A/n: No minors!
Disclaimer: I do not own any recognisable characters and no money has been made from this.
Enjoy...
Chapter Twenty Four
Numb. She remained broken on the floor. Knees long since passed pins and needles. She can no longer feel them. The candles flickered out. The sun rose and time continued people going about their average day without a care in the world. Crooks visited her, sitting in front of her not comprehending her poor state.
Pip tried to rouse her with food, so far as to leaving a trail to the table. She never moved. Stirring when Sphinx visited. Bella maybe be gone but she still has a job to do. She tore a piece of parchment from the study. Writing instructions for Lucius to give to his colleagues. She watched Sphinx fly away. Reminding her of the dragon. She wished she could be free.
She forced herself into work. It will dampen the numbness. She hopes for pain, better than feeling nothing. There is a big blank in her mind, as she replays the argument repeatedly. Therefore, she plans. Plans her break into the Ministry. She half expects Aurors to turn up to break the door down and arrest her, for Bellatrix to make good on her word.
Rain slips down the window, a storm coming. It lashes against the window, unrelenting. The wind rocking the house. The clouds are bleak and she barely notices the sun dipping in the horizon. Even as night looms over her. She snacks on the sandwich left by her side. Pip has learnt not to drag her away from her work.
She needs this needs the distraction. Sphinx arrived home undeterred by the storm above. Dropping the reply from Malfoy into her waiting hands. The plan is set. Tomorrow she will be breaking into the Ministry. She will borrow the Polyjuice from Bellatrix and use it to gain entrance. She just hopes from there that she can make it into the Department of mysteries.
A flash of lightening makes her jump. She drops her pen. Cursing she plucks it from the floor. Frozen half way to rising. Droplets of water have decorated the floor. Crooks does not like the rain he would not have gone out. It could be Sphinx but he arrived home ages ago. These are fresh puddles only a few feet behind her.
Someone is in the house. She never heard them enter. The hair on the back of her neck stands up. Slowly she stands, placing the pen down on the table beside her. Fear etches its way down her spine. She feels lost without Bellatrix it makes her sick. She has always been strong Bella leaving has changed nothing. I can lie to myself.
She pulls her wand whirling around to strike anyone in the room with her. Her heart hammers to a standstill. Bella. Clad in her trademark corset, Bella stands drenched to the bone. The corset clinging to her body, water dripping down her small frame. Her hair plastered to her head. She has never seen the witch so lost.
Wand hanging loosely between her limp fingers Hermione struggle for ideas. Unsure how to approach the distraught witch. Slowly she takes a step closer. Conjuring a towel to dry the witch down. Glancing at the doorway she realises they are alone.
"I half expected Aurors." Hermione comments quietly too scared to startle the witch.
Bella shrugs. Swallowing, Hermione pockets her wand before gently reaching out with the towel. It is all very muggle. Except she cannot bring herself to use magic in drying Bella. Gently she wraps the towel around Bella arm. Drying the damp skin. Black eyes watch her hands with unknown emotion. Bella barely twitches as she releases one arm before moving to the next.
Two arms dry she considers stripping Bella off but considers against it. She eyes the damp hair. Lifting the towel when a hand curls around her wrist. The grip strong enough to stop her from moving without leaving any marks. Tender fingers pluck the towel from her grip throwing it on the floor.
In a puff, they vanish, reappearing all too soon. Groaning, Hermione glances around in confusion. Before Bella pushes her. A gentle prod to the chest that catapults her backwards. She lands on a freshly made mattress. Bella's room. She goes to protest to argue. Anything to get the witch to talk to her.
Her mouth slams shut. Her thoughts jarring to a stop. Bella is standing at the foot of the four-poster bed-dripping wet from the rain. Long black hair cascading over her shoulders. Tongue-tied she rises on to her elbows. Staring in awe as Bella's hands slowly disappear behind her back. She could pull her knife and I would be too shocked to move.
The unimaginable happens. The corset loosens before dropping to her feet. Swallowing, Hermione licks her lips as Bella stands before her in all her glory. She follows the droplets of water from her hair as it glides down between her breasts. Stalking forward, Bella climbs on to the bed. Crawling, Bella's right hand curls around her ankle tugging Hermione down the bed.
