Chapter Twenty-Four
"Oh Tom," I sighed sadly. He looked so pleased with himself. It was some form of happiness that had so much evil inside of it that the once pure emotion was tainted. He could have been such a great wizard if he wasn't the man who had caused two wars in his lifetime. Tom was a great wizard as it stands, he was great though terrible. I just can't help but think that he was held back with the wars. He could have done so many things, discovered so much more and expanded his power to unconceivable degrees, much more that he had done to achieve what he was today.
"You will be my queen," Tom smiled.
"I fight not for the dark, Tom. You know this," I tried letting him down but I could see the steely resolve in his eyes. He wasn't going to let me go.
"You will," he announced as if he knew my future. As if he was the one tangled with the Fates.
"Tom," I breathed out. "I can't be your queen when you are nothing more than a friend to me. If it is something else you want I cannot give you that," I explained. My heart was beating faster, my fingertips tracing over the hilt of my wand in anticipation to some form of Tom's fury as I denied him.
He laughed. He let out that musical laughter to fill my ears. It sounded foreboding though I don't know from his reaction whether he was going to kill me or something else. Did I finally overstep my limit to pushing Tom?
"Dear, I already said that I do not wish for witches my age," he teased relentlessly. "As beautiful as you are, and any credible wizard would be fortunate to have you, I do not wish it." I felt myself turn red once more from embarrassment. He really didn't love me? I felt put out despite knowing I didn't love him and never would in that way. I just really thought he cared for me so much that it was some odd form of love, his twisted version that only a monster like him, like a wizard of his caliber would have.
"Then why do you wish me to be your queen?" I probed even further. If I was going to die for asking so many inane questions I would ask as many as I could. I was, deep down, still a know-it-all. "If not as a lover than as what?"
His lips curled up playfully before he got up from his seat. His wand was in his hand, the skeletal looking weapon gleaming white and I unsheathed my wand instinctually, my senses heightening. I left it raised in front of me, my arm arched, my wrist sharp in an angle with my wand in hand. His eyes gleamed red at the sight but the playful curl of his lips remained. It was an odd sight and I saw the bit of the hidden monster within him rising from his more human-like form.
"Now, now," he gestured slowly for me to lower my wand. I kept it trained. "My dear, there is no need for wands. I am not going to hurt you," he motioned with a rather smug look on his face, his teeth was showing as he smiled and it reminded me of something a predator would do.
"It is only normal when you yourself have yours out," I replied back smiling despite having our wands trained on each other. He gave a pure entertained smile at me before lowering his wand to his side. I let mine fall slowly and as soon as I did I felt the shooting blue sparks of a reductor curse headed my way.
"Protego," I yelled louder than usual. The transparent shield formed in front of me, effectively blocking the curse Tom sent.
"What the bloody hell was that, Tom!" I screamed at the man. "You just said you weren't going to hurt me," I scolded the wizard completely forgetting at that split moment who he was when not with me.
"And I didn't, my dear," he said cockily. "Your reflex is very well honed, but you should take care not to let down your guard around others simply because they say so." He reached out towards me, his hand extended and offered to me. Pursing my lips I took his hand, it was ice cold, just like a serpent. It reminded me that this wasn't the real him and it saddened me more than it should have. I was falling in deeper than I would have liked, and I don't know if I was really willing to stop.
"So I should always expect you trying to kill me when I'm in your presence," I replied back hotly. His grin turned wider, amused by my retort.
"Never kill, my dear. As I said you will be my queen," Tom replied back curtly. I sighed again as he led me out of the room, leading me through the endless array of halls. "Wear this," he handed me a Venetian half mask. Unsurprisingly it matched my dress and the rest of my outfit with the darker style motif. Then again black matched everything. I trailed my finger around the black lace that looked so delicate as I held it in my hands. There was of course the black metallic base of it, but it blended in so well with the lace I hardly noticed it
"Tom, why do I need to wear a mask? And I never said I would be your queen. I don't know what that even means to you, anyways," I sighed in slight annoyance. He motioned for me to turn and I let myself do so as he took the mask off my hands. I felt him shift behind me, his fingers brushing against my hair as he tied the ribbon behind me to secure the mask onto my face.
