A/n: This will be the last update for a little while so I will return when I have finished moving, please be patient. Also may I just add, I read all of my reviews, all of them. I take note of everything that is said, to the ones who believe that their pov doesn't matter, your wrong. Without your reviews, then there would be no story as honourable as it is being an author you guys love, I am nothing without you. You all make this worth it, so thank you. To the readers who aren't so sure on how this story is going to go but are willing to stick it out, I hope you know that means everything to me. I will endeavour to make it worth your time.

Warning: this story will deal with violence, sexual mentions and rated only for adults. Swearing & death. This story will contain mentions of mental illnesses, self harm and suicide. Please, please read responsibly. I will put the major warning before each chapter so you know what to expect.

Disclaimer: I do not own any recognisable characters and No money has been made from this.

CHAPTER WARNING: Depression, violence. Trigger warning. Swearing.

Enjoy...

Chapter Fourteen

Faithless

"A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow."

-William Shakespeare

Dear Harry,

Something, terrible has happened, I knew I might not have made it home, alive, but I never anticipated this. Never this, it hurts so much. To know I may never have a normal life to never taste what it means to have a family. I had so many plans, now they just seem so absent, so very far away. There's hope though, it seems faint I have to endure hell to escape becoming a devil of the night.

She's doing everything though, everything in her power to support me. I never would have thought it possible, but I think she cares? I'm not sure, maybe it's just survival, she needs me I need her. Except, now I am more than just a brain, I am the danger, the unknown. She should have let me jump.

The truth is I cannot thank her enough. Granted this is her fault, she knows that I know that, but she is making this easy. I don't know anymore, lines are blurring, everything used to be so clear. I learnt something and now it's seared in my head I'm not sure what I can trust. Whom I can trust.

I'm not sure how much longer I will survive if I don't succumb to the monster in me, I've asked Bellatrix to kill me. Made her promise to end me. You'll think me mad, but it's no good I cannot hurt another person.

I love you.

Your best friend.

