I hope you know that. You're a great student and you've known all the theory for what seems like years. This is very good. So, this means that you'll be working with patients next," Healer Radbury continued and Blaise's eyes widened and he knew that his eyes were the only thing betraying his utter shock at what Healer Radbury was telling him.
"So…I'll be skipping the seminar?" Blaise asked, monotonously and Healer Radbury nodded, with a smile playing at her lips.
"Of course. And you'll be working with our newest junior Healer. She doesn't aspire to be a mediwizard and a Healer like you. Most don't. It's probably why I took you on as am apprentice. To be honest with you, out of most of the applicants, you were one of the only ones that knew the difference," Healer Radbury said with a slight smile and Blaise couldn't help but look at her with a raised eyebrow and he shook his head.
"Then they don't have a passion for this. A Healer is a normal physician. A mediwizard is a field medic. Obviously," Blaise said, a sneer interjecting his voice and Healer Radbury chuckled, softly, a fond look in her eyes as she watched her favourite student in a very long time.
"Despite the fact that she isn't so ambitious compared to you, she's extremely gifted. Honestly, she could rival you," Healer Radbury said, bluntly and she watched as Blaise's eyes flashed and he smirked at her, accepting her sharp challenge as the most gifted student at St. Mungo's.
"I'm sure," he said, blandly though it was clear that he didn't believe it.
Healer Radbury restrained herself from bursting out into honest laughter and her eyes widened when she saw Blaise flash her a slight smile. It was a small smile but it was an honest to God smile on his face. It was the first time she had ever seen him smile.
There was a knock on the door and Healer Radbury's lips twitched into a smile.
"Ah, she's here. Enter!"
The door swung open and Healer Radbury frowned when Blaise stiffened, his nostrils flared and his eyes shining with malice. She turned to the young Asian stared at Blaise in confusion, her long dark hair falling to her waist.
"Blaise, this is Junior Healer Ch—"
"Cho Chang. I remember her. She played a prank on my sister when my sister and I were in our fourth year and she was in her fifth. Her little prank caused my sister's skin to peel off," Blaise said.
His voice was more frigid than Healer Radbury had ever heard it and she had heard Blaise become cold with patients whom didn't like to cooperate. They cooperated immediately after, fearful of him. Blaise only did that with the older patients that thought they were invincible. He was always so kind to the children.
But, Healer Radbury was really surprised that Cho Chang had ever done something like that. The young woman was usually the sweetest and she was always in the paediatrics ward. She was a kind young woman and she always did her work. It was almost as if she had some kind of healing touch with her patients.
"I…I did do that. But, I was younger and jealous. I hope that it won't interfere with our working relationship," Chang said, earnestly and Blaise turned to her and gave her a hard stare.
Healer Radbury almost shivered at the powerful hatred in his gaze. He hated this young woman with the burning of a thousand suns. She may have done his sister harm but to warrant all that anger and abhorrence she must have done something so much.
"It will not."
Healer Radbury couldn't help but feel that that was a lie.
Ministry of Magic, London, England, Great Britain
Tuesday the 1st of September 1998
8:30 AM
She ignored the stares that she received from the Ministry workers that swirled around her to their Departments. She felt a reassuring hand on the small of her back and she grinned over at Fay whom had a tentative smile upon her face. The girl's auburn hair was pulled back into a loose braid and she had a big bag thrown over her shoulder. Bella was sure that she had her battle robes within there.
"Daphne said that they're leaving around one-thirty, so stick around okay?" Bella said, softly and Fay nodded with a tense smile upon her face.
"It's just orientation today. I'll be in and out and then shipped off to the training academy for a couple months," Fay said, softly and Bella nodded a slight grimace upon her face as she thought of how all her friends were leaving her to go do their own thing.
Parvati and Padma were coming later to bid Neville and Daphne farewell before they proceeded to the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. There they would be tested to determine whether they were skilled enough in mind magicks to be Obliviators. Bella knew they would be even if no one else did. Anthony and Michael were both already in the Department of Mysteries, having been recruited just weeks after graduation. Bella hoped that Sirius would be their mentor.
Draco was planning to go with Xenophilius Lovegood to drop off Luna at the Hogwarts Express for her final year and Hermione was off doing something or the other. Bella knew that the young woman was becoming restless with being stuck in the house. People were beginning to question who she was as she was always seen with Bella. The young woman didn't have the necessary identification papers nor did she yet have a solid back-story.
"Just…show up for my wedding, okay?" Bella said, attempting to paste a grin upon her face but not quite succeeding and Fay's lips quirked and curled up into a half-smile.
"Yeah. Sure, I'll be there. Now. I've been explicitly told that I have to see you to the tenth level. The Department of Magical Criminal Justice is near the courts, I've been told," Fay said, amusement colouring her wry voice and Bella groaned in embarrassment.
"Oh, gods. Who told you to be my bodyguard?"
