A/N: Hey guys, been a while since I uploaded but here's the next instalment. A big thank you to all who are still with this story. The amount of response is staggering, your support is brilliant and i couldn't ask for more.
Disclaimer: I don't own any recognisable characters and no money has been made from this.
This chapter is building towards the future, so a necessary one, as always the next chapter will be bringing a few surprises. I found this chapter somewhat hard to write, as most writers find filler chapters awkward, but the detail is important.
Enjoy...
Wrapped Tightly
Wrapped tightly in their robes, Hermione and Andromeda begin to make the short journey to Hogsmead, a school of chattering students surrounding them. The girls speak of their latest classes, the recent bullying at the school and even venture to limited knowledge of Quidditch. Andy doesn't mention the latest wary look that has graced her friends' features, doesn't question why Bellatrix returned to her dorm with a big smile first thing in the morning.
A group of girls scurry past, kicking up the dried earth in their wake, they fall quiet as they past Hermione, but start conversation once they're safely away. Hermione doesn't know how to react to the fear she has created, instead she wonders to where Bellatrix has vanished to since seeing her that fateful night she fought with her 'mother'. They sometimes had different classes, but she regularly saw the witch at breakfast or dinner yet, Bellatrix had remained absent.
"I'm attending the Black Ball." Hermione announces, having forgotten to inform Andy earlier.
"I know, Bellatrix wrote to my mother to inform her of your attendance." Nodding, Hermione turns away from the witch, instead she concentrates on the approaching bundle of buildings.
Nothing has changed, the buildings all look the same, as though both Hogwarts and Hogsmead is stuck in time, never aging: never changing.
"She's not ignoring you." Andy interrupts her thoughts. "She's busy, mother called her home for a few days to help set up the ball."
"Set up for the ball? Bellatrix hates balls?"
"It's a ruse, she's been called home due to her engagement with Lestrange."
It shouldn't hurt, she knows Bellatrix will marry Lestrange, but it still stings. Noticing the sympathetic look from her friend, Hermione shrugs.
"I know who Bellatrix is intended to marry." She replies, her tone void of any emotion.
"And yet, you still hurt knowing she is seeing him."
"You still see Tonks, even though you're intended to marry someone else." Is the snappy reply.
"There's a difference," Andy said. "My future isn't written in stone. You know what will happen, tell me, if I follow my heart will I get the one I want?"
Frozen, Hermione glances at her friend, not once has Andy ever asked about the future, never has she pried. This must mean something to her, she's unsure if she should tell Andy to go with Tonks, if she does she marries the man she loves but will watch both him and her daughter die through her choices. Bellatrix will hunt her daughter down and kill her.
"Yes…" Hermione murmurs, but refuses to grace her friend with any more knowledge.
They tour the small shops, Andy spending much of the time staring at books, Hermione struggling to even read the front pages. Begrudgingly she gives into the voices in her head, the jealousy running riot in her brain. She feels her heart constrict, her throat dry and a shiver run the course of her spine. Bellatrix was to be engaged, she is to marry and will marry Lestrange and time will take its course. She has no say in the matter. She is but an onlooker to a passing momentum, a bystander in a car crash watching everything unfold but unable to do anything for fear of being mowed down.
An itch starts; her vein pulses. She twitches, eyes dancing to a shadow by her side. Turning she finds nothing there. Shaking her head to clear the fog that has submerged in a thick black smoke she stares at the books on the shelves.
It's a sham…
Glancing up she looks towards Andy who is deep in conversation with a Ravenclaw, both heated over which spell would be better to use in case of an infestation of Mallots. So it wasn't Andy who spoke, looking around she finds most the students are deep in reading or talking to one another not one looks in her direction.
Have you ever considered the impossible…
It's not the best I have but it will do.
A wand chooses its owner…
Another shadow makes her jolt and slam the book back onto the shelf in front of her. The noise startling those nearby into moving from her. They're back again, the voices whispering in her mind, but they didn't come alone. A hand moves to her and she jumps. Looking up she finds no one there but only the concerned gaze of her friend a few feet away still engrossed with the Ravenclaw. She needs to get out, away from people.
With speed she didn't know she could muster, she whipped from the shop. Barely noticing the students outside the door or how she barged past. It takes seconds but before she knows it, she apparated, leaving nothing behind but a trail of smoke and confused faces.
