A/N: Well, this chapter certainly was written faster than I anticipated! First, I want to thank everyone who has reviewed/faved, etc. Reviews mean more to me than you could ever imagine. You are all amazing and wonderful! I really hope you enjoy this chapter. I would like to thank imperfectionisunderrated for being my wonderful Beta reader. You are a blessing and I love you very, very much. Truly.
Now, to respond to reviews!
SH4D0W44: Yes, they are going to fight, fight, fight! I hope it is good enough for your expectations. If not, I apologize.
Charzee: I am so glad you are enjoying the story and truly hope that you continue to enjoy where it is headed!
imperfectionisunderrated: Of course she wants to spend extra time with Hermione! Now, if only she could admit it to herself. But we know Bellatrix. She would never stoop so low (in her mind!) And isn't Bilby so cute? I just adore him! And yes, Hermione had every right to ask about their connection. Bellatrix just refuses to discuss it! Typical! And I do believe Bella would hurt Bilby for revealing her well guarded secrets on her feelings towards Hermione. God forbid she find out! And yes you are on to something with your statement. All will be revealed. In time. And fucking Narcissa! She truly does have the worst timing ever! Bitch! And screw you! The chapter is finished and yes, by the end of the year. So shove it, my friend! hahahahaha
Guest: I am so glad I was able to help you in some way. I really hope you are feeling better. If you ever need to talk, I am here for you.
Clemenmore: God, would we all love to be a fly on that wall? And I loved having Bellatrix dressed in red. For Hermione's benefit, I am certain!
Guest # 2: I am so happy you like the way the story is going. Bellatrix does seem to be softening, doesn't she? Hoping not to disappoint you with this chapter. That would suck!
Tammy: I am still not sure on the entire daughter thing. Still thinking about how I can work that into the story. But, a good idea, nonetheless!
wild artemis: I am so thrilled you found this story again and are loving it. That makes my heart smile!
sherry24: I hope I haven't let you down with Bella and Narcissa's fight scene!
Coeur D'Amertume: Agreed in Bellatrix kicking Narcissa's ass. But, she is still her sister... so that might be difficult for her
SlytherClawQueen13: I hope you continue to love the story. I tried my best!
Now, on with the show!
Won't you go away
Turned yourself in
You're no good at confession
Before the image that you burned in me
tries to teach you a lesson
- Oh Well by Fiona Apple
Hermione had hoped to avoid the confrontation between newfound rivals. Experience with the sisters' wrath had been enough to last several lifetimes. She understood the volatile storm that brewed from these intense disputes. The aftermath of such.
Hopes that accelerated departure would shield the forthcoming onslaught were expeditiously dismissed. The two voices found her. Caustic words hung in the air. The anvil, readied to crush all in its' wake. Hermione had grown accustomed to the offences shot her way, long ago. Remarks on blood inferiority, the norm. Steps quickened, haste to disappear. She fumbled with the handle of the door, cursing it under her breath. Tensions loomed, ever closer, rising with each word.
Hermione exhaled deeply. Relief as the door opened and clicked shut. Detachment, at last, from Bellatrix and Narcissa. She clambered for safety of the staircase. Her room, her security, within reach. A prison morphed into asylum. Safe behind the closed door, she respired. Heart raced as ferocious slamming of the door transpired. The sisters' verbal assaults shot back and forth, unrelenting in ferocity. The sable strode her quarters in laps. The only means she possessed to calm herself.
"You know very well whose fault this is!" Narcissas' voice sounded first. "Don't you dare play the unwitting victim with me! In case you have forgotten, I know better!"
"I wasn't the one who-"
"You've brought this on yourself, Bellatrix, as usual. Without any regard for those around you!" she shrieked. "You have some nerve, bringing that repulsive animal into my home! How dare you attempt to excuse your behavior!"
No matter how hard she tried to ignore the battle waged below, words carried themselves upstairs, into Hermiones' room. Echoing in her ear, ruthless in their assault.
"I tried to stop this!" the Death Eater bellowed, in response. "You know that!"
"Clearly, you didn't try hard enough! Had you followed my advice, you wouldn't be in this position!"
"For fuckssake, Cissy! Don't you think I know that? There's no use living in the past!" Annoyance tinged each syllable.
"I'm not going to sit by and-"
"Lower your voice," Bellatrix snarled. "It's dreadful enough as it is. Must we involve the entire household?" Black eyes flashed danger.