"I'm not allowed to say," Fay snorted and Bella rolled her eyes as they made their way towards the lifts and both attempting to ignore the stares they were getting from the other Ministry workers and the murmurs as the lift doors closed leaving just them.
"I really don't need you to bring me there, Fay," Bella sighed and Fay look at her from the corner of her eye before turning to look forward again, not speaking another word.
Bella continued. "I'm perfectly capable of navigating places by myself. I'm an adult and I think I can find my classes, yes?"
"We're not questioning your competency. We just don't want anything to happen to you. In Hogwarts, it was easy to keep watch of you. Even then, we were making sure that you're safe. Now…it'll be easier for them to get you. Catch you off guard," Fay said, gruffly and Bella sighed, knowing that it was best not to argue and she gave a slight smile to her friend and currently, bodyguard.
"So, now that Daphne is gone…who's going to be taking over my 'security detail', hmm?" Bella asked, teasingly and Fay looked down at the shorter witch, her lips twitching into a smirk.
"Me. I'm going to be an Auror. It'd be best if I were your bodyguard for now. The Dark Lord also spoke of another Auror whom would be watching over you. Auror Mitchell. We've arranged for him to be my mentor of sorts. He guards Azkaban and he's also a hit wizard. When Daphne returns, she's going to form a full security detail but until then…your stuck with me," Fay explained, her lips curling into a full grin now and Bella snorted as the lift doors slid open to reveal the tenth level.
The auburn haired young woman stepped out first and looked around before she waved Bella out. The brunette woman groaned as they walked past the various courtrooms and Bella stopped in front of the courtroom that she had been told to enter. She turned back to Fay and the young woman stiffened where she stood.
"I'll be back at twelve. We'll go to lunch together and then I'll escort you back to your courtroom. Do not leave without me," Fay said, her tone hard and Bella nodded, hearing the seriousness of Fay's tone and the other woman saluted her before stalking off back to the lifts with her hand upon her hip where Bella knew an Explosion Potion rested in a grenade.
"I won't. Have a good day, Fay!" Bella called and Fay looked over her shoulder, sparing a slight smile before she jogged towards the lift, not wanting to be late and Bella turned back to the door.
She smoothed her dark emerald robes and grabbed the locket that rest against her chest. She squeezed and it grew hot in her hand, giving her comfort. The corner of her lips lifted into a half-smile and she sighed. The young woman looked down at her diamond engagement ring over her black leather glove, before grabbing onto the sign of the Deathly Hallows hanging around her neck. She squeezed, tightly.
"I am Nikolai."
She grinned and pushed the door open and met the gaze of the instructor and the seven other students in the room, head on.
Platform 9 ¾, King's Cross, London, England, Great Britain
Tuesday the 1st of September 1998
9:45 AM
Astoria stared at her older sister whom was staring down at her with a slight smile. She had been the one to escort her to the train station as a farewell gesture. Her mother was in tea with Narcissa Malfoy and her father was in a meeting. There was a slightly disapproving look in her eyes but she had not mentioned Astoria's stint with Christine for the entire month of August. It was as if it had never happened at all. Astoria wasn't sure if she preferred that or not.
"Astoria…your sixth year of Hogwarts and I won't even be here for it," Daphne said, and she sounded so forlorn and sad about it. Astoria grabbed her hand and looked at her, imploringly.
"Then…why go?"
"You know why, Astoria. I made a vow and I intend to follow through. I will not die in this war and she will not either," Daphne said, firmly and stubbornly. They had had this conversation before. Astoria's flashed with anger and she grabbed both of her sister's hands and clung tight.
"Chwaer! Fi angen i chi mwy!" Astoria snapped, angrily. Her thick Welsh accent was brought to the front and caused several other departing students to look over at her. Daphne's hard expression faltered and Astoria was exposed to her sadness. She jerked her sister forward and enclosed her in a tight hug, running her hands through her sister's dark hair.
"Rwy'n gwybod, fy melys. Dw i'n gwybod. Mae'n ddrwg gennyf," Daphne whispered and she kissed the top of Astoria's head. Astoria knew that Daphne was not only apologizing for leaving her but also apologizing for Christine. Astoria shook in her sister's arms and Daphne pulled away and kissed both of her sister's tears.
"Goodbye…" Astoria murmured as Daphne took another step backwards. The older woman wiped away the tears that weren't there and she swallowed the lump in her throat.
"I'm doing this for you."
"What?" Astoria stammered and Daphne's eyes settled on her and there was an intensity within those blue depths that spoke volumes. Daphne's hands fell onto her sister's shoulders and she smiled.
"Everything I do…is to make a better world…for you."
Department of Mysteries, Ministry of Magic, London, England, Great Britain
Tuesday the 1st of September 1998
10:00 AM
Michael looked around in interest, his light grey robes protecting him from the inherent chill. The large hood that trailed down his back bounced as he walked. It was supposed to be hiding his face from even the other Unspeakables. Anthony stood next to him, in the same light grey robes that every trainee received on their first day. Michael looked at their mentor, a man with a pure black hood and robes. The robes were partially open over black leather trousers and long black hair spilled freely from the depths of his hood. It was quite clear to both Michael and Anthony who the man was, though they had to pretend that they didn't until he revealed himself at the end of the tour.