Her feet touch frost covered soil. Trees blink haphazardly down towards her as the low sun winks from above. She recognises the forest as one of those the trio had made home not so long ago, but yet so far away. The voices grow and she struggles for balance, for lucidity. Grasping the last strains of sanity she collapses to the ground, a wail leaving her lips her fingers finding purchase on her wand. The wood biting her hand as she grips in desperation and the world spins.
The screams echo throughout the forest, leaving her throat raw and her mind numb. Her blood tingles, as her veins pulse. Horror makes its presence known as she stares at the slight glow to her hand where the time turner had seeped into her. She knew the sand was mixing with her blood having effects on her body that she couldn't see. The voices grew as the sand glowed brighter and she collapsed forward clutching her head with her hands, a strangled scream ripping from her lips. She prayed for an end either in the form of unconsciousness or more. It came in the form of unconsciousness the pain dragging her down until her body failed and she collapsed in a crumpled form.
~~~~~Turn Time~~~~~
A fox howl wakes her, eyes blinking in the gloom of night. The moon barely visible through the once nice trees that now threatened enclosure and secrets hidden within. Shoulders creak as she moves, fingers digging into loose mud and aching bones make their protest known. She sits, lost and dazed her thoughts a mess of exhaustion and sleep. Like a trickle of a stream the memories crawl back to her, reliving each moment as though she were there once again.
The cold has seeped into her bones during her sleep, leaving her numb and sore, but at least the voices have stopped their constant whisper and the glow of time has faded. She feels relatively normal, if it weren't for her current predicament. Slowly she gets to her knees before standing, knees clicking like an old oiled machine she stands.
Grasping her wand she thinks of the Shrieking Shack and in a puff of smoke she disappears. The musty smell of an abandoned house greets her. Slowly Hermione makes her way through the tunnel under the Whomping willow, emerging in the moonlight, and immobilising the branches to pass through unscathed. Sneaking back into the castle isn't a problem, the security is somewhat more relaxed than what she is used to with Harry. Taking to the tower, wishing to find her bed and collapse under the covers, she eagerly takes the stairs two at a time.
The common room door swings shut behind, she swallows at the sight of the Christmas decorations realising that for the first time since she was born she would be alone at Christmas, alone and surrounded by those who hated her kind. Her dark room greets her and she is happy to have at least a sense of security to return to. Stripping from her robe she is glad to be free, she casts her usual charms not bothering to turn a light on the moon lit her bed as it was.
"Where have you been?" The question makes her jump, her heart stuttering against her chest.
Wand drawn she points it to the recognisable figure lurking in the corner of her room. She should have noticed the witch sooner, but she was too preoccupied in thought that the dark witch's presence escaped her.
"Where the hell have you been?" Bellatrix demands, her voice rasping as she steps from the shadows towards Hermione.
"I needed to get away, I didn't know I had to ask for your permission." She mumbles too tired to snap or bother to argue.
"You don't but when you vanish for more than twelve hours it causes a few alarm bells."
"What are you on about?" Hermione demands, not taking the eyes of the obviously annoyed witch.
"Andy, came back from Hogsmead asking if I saw you, before we know it, everyone is whispering. You've been gone twelve hours, I even got interrogated by McGonagall thought I bumped you off or something." Hermione swallows, she's been gone twelve hours, where did the time go? "So you tell me where the fuck have you been cause last thing I need is Dumbledore trying to get in my head!"
"I… I don't know." She stutters, collapsing on the bed. "I passed out, when I came to it was dark so I apparated back here." She was losing time. What if something happened when she was unconscious, was she unconscious?
Bellatrix makes the slow walk towards her, before kneeling in front of Hermione and taking her hands. Black eyes search hazel ones for answer but only dazed and confused ones staring back. Bellatrix's thumb beats a steady rhythm against Hermione's hand.
"Do you know where you are now?" Hermione wants to laugh at the absurd question of course she did, but the soft gaze and even gentler voice makes her pause.
"Hogwarts." She answers.
"Good, you apparated here?" She nods. "Where from?"
She can't answer that, if she gave the name of the forest, she would willingly be giving Bellatrix an answer of where to find the trio when they are on the run. No she couldn't give the name.
"It was a forest, I don't know where."
Nodding Bellatrix continues her ministrations. "What caused you to go there in the first place?" She pauses and it's when she realises Bellatrix has been monitoring her far more closely than she thought. "Another episode? Like the one you had in class?" This time she did rear back.