Narcissa grudgingly agreed. A temporary truce. Departure echoed throughout as two sought privacy. Found, the combat of the Purebloods continued. At last, all was quiet upstairs. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief, steady as she paced the perimeters of her residence. Wand twirled between restless fingers as uncertainty took hold. All of her unanswered questions rose to the surface, ready to rupture.
Confusion over why Narcissa singled out Bellatrix as the cause, the short-lived insight into a recollection Bellatrix hadn't wanted anyone to observe. She wondered what the relation to these events had to the bond she shared with Bellatrix. The internal struggle neared volcanic explosion. Hermione could keep to herself. Allow it to flow over. Or she could do something to resolve it. Her only option? Slip downstairs. Eavesdrop on what was being said. Hopefully gain some semblance of insight. Hermione knew herself too well. She wouldn't be able to leave well enough alone. Not with a circumstance that unmistakably involved her.
She readied herself for terrifying descent. Understood the potential implications. She had to know. Even if it meant knowledge of things she never wanted to know.
Heartbeat wedged painfully in her throat, an unwanted guest. She cracked the door open, in quiet. Edged towards destructive truth. Distance from hallway to stairs grew exponentially. Each step she took felt like a million more. Descent down the stairs was substantially worse.
Three steps from the bottom, she heard them. Hushed voices seething with animosity from behind the closed door of the library. She talked herself through.
Two steps to go. You can do this, Hermione. Just move your legs.
Her heart raced faster with each movement. Destiny within range. She scanned the area, plotting her getaway. The last thing she needed was to be found out. Escape route mapped, she inched closer. Narcissas' voice dominated.
"That is not the point! What do you intend to do about it?"
"If I knew the answer to that, I would have done it by now!" Bellatrix retorted, teeth bared. "As though it hasn't crossed my mind every single day I've been trapped with her!"
Hermione winced. She already knew how Bellatrix felt about her. Still, the words slashed like a razor.
"It was never supposed to occur this way," Bellatrix bemoaned. "I shouldn't even be here! I was supposed to die in that battle, Narcissa. With Him!" Bellatrix, genuinely distressed.
The mention of her former Master made the Death Eater sound more vulnerable than Hermione had heard in some time. Guilt tugged at her, as the brunette privately took accountability for Bellatrixs' anguish. Had she not saved the Dark Lords' favorite, Bellatrixs' wish would have come true.
Hermione was torn. The larger part of her dismissed any feelings of culpability, knowing the deep force that linked the two was far too strong to ever allow Bellatrixs' demise. In the core of her being, Hermione knew that she'd had no choice in the matter. Given the chance to go back, she would have done it all over again.
"I know you believe that is where you belong," Narcissa replied, her voice softening, "but it is the one thing that monstrous thing has actually done of any benefit." Disgust was palpable, as the admission left her lips. "At least I still have you."
"And look how beneficial that has been! You still have me. Your fuck-up sister. What joy that revelation must bring you each day!" Narcissa gave no response. "Even you cannot deny it!"
"No, I cannot," the Platinum said resolutely. "You have destroyed so many things. And not just my life. You've even managed to go the extra distance, destroying your own in the process! So appallingly that even you recognize it!"
Several minutes passed in silence. Bellatrix had no defense against the truth dealt her. Narcissa grew more impatient with each passing second. Finally, Bellatrix broke the still of the room.
"What the hell am I supposed to do? I cannot exist this way!"
"You already know what must be done, Bellatrix. It's just a matter of whether or not you will."
"But-"
"But, nothing! You have to tell her! She will discover it sooner or later. And maybe, Merlin willing, when she finds out, that filth will at last leave this home!" Bellatrix clamped her eyes, firmly. "This secret of yours must end sometime. At this point, it is up to you to do what is right."
Hermione's mind spiraled out, conjuring a multitude of meanings behind the declaration. What does she have to tell me? It's bad, but how bad? Obviously, she thinks it is something so detrimental that I would consider leaving. How is that possible? I've stuck this out with her through so much misery. What could be worse than what has already occurred? Given everything that had already transpired, Hermione couldn't fathom a scenario that could ever result in leaving Bellatrixs' side.
"I can't tell her," Bellatrix said quietly, her voice cracking. "I just... I can't. You know that. There has to be another way."
"There isn't, as you well know! And if you refuse to tell her, we have nothing further to discuss in the matter!"
"Don't say that!"