"Just in the case someone else comes along. I assume you wish for no one to know about this association," he hinted.
"Of course I don't. I would be imprisoned in Azkaban if people talked, or worse expelled from Hogwarts." I hashed out.
"Your priorities are intriguing," Tom teased.
"Answer my question Tom. Queen? What does that even mean to you?" I turned against him. His lips tightened and I knew he was thinking whether to lie or not. He only ever stopped in thought to think if it would be better to lie to me or tell the truth. I would rather want lies, nice comforting lies, but I needed the truth from him.
"Truth?" he phrased out.
"Yes, Tom," I sighed. "I want the truth."
"You are to act in my footsteps when the time comes that I," he paused, a small smirk appearing on his lips, "retire," he finally let out.
"Retire?" My eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"Yes, my dear, retire. While I plan to live for quite some time, whenever I go away, in the future that is, you will act in my place. That is the general idea of you becoming my queen," Tom looked very pleased with himself as he spoke of his plans and my mouth dried not knowing what to say.
"So you wish for me to be your apprentice in some form or another?"
"Yes." He knew I was lost in thought and grabbed my arm once again to lead me through his home. I couldn't possibly be his queen. Not when I was fighting to destroy him in the end. Maybe I could make him see reason? People change everyday. Their allegiance can shift at any moment for all sorts of reason. Or was it too late for someone like Tom?
It was the voices of others that made me come to my full awareness once more and I nearly doubled back, not wanting to let my identify be given away to his other followers.
"You have a mask on, Hermione. And a very strong confundus charm on you to make sure that your identity remains a secret," Tom teased. I eased back in his hold. I trusted Tom far more than I cared to admit. "Now do not be frightened, I will be switching forms." The moment he spoke his appearance fell away. Replacing it was the snake-like form that many knew him to appear as. His deathly pale skin was nearly translucent at points, his veins showing from underneath. His eyes that piercing death that made you think that death would be a much better way than living under the Dark Lord's reign. This wasn't Tom anymore. At least it wasn't Tom first and foremost. No, this was the Dark Lord with Tom hidden deep within. It oddly didn't frighten me more than his other form. It should have, but here I was, my hand rested at the crook of his elbow as he led me into the room of his followers feeling completely safe.
"Why are you taking me here?" I whispered softly as we made our entrance. He said nothing. His gaze focused on the several death eaters within the room. My senses were overloaded with the amount of dark auras in such a room. The one that caught my interest the most was filled with such bloodlust and anger directed at me it was unbelievable. It didn't rival Tom's in power, it was far from the magical prowess of the Dark Lord beside me, but the intent was so heavy upon my shoulder.
"Ignore them, my dear," Tom's voice wasn't his anymore. It was that of the Dark Lord as he whispered in my ear. "Stand straight. You are above them in every form."
"Tom," I whispered back. It was silent in the room as I walked in with their lord. Their chatter had ended the moment I stepped in, and it was right for them to do so. Tom's presence alone was intimidating, but having a witch by his side in a dress like mine was something they couldn't have dreamed off.
"Voldemort, my dear."
"Voldemort," I sighed, reluctant to use the name that I had associated far from the Tom I knew. I didn't want to be in the presence of Voldemort. I wanted Tom by my side, not the Dark Lord he truly was with others.
"Sit," he pulled out the grand chair beside him for me and I took a seat without a second thought. Tucking me in he took the seat next to me before addressing his followers. I could tell Bellatrix was among them from the hate she generated. Her stance was noticeable despite being among a sea of death eaters. I could see Severus in the distance with the Malfoy family, their masks didn't hide the fact that they were who they were. It was painfully obvious for the Malfoy with their hair being the color they were, and for Severus with the distinct way he walked and postured himself.