"What?" Hermione murmurs.
A finger presses to her lips silencing her. As efficient hands, make quick work of her jumper. Her whole body is vibrating. The need to touch, the need to be touched. She is almost vibrating with pure want. Her heart is pounding so loudly, Bella chuckles as her fingers grazes over it. The simplest touch sets her skin on fire. Molten heat coursing through her blood.
"I lost you once." Bella murmurs, straddling her waist.
Collapsing on to her back Hermione stares up the beautiful body resting over hers. Her hands instinctively resting on the dark witches smooth curves. Chest pounding. Strangled breathes leaving her lips. I am dreaming I must be. A thumb trails down her cheek carefully wiping an errant tear. Bella leans down her fingertips ghosting over the scar on her arm. Lips pressing against her exposed collarbone.
"Still now you hold information back." Bella whispers against Hermione's lips. "You know what I did? I went to see someone. You have any idea what you do to me?"
"Who did you see?"
"The only unspeakable I know of. Andromeda. I visited her abode explained what happened. She said it was impossible to break an oath."
"It's…"
"Stop talking." Teeth nip her neck she arches. "Listen." The word hisses against her ear.
Listening. Two strong hands slip along the hemline of her t-shirt. Before resting above her jeans. God she wants Bella to rip them off her. To do anything. This is pure torture. Her own fingernails dig into the soft flesh. Bruising. A hand tangles in her hair jerking her head back. Exposing her neck. Teeth nip, suck and bite at her jugular making her hiss.
"She explained to me the process." The words vibrate against her neck, tearing a groan from her lips. "I understand. I just want one promise. Just one."
"Anything." Hermione breathes as hand sneaks up the inside of her top.
"You will come back to me. When this is all over with." Black eyes find hazel. "I want you here with me, I cannot lose you again."
"What a coincidence." Is Hermione's breathless response. "It's been my aim all along."
Lips clash against hers stealing everything she has to offer. Hands tightening in her hair. Hermione pulls the witch closer. Teeth bite her bottom lip; she groans a tongue twirling with hers. Something cold presses against her arm she ignores it focusing only on the witch above her. Until a ripping noise makes her jerk. Eyes open she eyes the dagger that has ripped her t-shirt from her body.
Before she can protest; her bra goes much the same way. Both sets of clothing discarded over the side of the bed, followed by the knife. A hot mouth descends over her nipple and once more, she groans. Nimble fingers release the button binding her jeans. Cold air greets her leg making her start, her jeans disappearing with the rest of the clothes. She has no idea how the witch managed that. She suspects magic though.
A sharp twist of her nipple makes her yelp as Bella draws her attention once more. Curling her leg behind Bella's, Hermione shoves the witch rolling them until she is on top. Bella is undeterred though, sharp nails rake down her spine. She groans arching upwards. Bella trails kisses along her collarbone. Nipping her way down. Hermione does not want to be out done, refuses to be outdone. Even as arms shift her up Bella's body until she hovers over the witches face.
A tongue darts out, stroking her inner lips. Her mind blanks.
"Oh god." Hermione whispers leaning against the wall for support.
"He's not here." Bella whispers darkly.
The tongue returns delving deep. Licking and nipping. Nails scratch the inside of thighs making her moan. She can barely breathe the climax just within reach. She can barely hold herself up. One hand snakes up her back grounding her as Bella devours her. Oblivion just in reach. Three fingers spear into her, tearing a scream from her lips.
It has been too fucking long.
"Harder." She breathes.
She feels Bella smile, a sharp bite to the clit makes her buck. A hand clasps the ends of her hair yanking her backwards. The fingers disappear and she groans in objection. Hitting the bed. Bella stalking over to her on all fours. Mouth wet Bella captures Hermione's lips.
Tongues swirl, Bella moans, as she lies flush over Hermione. Three fingers fill her once more, she moans deep in her throat. Bella's tongue swirling around her nipple. Her hands clutch the shoulders for purchase oblivion within reach. Sparks erupt behind her eyes.
"Open your eyes." Bella demands.
She barely manages the order. Bella's hand curls her brain short circuits. Black eyes capture hers as she breaks apart in Bella's grip. Panting and breathless. The fingers are unrelenting driving her from one orgasm to the next. A thumb swirling over her clit, the nail digging in, making her twitch. Leaving her powerless at the ministrations.