"Every morning, you will arrive here at seven-thirty. This is an early enough time. Most will not arrive at the Ministry until nine. Early comers will not think to harass you. They know the dire consequences if they do. Unspeakables are very protected and are very important people," the Unspeakable said and though his words sounded recited and as if he had spoken them time and time again, there was an amused edge to his voice.
"And…we are to train with you for how long?" Anthony asked, the wonder in his voice as he looked around the Brain room apparent and Michael turned his attention from the brains floating within the tank to the Unspeakable.
"Until I deem you ready to branch off. Then, you will select something specific that you'd like to study and will be taught further by those that are specialized in the subject you choose. We are here to study magic and how far we can push it to go. I have a feeling, however, that you both are quite interested in spell creation," the Unspeakable continued as they circled back around the circular room that they had started in and both Michael and Anthony exchanged excited looks. The Unspeakable snickered, quietly under his breath at them.
He crossed to the nearest door and pressed his palm against it. The entire room seemed to vibrate and the door clicked open. Anthony and Michael scurried forward with anticipation and frowned when they were led back into the Time Room. They looked over at the Unspeakable, bewilderment on their faces.
Sirius Black laughed as he pulled back his hood and he grinned.
"Yes, well. Before that, you'll have to sit here in build time turners. By. Hand."
Hogwarts Express, somewhere in England, Great Britain
Tuesday the 1st of September 1998
11:20 AM
Astoria looked up from her book, sharply as the door to her compartment slid open. She stared with narrowed eyes as Luna Lovegood, the gorgeous Elven Seer slipped into the compartment, her trunk floating in behind her. She sat down across from Astoria, a strange look upon her face. Her lips were twitching and she looked as if she were attempting to stop herself from smiling.
"Hello," Astoria sighed and she frowned in confusion when Luna's lips revealed her perfectly straight white teeth. She was donning the oddest outfit. A high mandarin collar led down to a neon green dress. It flared out at her waist and fell to her knees. She donned dragon hide boots and though it would have looked strange on anyone else, it simply fit Luna's odd personality.
"Hello, Astoria. How's Christine doing?"
Astoria stiffened before reminding herself that Luna was a Seer and not only that but she was also a close confidant of the Horsemen. She would know these things, especially when it so intimately concerned Daphne.
"She's…she's fine. I don't go out with her publically. I was chastised quite a bit for my front page kiss with her. I meet with her at her home," Astoria blurted and she flushed in embarrassment and worry. Luna leaned forward, her eyes wide and forlorn and she shook her head.
"No, no. Don't be worried. I won't tell anyone. I promise. Maybe Blaise but he approves. Remember…he loves Hermione, dearly," Luna said, softly and Astoria nodded, acknowledging again that she was not the first pureblood to have feelings for a Muggleborn. She carefully reminded herself not to think 'fall in love' because she wasn't quite sure if that was what she truly felt for Christine. Not yet, anyway.
"I know, he does. I remember how they acted around each other. They were not as…open as you and Lord Thanatos—"
"Call him Draco."
Astoria blanched but did as she was told. "You and…Draco are much more open. Bella and the Dark Lord are so passionately in love. And they…they simply are. I think…I think it's refreshing."
Luna's lips widened into a grin and she leaned back in her seat, not saying another word. Astoria frowned but saw that the woman was going to meditate. The other woman crossed her legs and there was silence. Just as Astoria was about to return to her book, the compartment door slid open again and Astoria felt her lips curling a soft smile of their own accord.
Christine stood in the doorway, looking ruffled in her button down white shirt and dark jeans. Her trainers were unlaced and her hair was combed strangely but it was still her. The older student crossed over to her and plopped down on the seat next to her and leaned into her side.
"Hey there," she murmured and Astoria gave a shy grin.
"Hi…"
The seventh year leaned in and pressed a firm but chaste kiss to Astoria's lips. Astoria flushed and she cringed away. Christine didn't seem to be upset by her rejection. She seemed more amused by it than anything. She turned back to Luna whom was staring with a slight smile upon her face.
"Hi, Luna," Christine said. Luna tilted her head forward but said nothing else. She stared, blankly out of the window and Astoria turned towards Christine.
"She's meditating. How are you?" Astoria asked. Christine turned to look at her, her smile disappearing and she stared at her Astoria.
"How are you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Daphne. Your sister. She's leaving today, right? How are you?"
Astoria laughed, bitterly. "You really want to talk about Daphne? She hurt you!"
"Yeah, well I had just had sex with you. I should have assumed that my girlfriend's older sister was protective. She was taught by Hermione," Christine acknowledged and just as Astoria was going to chastise her for being overly-forgiving, she processed all of Christine's words. Her cheeks turned pink.
"Girlfriend?"