Getting to her feet she puts distance between them, watches as Bellatrix stands, neither defensive nor aggressive. She never thought she would see the day where Bellatrix Black would become passive.
"I don't know what you mean, they're just headaches." Hermione replies warily, keeping the distance from the too perceptive witch.
"Didn't look like headaches looked like you were being haunted, something was following you, I don't miss much and especially when it's concerning you."
She should have perhaps seen it as a threat, a warning, but it had the opposite effect. It caused heat to shoot to her core and goose bumps to erupt. Shaking off a shiver, she glances away from the eyes that are always watching her.
"You're making something out of nothing." Hermione shrugs, she can't break now.
A muttered spell leaves the dark witch's lips, illuminating the room for the first time in weeks she can see the destruction to the walls she has created. Blinking in the harsh light, she had grown accustomed to her darkened cave, where she could hide from the world and dwell in the depths of her mind. Standing here now though, she could see everything she thought she kept from herself. The anger, pain and hatred spread across the four walls like graffiti. She swallows. Here in this room her mind had painted its sorrow and artist impression of her mind screamed across a grey canvass of rock.
Bellatrix is gorging her reaction, the book given to her by Mrs Rothstein sitting on the floor between them, a silent omen. She doesn't have time to react, Bellatrix lifts her wand a fire spurts out and engulfs the book. The pages burn and smoke bellows and Hermione swears she could hear screaming. She rushes forward, wanting to stamp out the flames, save the book from the inferno. She crashes into Bellatrix who has stepped forward to stop her, strong arms hold her still, unmoving and she is forced to watch the book burn.
"What have you done?" She demands, anger lacing her words.
"The book was poison." Bellatrix whispers cradling the witch in her arms.
Hermione shakes her head. "You off all people should understand, but you destroyed it, why would you do that?"
"Mia," Bella whispers cupping Hermione's face with her hand forcing her eyes away from the book and to focus on Bellatrix instead. "I understand the dark arts, I understand the need for knowledge the urge to learn it's addictive, powerful it's raw magic, but this… No not this, this book should never have been created, it is ancient magic, raw magic."
Hermione shudders, realising the book was screaming, it had got inside her head like a horocrux played with her. Watching as it turns to ash, she felt something slipping from her mind, a dark fog that placed itself moving away. Mrs Rothstein had intentionally placed the item on her, causing her this pain, knew the book would be poison to her.
"Son of a bitch." She hisses, her hands gripping the arms holding her. "I'm going to kill her. Curse her into an oblivion."
A dark chuckle escapes Bellatrix's mouth, she places a soft kiss to Hermione's head loving the dark words. She senses the witch in her arms becoming tired, recognises the tell-tale sign of sleep creeping across the body.
"Come on," She whispers lifting the witch to her feet and guiding her to the bed, gently she lies the witch down, noticing the fluttering eyelids.
With a quick swish of her wand the ashes disappear, tomorrow she will force Mia to clean the walls, this was something the witch needed to do on her own. Taking a deep breath she steels herself knowing she was about to do something she would never do.
"Nox," She whispered the room turns dark and she calls for an elf, who appears with a pop. She notices the strange look she receives for being in Ravenclaw tower, but ignores it. "Send word to McGonagall, Mia has returned and is safe, the old swot need not worry more." The Elf bows and turns to leave. "Oh and elf. Repeat what I said word from word."
Noticing the look of horror at the order, she watches him vanish satisfied that McGonagall wouldn't come barging in looking for Mia. She knew the witch would take punishment for calling the elder witch a swot but it would be worth it. Rubbing her shoulders, she recasts the spells to guard Mia's room, ensuring this time there would be a strong silenco to keep the screams at bay.
Turning she sheds her robe before climbing on to the mattress next to Hermione, a soft hand presses to her chest and a small smile graces her lips. Hermione eyes opens briefly, before shaking her head.
"You're engaged." She whispers, her tired hands refusing her entry into her bed.
Bellatrix recoiled as though slapped, staring at the girl in the bed. She was refusing her entry because of her marriage. She tried to ignore the pain in her heart instead focussed on the anger, after everything she had done, the girl was going to push her away now. Pushing the hand away, she climbs on to the bed, much to the annoyance of Hermione.
"I will only be married in name only," Bellatrix hisses, ensuring the hazel eyes are focussed on her before continuing. "And I'll be damned if you are going to kick me from this bed for the likes of my future husband."