Hermione.

~~~~~ ADITM ~~~~~

Fangs rip through her flesh, the jaw clenching the crunching of bone as it snaps under the force. Her scream is deafening, lost in the snow white ground. Her blood spurts, covering her, tainting the ground. His burning eyes the stench of his breath, the smell of iron. He ragged her like a doll, tearing into her flesh into her side. Large paws pinning her down, she's going to die.

Jolting, her eyes snap open there's no snow. Lying face first on a blush carpet, a groan escapes her lips. She feels bruised, everything aches as though she's been stretched like dough pulled taunt. Her body feels unnatural, too heavy to move.

Blowing the hair from her eyes, she winces at the sunlight flooding the room. Fear takes hold when she realises, she cannot move her arms or legs. Pinned under incredible heavy chains, immobilised by the weight. A shiver sends goosebumps through her until she realises, she's naked wearing no clothes and completely vulnerable on the floor.

Sucking in a deep breath she tries with all her might to push to her knees, to at least move. The chains barely shake, leaving her lying on her side, trapped. Mind groggy, she tries to recall the night before did she hurt anyone? Where's Bellatrix? Did she hurt the witch and is she now trapped here, alone?

Nothing happened, the chains are still here. Still, the same house, stop panicking. Deep breathes she tries to regain some composure emotions frayed from the previous events. Her skin feels foreign not belonging to her, a strange development. She smells cinnamon, inhaling she takes a lung full, the hidden whiff of coconut shampoo.

Warm hands press against her bare back making her jump, blushing at her nakedness she wishes to cover herself. Her buttocks on display for the world to see, more importantly for the dark witch to admire.

"Morning," Bellatrix's voice is too loud for her thundering head. "Sleep well?"

Not answering, Hermione manages to glare over her shoulder at the witch who merely chuckles. Silently she asks the chains to be removed, an eyebrow raises at the request a slight shake of the head.

"Aww pet, I was enjoying the view." Bellatrix taunts a hand absently running up Hermione's back making the hairs on her neck stand up.

"Didn't know I was your type." Hermione rasps her throat dry she winces at the pain.

"Ah, your probably sore you did howl the neighbourhood down."

"I did?"

"Hmm, noisy shit," Bellatrix comments leaning against Hermione as she eats her toast. "Had me up all night whimpering and howling."

"How… did I…"

"Hurt anyone?"

She nods, dreading the response, did she hurt the witch. The witch seems fine, except Hermione is struggling to see more than the mass of hair and hear the chomping of food.

"Nope, I was hoping for carnage." Bellatrix comments. "Unfortunately, you were quite subdued."

A wand appears, releasing Hermione's wrists first, hands instinctively massaging the redness. The click of the chains as they fall away from her ankles brings relief. She feared Bellatrix was going to leave her tied down all day. A blanket drops on to her lap, as Bellatrix rolls the chains back up.

Wrapping the blanket around her she absently notes the torn clothes on the floor. Her stomach rumbles as Bellatrix dusts crumbs from her chest. It's early the sun not fully risen, yet everything feels so very loud. A horn sounding makes her jump, her movement startling the dark witch.

"What?" Bellatrix demands.

"Horn outside."

"What horn?"

Confused, Hermione swore she heard a horn outside, maybe she's hearing things. Resting her head against the sofa, she's very much aware of burnt toast and raspberry jam. The rasping noise as Bellatrix dusts away the crumbs. The loud clinking of chains as she wraps them up and secures them away for future use.

The sound of birds singing soothes her as does the muttering of muggles waking in their houses to begin their day. She didn't realise how loud people were, how loud birds were in the morning. The smell of cinnamon returns, strong, incredibly so.

"What was it… I like?" Hermione asks her mouth dry.

"Huge," Bellatrix comments. "Over six foot, wouldn't have thought you, capable Granger. You had a strong coat; pure white it was like snow. Seems fitting I suppose. Not mangy like Lupin or Greyback, no you were fully transformed. I almost thought the chains weren't going to hold you."

Observing Bellatrix, Hermione notes the way the dark witches eyes light up recounting the previous night. Can almost feel the excitement radiating of the dark witch… Did Bellatrix like werewolves? It almost seems surreal, Bellatrix hates tainted blood yet she appears to almost enjoy Hermione's transformation.

"Can you remember anything?" Bellatrix asks dark eyes observing Hermione.

Shaking her head, Hermione stares tiredly at the ceiling. "Just fleeting thoughts, emotions. I just remember feeling… scared. I suppose two beings trapped in one body must be odd for it to take control."

"Not two," Bellatrix replies. "One, you are one."

"I'm not a monster."

"No, nor was it. It was just scared. Confused, perhaps you should try to understand it? Study the effects?"

"You think I want this?" Hermione snaps eyes ablaze.

"I'm not saying that," Bellatrix answers calmly.

"No, because this doesn't affect you. It's just me, and my curse."

Hermione pushes to her feet angry, too fast the blood rushes to her head. She loses her balance legs weak from the night before from the transformation. She stumbles, hands failing to grab the sofa she pitches forward.

The floor rushes to meet her, closing her eyes she waits for the contact, the rush of air against her face. Squinting, she stares at the floor inches from her nose, the smell of coconuts. Absently her body informs her of the arms around her waist, Bellatrix holding her up.

Hands clenching, she hates this, hates being weak in front of Bellatrix. Of not understanding, her body failing to respond to her orders. A hand moves her arm locking it in place over strong shoulders, a firm hand secured around her waist. Bellatrix guides her through the house to the back room, to a double bed that looks slept in. Was this where Bellatrix was this morning?

Weakly she clutches the blanket to her chest, ashamed of her nakedness. Ashamed of the tainted blood running through her veins, of her weakness. She doesn't want Bellatrix's tenderness, it makes the situation feel more real. She'd prefer the anger, prefer Bellatrix to be cursing her. Do we really?

No, she doesn't want anymore pain, she just wants to curl up and sleep for a century. Closing her eyes, she refuses to acknowledge the dark witch feels the soft duvet being pulled over her. The noise outside is deafening she can hear a tap dripping, can smell bacon and roasting peanuts.

"For the record." Bellatrix voice is soft, quiet. "It didn't look like a curse."

The words penetrate deep, as the soft click of heels announce Bellatrix walking away. Clutching the duvet, Hermione considers the words, what did she look like turned? Why isn't Bellatrix disgusted? She cannot help but listen as Bellatrix returns a clink of glass, the pop of a potion being uncorked. The items being left on the bedside table near her ready for when she fully wakes up.

Her hand shoots out on its own accord, clutching Bellatrix's wrist, feels the dark witch grow tense beneath her fingers. Can feel the thumping of blood running through Bellatrix's veins.

"Stay," Hermione whispers not opening her eyes hating the desperation. "Please, I don't want to be alone."

Wriggling free, Bellatrix slips from her grip, the footsteps moving away from the bed. With a deep sigh, Hermione thought the request too much. Why does she need the dark witch? I find comfort in her presence.

The bed dips, the shuffling of the duvet as Bellatrix climbs on the bed behind her staying out of the duvet. She settles down behind Hermione, backs touching, a huff leaving Bellatrix's lips despite Hermione's smile.

"Thank you." Hermione eventually says satisfied the dark witch isn't leaving.

Plumping the pillows, Bellatrix shifts the quilt, like a cat she creates a nest. Sighing at the inconvenience every so often as she moves. Eventually, she settles once more their backs touching through the quilt.

"Don't tell everyone," Bellatrix grumbles. "Have a reputation to uphold. Don't need everyone wanting cuddles from aunty Bellatrix."

Snorting, Hermione buries her face in the pillow.

"Can you imagine if Potter learnt of this?" Bellatrix continues muttering under her breath. "He'd want cuddles too, then what would my Lord say?"

"He might get jealous," Hermione mutters. "He might want cuddles too."

"Along as I'm the big spoon."

The comment sends Hermione into a fit of giggles, the thought of Bellatrix and Voldemort spooning both hilarious and disturbing. Can feel the vibration of the snicker from Bellatrix, she falls into a dreamless sleep content.

