Chapter 10
Knock Knock
"Hermione darling are you back?" Andromeda's voice echoed in the hallway as she tapped on the door. Hermione swung her legs lightly over the bed and stood up opening the door.
"Sorry I was reading" she answered
"Oh that's fine, I saw earlier you had gone out and unsure if you had returned. I was just heading over to collect teddy but an owl arrived, he's with harry and Ginny at the burrow and we have been invited for dinner. ..." she trailed off at the last part. The look of discomfort on the young witches face was obvious. ". . . you don't have to come I can make excuses for you"
"No, I have nothing to hide from, I'll come" Hermione spoke her words coming out braver than she felt, she had not heard from Ron or anyone except harry.
The apparated into the cornfields looking onto the house of so many memories. Hermione stood silent letting Andromeda take the lead as they walked down the hill to the lopsided house she had once considered her home.
The door was immediately answered by the Weasley matriarch, no time was wasted on knocking as she had spotted them from her kitchen window. Hermione felt herself pulled into a tight embrace which she hesitantly accepted.
She felt Andromeda give her a reassuring nudge on the small of her back as she pushed her into the house, the chatter around the table indicated the house as always was full. The volume died down as various heads covered in red turned towards the new arrivals.
"Hermione" Ginny called jumping up giving her friend a hug. Hermione began to relax as her friend lead her to the table, taking a seat between her and harry. It seemed most the family were staying for dinner, as she looked around at the faces of Charlie, bill and fleur, Arthur who was currently holding Teddy, George and Percy with his nose deep in a book. Just as she was about to ask where Ron was, steps coming down seemed to answer that query. She turned up meeting the pale blue eyes of her best friend. He smiled slightly, before taking a seat next to harry.
Hermione sat in reasonable silence during the meal, the bustling of so many people as dishes passed around and conversation flow caused her to forget some problems. She could not however dismiss the fact that she no longer felt the same comfort in this house as there once was. She looked over at George who was still as withdrawn at the loss of his brother. And when she looked over to see Teddy's eagerly outstretched hand as he was passed along the table to his grandmother, she realised the burrow was no longer her second home. Home was with Andy and Teddy at the cottage, a place where she could be herself, finding her own corner to sit quietly to read a book and not constantly disturbed to participate in quidditch or wizards chess as was always demanded of her.
As the realisation of that hit and how much things really had changed in such a short time, Hermione stood from the table whispering a need for air and briskly walked out the front door. She walked a few hundred yards to the old oak tree she had spent so many summers leaning against when escaping the bustle of the house. She sat leaning against it, pulling her knees up and burying her head into her arms.
"Hermione"
She jolted up at the sound of her name, in the evening light she could make out the form of Ron as he approached.
"I thought we could maybe talk" he asked
"Oh" she mumbled looking up at him. He crouched down in front of her, looking eye to eye.
"Andromeda says you're going back to Hogwarts" he asked.
"Yeah, they think I could graduate by Christmas" she answered.
"Then what?" he asked.
Hermione shrugged. "I'm still thinking about my options"
Ron shuffled forward taking her right hand in his own.
"I was thinking, maybe when you graduate since it's not going to be so long, you could come back here, or maybe come stay with me and harry if we already have a place together by then" he babbled on in his positive tone. Hermione stared in disbelief at his words. She felt his grip tighten as she attempted to pull her hand back.
"Ron, what I said last time I meant it. There is no us, you need to accept that now" she whispered.
She could see his eyes change instantly, once again not getting things his own way. Hermione again attempted to pull her hand free only this time Ron's hand became a vice grip on her wrist as he sensed her trying to put distance between them.
"Why are you being so stubborn you know were going to end up together!" he shouted.
She slapped him, finally able to wrench her hand free from his, and staggering backwards as hot tears cascaded down her cheeks.