Shaking her head, Hermione ignores the jump for joy, nothing good will come from this. "It's wrong, I won't be your dirty little secret."
"Then don't be…" She whispers hands cupping Hermione's face, she leans forward her lips grazing Hermione's ear causing a shiver to run through her body and tiredness to slip away. "Become so much more."
Lips clash, fire engulfing both women. Hands tangle in hair as teeth nip, and tongues seek permission. They break for air, Bellatrix tugs Hermione's head back revealing the creamy flesh of her neck and lips instantly latch on. She bites, licks and sucks at the flesh causing the witch to shudder and moan beneath her. Pulling the witch from her neck, Hermione's mouth seeks Bellatrix's once again. Both girls moan as their tongues meet, a shiver running through both their spines as electricity spikes. Gasping, Hermione pushes herself up until she takes control being on top, surprised at her own boldness and the easy way Bellatrix submitted. They continue kissing even as Hermione straddles the witch, the heat becoming unbearable. Pulling away she is met with such an intense gaze she can't help but shudder, but tonight wasn't about losing control it was about finding it again.
She smiles shaking her head at the witch below, even as a smirk finds it way on to Bella's face. The witch was too smart for her own good. Bellatrix knew Hermione didn't like being pinned so she easily submitted not wanting a repeat of their actions in the infirmary. Gently she traces Bellatrix's bottom lip with her thumb. Slowly she lowers herself next to the witch, content to just cuddle despite the things this witch was doing to her.
~~~~~Turn Time~~~~~
Quill tapping a restless rhythm, Professor McGonagall sits behind her wooden desk staring at the Christmas decorations dangling from her ceiling. Despite the cheer in the air, her body is tense and tired. She spent the last eight hours worrying, working herself into a frenzy trying to find any information on her missing student. At the first sign of alarm, both Albus and Minerva had instantly cornered Bellatrix, almost dragging the eldest Black sister into Dumbledore's office. The witch had surprisingly been cooperative and answered their questions almost civilly.
Neither Professor believed Bellatrix when she said she didn't know of Hermione's whereabouts, but they had no reason to suspect her. The witch wasn't even in Hogsmead when Hermione went missing and on all accounts, Hermione had willingly appparated out on her own. Sighing, Minerva rubs her tired eyes, it wasn't so much the witch had disappeared although it had given her a freight it was the look on Albus's face. She had never seen the wizard as close to worried as he was last night. It was something she hoped to never see again.
The more pressing question on her mind however was why Bellatrix sent the elf to her. How did the witch know when Hermione would return and why was the blasted witch in the Ravenclaw tower. It was no secret the eldest sister could enter most of the common rooms, but to so willingly advertise her position? She should by all means suspend the witch or give her detention, especially for the insult and placing an elf in such a horrible situation. She can still recall the look of horror on the poor creatures face as he repeated the witch's words, she expected the elf to drop in fear. She should make an example, should give the witch detention, yet she hesitates. Bellatrix, despite the way she went around it, had actually helped for once. She had informed the correct people and insured that the witch returned safely. Torn, she decides she will let it slide this once, let the witch enjoy doing something right without facing consequences, and she might have a change of heart.
Settling back in her chair she waits for Hermione to appear with Dumbledore, she would very much like an explanation as to where the witch had been. It wasn't the time for someone to go wandering around on their own, especially someone with her knowledge. Minerva knows how the meeting will go, like any other meeting they have had, the anger in her student is something to rival Bellatrix. None the less it is an anger directed at another time and unable to be addressed, she must learn to cope with the hot headed student. Knowing that in her heart Hermione is nothing like the witch she plays, she is merely a lost child.
She doesn't know what will happen in her future, doesn't know what horrible things the witch has seen, but she does understand the ghost that hide in her eyes. The unwanted reminders of memories past and battles fought. Understanding comes with time and unfortunately the child is trapped in a time where she will never find understanding. In many ways she would like to know which of her students is responsible for the curses that line Hermione's body, she would like to imagine she could make a difference. A part of her mind wonders if it is Bellatrix, the witch always swayed to close to the line, and no matter what the professor's tried the witch still swam in the depths of darkness. But could she truly be the cause of Hermione's torture, it would not explain their connection though. Wouldn't explain the looks the girls shared, not one of fear but something she tried her best to ignore.