"Have it your way, then!" Narcissa snapped. "You always do! But don't come crying to me when it all comes crashing down! Because I won't be here for you! Do you understand me? I am over cleaning up after you! I have spent a lifetime doing it, and it ends now!" she flared. "Have your little beast! Clearly that is the only thing that matters to you, anyway!"
"You know that isn't true!
"Isn't it?"
"Take it back!" Bellatrix snarled.
"Never! Narcissa shouted, refusal to lie.
The sharp crash of hand meeting cheek sounded through the room. Followed by another. And yet another. Bellatrix let out a soft whimper, almost delighted at the hurt inflicted. The Platinum, evidently disturbed at the delight Bellatrix took in the pain.
"You disgust me, Bellatrix! And take me at my word when I tell you this. Any further discussions on this matter are over! We are finished!" Hermione heard the sound of heels clashing furiously against floor. There was nothing left to talk about.
Hermione instantly initiated her planned escape. Finding an obliging corner, she ducked out of view. Her mind was a violent storm, thoughts rolling in like flashes of lightning. She couldn't make sense of anything. Not anymore. And she knew that Bellatrix would never provide the answers necessary to calm the fierce winds.
Narcissa slammed the door behind her, inaudible curses issued as she made her way towards her room. Hermione remained until it became clear that Bellatrix was staying put. She raced back towards her own space, staying long enough to be believed, before exiting again. She purposefully made her departure known to all, exaggerating each step she took. Gryffindor would soon confront Slytherin, though she knew no answer would be offered. Still, Hermione had to attempt. She had nothing left to lose.
As expected, the raven haired witch was exactly where Narcissa had left her. Hermione passed the closed door, coughing to make presence known. That was your big plan? She scolded herself. Walk by and hope she would open the door with open arms? She turned back, willing herself to knock. As her fist braced for impact, the door creaked open.
"I knew you wouldn't leave with-" Bellatrix caught sight of the young woman, visibly caught off guard. "Oh. It's you," Pure disappointment.
"May I come in?" It was more announcement than question. Hermione pushed her way into the room, arm brushing against Bellatrix as she did. Inky curls danced against pale shoulders. The brunette was lost in the sight. Momentary lapse of reason. Bellatrix, ravaged by recent tears, was still breathtaking. Hermione forced herself back to reality under the scrutiny of Bellatrix's glance.
"S-sorry," she stammered. "I just wanted to see if you were alright."
Bellatrix huffed at the notion. "Never better," she drawled mockingly. "Do I appear alright to you?" Voice elevated, aggravation seeping through.
"No, it was just... I didn't mean.. I didn't know what else to say," she finally managed.
"You never do."
"You're right," Hermione responded, cautiously choosing her words. She had no intention of being dismissed. "This is all my fault. I never should have-"
Bellatrix cut her off. "While I would love to agree with you on the finer points, in this rare instance, I cannot." Hermione was stunned. She wasn't accustomed to such decided innocence. Dealings with Bellatrix never ended in Hermiones' innocence.
"This is her fault." Bellatrix said, flicking her hand towards a specter in the direction of Narcissa. "Not that it matters, anymore."
"Oh," she responded, barely audible. Surprised by the statement. "I didn't mean to intrude."
"Didn't you, Muddy? Isn't that exactly why you are here?"
"No! I just wanted to see that you were alright. Obviously, an error in judgment! God forbid you allow me in. I would hate for you to think someone in this world actually cares about you!"
Bellatrix looked away. She knew the words were spoken in absolute honesty. And hated the fact that the one who stood before her was truly the only one that seemed to care. It was the last individual she ever wanted to execute that role.
"Push me away, then. It's what you know best, anyway." Hermione made to leave, stopped by a loud sigh from the Dark One.
"It's not that."
"Then what is it, exactly? As it appears, I am standing here, your well-being my only concern. Yet, you won't accept it. So please, enthrall me with your explanation. I merely came here to apologize for what happened. My mistake! It won't happen again!"
Bellatrix offered nothing.
"I'll leave you to your brooding, then!"
"Wait. You don't have to leave." She would never confess it, but Hermione was correct. She was taking out her frustration on the younger one. Frustrations that were directed at her sister, no longer present. "Unless that is your desire, of course. I would hate to keep you from all of the pressing engagements you must have." For the first time, Bellatrix gave a slim smile, impressed with her own wit.
She never fails to cheer herself up at my expense. Whatever it takes, I suppose.