Lips ghost her ear. Her body tingling. Moving her right arm, she slips her fingers between Bella's fold. Finding her goal. Teasing the entrance, earning a lustful groan. Teeth nip her ear lobe before sucking on it. She gasps pulling Bella into a kiss. Two fingers slipping into the heated heaven. Slickness slipping between her fingers. Bella bucks above her. An age old battle neither wanting to break before the other.
"I love you," Hermione whispers against Bella's ear.
A silent scream leaves Bella's mouth as she breaks. Her eyes slipping shut. Hermione follows falling into blissful oblivion. Their bodies mingled together sweat bathing them, she reveals in it. An ache between her thighs. A blanket glides across their bodies, as Bella covers them from the cold. She snuggles deep into Bella's arm. Feeling safe, warmth swelling her heart. A soft kiss presses to her temple as Bella holds her tight.
"What's your plan?" Bella rasps, making Hermione smile.
"We need Polyjuice."
"Good job I made a stop before coming back." Bella says softly, spooning Hermione. "First though sleep."
Least to say she slept soundly that night. For tonight, she has no nightmares and no hallucinations. Waking in Bella's arm a feeling she never wants to forget. Even as day breaks, she burrows deeper into soft skin earning a throaty chuckle from Bella.
Her hands wander on their own accord, travelling along the toned body. Slipping between two thighs. The chuckle turning to a moan, as Hermione slides on top. Bella sprawled out beneath her it causes pure arousal. Would not hurt to be a few hours behind their plan. Smirk crosses Hermione's face, as Bella glances at her in slight wonder and fear. Someone will not be walking straight today, she will make sure of that.
Slipping into her trousers Hermione marvels at the scratch marks on her back. Deep red lines running along shoulders. She wonders how long until they fade. She hears the squeak of the bath as Bella dries off. The slight hiss of pain. Hermione smiles smugly to herself as Bella re-enters the room hair tied up in the towel. She walks naked through the room. Bending to the bottom draw of the cupboard. Hermione watches the move unabashedly from her perch.
"Enjoying the view?" Bella taunts pulling a small box from the draw.
"Hmm," Hermione agrees.
The box flies towards her she barely catches it. Scowling Bella sends her a wink as she dries her hair off. Tearing her eyes from the extremely wet and tempting body Hermione opens the little box. Breathless she lifts the blood-covered pellets. My blood.
"You kept theses?" Hermione asks sending a curious look to Bellatrix who is no rush to change.
"To remind myself you were real."
Scoffing in disbelief Hermione wonders about the particularly obsessive and stalking behaviour of her lover. Before shrugging it off, she knew what she was getting into. She could hardly talk; she caresses the mudblood on her arm when thinking about Bella. A knock at the door, makes Hermione close the little box handing it back to Bella. Bella drops it back in the draw before turning to choose which dress to wear today.
"Hey Pip." Hermione greets the elf at the door, Bella still stark naked behind her.
"There is someone here to see you Miss Granger."
"I'll be down in a minute." Hermione says, shuffling back to where she left her wand.
Chuckling as Bella throws dress after dress on to the bed. Pip coughs awkwardly form the open doorway, wanting to speak but fear of upsetting his Mistress. Hermione motions for him to continue.
"They're in the house Miss Granger."
"Who is?" Bella demands turning to the elf, Hermione face palms.
"It's me," Alex says coming to a stop in the doorway. "Was waiting for you two to stop frolicking around."
Speechless, Hermione stares at Alex. How did the woman get into their house? How did she find them? Questions running through her mind. Until she follows Alex gaze who is admiring Bella who is still yet to be dressed.
"Nice," Alex comments turning her heated gaze from Bella to Hermione. "Can't blame a girl for looking."
"How did you get here?" Hermione demands, trying to stop the jealousy creeping in.
Bella continues to choose her clothes not bothered in walking around in her birthday suit. How can someone be so confident naked? None the less, the woman is beyond beautiful there is no reason to be shy. Hermione still wishes her witch would change sooner.
"The phone I gave you was a portkey." Alex shrugs at the shock on Hermione's face. "One way, just glad you didn't throw it in the bin. That would have been awkward. You ladies done? Or you going again. Because I can wait."