"That's what you are, aren't you?" Christine teased with a grin and Astoria nodded, slowly. Christine beamed at her and pressed a kiss upon cheek.
"Good. And do you mind if I let people know that?"
Astoria's eyebrows furrowed.
"I…I don't…"
"People will care more about you dating a Muggleborn than you being a lesbian."
Both women turned to look at Luna. She was staring at them, expressionless. Christine frowned and leaned forward.
"How do you know?"
"Draco is bisexual. He…he prefers men over women, usually, and he never hides it. He prefers to make it known actually. I've caught him leering at a fair amount of men and women both. Not…not that I don't do the same. He's caught me staring. We even offer to share one…would either of you…" Luna trailed off with a wicked grin and both girls turned a bright red.
They shook their heads, sputtering out words.
"N-no. It's fine!"
"No thanks. I'm good."
Luna pouted. "Pity."
Hogwarts, Unplottable Location, Scotland, Great Britain
Tuesday the 1st of September 1998
11:30 AM
Colette Delacour rested in her seat, her hands folded in her lap. Albus Dumbledore sat at the head of the table, going on about what the week would consist of. She knew she should have been paying attention but it wasn't anything she hadn't heard before. Colette preferred to observe her co-workers instead.
The wooden doors flew open and Colette looked up. She rolled eyes when Tom Riddle stalked in, his eyes narrowed. He was late and he no one seemed disturbed by it. He also looked particularlyépuisé. Dumbledore smiled, benignly and he waved him towards his seat.
"Welcome, welcome, Tom."
"Don't 'welcome, welcome, Tom' me," Tom snarled and Colette snorted. Tom gave her a fearsome crimson glare before he stalked towards his seat and collapsed within it.
"Peut-être quelqu'un a besoin d'une sieste?" Colette snapped, scathingly and Tom hissed, dangerously at him. His hands were clenched into fists and he slammed a fist onto the wooden table. The occupants jumped and Colette looked at him with wide eyes.
"Shut up. I'm Portkey-lagged. I've been to America and back in the last fifteen hours. I haven't slept in twenty. I had to come back to wake up my fiancée and kick her out of the house so she could make it to the Ministry on time. Then I went back to America and then went to Egypt from there. I've been running around for fucking Dumbledore and arranging shit for him. I'm tired," Tom hissed, angrily and Colette reared back, holding her hands up in the universal sign of surrender.
"Well, zere is no need to zrow a tantrum," Colette said, uneasily and Tom hissed something unintelligible at her. He glared at Dumbledore with such ire that Colette was surprised that the old, wizened man hadn't yet burst into flames.
Dumbledore's smile had not left his face but he looked less certain than before. Perhaps it was because Tom was an unknown variable. Colette could see that the man was ruthless and when it came to certain things, he was sure that he would kill.
"You haven't seen me throw a tantrum," Tom said, dangerously and he looked back over at Dumbledore with narrowed eyes. He looked as if he were to say something before he turned back to look at Slughorn.
"I expect you to have a meeting with the Slytherins about tolerance," he bit out, sharply and most of the professors, if not all, stared at him in surprise. Tom's expression did not change but seemed to grow more annoyed and angry.
"Whatever for?" Slughorn asked, confused.
"Astoria Greengrass is a lesbian. She is dating a Muggleborn. That is reason enough. I will not have someone under my protection harassed because of her…tastes," Tom said, coldly and Dumbledore's eyebrow arched, regally.
"Under your protection?"
"Yes. Daphne Greengrass is my protégé's student. Thus, her sister is under my protégé's protection and thus under mine. The fact that my fiancée is making me do this adds to it as well," Tom snapped and Slughorn paled, dramatically. He leaned forward, a strange look upon his face as he went over Tom's words again.
"When you say protégé?"
Tom rolled his eyes at Slughorn's theatrics. "Yes, I mean Hermione Granger. She's really not that frightening, as you all seem to think. She's harmless."
Colette's mouth dropped open.
"'armless? It waz zaid zat she put a man in a coma and threw a sword through a student!"
Tom pursed his lips.
"Hermione Granger has one thing in mind and one alone. She lives for one purpose and one alone. She lives to protect her sister."
McGonagall's eyes flashed.
"So causing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in a student, killing three underaged students, and placing a teacher in a coma was protecting her sister, while allowing a war criminal to go free?" she snapped and Tom smirked.
"Well, of course."
Colette's eyes narrowed.
"So…what you are zaying iz zat Mademoiselle Potter wanted zis to happen?"
Tom sighed. "Mademoiselle Potter, wants a lot of things. War is not one of them. There would have been more harm than good if Snape had succeeded in harming the Dark Lord. I do not condone her actions with the murdering of students. Let that be known, but Hermione Granger had her sister's interests at heart."
Colette gave him a doubtful look but did not contest his words. He would known his own fiancée better than she would and if Granger was truly his protégé, he would know her better as well. The French woman had spoken to Granger a few times and when she had, the girl hadn't been completely there. She wondered if Riddle was simply covering up for the girl's insanity by speaking of Potter's best interests and such.