"Tell me why I'm here, Voldemort," I spoke as calmly as I could, my wand itching to get me out of there and protect myself from the group of death eaters.
"You are making an appearance. It is only right if you are to become my queen," He spoke amused. His thin lips curling up, but with his appearance it looked more menacing than what it was supposed to look like. "Everyone take a seat," the wizard ordered his followers. They all took their respective seats around the large dining table. It was made of a type of dark wood, a sturdy piece that fit someone like Tom.
"How many people have you killed on this table?" I let myself question Voldemort. He smiled at me, shocking the others by not performing the cruciatus curse for questioning him like I did.
"Do you really wish to know the exact number?" Voldemort spoke loud enough for the others to hear, uncaring if they overheard the conversation. I suppose given my position I didn't need to be anything less than comfortable. Tom would protect me and hurt anyone who dared to even attack me.
"I suppose not. Perhaps a vaguer truth will suffice for me," I replied smoothly, ignoring the staring looks of the death eaters who had taken off their masks.
"The number is lower than what you are probably thinking. I very rarely decide to kill someone on the table," he said off handedly.
"Elsewhere in the house?" I probed. My eyes landed on Severus who stared at me expressionless. He looked stone cold but I could see how calculating his eyes were, trying to decide if I was safe or not in the presence of so many of those who fought for the dark.
"A higher number than I wish for you to worry about, dearest." The term of endearment was not lost to the others who listened to the conversation.
"I question you at times, Voldemort," I spoke with a sigh. My bluntly remark made Bellatrix crack from the silence she previously kept as she nearly growled at me.
"You dare to question the Dark Lord and speak his name!" she spat out harshly at me. I turned to face her, preventing myself to recoil from her sudden voice that entered the small chat between me and Voldemort.
"Crucio," Voldemort would have snarled if he wasn't restraining himself. Instead he casted the spell with hardly anything more than a breath in the air. Bellatrix screamed under Voldemort's torture. I couldn't help but stare as her crumpling form as she shrieked in agony. It lasted several seconds before he finally relented the punishment. The witch got up slowly and shaking from the lingering pain before getting back in her seat. She was falling in disgrace and no one was going to help her.
"You will treat your queen with respect," he gave a low growl and I placed my hand on his shoulder to direct his attention back to me.
"Should you say something like that? I never accepted such a position," I whispered for him to hear.
"You will in time," he replied back before turning back to his followers. My hand slipped from his shoulders to rest on top of the table to look at the various witches and wizards around us. Draco looked the most surprised out of our group, his family honed their masked surprised better than he did at the announcement that I was to be queen. It was already something I spoke of, but to hear it from the Dark Lord himself was something else. It made things more final, more real than ever before.
"My lord, I only intervened as a faithful follower. Forgive me," Bellatrix spoke out in much more meekly tone than I would ever associate with her.
"Quiet," his voice as soft but still in seemed to overtake the room. He had that way with him. It was very much similar to how Severus could command someone with his voice. It was a beautiful art. "You have failed me far too many times, Bella. Sit and be quiet. I may not be so lenient next time," he threatened. The others sat up straighter at the menace in his voice. It was something I recognized. His voice was tinted with a bloodlust that could only be sated through a killing or torture of some sort. Nearly all of them were unsafe from his wrath should they provoke it.
"Yes, my lord," Bellatrix relented and sulked back in her seat. Her eyes widened with fright.
"Now, I have summoned you hear to properly introduce to you your queen," he fingers trailed across my cheek before ending at my chin to lift it for everyone to see my masked face. "You will pay her respect as if she were me. She is my Dark Lady and is above all others. Offend her and I have no qualms in ending your life should she wish it." His cold fingers brushed against my cheek and I subconsciously leaned towards it. He was so careful with me at times, as if I was made of fragile glass. Retracting his fingers I straightened up once more, Severus had his jaw clenched and I could see the very masked jealousy on his face.