Hermione walked back towards Bellatrix, non-verbally asking to take a seat next to her counterpart. Bellatrix acquiesced, shaking her head in dismay.
"I must know," Bellatrix started, "what is it with you? What the fuck is your game here?" Hermione raised a brow, unclear on meaning. "Over and over, you come back for more. Do you take pleasure in the life you have chosen for yourself? The constant threat of torture? Or is it some sick game you get off on? At this point, it is self-imposed. You do know that, don't you?" Bellatrix scratched her palm, smirking.
Hermione felt it. The heat that rose whenever thoughts betrayed hidden desires. She shook her shoulders, as one would shake off a chill. She would not allow those thoughts to take over. Not this time. Hermione knew she must remain resolute in the quest for justifiable explanation.
"No, as a matter of fact. I do not get off on it, as you so vulgarly put it." She thought about the question, a single response coming to mind. "And it isn't as if I wanted to stay here!" Bellatrix let out a raucous laugh. Hermione ignored the slight. "I don't know." she said, voice quieting with final statement. "It's you, I suppose." Bellatrix cocked her brow, mild amusement. "Why else would anyone choose this life?" The dark witch tilted her head, mild appreciation for the Gryffindor's candor.
"Little old me?" she grinned.
"Yes, you! It's just," she paused, "it's this grasp you seem to have over me. It sounds insane, but it's true. I cannot explain it. It's just there. And there seems to be nothing I can do about it." Sadness shown in the truthful response. "Well, of course it doesn't make sense! How could it? Only a lunatic would stick by your side the way I have!" Coherent speech turned to incoherent babbling. Hermione instantly forced herself to discontinue speaking, avoiding any further embarrassment.
"Every one of us has their own truth," Bellatrix mumbled to no one in particular. Hermione had heard it. Readied herself to dig deeper.
"What do you mean by that, exactly?"
"Nothing!" she snapped. "It doesn't mean anything." Obvious attempt to end the subject.
Hermione bit the inside of her lip, contemplating response. She knew that it had meant more than a simple, off the cuff, comment. She wanted, no needed, to press further, without giving away what she had not been supposed to overhear earlier. Evident in her countenance.
"What is it now, Muddykins?" It had not gone unnoticed.
"It's nothing."
"Don't try that with me! You should know better, by now. So, unless you'd prefer I delve into that mind of yours, I suggest you come out with it." Hermione was still biting the inside of her lip, creating an imprint. "And just so you know, your lip is not a viable food source. Now, say what you've come to say. But, don't expect that you will get too far with it."
"I never do," she said, sharply. "It's just..." she paused, searching for the right words, as one would digging up a long buried artifact, "Outside, I heard your sister screaming at you."
"And?"
"Well, she didn't exactly seem thrilled for you to be teaching me. To be wasting your time teaching such an inferior being, as myself."
"And what did you anticipate from her? A bouquet of flowers for my generosity in teaching someone so unworthy?"
Hermione flinched at the words. This was the Pureblood, after all. She was used to the insults, could let them roll off of her back. But hearing them from the object of her desire? The words cut deep, as always.
"Of course not! I'm just a filthy beast! Remember?" Hermione couldn't be certain, but she could have sworn she saw Bellatrix close her eyes, if only for a second. "I am referring to what she said about this all being your fault. What did she mean?"
"Oh, that?" she asked, entirely disinterested. "Honestly, I have no idea what she was on about. To her way of thinking, you kidnapping me is somehow my fault! As if I had a choice in the matter!" It was a lie. One Hermione recognized immediately.
Bellatrix sensed it and moved to swiftly change the subject, yet again. "Anyway, what does it matter now? What's done is done."
"Right," Hermione snapped. Finished with the charade. "Besides, it isn't as though you haven't spent every single day, stuck with me, trying to figure out what to do about it!"
The bombshell dropped. Explosions covered the room in burning embers. Tension in the room cut like a whip through the air. Bellatrix, sincerely uncomfortable. She knew. Hermione had heard. How much? She knew not.
Fuck, fuck fuck! How much did she hear? Immediate regret set in at not casting a silencing charm.
Hermione gave no opportunity for explanation, storming out of the room. Dismissed herself from the premise as quickly as she had entered. She was gone, leaving the raven alone, once more.
Hermione raced for the outside. The most serene area she knew, mind a blur, thoughts filled with rage.
Inside, Bellatrix experienced something quite different. Fear. Panic. For, perhaps the first time in her life, she didn't know what to do. Bellatrix was at a loss.