"I do know zem as you, so I cannot doubt you…" Colette said, sourly and Riddle smirked at her with that disgusting arrogance that riled Colette up so much.
"Then don't."
Ministry of Magic, London, England, Great Britain
Tuesday the 1st of September 1998
12:15 PM
Bella ignored the blatant stares that she was getting from the other potential lawyers. It was a small class of ten and an assortment of people from years before her and students from other countries, even. There was a Scottish girl named Elain whom was particularly nice with a brogue, which wasn't too different from McGonagall's.
She glanced back at the Instructor whom was casting her glances as she explained the inner-workings of the Ministry.
"Now, the Wizengamot serves as the high jury—"
Bella's eyes flashed. "Incorrect."
The Instructor blinked and looked over at her with an indulgent smile upon her face.
"I'm sorry?"
"The Wizengamot doesn't serve as the high jury in every case. In certain cases that have to do with the blackest magic is handled by the House of Families. The Wizengamot serves as a mediator and judge," Bella explained and the Instructor tilted her head as she observed Bella with annoyance and rueful respect.
"Well, then. I suppose you'd know better than I. It seems that classes are over for today. I will be seeing you all tomorrow," she said before promptly disappearing behind a door at the front of the classroom and Bella stayed seated as the other students began to stand, ready to leave.
One of the young men, a dashing, blue-eyed, blonde boy from across the pond stopped by her seat and flashed her a smile. Bella gave her own confused smile and tilted her head as he leaned down, his face just in front of hers. She felt slightly uncomfortable with him in her personal space though she didn't immediately punch him.
That had proven not to work when making friends.
"It was really nice to meet you, Bella," he said, his minty breath stinging Bella's nose and she flinched leaning back in her seat and giving him a cold stare as she realized exactly what he was trying to do.
"Yes. Nice to meet you too…Scott, was it?" she asked, her voice wintry and the young man nodded before he straightened and cast a glance at Elain whom was moving rather slowly and watching discreetly.
"Yeah. That's it. Would you like to go out to dinner sometime? You seem to really know about this kind of stuff and with the judicial system being different in the states, I thought you could help. We could go dancing or whatever, after," Scott said and the door slammed open with a resounding slam, causing everyone in the room besides Bella to jump and look towards the door.
Bella didn't need to look to know who it was.
"She's not available. Bella. Come on. Now."
Bella sighed and looked over at Fay whom was glaring at Scott with such open hostility that she wondered how he could still be standing there. If she were him, she would have run far away by then. When Bella didn't immediately stand, Fay sauntered into the room and placed her hand on her shoulder. Scott glared.
"Who are you? Her bodyguard?"
Fay's eyes glittered. "Exactly."
Scott's eyes widened and Elain leaned forward, a look of interest on her face. Bella's eyes narrowed.
"Why do you have a bodyguard?" Elain asked.
Bella sighed and shook her head as she noticed how defensive Fay had been when Scott had asked her out to dinner. Bella stood and almost raised a hand to run through her hair. She reminded herself at the last moment that it was in a French braid. Hermione would be pissed if she had ruined it.
"Because I have an overprotective fiancé."
Elain's eyes widened and she leaned forward to catch a glimpse of the bright diamond and platinum engagement ring. Bella's lips twitched at her enthusiasm and almost child-like curiosity. It was rather refreshing to see that look on someone of her age.
"So, it's true?"
Bella smiled. "Yes. Fay? Are we leaving now?"
Fay's grimace didn't leave her face and she nodded, sharply. She gestured for Bella to walk in front of her and Bella's smile soured into something dry and sarcastic.
"Really? I have to walk in front of you?"
Fay glared at her Lady.
"Do you think I wish to be yelled at? I do not. Now, please, walk. She's leaving in a few minutes and I'm sure you'd like to say goodbye to her. Now hurry up," Fay snapped.
Bella gave her an appraising look. Fay was different from the others. She was not blatantly disrespectful and brash and un-Slytherin as Daphne but wasn't subservient like the others.
She spoke and did things but only because she wanted to protect Bella. It was a nice difference and a difference that Bella could definitely appreciate. Bella looked away from her bodyguard.
"It was nice meeting you all. Maybe we could go out for dinner some time, Elain. As for you, Scott. Not so much. Hmm…do I have anywhere to be after this, Fay?"
"I'm your security detail. Not your personal assistant," Fay deadpanned.
"Who would know?"
"Your PR manager. Or Luna. Ask Luna."
Bella's eyes widened as they began to walk towards the lift. "Oh, yeah. Luna. You've reminded me. I have to visit her this weekend. She's taking my measurements for the wedding dress."
Fay rolled her eyes as they got into the lift and she pressed the button. The lift jolted and Fay was impressed when her Lady didn't even stumble. She realized that she really shouldn't be impressed. Even though Bella was acting kind of strange that day, she was still vicious and was still the woman whom had happily murdered several people before. She was not one to be trifled with and she wouldn't let a lift get the better of her. Ever.