"May we ask who she is, my lord," a brave wizard asked. It was an Avery, Caius father. "Her pedigree may not be suited for-"
"You may not, Avery. She is of equal breeding to me," Voldemort spoke. I knew it was true enough. Tom was a half-blood like I was. Harry had told me so after one of his sessions with Albus. "For your disrespect to your queen a payment must be made."
"I apologize, my lady. I meant no disrespect," Avery tried to speak.
"Cru-" Voldemort began.
I acted quickly, my wand being brandished in front of me, my other hand quickly being placed on Voldemort's to stop him from completing the spell that so nearly slipped from his lips.
"No," I spoke surely. Voldemort looked at me, his eyes flaringly red with the need to hurt others.
"My dear, he disrespected you by questioning your breeding. It is only right for him to pay the consequence of his actions," Voldemort tried to argue.
"No, Voldemort. It was a question that had merit. Your followers only wish for you to have the best by your side. Isn't that right, Avery," I spoke kindly towards the other wizard. Everyone watched in anticipation, as if thinking Voldemort would punish me for my interference.
"Yes, my lady," Avery spoke quickly. Voldemort glared at me, his eyes still as furious as ever. Leaning over to him I let my breath land on his ear.
"I am not your lover Tom," I whispered to him only, "I am still what you hope to be your queen. I am in your mind, what you have come to care for. Am I correct or is it a delusion, our relationship," I questioned. I was by far overstepping my limits and I was surprised that he hadn't put me under the cruciate curse for half of what I've said to him.
"Correct," he breathed out, heavily. There was some sort of war inside him. As if he was battling within himself to make him believe that I meant nothing to him during the short time I had been in his presence in one for or another. That side of him was losing as he stared at me, his eyes still angry were calming. I was becoming his weakness.
"Then as such I ask you to promise me not to hurt Avery or his wife. Or whatever children they may have for this transgression. A true promise, not like the others you gave me," I insisted. Leaning over I placed a small kiss upon his pale cheek. He stiffened under my brief touch. "Promise," I repeated.
"I promise," he said in disbelief to what just occurred. Withdrawing from me he looked at the stunned faces of his followers. As if nothing happened he looked back to Avery who looked at us in fear. "You are fortunate tonight. Your queen is forgiving."
"Thank, my lord," Avery spoke quickly, bowing his head towards us. "My lady."
"Do not question me or your lord again, Avery. My forgiving nature is fleeting," I spoke evenly, dipping inside me to reach into the cold calm that I wished to produce in my voice.
"I will not do so again, my lady," he bowed his head towards me once more, a deeper one from before.
"Does anyone else wish to question me? Though I warn you, my forgiving nature is lost at the moment," I continued. Lucius cleared his throat and I sent him a surprised look for actually daring to speak. "Very well," I spoke calmly.
"As head of the Malfoy family, I pledge my wand and that of my family to you, my queen. Long live our Dark Lady," he raised his wand towards me followed by the rest of the Malfoy family.
"I pledge my wand to you, my queen. Long live our Dark Lady," Severus spoke quietly lifting his own wand. There was no hesitation in their pledges, surprisingly. Though there was a subtle hint of amusement at the double meaning to their pledges. After all they already pledged to fight for me. I smiled at them warmly. Several other witches and wizards joined in the salute, though I cared for none of them. They simply followed the lead of those who were of the most esteemed wizards by the Dark Lord.
"It pleases me to have all of you accept your queen," Voldemort spoke, his voice still cold despite the sentiment in his words. "This meeting was to be short. All of you, leave us."
"Yes, my lord," They chorused.
"Bella, you will be staying. Along with Lucius and Narcissa," Voldemort grinned and I knew what was coming. I didn't even ask for it. Well not upfront.
"My lord, Draco must be escorted," Lucius intervened.
"Severus will take him," Voldemort interfered. Severus took hand of Draco and with a small nod went their way begrudgingly.
"Voldemort, what is this about?" I questioned.
"Does Lucius and Narcissa know who you are, my dear," he questioned instead.