Hermione made a decision. And she didn't care if she got lost along the way. She walked towards the labyrinth, no plan made as to where she was heading. The only thing that mattered was placing one foot in front of the other. As long as it took her far away from Bellatrix. Rage boiled within, unlike she had ever known.
An hour later, she was drenched in sweat, still seething. Feet carried her from one dead end to the next. The sun set. Darkness quickly rolled in. Hermione barely noticed. She removed her wand, her only source of light. Hour after hour, she continued, finally coming across an unusual clearing in the brush walls. She moved towards it, only able to see what was tucked away, once within close range. A gift had been presented in form of small structure. It reminded her of the guest house her Grandparents had behind their own home.
The house was a small, wooden framed shelter. An eyesore to the Malfoys, to be certain. It definitely did not fit in with the precious image of the Malfoy lifestyle. Hermione supposed it was the reason the place had been tucked away so far from the splendor of the Purebloods' Manor.
Hermione approached the cottage, caution thrown to the wind. Opened the unlocked door. The inside revealed much more than the outside led her to believe. Intricate fabrics draped over furniture. Candelabras placed carefully about the small house. Books lined shelved against walls. Everything Hermione would need to conceal herself for a while. Forever, if necessary. Food, the least of her concerns.
The vibe of the cottage was night and day from that of the Manor. It felt warm, almost inviting. As though people actually lived there. Who that might be was anyone's guess. Hermione privately cursed herself for not exploring her new surroundings further. Had she known, she never would have stayed through the many abuses she'd endured at Narcissa and Bellatrix's hands.
In truth, she was appreciative to have found the place at all. At least it was somewhere she could be unaccompanied. Some place she could endeavor to calm herself. A place she could at least spend the night. If not, forever. She wasn't sure she would ever want to return to the Manor again.
Anger still fueled by her encounter with Bellatrix. Hermione did not feel drained in the slightest. She circled the room, in endless effort to unwind. She grabbed a book off of the shelf at random, forcing herself to sit down and read. It had always helped to alleviate her nerves in the past.
Hours passed, flipping page after page, before a yawn escaped her mouth. She coiled into fetal position on an overstuffed, velvet sofa. Hope that sleep might soon come. Eventually, the book dropped to the floor, waking her from a slumber she'd not realized had come. She put out the soft-lit candles that danced around the room and fell fast asleep.
The scene at the Malfoys had been far different than Hermione's evening. Bellatrix ultimately removed herself from the library. Stomped upstairs to her own room. She spent the night in an all-too-familiar fury. The thought had crossed her mind, multiple times, of searching out Hermione. Each time she thought she might, she could not allow herself to do so. Couldn't bring herself to pursue the young one. It would be a smear on her dignity. A weakness she could not afford.
The result of opting out? Bloodied knuckles from walls that held firm. Broken poster beams from the raven with a wand. Destruction on every level. Broken lamps? Torn tapestries? These were minimal damage. The panic Bellatrix held within was far worse than material demise.
The uncertainty of what Hermione might have heard in private conversation festered within Bellatrix's core. Peeled away the shreds of sanity Bellatrix had clung to. Charcoal eyes swirled. The rest of the occupants in the house, retreating to safety. Giving the raven much needed space. Unlike prior incidents, typically confined to her room, Bellatrixs' destruction had started immediately upon Hermione's departure.
Bellatrix, though she would never divulge it, was afraid of the thoughts that raced through disheveled psyche. Worse yet, her inability to pinpoint the most terrifying aspect of the entire situation. Had she been found out? Were her closely guarded secrets no longer her own? Had she truly brought this on herself? In fleeting moments, she even worried what Hermione must think of her. These were the moments her anger turned to outright rage. Followed by denial that such a thought could ever cross her mind.
In those moments, her frenzied state worsened. The thought that she might actually care for the girl was more than she could abide.
Narcissa, having vowed to be done with her sister, could finally take no more. The relentlessness of the outburst occurring upstairs only grew worse with each passing second. She could only imagine the numerous prized objects she owned being destroyed, one by one. With more than a little selfishness in the matter, Narcissa relented. Braved the tumult that was her sister. She could no longer bear the shrieking anymore. The spells cast had begun to shake the foundations of her home. Decidedly, enough was enough.