"Do you know where we're going?" Fay asked as they sped along and Bella looked at her, unimpressed and she snorted.
"Of course. You think I'd go somewhere without knowing where I'm going?"
Fay pursed her lips. "I'm just asking."
"We're going to Level Six. The Department of Magical Transportation. And her portkey leaves at one-thirty. We should hurry up," Bella said as she darted out of the lift. She sashayed down the hallway, ignoring how everyone watched her with varying expressions and Fay shook her head, amused.
Bella sure knew how to put on a show.
The Lady Potter turned and looked at one of the young men whom had been walking down the hallway. He looked shocked that she had even looked over at him. Bella looked around impatient before sighing.
"Could you tell me where the Portkey Office is?"
The young man stammered, "Uh…um…d-down there past two…no three doors. Then, make a left. First door on your right…"
Bella flashed a grin. "Thanks. Come along, Fay."
Fay walked faster and went to stand right next to Bella. She flashed a shark-like smile at the young man before turning to Bella. Bella nodded and stalked down the hallway, following the man's instructions. She rapped hard on the door and it creaked open. Bella walked inside and she stopped when she saw Daphne standing there, her long blonde hair tied back in a long braid and her katana across her back. She wore her favourite leather trousers and a shirt that definitely belonged to Bella. Neville stood next to her, decked out in jeans and a button down white shirt.
"Good afternoon, Miss Potter. I am Vincent Blake."
Bella nodded at him in greeting as Fay murmured her greetings. Bella turned back to Daphne.
"You're wearing my shirt. I've been looking for that shirt," Bella deadpanned and Daphne turned and looked at her and her hard expression softened and she gave a cautious smile at her best friend.
"Mine now."
Their relationship had been slightly strained since the entire debacle with Christine and Astoria. Daphne had understood why Bella had to punish her but that didn't stop her from tensing every time Bella had addressed her. Bella took a step forward just as Daphne did and she tilted her head forward and looked down. Daphne was wearing a pair of heels. Her heels.
"The heels, you can keep," Bella said, softly and Daphne grimaced at her, unable to actually grin around the woman whom had tortured her.
And then suddenly, Bella threw her arms around Daphne and Daphne wrapped her arms around the shorter girl. She buried her face in the woman's hair and kissed the top of her head. Bella did not cry but simply hugged her.
"I'll miss you," Daphne rasped and Bella's arms only tightened around her.
"I'll miss you too, Daphne…"
Vincent Blake looked around, awkwardly. "I think I'll let you say your goodbyes."
Neither woman noticed the man leave. Bella pulled away from Daphne as the door closed and she gave Neville a quick hug. He hugged her gingerly.
"I'm not good enough to hug?" Bella asked, teasingly and Neville smiled, shyly.
"I…I have knives on my arms."
Bella reared back and grinned. "I have a knife strapped to my thigh. Doesn't mean I won't straddle Tom when I want to."
Neville flushed immediately and Daphne laughed, softly at her boyfriend. She was much more promiscuous than Bella and she liked to talk about her sex adventures. If he was still blushing from that, obviously Daphne needed to try to rectify that as soon as possible.
"Yes well," Neville coughed.
Daphne shook her head and sighed, looking to the map of Japan that sat on the man's desk. It'd be glowing soon, alerting her to the fact that she would have to leave. Her forlorn expression returned to her face and she ignored how Bella looked at her, worriedly.
"Well, well, well. Aren't you going to say goodbye to your sensei?"
Daphne spun around and her eyes widened on the redheaded, blue-eyed young woman that leaned against the door. Draco stood next to her, looking like he wanted to be anywhere but there, which Daphne could understand. They were all working people and they wouldn't be able to just show up at any time now.
Especially now when they couldn't afford to raise suspicion.
"Sensei…" Daphne murmured as the woman sauntered over to her and dropped into a sharp bow.
Daphne fell into a low bow, so low that her braid fell over her shoulder and brushed against the ground. She straightened and looked up at Hermione with a hopeful smile. The woman's appearance flickered, revealing her true face and though the gauntness of her face and her hollowed eyes frightened Daphne, it gave her some sort of reassurance. Hermione pulled her into a hug.
"You were the best student," Hermione murmured and Daphne laughed, knowing that it was completely untrue.
"I doubt that. I'm not going to be your last. You're going to be Headmistress of Hogwarts one day," Daphne promised and Hermione pulled back with a grin and shook her head with a slight smile.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I have to escape Azkaban first."
Draco snorted. "Escape? You could just open the door any time you wanted. Augustus would obey you. You're there for some twisted plan of yours."
Hermione smirked but took a step back. Draco stepped forward and gave her a quick hug before slapping Neville on the back. Daphne smirked up at him. He was so strange about his masculinity and touching other men. Especially with the fact that he preferred men over women.
"Do well, Daphne. Learn, Neville," Draco smirked and both nodded at him before turning to Fay whom they quickly exchanged their goodbyes with.