~~~~~ ADITM ~~~~~

The air is crisp, one of those spring mornings that brings a promise of a better future. It fills her lungs with comfort, the soft chirping of the birds, flowers blooming around her feet. Except snow has covered the ground, the sun remains high in the sky, the air brisk with a winter breeze. Yet, she knows spring is there, knows there are flowers beneath her feet. That nature is coming to life and that is enough to gain her attention.

It's a fast learning curve, she prides herself on how well she learns, this, however, is not something to be gained from the books. They realised quite early that morning her senses were intense. The only word to describe the change. Her hearing increased, her sense of smell doubling, she hears things from streets over. It's confusing, it's terrifying and if the grinning Bellatrix is to go by, at least one of them is excited.

"Greyback never told me this," Bellatrix grumbles circling Hermione. "Bastard, think of all the fun I could have had, scaring him with fireworks."

Rolling her eyes, Hermione tries to ignore the witch, they don't have long to understand her change. They will have to learn as they go, she's a book worm she prefers to study and then apply in practice. It, however, would appear she would not get that luxury, they have the trials to complete Hermione will have to learn quickly.

"So," Bellatrix groans drawing out the word, impatient to see some action. "Think you can climb walls?"

"I'm not spiderman," Hermione replies.

"No, you are a werewolf," Bellatrix states confused. "You weren't bitten by a spider."

"No, it's a super… Oh never mind." Hermione waves the conversation away. "It's just my senses, that's all."

"That is deflating, boring." Bellatrix comments.

"What did you expect?"

"I don't know something more interesting, why else would I be standing in the forest with you? I'm not here for the fun you know."

"No, your just here to annoy me."

"Oh, annoying you, am I?" Bellatrix snaps, anger like a storm it returns just as fierce. "Sorry, muddy but this isn't all about you."

"No, it's your selfish desires."

A shove pushes Hermione backwards stumbling into the tree behind, their neutral friendship fracturing. Hermione can almost see it, splintering in her hands, dripping like acid into the snow. How fragile is it, that one fight can ruin them and one fight can destroy something so very precious? She shoves back.

"Watch yourself muddy, we all have our inner demons, yours is just a bit prettier."

"At least I can get rid of mine," Hermione growls furiously.

The hand lashes, curling around her throat pushing her back into the bark of the tree. Eyes ablaze, Hermione wants to smack the smug smile right from Bellatrix's face. To scream bloody murder. To rip her apart. The thought startles Hermione, a thought unbidden she almost doesn't register the hand nor Bellatrix taunting.

"You ever…" Bellatrix continues raging, but Hermione ignores it.

Breaking the hold, she pushes the witch away startling the dark witch who stumbles backwards. It'll be easy one bite, done. Her body twitches violently, a hand lashes out smacking into the bark of the tree, the soft snow fall falling on to her back. On impulse, her neck twists, feels the desire running along her spine like spiders' legs. Tempting, prodding, wishing to engage the beast.

It's the warm hand pressing to her collarbone over her scar, the soft body pressing against her back. Bellatrix's smell cocoons her, such violent hands gentle against her body, guiding her. A hand pressing against her abdomen, venomous lips brush against her ear.

"Breath in," Bellatrix orders the hands strong and steady. "Breath out, that's it pet. In, out. Listen to my voice."

The voice is like honey, a warm buzz fills her head, the softness of Bellatrix's coconut hair pressed against her forehead. The strange magic calms her, soothes her pounding mind, the hands grounding her to reality. The spell or magic, what ever Bellatrix is doing soothes the beast. Calms the werewolf raging to get out.