"We're done." Hermine grinds out.
"It sounded like it."
"How long have you been here?" Hermione questions.
"About an hour, Pip was going to tell you, didn't want to run your fun though."
Flushing, Hermione rubs her face in embarrassment. "So which one of you did the big scream? Cause damn me if that didn't wake the neighbourhood."
"I can re-enact it if you want." Bella says earning two surprised looks. "A cruico delivers the same result."
Licking her lips, Alex smirks as Bella slips into her dress. "I've always liked you sapling. Say we survive this, I think I may take you up on that offer."
Befuddled Hermione watches Alex step from the doorway. Turning to Bella, she sees the witch struggle with the offer. Before turning curious eyes on Hermione.
"Did she just?" Bella asks.
"I don't want to know." Hermione says
With a flick of her wand, Bella dries her hair before following Hermione down the stairs. They find Alex at the table scratching Crooks belly. Breakfast set out for the witches Hermione makes a beeline for the toast.
"So you're breaking into the Ministry? I'm going to guess Norway was a bust?" Alex asks, shooing Crooks of the table.
"Something like that," Hermione answers.
"You have a plan."
"I do." Hermione agrees.
"I'm not going to like it am I?"
"Probably not. We don't have much choice."
"Well lets here it. What do I need to do?" Alex asks resting her elbows on the table.
~~~~~ A Drop in the Ocean ~~~~~
The Ministry is its usual busy self. Stepping from one of the floos Hermione barely dodges a passer-by. She did not miss this. Does not miss the constant rush of traffic piling in and out of the Ministry. People bump in to her muttering apologises as they rush to work. A presence to her side announces Bella joining her. Together they move through the ministry. She casts a glance at the fountain admiring her disguise. She has no idea how Bella managed to procure her a disguise as Andy. Whether or not the witch knew she who would impersonate her for a daring break in, Hermione did not want to know.
She casts another glance at Bella's disguise. It rings so many bells in her head but she cannot place it. They make their way to the stairs not wanting to take the lift. They need to make a stop before they head to the Department of Mysterious. The staircase is hauntingly quiet as they journey down. Chewing on her gum, Hermione winces at the taste once more.
A hand to the back makes her curve her back more. Bella sending her another warning look. She cannot master Andy's wake. Years drilled into all the Black sisters to make them walk with dignity and elegance. Hermione struggles with it, Bellatrix casts her another withering glance.
"Why didn't you be Andy?" Hermione grumbles, slipping on the heels.
"Self-explanatory isn't it?" Bella snarls.
Hermione leaves the comment, not wanting to push the witch. She has only just made contact with Andy that in itself is huge progress. Assuming Andy was not injured, she really only has Bella's word on what happened. Still though Bella knows if anything happened to Andy, it would cause damage to their relationship. Andy and Hermione are almost like sisters.
"Okay it's bugging me. Who the devil are you?" Hermione asks eventually.
"You don't recognise her? I suppose age hasn't been good for her." Is the dark taunt.
Hermione does not recognise the woman next to her. She could be forty, fifty or sixty. Alcohol abuse and smoking Hermione would put her money on. The skin wrinkled, hunched figure, but it is the eyes that taunt her. She knows those eyes.
"I'm surprised you don't." Bella comments offhandedly. "After all she was infatuated with you."
"Bella please."
"She gave you a tour of Hogwarts. She loved you."
Her mind flashes, thoughts rushing through. Whom could she mean? It clicks. Why does the face seem so familiar? She should have spotted it ages ago. Except the abuse of smoking has changed the features. Aged the girl.
"Tammy?" Hermione whispers.
"The very one. Although she is no longer Eames, she got married. Ms Brandon, old git died long time ago."
"You kill her?" Hermione asks.
"What no, she's in a retirement home, went a bit loopy in the end, tends to happen to spies. Paranoia and all."
"A spy?" Hermione wonders confused.
"Um, after you left little Eames was beside herself. Came to me in the dead of night demanding I tell her where you went. I told her the truth, said you were not who you said you were. It broke her, she felt betrayed. That you did not confide in her all that shit. In all honesty, I think she always wanted to be more than she was. She asked to join the Dark lord. I laughed her away. She kept coming back though." Bella shrugs. "She became our informant. Told us where Muggleborns were. She married one to keep up the appearance. She lost it. I mean really lost it. I have seen things and done many things but Eames. She was a dark soul. Not innocent at all."