Daphne turned back to Bella and she was leaning against the desk. The map was glowingly softly now and Bella took a step away from it. She didn't want to take any chances of going with them and if she did, she wouldn't want to pay for the portkey back. There were some things that were just unnecessarily expensive and an international Portkey was one of them.
"Well…this is goodbye," Neville said, softly and Daphne nodded.
"We love you," Daphne whispered though she knew that Bella wouldn't say it back.
She still remembered their fifth year when Bella had been so emotionally detached. She had spent both sixth and seventh year playing catch up with those blocked emotions. And even now, Daphne didn't know if Bella could ever truly love anyone but her siblings, her fiancé, and herself. She hoped that she could, but she doubted if she would ever know.
Bella leaned forward with a grim smile on her face. "Come back stronger. I dare you."
Hogwarts, Unplottable Location, Scotland, Great Britain
Tuesday the 1st of September 1998
8:00 PM
Christine's hand squeezed around her own and she gave her a reassuring smile as they exited the carriage and walked towards the Hogwarts Castle. Luna was on Astoria's other side with a vague smile on her face. Astoria turned to look at the older woman with curiosity and she tilted her head as she examined Luna's long dirty blonde hair, pulled back by a single silk black ribbon.
"What are you worried about?" Christine asked, looking at her girlfriend with a raised eyebrow and concern upon her face. Astoria was looking up at the castle with a frown.
"What do you think, Christine? People will talk. Well, talk more than they already were. Everyone has seen the pictures in the Prophet and someone's going to tell my parents. It's not going to be pretty," Astoria said, solemnly and Christine shrugged and nodded. Astoria had a point but Christine had never been one to care what people were thinking. Unless she deemed them important or intimidating and Bella Potter, Draco Malfoy, Blaise Zabini, and thankfully, Hermione Granger were long gone.
"No one ever said it was going to be easy," Christine said, softly and Luna let out a quiet laugh. Both girls looked sharply at the Elf whom wasn't looking at them but was clearly laughing at them.
"What?" Astoria asked, curiously.
"It's never going to be Astoria. It's funny, really. That you should experience what Bella felt so sharply and so sincerely. You are more alike than you think. You find her cold and standoff-ish, I know. But she truly isn't. She's like you. Pagan…Wiccan. She does not see Merlin as her deity as many do. She worships the old ways though she doesn't fully understand yet," Luna said, softly and she turned towards Astoria fully and Astoria stared at her with narrowed, unblinking eyes as she tried to work out the woman's riddle.
"Experience what Bella felt? What was it? Pain? Anger?"
Luna smiled and whispered in the younger woman's ear, "Love."
Astoria reared back and looked at Christine whom was still smiling but looked adorably clueless. Astoria looked back to Luna and the question was loud despite being silently asked and Luna laughed.
They walked in silence through the Entrance Hall and entered the Great Hall, shortly after. Christine dragged Astoria forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead before sweeping away towards the Gryffindor table where her housemates swiftly grabbed her. Astoria walked with Luna by her side and she felt the stares on her. A hand spun her around and she stared, wide-eyed. Luna smiled down at her.
"I never said with who."
Luna bounced away from her and towards the Ravenclaw table where she sat down. Immediately, people crowded around her, barking questions at her about being an Elf and her relationship with the Lord Azkaban. This left Astoria alone and she walked, slowly towards her own table settling on the end. She looked up, hesitantly and she could see the shocked and disgusted expressions upon her housemates' faces. She swallowed hard and looked across the room.
Christine was giving her a reassuring smile. Astoria gave a weak smile and turned away, looking up at the Head Table. Professor Riddle wasn't there yet, unfortunately. Luna had told Astoria that he would make sure that Astoria wasn't picked on. Astoria didn't know how that was possible since she hadn't made it into his class last year and had been stuck with Professor Delacour. She didn't have any classes with him, she barely saw him, and Astoria was pretty sure that he couldn't care less about her.
Most everyone else was there except for Professor Delacour. Astoria couldn't quite understand why Professor Riddle hated her so much. She was a nice woman and was more than competent to teach at the school.
"Greengrass?"
Astoria turned, sharply and looked over at the seventh year that was sneering over at her as if she were nothing but trash.
"Harper."
"You're already a weirdo Wiccan but now you're fucking Mudbloods? That's low, even for you," Harper quipped and Astoria winced at the older boy's words and she swallowed hard, looking for a comeback.
Astoria mustered up a smirk and retorted, "At least I'm getting laid. When was the last time you had a shag?"
Harper leaned forward, accepting the challenge with little ease.
"Last night. Your mum's a screamer."
Astoria's fist flew forward when suddenly, a hand wrapped around her wrist, stopping her from hitting the boy. Harper looked shocked that she was actually going to hit him. She had never actually threatened to do that before, but it felt good. It felt good that she had surprised him. It didn't feel good that her first hadn't connected with his face.