A knock at the door startles her form her musing, she calls out for the knocker to enter, resting her mug on the table. Hermione pops her head around the corner, realising they're alone the young witch slips into the room careful not to let the door slam shut behind her. Minerva takes the moment to study the girl, while she is occupied. The relaxed manner the witch walks in almost surprises her, tension remains, but less obvious. The bags under her eyes have decreased, whatever happened to the witch in the twelve hours of her disappearance seemed to help her.
Taking a seat; Hermione glances at the door before back to her Professor. Minerva knows the look, the girl… no she's a woman now, is wondering where Albus was. Choosing to use a kind gaze instead of her scrutinising one, Minerva chooses to relax in her chair noticing it helps the young witch also relax.
"Where's Professor Dumbledore?" Hermione asks not able to keep the question anymore.
"He will be with us soon," Minerva reassures, before motioning for the tea. "Would you like a cup?"
Hesitantly, Hermione nods finding the almost polite Professor unnerving. She was expecting a confrontation, had spent all morning practising her defence only to be met by her calm professor, who looked as though she had very little sleep. Handing the tea to Hermione, Minerva notices the creased brow of concentration. Truthfully she wanted to demand where the girl had been, why she ran off so quickly, tell her how dangerous it was to act so impulsively. Yet, she held her tongue, she knew Hermione was aware of all the things she would moan about.
"What happened?" Minerva asks, she refuses to interrogate the woman knowing from experience it only causes a hostile reaction.
Hermione glances to the door one more time, assuming Dumbledore would want to be here for this meeting. "I apparated to a place where I stayed with my friends one time, I needed space away from everything."
Nodding thoughtfully, Minerva lets the information wash over her, deciding to wait a minute before forming the next sentence. "Is there anything I need to know?"
"Professor?" is the confused reply.
"Do you need a break from your studies? Is there anyone causing problems?" Minerva clarifies.
"No, no everything is fine. I just needed to get away, what with the visit from the Rothsteins and the upcoming Black Ball it's slightly stressful."
"And Bellatrix is what at the moment?" The question shocks both witches and Minerva curses her lack of decorum in asking the important question.
"I'm sorry Professor?" Hermione plays the fool well, if the elder witch wasn't aware at how smart she was.
"You know to what I refer."
"Are you asking if I'm shagging a Black or if I'm friends with her?" Hermione snaps, a faint blush rising to her cheeks at the meaning behind McGonagall's question.
"I will not tolerate that tone!" Minerva warns. "And I am simply asking why Bellatrix happened to find you in the dead of night?"
"I don't know but she did, she hides in shadows as though she were born one." Hermione answers truthfully. "And as to your not too subtle question she's engaged."
"To Mr Lestrange." Both witch's jump at the calm voice of Dumbledore. He greets both of them with a small smile and a nod before wandering over to the blaring fire. "They are no doubt to be wed when Bellatrix graduates, I'm sure the Black ball will be their announcement."
"Albus," Minerva sighs. "I didn't hear you enter."
"I thought it would be rude to interrupt." Dumbledore says turning his attention back to the two witch's.
"Ruder to listen in." Hermione pointedly points out.
"Miss Granger." Glancing at the wizard in slight surprise, Hermione can't help the small rush of excitement at hearing her real name. "I can only hope you won't disappear again, these are dark times and it would be prudent to remain somewhere safe, where we can keep an eye on you."
Hermione never truly knew Dumbledore, not on a level like Harry did, she held great respect for the wizard; but she never went out her way to interact with him. None the less she recognised a threat when she heard one, the slight lift in McGonagall's eyebrow told her even the older witch was surprised. Swallowing a shallow laugh, she can't resist the tight smile that slips on to her face as she stares into ice blue eyes of Dumbledore. She reflects on the fact for once there is no twinkle for once in his eyes.
"Is Hogwarts safe?" Minerva flinches at the question, staring at the girl in disbelief. How could she believe Hogwarts no longer safe?
"Of course it is." Hermione holds his gaze, something she thought she would never be able to do even as McGonagall objects and defends Hogwarts.
"Unfortunately I'll be leaving the safe haven in a few days, so I can give no assurances."
"Do not fear, there will be those at the Black's house keeping an eye out for you." Dumbledore reassures in his usual calm tone and she shifts her gaze away.
"I expected nothing less." She breathes, she knew Dumbledore would have people there to watch her.