"I should have said something to her." Hermione mutters to herself, guilty.
"Be glad you didn't." Bella comments offhandedly. "She was obsessed not with the Dark Lord but with murder. Magic. Fame and glory. It drove her to the brink. She drank herself stupid. Easy whore. That was her nickname the inner circle not exactly creative when it comes to names. Eames- easy all they could come up with in the end. She bedded everyone. Found her in mine a couple of times crucio'd her for her troubles. One night she went too far joined in on a little hunt. Killed her own husband. I think she did love him, in her own twisted way."
"She killed him?"
"Drove an axe into his skull. Nasty business. All very muggle. She snapped after that. I had little to do with her, my own stuff at the time. Except the news finally reached us, we cut all ties with her. She lives in saint Mungo's. The house we live in is hers; she gave it to me in some twisted way I think it was act to gain my attention."
Dumbfounded, Hermione muses over this as they journey deeper into the Auror section. "Why use her as a disguise?"
"She worked for the Ministry, still does, no one actually knows she's in Saint Mungo's, I administered her under a different name. I visit the ministry from time to time, keeping up appearances."
"What's her title?"
"Health and safety officer." Bella cracks a smile. "Ironic really isn't it?"
Chuckling Hermione brushes it all off. Eames did give her the freaks back in school she just thought it was some sort of crush. Devotion maybe? She will probably never know. They journey until they reach a door that Hermione has not visited in a long time. She earns nods from passers-by, all very respectful as she knocks.
"Yeah!" A voice calls.
Pushing the door open, Hermione steps through into the cramped office, Bella sneaking in after her, sliding the door shut behind.
"MUM!" Tonks shouts jumping to her feet and knocking her foot in the process. "I didn't know you were visiting. You didn't see Kinglsey did you. Been asking for a report and I cannot remember where I put it… Aren't you watching Ted?"
"Something came up." Hermione answers earning a suspicious look from Tonks.
"Who's your friend?" Tonks asks guarded. "Not another from mother union. Look lost cats really aren't my thing."
"No way to talk to your aunt." Bella goads. "My pussy is very important to me."
Hermione chokes out a laugh, as Tonks frowns. With a flick of her wand, Bella locks the door silencing the world around them. Diving for her own wand, Tonks raises it at both witches. She recognised Bella's wand, would recognise it anywhere.
"Whatever you've done to my mum reverse it or so help me your pussy will be in Azkaban."
"Relax Nymph it's me." Hermione says settling against a dusty desk.
"Mum?" Tonks asked confused.
Hermione rolls her eyes, she forgot about the disguise. "No Hermione. Needed to have a chat with you."
"So you broke into the Ministry?"
"Haven't broke anything yet." Bella comments kicking a something across the floor. "I can change that though."
"Bella," Hermione warns. "Look Nymph we just wanted to chat, need to ask a friend a favour."
"Stealing my wand and hexing me wasn't favour enough."
"Oh yeah that reminds me." Hermione digs into her coat pulling Nymphs wand out and throwing it on the table. "Also this."
She places a piece of paper on the table. Curious, wand still raised Nymph edges to the paper. Bella shakes her head at the behaviour.
"Just read the bloody thing we're on a schedule here."
"Jeez," Tonks breathes lifting the paper of the table. "You know not everyday people break into my office."
"We knocked actually."
"Whatever." Tonks breathes, reading the piece of paper. "So when mum said leave you alone Hermione she wasn't on about what you up to she meant the fact your friends with my aunt?"
"Bit more than that, or did I imagine fucking you last night?" Bella quirks.
"Oh god you're sleeping with my aunt?" Tonks asks eyes wide. "Damn! That is a break of some sort of code. Witches before bitches or something."
"Nymph please…" Hermione breathes feeling a migraine coming on.
"Does Harry know? I mean he's gonna be soooo pissed."
"She told him actually." Hermione motions to the smirking witch.
"He didn't tell me, that cheeky fucker. For that he can have Ted for the whole damn week."
"When do I meet your offspring?" Bella asks.