When Hermione comes out the trance, she finds herself pinned by the black eyes, so very close their noses inches apart. Bellatrix's eyes search hers looking for something, perhaps to see if there's any sign of the beast. Satisfied, Bellatrix pulls away the warm feeling broken with the loss of contact.

The hands remain planted, holding Hermione still, allowing her to come back to her senses. Swallowing, brown eyes focus on the tree, the large chunk missing and the ache in her hands. Oh my. She did that, lifting her hand she notices the redness and the slight swelling.

"Exciting," Bellatrix comments admiring the slight destruction.

"Not a word I would use," Hermione replies as the hand on her abdomen pulls away.

It's comforting the hand on her scar, it's the last to leave, as two hands survey the damage to Hermione's right hand. Bellatrix turning her hand palm upwards pulling gauze from her bag, she begins to wrap the hand.

"So, anger is a trigger," Bellatrix notes patting Hermione's wrapped hand.

"Apparently," Hermione agrees as she flexes her hand.

They had formed some sort of idea back at the house to test Hermione's resolve, to test her mental state. To see if the beast would rear, after learning Hermione can turn at any time, Hermione thought it best to study her reactions to situations. Bellatrix only too happy to agree, happy to prod the creature from it's hiding.

Sadness didn't work, nor did happiness no, it would appear anger and threat to her life made her blood boil. The beast comes alive. She can manage the new senses, but they both needed to know her new limits.

"Satisfied?" Bellatrix asks unhooking the chain from Hermione's ankles before removing the charms around them. "Any more tests?"

"No," Hermione replies the rest will be learnt on the journey. "Just need to take up meditation."

"I can teach you that," Bellatrix comments folding the chains once more.

"You meditate?"

"Frequently."

She cannot imagine the dark witch meditating; the idea appears foreign. Stifling the laugh, she waits for Bellatrix to announce it a joke. Nothing.

"So?" Bellatrix asks slinging her bag over her shoulder. "Start tonight?"

"Your serious?"

"Pet, how else do you think I survived Azkaban?"

She opens her mouth hoping for a witty retort but nothing comes to mind. She simply nods, satisfying Bellatrix who begins to move through the forest back towards the wizarding town. Following behind, Hermione wonders what else the witch did to survive Azkaban for so long.

The thought brings another, what happened between Bellatrix and Voldemort? How did the witch escape, did they fight? What did she miss when falling prey to Greyback?

"This is going to get loud," Bellatrix comments waving her wand, setting their charms to protect them from view.

Using her own wand, Hermione casts a charm protecting her own sensitive ears to the hustle and bustle of the town. The snow turns to cobbled streets as they head to the town, except it's not like it was before. The streets remain empty a few shops burnt out, doors boarded up. No one makes eye contact as they rush about their business, the café they stopped at remains closed. Stopping behind Bellatrix, a sinking feeling fills her stomach, guilt manifests in Hermione. They are responsible for this; the Death Eaters came for them and the town paid the price.

A newspaper trapped against the wet street catches her attention, moving closer she stares at the front page. Aware Bellatrix has joined her, a new solemn feeling takes over.

Hermione Granger, Dead?

Following a recent skirmish, it is reported Miss Granger was killed by Death Eaters. Locals reported fighting, the recent Azkaban escapee and mass murderer Bellatrix Lestrange was sighted. Bellatrix Lestrange escaped once more when Aurors appeared the fighting had ended and they discovered the body of the notorious Werewolf Greyback, dead. Not far was the scene of a blood bath, the blood tested reported to belong to Miss Granger. A spokesman for the Auror's had this to say.

"As explained if Miss Granger survived the initial attack, she would have bled out instantly, she would have succumbed to her injuries within minutes. The nearby hospital was shut, it would appear no one has seen Miss Granger since the attack. At this stage, we are reporting Miss Granger deceased until further evidence suggests otherwise."

Dated only a couple days ago, Hermione swallows, the world thinks she's dead. No one will be looking for her, which is great except for when she returns home. Will they think it to be a trick, will they trust her?

"We'll find a way to let them know your alive," Bellatrix says.

Nodding, Hermione follows the witch along the street, her heels clicking, they pass the rows of shops guilt setting in deep. The boys will think her dead? Her friends, her school would they have a funeral? Would they believe the report? She would be dead if it weren't for Bellatrix.

"I suppose this makes us even," Hermione comments as they walk.

"Even?" Bellatrix asks suspiciously.

"I saved your life, you saved mine even."

"Your forgetting your little stint in the ice where you drowned? It's not a competition, but I'm winning, two to me I believe."