"Bellatrix is to wed Lestrange?" Minerva wonders aloud during a lull in their conversation. "Perhaps it will settle the girl, it might do her good."
Hermione can't help the snort at the statement, close to bursting out laughing; she looks to McGonagall to see two raised eyebrows. Holding back a laugh, she allows a smirk to take permanent residence on her face.
"Oh they make it work." She sniggers, they become the most famous Death Eaters in history.
A pang of guilt ripples through her and she drops her gaze to the floor before staring into the distance. She laughing at her future torturer knowing full well the Lestrange's are responsible for Neville's parent's current state. It feels like such a strange thing, she fails to imagine the Bellatrix she sees everyday as the woman she'll grow into. The images of their kissing floods her mind and for a moment she is lost completely in thought, the woman she accepted into her bed is the same one who won't hesitate to kill her in the future. It's a damning thought that causes everything around to halt and crash. She still remembers the anger, the intent Bellatrix had ready to kill her at the battle of Hogwarts, before Tonks pushed her aside and duelled her aunt. The killing curse hitting Tonks chest. Those dead eyes staring endlessly.
A touch to her arm startles her, she jumps in her chair. Reality pushing full force to the front of her mind and she is thrown back into present day. Sitting in her Mentor's office, with a younger version of her Professor kneeling in front of her one hand on her knee and the other on her arm. A ghost hovering by her shoulder, but not a ghost a live and scheming Headmaster.
"Hermione? You back with us?" Minerva asks eyes full of concern.
Glancing around the room, she notices her drink has slipped from her hand, and is currently broken by her feet tea leaked into the carpet. Tightening her grip on the chair, her nails dig in almost painfully, causing her to wince. Minerva looks up to the Headmaster hovering obviously wanting to help but unsure just how is actions will be received.
"Do you think we should call Poppy?" Minerva asks.
"I'm fine." Hermione grinds out, forcing her beating heart to calm down.
Minerva looks unconvinced. "You blacked out for ten minutes Hermione, it would be prudent to ask for Pomfrey."
"It's nothing, I was just lost in thought."
"You failed to answer our calls, it took me some time to get any reaction out of you."
"I'm fine Professor, honestly." Hermione reassures, itching to get up and away from the concern.
Standing Minerva moves away torn between calling for Pomfrey or letting the witch who is eyeing the door with ease, leave.
"Is this a frequent occurrence Miss Granger?" Dumbledore asks moving around to lean against the desk in front of Hermione.
"Rarely," Hermione responds. "Usually only happens during dreams."
"If you would elaborate, please." Dumbledore requests staring over his moon shaped glasses at Hermione.
Hesitating for a second, Hermione sees no point in refusing to answer the question. "I usually only have these certain thoughts or memories when I'm sleeping, it's rare to have them when awake." She does a good job in controlling the worst of her thoughts and memories when she's conscious, she's hoping one day to find a way to control it in her sleep too.
Nodding in thought, Dumbledore does an admirable job in ignoring McGonagall's pointed gaze. "I see no reason for Miss Granger to see Pomfrey, she is capable witch, I'm sure if there was any reason for concern, she would see Poppy."
There's a strong hint in there one that even Hermione can't ignore, if anything like this or what happened yesterday happens again she will have to see Pomfrey. Otherwise she'll be no doubt restrained to her bedroom or under constant watch by either Headmaster or McGonagall. She nods her head in agreement, before motioning for the door. Dumbledore gives a slight wave of the hand and she is out the door before either witch or wizard can change their mind.
Staring at the doorway Minerva wonders if she'll ever have a normal conversation with her student again. She watches as Albus cleans away the smashed cup and stain in the carpet. She knows there's something Albus isn't sharing with her, sees the interaction between both witch and wizard. Hermione is no fool and yet she willingly stares Dumbledore down. She has only known one other who was either foolish enough or brave enough to keep eye contact with Dumbledore and that happened to be Bellatrix Black.
"I don't know what game you are playing Albus," Minerva says coldly watching the slight surprise on the older man's face. "Just remember that there is a damaged girl in your hands and she currently inhabits two different time zones. We all know what can occur if someone travels too far back in time. The sooner she returns to her time the better for all of us, she doesn't belong here, and she needs to get home."
"I assure you, Minerva it is my top priority." Albus reassures, but Minerva remains unconvinced.