Without invitation, she opened the door, finding Bellatrix covered in blood, pooling on the rug beneath her feet. Deep cuts covered arms, legs, chest. Any body part that the raven could reach. The black, swirling eyes didn't register the presence of another in the room. Narcissa cast a spell, immobilizing her sister. She called for Bilby, who arrived immediately. The little elf's eyes widened, seeing the damage his Mistress Bellatrix has inflicted upon herself.
He stifled a tear, looking expectantly at Narcissa. "Bilby, fetch some essence of Dittany and Bellatrixs' calming potions."
"Yes, Mistress Narcissa." He gave a low bow before disapparating. The small elf reappeared immediately.
"Bilby be happy to help his Mistress with her hurts!"
"That won't be necessary." Narcissa snatched the potions from the elf and shooed him away.
Bellatrix raged at the indignity of being locked in place. Narcissa didn't care that Bellatrixs' fury was now directed towards her. She carefully applied the healing potions, desperately needing the blood to stop destroying any more of her belongings. Wounds healed, as best they could be, Narcissa grabbed the calming potion, forcing it down Bellatrixs' throat. When inky eyes showed signs of life, Narcissa released Bellatrix from the holding spell.
"What the fuck we-were you t-th-thinking? You had n- no r-rig-right to do that!" she wailed, through endless sobs.
"It was the only way. You are still my sister, no matter how I feel about the choices you have made for yourself."
Bellatrix continued. Narcissa could not stop her, no matter what gentle words she offered. The potions were slow to action. After a time, Bellatrix seemed able to speak. At least in a semi-rational way.
"What the hell happened, Bella?"
Bellatrix tried to explain, through her tears. Some words, understandable. Most, not, as she still struggled to speak. Bewildered eyes looked at her younger sister. The perfect combination of sadness, confusion and anger. A struggle to make sense of her own feelings. Narcissa pleaded with her to take deep breaths, Bellatrix cursing her at such a notion. Narcissa, used to these sudden breakdowns, ignored. Continued to calm her.
"Sh-she," Bellatrix stammered, "heard."
"Heard what?" Narcissa questioned gently.
"I-I- I don't kn-know. What we said. I don't know!" she wailed, landing a fist against innocent wall. Narcissa grabbed her wrists, to stop any further self-inflicted pain and inhaled deeply. Lips tightening as she realized that, yet again, all revolved around the intruder in her house.
"Where is she now?"
Bellatrix pointed downstairs, indicating the front door. "Gone." Narcissa did the only thing she could. The only thing that had worked in the past. Pale arms wrapped around velvet shoulders, rocking her sister like an infant.
"We will work this out tomorrow. There is nothing to be done now." Bellatrix sniffled, nodded agreement. Narcissa pulled her wand back out, fixing the broken bed posts. Led Bellatrix towards her bed.
"For now, you need sleep."
"Right," she said, convincingly. Narcissa departed, closing the door behind her.
Bellatrix waited for Narcissas' footsteps to disappear into the distance before locking the door. She grabbed her wand, casting all silencing spells she could as she prepared for the rest of her unraveling.
The sun broke through the clouds in sporadic intervals. Hermione, still fast asleep, was unaware of blue eyes fixated on her still form. She violently tossed on the couch, in the throes of a nightmare at play. Hands swung into air, grasping at empty air. A throat cleared. Attempt to coax the young witch to waking. The thrashing continued, in waves, until the sharpness of a drawn wand dug into her rib cage. Instinctively, Hermione jumped, unsure of whether she was still asleep. Sleepy eyes widened. She was definitely awake. Hermione frantically grabbed for her own wand. The figure before her, unexpected. The Ice Queen stood before her, regal in pompous demeanor.
"So, this is where you've been? My sisters' hideaway," she snickered. "I cannot imagine how thrilled she will be to know you've found it." Hermione scrambled to her feet, needing her wand immediately.
"No need for the theatrics," Narcissa said, watching the girl, frenetic in her search efforts. "However did you find it?" The query was met with silence. Hermiones' frustration grew by the second.
"Let's think about that, shall we? How does anyone discover something new? Perhaps," she started, sarcasm gaining with each word, "I placed one foot in front of the other until I got here? In fact, I believe they have a word for it. It's called walking!"
Agitation was evident on the Platinums' face. Hermione persisted. "Maybe you have heard of it?" Narcissa pursed her lips.
"I certainly did not spend all of this time looking for you so that I could argue with a child! I have Bellatrix for that unfortunate task." Hermione lay back on the couch.