"No Ron and after this incident I guarantee we will never be together." She screamed back. Springing to her feet pulling her wand in defence. He saw her actions and seemed to launch with a growl of frustration towards her. Before she realised what was happening the feeling of the world spinning hit her, throwing her onto a hard surface as her body convulsed and she broke into sobs. Not knowing how long she had lay her state the only thing bringing her back to reality was the quiet raspy whisper of her last name.
Bellatrix stood and watched the muggleborn apparated away. She managed to shrink down the items after several attempts wandlessly and walked back to the meadow. On returning to the sheltered cave she had been staying in she observed each item as she resized them, placing the book on her bed for later, she stripped down from her dress throwing it onto the floor before picking up the first item. She observed the trousers feeling along the course denim material and sticking her fingers into every pocket curiously. She pulled them over her legs one at a time and pulling them up with a rather irritating label rubbing against her belly button. This isn't right she thought, taking them off and attempting the other way, this time fitting much more snuggly as she zipped and buttoned the fronts. Next was a black long sleeve t-shirt and a jacket with a hood on. She distinctly remembered the young witch wearing similar garments during their meeting at Malfoy manor. Bellatrix shook her head of such thoughts, she saw enough of that in her nightmares. She stood for a moment, analysing herself as she looked down at the outfit. A distinct smell arose to her nostrils, Lavender, there was only one person she ever knew used lavender. She remembered the distinct odor every time she passed her little sisters bedroom, Andromeda had always placed fresh lavender leaves in her clothing. Getting back to her previous activity, she picked up her dress and walked back out towards the centaurs.
"Arria" Bella called to the female centaur.
"You look strange Bellatrix" she replied
Bellatrix resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She respected the centaurs except there need to state the obvious.
"Would you be able to help me fix my dress?" she asked holding up the garment and pointing at the tattered edges in need of repair.
"Bellatrix" Apollo called to her. She spun round and walked over to the large centaur as he stood waiting for her.
"I hear your friend returned" he asked walking away and waiting for her to follow. Bella scrunched her face in confusion how did he know? She wondered.
"The forest speaks to all of us Bellatrix" he answered as if reading her mind.
He led her into a wooded area and by a large rock was a small unicorn. "I wanted you to look at his injury, I think its human, remembering how you handled mine all those years ago it seemed fitting to seek you". Bellatrix looked over at the young colt, she had seen him playing many times over the meadow, often following her to her cave from a safe distance with mild curiosity. She instantly saw the small would gushing silver blood from his left wither. She crouched down, bowing her head and holding her palms out, showing no wand or intent to harm. The colt lent forward nuzzling her hands, sniffing before nuzzling her hands up indicating to continue. She cautiously approached his side, placing both palms flat on either side of the wound in an attempt to ease the flow, on looking closer she could see the small silver bullet buried beneath the flesh.
Bellatrix was no stranger to muggle weaponry she had seen her fair share on muggle raids over the years. She lifted her left palm holding it above the wound and concentrated hard as she summoned the bullet, plopping into her open palm. The colt snorted in discomfort. She then rubbed her right hand across the muscle back and forth, chanting as the wound stitched together, returning to unblemished white skin.
The colt immediately stood, pacing forward and rubbing its head affectionately into Bellatrix shoulder before trotting off.
"Your powers and reputation grows amongst the forest Bellatrix". Bella smiled at Apollo's words, a sense of achievement for the first time in a long time.
"Your friend did not betray your secret?" he asked. She shook her head in confirmation.
"She shows loyalty, she is welcome to the meadow by your judgement Bellatrix. Make sure she brings no wand though" he stated turning and leaving her. He stopped for a moment as if hearing something, and turning round.
"She has already returned it seems" he stated pointing in the direction behind Bellatrix. Bella looked confused behind her not hearing anything unusual, she walked a few paces feeling the barrier give as she entered the forest. The soft sound of sobbing reached her ears as her pace sped up, she walked through the shrubs until she saw the shape of Hermione granger sobbing hysterically on the forest floor.
"Granger?" she whispered.