"Yes. Narcissa was there the first time you asked for an audience with me and my sister," I told him honestly. He smiled at me before offering me his hand to stand. I took it without question but still looked at him with confusion.
"Then you may take off your mask, dearest. There is no further need of it." I didn't make a move so instead he untied the mask from me, letting it fall down to the table.
"You! The Dark Lord chose you!" Bellatrix couldn't help but scream. "And you," she directed to her sister. "You knew about it?" she shrieked.
"Crucio," Voldemort said rather bored to the offending witch. She crumpled to the floor. Narcissa regarded her older sister with saddened eyes but made no move towards her. Still, Lucius kept a hold of her in case she decided to intervene.
"Please, my lord," she begged as she cried out in pain. It sounded like a cat dying, her wails were piercing and it was familiar to the pained cries I had caused when killing those criminals during the summer with Elena and Luna.
Voldemort lifted his wand, ending the painful curse that was inflicting the dark haired witch.
"She is your queen and yet you still question her. Crucio" the spell was shorter than before, just a quick jolt of excruciating pain that would course through the witch's body for brief seconds. "You could have killed her with the stunt you did those weeks back," he snarled.
"The hogsmead incident?" Narcissa gasped. "Bella?" she knew it was me and sent me a concerned look on the situation at hand. Yet still, though she knew Voldemort was punishing her sister for a transgression she did not commit she stood there unwilling to help. The witch being tortured she knew was not her sister. She lost that one family member in Azkaban, she told me that much. Azkaban had done something to the crazed witch, something that was irreparable. It killed her to admit that, but she knew that the woman was nothing but a mindless killer who was not her family anymore. So Narcissa stood there watching as the witch with her sister's face writhed on the ground in pain.
"You have failed me too many time, Bella. You with your stunts to please me, have displeased me more than you dare to imagine," he continued. The bloodlust in his magic intensified. It killed any good in him in the present moment. "Crucio. Mutilo." Bellatrix screams intensified as her body broke, her skin sliced from the dark magic Voldemort had caused.
"Tom," I spoke out in a hushed whispered seeing Narcissa's still form and the frown etched on Lucius face.
"Yes my dear?" he said warmly towards me despite the torture he kept in place on the witch before us.
"She did not kill me," I mentioned.
"She could have. I will not take that chance with you my dear." He pressed down on his wand harder, the spell amplifying. The wounds on Bellatrix healed before returning tenfold. Her screams of agony filled the entire house and I was surprised that her throat hadn't managed to be so scratched up from her screams to have stopped working. Though the mutilo curse might have healed that too in the process of the enduring torture.
"Hermione," Narcissa whispered out so softly I nearly missed it. "Please," she pleaded. It wasn't a wish for me to stop the torture, not in the way that the woman in question was to live. It was a wish for me to end the witch's life. Narcissa wanted me to kill her sister, the fake sister that had came out of Azkaban. I shook my head at her. I couldn't possibly do that, not with her here to witness it. Lucius grabbed her shoulder tightly and she let out another plea. With my lips pursed and my jaw tightened I turned back to Voldemort who laughed at the tortured witch in front of him.
"Tom," I said softly, moving towards him to rest my hand upon his shoulder. He didn't stop. Moving once more I lifted my hand to his cheek, holding his pale snake face. He leaned into my touch.
"Do you wish for her death now, my dear?" He questioned with a sickening smile. I gave a half-hearted smile back to the man who was one minute ago, slowly killing a woman before me. How he could be so sweet to me and be so cruel to others was something I couldn't completely wrap my head around. "Do you wish me to kill her for you, Hermione?"
"Kill her for me, Tom," I whispered out the death sentence and Bellatrix whimpered on the ground as she heard the decision of her life. Voldemort gave me such a pure smile of happiness over my decision and turned his wand on Bellatrix.
"Avada Kedavra," he whispered, almost like a gently caress as he held me close to him. The witch simply laid there on the ground, unmoving as the green jet of light hit her.
Bellatrix Lestrange was dead.