"Before or after you have used her to your own gain? She is a child Albus, an ill child and she needs to be around those who love and know her, not here, not with the likes of Black's girls. Although I will admit Bellatrix does seem to have her safety at the forefront of her mind. You of all people know what can happen if we wait too long." It's a cold low blow, but Minerva deals it with the effectiveness and harshness only a true friend does. Far below the belt and with enough force to hit home and ring the bell from the church tower. "Find a way for her to go home before she succumbs to the effects of time travelling. You won't want her on your conscience, not like that of your sister."
Minerva doesn't greet the cold eyes that bore into her, nor does she look to see the pain she has inflicted. She knows she cut open old wounds and dealt pain greater than death, but she holds her ground. Those who scheme, who lie and create ideas with plans of greatness always fail to forget the fallout of those left behind. The ones who have to play their cards while the likes of Dumbledore deals them their hand. She won't let him deal the hand for too long, if he is playing a game he will play in a time limit before she pulls the plug, she is no fool. She won't be able to take Dumbledore in a duel, but she doesn't need to. She will become his own personal conscience the one he will wake to and see every day. She will not let this girl bear the brunt of his games, not when she has already done enough. Minerva may not be the best at reading minds, but she caught a glimpse when she first met her student, and what she saw shook her. She knew what the future would look like saw how the castle lay in ruins. The death is easy to read in Hermione eyes. No, she would not let more pain come to her student and if it meant bearing the full force of both Dumbledore and Hermione, if it meant they were to direct their anger their hate at her she will gladly welcome it. She was Hermione's teacher and by the way the girl walked her only friend then she will bear the burden.
The door closing announces Dumbledore's exit, it was rare to argue with the Headmaster. Yet, she must draw a line, he will find understanding when he sees fit. Until then she was charged with keeping a keen eye on her student. Looking out the window she imagines the chaos Christmas will bring with it, especially for those students remaining behind.
~~~~~Turn Time~~~~~
The whistle blows for the second time into their journey, as they speed from Hogwarts towards King's Cross Station. Sitting in their own secluded cubicle, Hermione watches the rushing scenery on a chilly December morning as Andy sits opposite her flicking through a magazine. Cissy was with them momentarily before she disappeared into the sea of students, Hermione had yet to see Bellatrix and she wondered if the witch had just decided to apparate back home instead of travel on the train.
She would be lying if she said she wasn't nervous or apprehensive about meeting the Black family, she wondered if they wold be anything like the Malfoy's cold and unforgiving. Somehow though she can't imagine it, both Bellatrix and Andy have fiery personalities they must have inherited it from somewhere. Only Cissy remains the odd one out of the sister, playing the sweet innocent girl one second and the cold icy bitch Hermione knows the next.
The last few days of school had passed reasonably uninterestingly, leaving her somewhat disappointed at the lack of activities. She spent like usual most her time with Andy and some nights she would find Bellatrix waiting for her in her room. They never went anywhere past kissing, but they always ended up curled together in bed. Bellatrix had made her cleanse her bedroom walls, erasing the pain and scars. It helped slightly, she wasn't afraid to let sunlight into her room now. She even put the light on before going to bed. The Eldest Black was absent through most the day, only appearing at classes and breakfast, sometimes sitting with Hermione and Andy sometimes at the Slytherin table. She knew it irked the Professor's having not one but two Slytherin's sitting at the wrong tables, Andy they didn't so much care about, but when Bellatrix one morning decided to hex some Ravenclaws it caused an uproar. Much to her surprise she found herself laughing along with the Slytherin's at the pumpkin faced kid who ended on the wrong end of Bellatrix.
Hermione didn't ignore the fact that the kid hadn't done anything to warrant such treatment. It gave her a rude awakening to the fact that Bellatrix was still unpredictable and lingered on the edge of sanity. She knew she was letting her defences down around the witch, so she spent the remaining days ensuring those defences stayed somewhat in their makeshift place. Bellatrix didn't miss it though, she knew the moment Hermione changed. The moment when Hermione put the slightest distance between them. She could feel the slightest twitch of anger in the witch, could feel it coil through the dark witch's body as they slept at night. She had awoken a storm, but a necessary one.
"Sorry!" Andy blurts out, snapping Hermione from her thoughts.
"What for?" She asks settling her gaze on the witch.
Andy smiles sheepishly. "Well you're going to either hate me or love me, but I may have convinced mother to let you sleep in my room during your stay."