Hermione's breathing hitched as she heard her name. She looked up through bloodshot eyes trying to focus on the dark silhouette hovering over her. Lumos she whispered her wand still in hand. She noticed Bellatrix step back blinking as she adjusted to the light. Suddenly Hermione made a distinct snort before bursting into laughter. Bellatrix looked at her confused as she watched the girl go from one extreme to another, until her face morphed into annoyance and she stood with her arms crossed and foot tapping as she waited for the girl to finish.
Hermione finally managed to calm herself after several minutes, taking a deep breath and grunting.
"Why did I end up here?" she asked herself more than anything.
"I don't know, why were you in such a state?" Bellatrix asked.
Hermione turned back to the dark witch, looked her up and down and smiled again giggling.
"What's so funny?" Bellatrix demanded.
"You're wearing the clothes, you look so strange in jeans, and it's funny" Hermione stated.
Bellatrix scowled at her. She turned on her toes before the muggleborn could mock her anymore and started walking back to the meadow.
"Wait!" Hermione shouted running towards the place Bellatrix had just stood. Bellatrix stopped, taking a deep sigh she turned around.
"Bellatrix?" Hermione shouted, she stood on the spot thrusting her wand out as she turned full circle searching for the dark witch. Bellatrix looked on confused, only a few steps away.
"Bellatrix please don't leave me here I hate the dark" Hermione pleaded.
"I'm right here" Bellatrix called. The girl didn't seem to hear her as she continued to hopelessly look for her in her direction yet looking straight through her into the continuing darkness. This confused Bellatrix until she remembered the barrier. Oh
Bellatrix stepped forward feeling the slight change in atmosphere. Hermione turned at the sound of footsteps a look of relief as she saw Bellatrix walk to her.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to laugh, and you look nice" Hermione mumbled. Bellatrix blushed slightly at the compliment, not expecting it and tankful it was dark so the Gryffindor wouldn't notice.
"Where did you go?" Hermione asked.
"I'll show you but first you have to leave your wand here" Bellatrix replied, looking straight into hazel eyes.
Hermione hesitated, still uncertain of her trust in the dark witch but her curiosity was too much. She looked around trying to find somewhere suitable.
"Here" Bellatrix offered her hand out to take the wand. Hermione silently passed it over, watching with fascination as Bellatrix place the crooked want against a tree sapling, muttered a sticking charm so it appeared to look like a branch.
"Why can't I have my wand?" Hermione asked.
"Only natural magic can pass the enchantment. You must respect the others, no threat or harm to anything ok?" Bellatrix lectured.
"Ok" Hermione nodded in agreement.
"Ok let's go, and don't be afraid, it will feel strange but it won't harm you" Bellatrix whispered as she passed the brunette, taking her left hand and leading her through the enchantment. Hermione's breath caught in her throat as she felt Bellatrix take her hand, the dark witch not phased at all by the action as she continued to take the lead pulling Hermione behind her. Hermione felt her scar tingling more harshly than ever, there had always been a prickly sensation since the end of the final battle but she seemed to notice it more in the close proximity of Bellatrix. That thought soon dropped as they entered a large clearing.
Hermione stared in awe at so many creatures, she saw a large bonfire burning as the centaurs circled around it, it almost looked to be a celebration. Hermione jumped back when a unicorn brushed passed her stopping in front of Bellatrix. Bellatrix finally let go of Hermione's hand instead holding them out to the unicorn and slowly rubbing them across his wither.
"Oh thank merlin that healed ok" Bellatrix whispered to the unicorn. It nuzzled her hands before walking off towards the trees.
Bellatrix turned round looking at the shock on Hermione's face, what had become so normal to Bellatrix was obviously sheer amazement to the brunette.
"I healed him" Bellatrix shrugged. Walking along the field waiting or the witch to follow.
"Are they in celebration of something?" Hermione asked pointing to the bonfire.
"Oh just darkness passing" Bellatrix answered still walking.
"Darkness passing?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah usually every month, when the sky is moonless". Bellatrix answered pointing up to the sky.