"Then why are you here, Narcissa? Come to have another go at me? Please, by all means. Have at it! I no longer care. Do what you will," she offered, with a flick of the wrist.
"That is not why I am here, tempting though it may be." Hermione closed her eyes, entirely disinterested. A weak attempt, feigning sleep. "This is highly offensive and shall not be endured!" Hermione clenched her eyes shut, proving her point. "I am not accustomed to speaking to ones' eyelids!"
"Get used to it," Hermione retorted.
"Perhaps, in the squalor you have grown in, this is acceptable behavior. Where manners are not a reflection of one's character. But in my world-"
"Yes, yes. I know all about your perfect life!" Hermione snapped, finally opening her eyes. "Toujours Pur, isn't it? Correct me if I am wrong."
"Yes! Toujours Pur! Something you know nothing about!"
"Always pure, eh?" she snickered. "And what a gleaming example you have in Bellatrix! And let's not forget Andromeda! The true shame of your family motto! Your parents must be so proud!" Deeply hidden laughter erupted from the Gryffindor.
"How dare you, swamp rat!" eyes, cutting into the brunette. She took control of herself, almost immediately. Would not allow herself to stoop to the lever of her decided lesser. Adamant in refusal to lower herself to such unacceptable behavior.
"The reason I am here is to collect you."
"What am I, now? A trading card to be collected?" Narcissa ignored the slight.
"Bellatrix wishes to speak to you. Though I cannot fathom why, as you have nothing to offer in the way of civilized conversation."
"I wouldn't hold my breath," she mumbled.
"Excuse me?"
"Oh, excuse me. Let me phrase this in a way that you might comprehend." Narcissa waited. "What I mean to say, in the clearest way I can, is dream on. There is nothing in this world that could possess me to come with you. In fact, after yesterday, that woman is the last person I would ever wish to see."
"Very well then," Platinum retorted. "You'll soon see how that works out for you. Mark my words, dirt!" Hermione was soon met with Narcissas' backside. She exited without another word.
Hermione contemplated her choices. Return to the Manor, provided she could find her way back. Or settle in to newly discovered solitude. The latter won. Avoidance. She had no idea when or if she would ever return. Return mean the death of her newly found peace. Her privacy.
It had been a miracle in finding the place. And there was no denying that she would struggle to find her way back. The brunette picked up the book she had found, turning page after page, in the still of the cottage. She harbored no concern over food or company. Content to simply be left alone.
To her great dismay, as quickly as comfort had come, it was stolen. Hermione sensed her. Pretended not to notice the footsteps soon followed by the opening of the front door. Ignored the feeling of black eyes burning into her, unmatched in intensity.
Bellatrix tried, in vain, to get the brunettes' attention. No amount of foot tapping, clearing of throat, loud steps made about the house could garner Hermione's attention. She would not budge.
Do no look at her. She is your weakness, remember that. And she has already put you through so much. Ignore her, Hermione. She is not there. Stay strong. The relentless flames of anger had subsided, to a degree, but the embers burned on.
"You cannot avoid me forever, Granger," she said, breaking a personal vow to not be the first to speak. "And, considering you are dwelling in my house, you would be well advised to acknowledge and respond. I take no issue in forcefully removing you from the premise, if you so choose."
The not-so-subtle threat had been a mistake, Hermione would not be moved. A well placed shifting of shoulder blocked face from the raven. The young witch read a single page of the book three times, taking in nothing of its content.
Communications reached inevitable halt. Compromise, necessary. Hermione wanted answers. Now. Bellatrix knew as much.
"I have tried to explain this to you. The answers you seek are not one's you truly want. You only think that you do. I assure you, nothing could be further from the truth. You are very much mistaken in your desire to know all."
"Truth! Now there's an idea," Hermione finally spoke. "Though you know so little about the telling of such, I doubt you could manage such a thing!" Nostrils flared. Defiance in action. Any further discussions were not for the taking. Would not be relinquished.
"Fuck," Bellatrix muttered, through gritted teeth.
In that moment, she knew. Her secret, guarded as a fortress, could no longer be contained. The walls had to be broken.
"Very well, then. But I have warned you. Do not forget that when your answers come." Bellatrix turned away from the girl, knowing she now stood to lose everything.
A/N: SO, What did you think? What is Bellatrix hiding? Please review/favorite, etc. In ff world, reviews = love! Hell, review even if you hate it! Plus, reviews make my heart happy and encourage me to write new chapters. ;)