Rolling her eyes, Hermione doesn't respond, trust Bellatrix to save her twice just to make a point. Pausing outside the large building, Hermione realises the burnt out business was where Bellatrix abandoned her to speak to someone. Now the building is just a shell, a ruin. Sensing the sorrow, Hermione glances towards the book shop in the distance.

"Catch me up?" Hermione asks noticing the mark left by Aurors. Investigating the death.

A nod is the only reply, Hermione watches Bellatrix slip across the charm preventing anyone from interfering with the crime scene. Standing over the mark left, turning Hermione looks away from the scene. Heading towards the book shop she notices it's locked up tight. Sighing, she leans against the window watching the few people as they pass by.

"I'm glad to see it's a lie." The voice startles her, the strong smell of whiskey almost nausea. "I didn't think you had died."

Turning, Hermione regards Thorns smoking a cigar near the little alleyway. The puff of the cigar illuminating the end, lighting his dull eyes. He regards Hermione, studying her in the way she studies for her examines.

"Your different?" he comments.

"Long story,"

"The best ones are." He chuckles.

"She saved me," Hermione answers the unspoken question watching Bellatrix in the distance.

"Why?"

"I don't know." Hermione shrugs because she didn't know. "Perhaps she doesn't want to be alone."

"Perhaps she's not the bad guy people think she is?"

"She won't talk of it."

"No, I don't imagine she ever will." Thorns agree. "But you are second guessing now."

"I will admit, the facts don't add up."

"That's all I ever wanted, was someone to understand that something was wrong."

"Will you do me something." Hermione says turning to Thorns. "in return, I promise I will find out the answer to the Longbottom's. I know you might not live to see it, but I will find the truth."

"That's all I ever wanted. What do you want?"

"Do you still have contacts with the papers?"

"Yes, why?"

"Let them know, let them know I'm still alive. That I am living and breathing. Please."

"How?"

"Thorns?" The voice startles them both, Bellatrix standing next to them.

"Be… Bellatrix." Thorns replies as he drops his cigar.

"So, this is your little informant." Bellatrix realises, putting the pieces together. "Filling Granger's head with conspiracy's I see?"

To both their surprises, Bellatrix doesn't attack him she merely comes to stand besides Hermione, waiting for the witch to finish the conversation.

"I asked him to pass word I'm alive." Hermione relays her plan to Bellatrix.

"Smart," Bellatrix nods. "How are you going to do that?"

"Do you have a camera?" Hermione asks Thorns.

Mutely, he nods, before realising he needs his camera, he scurries off back into the shop. She shares a look with Bellatrix, who twirls her wand.

"What's the plan?" Thorns ask out of breath camera in his hand.

They find the portkey to the next level both regarding the town, knowing when the picture is released, they will be hunted again. It's for the best if the world thinks her dead then she will lose so much. Bellatrix will be hunted by aurors for killing her, this way, Bellatrix is not a murderer, Hermione is alive and her friends won't mourn.

Something feels different as they approach the portkey, something shifted between them. A stronger bond perhaps? She's cannot put her finger on it, but she's grateful Bellatrix is with her. That Bellatrix didn't leave her behind.

Hands itching to touch the key, Hermione stuffs the last of her chocolate bar into her mouth. Her hunger almost insatiable, Bellatrix happily reminder her she's eating for two. Hermione quick to remind the dark witch she's not pregnant.

"I didn't know," Bellatrix breathes studying the silent forest. "I didn't know he had something on me."

Not daring to breath, to interrupt the revelation fearful Bellatrix will never speak to it again. Desperate to understand and hoping that Bellatrix didn't kill Sirius, even though she knows she did. Saw it with her own eyes.

"Sirius," Bellatrix hisses the name as though Hermione didn't already know who the witch meant. "If I had known he had something on me. I… I wouldn't have killed him, it would have been too dangerous. No, I would have forced him to reveal what he had on me. On what evidence he dares insinuate I am innocent. As it was, I didn't know. I don't suppose you know what he had?"

"No," Hermione whispers the word.

"Fair enough." Bellatrix shakes her head grabbing Hermione's wrist as she reaches for the key. "It was odd though, we always duelled before the war and during. I will admit it took me by surprise when I struck him. Many times, before we've duelled, his never… Doesn't matter, we all have our off days. Perhaps he was distracted, I was more disappointed than anything. We always had good duels, a rival to my skill. It was a waste to see him fall so easily."

The tug of the portkey breaks their moment, but Hermione's mind isn't on their next level it's on the admission. Did Bellatrix feel remorse for Sirius death, it's no secret the Dark witch always admires skill. Was Sirius distracted that night? Distracted by Harry, or something else? She doesn't know, but she vows to figure it out.