She looked up and blinked rapidly when she saw Professor Colette Delacour standing there with a disapproving look upon her face.
"Shall I give detentions before school 'as even started? What was zis about?" she asked, sharply and Harper gave her a wide-eyed innocent look, shaking his head.
"I don't even know! I was just asking about her girlfriend, the Muggleborn in Gryffindor in my year and then she was about to punch me!" Harper cried out, sounding affronted and Astoria rounded on him, a fiery look in her eyes and she clenched her fists together in rage.
"Rydych gelwyddgi! He wasn't! He said that he had sex with my mother after he insulted my religion and called my girlfriend a Mudblood!" Astoria snarled, a Welsh accent rising from her
"If zat is true, I am sorry, but I only saw you zrowing a punch at 'im. I cannot condone zis. Detention in my office, Mademoiselle Greengrass."
She grew more and more angry by the injustice of it all and she saw that professor Delacour believed her, but couldn't do anything about it. No one from her house would stick up for her, not now that she was dating a Muggleborn. She knew she should have kept it a secret but Christine had said…and Luna had said…
"Fine," Astoria barked.
She shook her head and collapsed into her seat as Professor Riddle led the first years into the room.
It was going to be a long year.
One Hyde Park, London, England, Great Britain
Tuesday the 1st of September 1998
11:30 PM
"How was your first day of school?"
"Screw you."
The blonde woman smirked at the brunette from her confines within the mirror. She stared at the other, younger woman whom had conjured a couch and a few bottles of Firewhiskey. She was already on her third and Nikolai patiently waited for the woman to get inebriated.
"You would be so lucky," Nikolai said, loftily and Bella leaned up, surprised.
"You swing that way?"
Nikolai's brow furrowed. "Swing which way? Nothing is swinging."
"Er…you're a lesbian?"
"No. I was making a joke."
Bella swallowed her mouthful of Firewhiskey before snorting. "Yeah. Stop doing that."
Nikolai scowled at her and sat down in her own mirror couch and looked down at the mirror Firewhiskey. She sighed and picked one up. She was the personification of Victory. She very much doubted whether or not she could get drunk. As she took a long sip of it, she enjoyed the burn of it running down her throat and the settling in her stomach.
"You want to take over my body still."
Nikolai looked up with a smirk.
"You're not as stupid as I thought."
Bella gave a humourless laugh and tapped the side of her sweating drink.
"I'm anything but stupid. I'm overly paranoid and typically I come up with three ways to kill a person, right after I've met them," Bella said, honestly and Nikolai leaned forward, intrigued by the younger woman's words.
"Do you really? Examples?"
"Who?"
Nikolai hummed in contemplation. "How about…your precious Daphne?"
"Torture her into insanity. Gut her. Use her own katana against her. It's not voluntary but…it happens sometimes. I wouldn't ever really do it but, I suppose it's your influence," Bella said, bitingly and Nikolai laughed, knowing that this was a complete lie and that Bella was just very bloodthirsty.
"I'm sure."
Bella leaned forward. "Can I ask you something?"
"I'm inclined to think you can," Nikolai said, steadily and Bella finished her third bottle before placing it on the ground, next to the couch, of the otherwise bare room.
"What…why are you so intent on coming free? What is that you want to do?"
Nikolai tossed her long blond hair behind her and gave her a raised eyebrow. She didn't quite understand the strange question. She wanted a body. Why did it matter what she wanted to do with it?
"I don't understand the question."
"Well, I know that you want to have sex with my fiancé. But, you need a purpose. I have one. What do you have?"
Nikolai's mind flashed to him.
He who stood tall and proud, as if he hadn't lied to her. As if he hadn't hurt her. As if he hadn't made her into this cruel, malicious caricature of her former self. He had changed her. He had all but destroyed her and he did nothing about it. He continued to pretend like it was okay, day after day, and now, many centuries later…he had been returned to her in some way or form.
He had taken away from her and he had given her something much more.
"I have a purpose. And when I fulfil that purpose…I shall never bother you again. I shall submit to you, but not until then…never until then."
:::
A/N: I'm SO SO SO SO SO SO SORRY! I completely spaced on this chapter. I had writer's block and I had no idea what to write. I'm really sorry and I don't even know when the next update is going to be. I know what I want to do with this. I know exactly how it's going to end. I know the last two years of this story but unfortunately, with the prologue, I set a time limit. Unless you want a massive time skip, this story is going to take a while for me to get through. If you'd prefer a time skip, please tell me. That means time skips in chapters.
I feel like G.R.R. Martin right now. Like I'm taking too long and people are getting upset with me.
So, just like G.R.R. Martin, I'm about to split the next few chapters in two. Based on geography. It'll all be happening at the same time though. So, I'm focusing on the not hard characters for the next few chapters. With Tom. He's going to be there. And Bella might make a special appearance but we'll see. You won't be seeing her for a while if I don't have her come to Hogwarts for a visit. Maybe four chapters.
Next Chapter: Astoria, (Just) Business, Christine, and Delacour