Blinking slowly, Hermione tries to make sense of this information. But the only helpful thing for her brain to splutter out was wait… what? Confused, she is sure the Black family has a very big mansion, big enough for her to have her room. Why were they sharing, would they share a bed, she wasn't sure how she felt about that. What about her nightmares?
"I know what you're thinking." Andy continues in a rushed manner, and Hermione is glad someone knows what she's thinking because she doesn't. "However, I think it's the best option, one cause obviously you being a muggleborn." She whispers the word glancing at the door to ensure they're alone. "I didn't think you would want to be on your own, especially around my parents. So I convinced mother we wanted to share. She's happy she thinks you'll be a good influence on me, and also I really don't want to be in that house on my own, it's annoying. Plus I didn't want to leave you in a room where Bellatrix and you could be alone mostly because my mother has a habit of walking in through shut doors. So it would be less interesting if you shared with me and Bellatrix visited, less suspicious and I can give you time alone."
Still blinking, Hermione tries to catch up with the conversation. "I get my own bed right?"
"Of course, the rooms massive I have desk and two sofas in there and we still managed to get two double beds in, kind of like a flat."
"I don't know Andy, I have really bad nightmares."
"We'll use a silence spell on you it'll be fine, do you really want to be alone in a house with my family?"
"No, not really." Hermione agrees.
"I also have a floo network that no one knows about, I set up ages ago, so if anything gets weird you can get out that way if you need to."
"Did McGonagall ask you to do this?" Hermione questions, the silence that follows answers her question. "She did, didn't she?"
"I was already considering it, but she may have given me the excuses to tell mother." Andy answers truthfully.
"Unbelievable." Hermione grumbles, two witches scheming behind her back.
"Are you angry?" Andy asks.
"Angry and slightly touched, so not too sure which to go with."
They sit in silence, the casual rumble of wheels hitting the tracks lulling the silence on longer. "Is it a yes?" Andy finally asks.
"Yes, I appreciate it." Hermione mumbles.
"Oh thank god! It's going to be brilliant!" Andy gushes before launching herself into Hermione and hugging the witch with a death grip.
It's at that moment the door opens, with Andy crushing Hermione in a hug, she can just imagine how awkward they must look to the person entering the cubicle. The hush speaks volumes and she knows just who it is that has finally joined them. Pulling away, Andy retreats to her side, retrieving her fallen magazine and returns to her reading a grin playing on her lips. Snorting at the grin, Hermione turns her attention to shadow standing in the doorway. The black eyes that monitor her sister tells Hermione everything she needs to know. Bellatrix is pissed at catching them in an intimate position, but better yet, they still need to break the news to her that Andy and Hermione are sharing a room. Shuffling in, Bellatrix takes the seat next to Hermione, her eyes finally leaving Andy and settling on Hermione.
"What did I interrupt?" She questions, a hint of malice running through her words.
"Andy has somehow convinced your mother to let me share her room." Hermione informs Bellatrix, thinking best to tell her the truth instead of beating around the bush.
The effect is instant, Bellatrix's goes rigid next to her, like a tension begging to break free. The endless Black eyes darting between both Hermione and Andy as jealousy shows its ugly head.
"I thought it would be easier for you two love birds to have time to yourself without being interrupted or suspicious." The ease at the statement throws both Hermione and Bellatrix off and they stare at the middle Black sister with open mouths. "What? You're not exactly discreet Bella, it's not hard to guess why you arrive back in the Slytherin common room in the early hours of the morning. Especially when you're sporting a big grin."
Hermione marvels at not only being so easily caught out, but at the way Andy has easily diffused a potentially hostile situation.
"Oh did I forget to mention, Bellatrix coincidentally shares the en-suit that connects to my bedroom?" Andy ask innocently.
"Yeah you did." Hermione answers smirking.
"Oops." Andy replies before returning to her magazine. "My bad."
Hermione doesn't look to see the predatory smirk on Bellatrix's face and with London looming in front of them she knows this ball is going to be one to remember.
A/N: So I did some research on Dumbledore, found out more about his past, I bet most of you already aware that Dumbledore's sister died during a duel between Dumbledore and another wizard. ( I don't have a working internet to find the correct information so apologises, I'm lucky fanfiction is working for me.) Any who, Dumbledore is somewhat of an interesting character and if your not too sure on his history I think it'll be worth looking into. Hopefully have the next chapter up soon.
Till next time...