"Oh"
"Did you want to join them?"
"Erm did you?"
Bellatrix hesitated before answering. "Not really, jolly celebrating centaurs are even more philosophical than a sober one. I'm too tired for 3 hours of debate on why I can't be called Bellatrix after a star because I am a witch" she muttered. Hermione chuckled.
The witches walked on in silence, Hermione unsure what to expect or where Bellatrix was in fact taking her. She noticed the horizontal rock slope as they approached it, the sprinkling waterfall cascading down its side and finally the dark entranceway as Bellatrix entered it. Hermione hesitated at the entrance.
"Well come in" Bellatrix spoke impatiently at the other witch hovering at the door. Hermione immediately stepped in, still standing awkwardly as her eyes scanned the dwelling, it was a cave but unlike normal caves, this one had a homely feeling, the earth stone walls made her think of the castle on the other side of the forest, there was a wooden table and two wooden chairs. Hermione noticed a large piece of material had been partially weaved sitting on the table. A large enchanted fire dominated the back wall brightening the cave along with a few floating candles. Bellatrix sat down at the bottom of the raised platform currently mimicking a bed as it was covered in furs. She reached down, pulling a green bottle with a cork inserted, which she pulled out with her teeth as she reached down grabbing a drinking horn half filling it with burgundy liquid and offering it to Hermione who chose to sit by the table.
Hermione accepted it, eyeing up the red liquid as Bellatrix repeated her performance with another horn.
"It's wine made by the centaurs" Bellatrix stated. Hermione began to relax.
"Cheers" Bellatrix spoke raising her horn in the air in gesture towards Hermione before taking a long swig.
"Cheers" Hermione reciprocated. Holding the horn up in her right hand and bringing it towards her lips. It however never made it as she felt the dark witch grab her arm briskly.
Hermione jerked. Looking alarmed at Bellatrix who was currently staring at her wrist. There was purple bruises now in place.
"Who did this?" Bellatrix asked, her eyes now on the witch.
Hermione swallowed nervously. Refusing to answer she looked the other way.
"Is this why you were crying?" Bellatrix continued.
The other witch refused to meet her gaze. Bellatrix concentrated hard, just able to read on the surface of the brunettes mind before she realised and shut her out.
"Weasel" she hissed with venom, her magic seemed to cackle on her body. Bellatrix took a deep breath placing her hand around Hermione's bruised wrist and rubbed gently back n forth for a few seconds before letting go. Hermione looked at her now bruise free wrist.
"You healed it?" Hermione whispered more to herself.
"Something you learn to do quickly when you're made to marry Rudolphus Lestrange" Bellatrix answered bitterly.
"You healed yourself after I . . ." Hermione broke off, suddenly feeling shameful at her aggressive behaviour.
"Like I said I deserved it" Bellatrix spoke, taking another swig, as she sat down again on her bed. She looked over at Hermione. They were both staring intently at each other, deep in thought, unsure how to react. An almost silent understanding seemed to pass between them, a truce, but not quite forgiveness yet.
Hermione broke the gaze, cursing when she realised how long she had been there.
"Shit, I need to go, it's late they will wonder where I am!" Hermione cursed. Jumping from the seat and heading to the cave entrance.
"I'll walk you back to your wand" Bellatrix spoke getting to her feet after the brunette.
They walked in silence back to the area they had hidden Hermione's wand. Bellatrix removed the stocking charm holding the wand sentimentally for a moment before handing it back to Hermione. They stood in awkward silence, Hermione stepped forward realising she was unconsciously planning to hug the dark witch. Bellatrix in turn took a timid step back, expressing she was not yet ready for that step.
"Well bye then" Hermione said. Raising her wand ready to apperate.
"Bye" Bellatrix answered. Hermione smiled to the dark witch and as the world spun around her, she caught a glimpse of the dark witch smiling back.
wow two chapters in less than a week! and already starting another while i am on a role!