"When you give me your wand are chained up and actually call him by his name." Tonks glowers.
"Aww its cute you think chains will hold me. You read that yet Nymph- an-dora?" Bella asks clicking her tongue.
"Don't let her wind you up." Hermione interrupts.
"You're seriously bedding her?" Tonks asks.
"Seriously."
"She's about the age of your mum… does your parents know?"
"Yes my mum makes her cookies."
"But they're muggles." Tonks whispered.
Rolling her eyes, Bella waves her hand at the Auror to point out she is very much in the room. Swallowing, Tonks reads the scroll. Frowning she turns bewildered eyes on to the witches in her room. Before rubbing her forehead.
"Okay I am officially lost. You want me to sign this?" Tonks asked confused.
"Yes, and hand it in. You'll know when."
"Just to clarify you do know what's on this piece of paper right?"
"I wrote it." Hermione answers.
Shaking her head, Tonks moves to her draw. Hermione watches the action closely, just in case there is weapon of some sort in the draw. Retrieving a bottle of fire whiskey, Tonks moves round to sit on the desk. Calling three glasses to her.
"So before I sit here and offer my aunt who by the way tried to kill me, a drink. I want to clarify a few things."
"Hermione's innocent, I'm partially innocent." Bella answers vaguely spitting out her gum. "You and I have issues but your friend is asking for help. I do not know much about the 'good guys' this is usually a good thing. Sign the paper have a drink get over yourself. And should we survive her crazy plan and I in some miracle don't end up in Azkaban you and I can duel if it makes you feel better."
Plucking the bottle from Tonks hand, she pours three drinks placing one in the stunned woman's hand. Hermione smiles despite herself as Tonks stares at Bella's face.
"She's young?" Tonks whispers.
"No less annoying." Hermione chuckles earning a swat to the head.
"If you weren't in my sister's form I would be teaching you a lesson."
"What happens if I don't want a duel, I wanted something else." Tonks asks, earning a curious glance. "In fact I might only sign it, if you do what I ask."
"I may just imperio you and get it over with." Bella threatens. "What is it you that you were thinking?"
"A hug."
Hermione chokes on her drink. Bella stares in horror at the witch smirking on the desk. Tonks raises an eyebrow daring the witch to challenge her.
"A hug?" Bella repeats.
"I have spent my whole life fearing you," That earns a smirk. "You tried to kill me numerous times. Now Hermione is going to want to prove to the world that you are not a bad guy. I want proof. A hug. I don't want to duel - well I might but for now prove you're not the insane death eater that people think you are."
"I've been running rings round your aurors for the last four years kind of proves my point doesn't it?" Bella demands with her haughty attitude but Hermione can see the fear.
"Bella." Hermione breathes. "It's just a hug."
Jaw set, Bella places her drink down stepping forward she offers an arm. Blinking Tonks tentatively steps forward. Rolling her eyes, Bella grabs Tonks robe pulling her into a hug making the witch squeak.
"There, there auntie Bella isn't so bad is she?" Bella taunts patting Nymphs back.
Blushing, Tonks steps out of the hug, earning another pat on the cheek, something very close to a gentle slap.
"Okay I am truly stumped, I sign this and you leave me alone to eat my boring sandwich and pretend none of this happened?"
"I'm hurt I thought we were bonding." Bella replies hurt, earning a flash of worry on Tonks face.
"She's teasing you sign the thing and we'll be on our way."
"Good, right." Tonks signs the scroll. "For the record Hermione you are certifiable insane or brave not sure which."
Hermione merely nods her head in acceptance to this. Rising from her perch, they have one more visit. Tonks eyes them uncertainly, placing the scroll on the table. Before raising her hands in a silent gesture. What do we do now?
"We were never here." Hermione smiles, heading for the exit, Bella slipping another piece of gum into her mouth.
Hermione waits for the gum to take effect. Slowly Bella morphs into an older woman, wrinkled skin taking form. For effect she quirts some terrible odour of cigarettes on to the body before nodding for Hermione to leave. Opening the door, Hermione leaves a bewildered Tonks behind, staring at Bella's polyjuice in mild wonder.
The door slips shut behind them, as Hermione heads towards the lift. They shuffle inside, Hermione braces as best as she can. With a jerk, the lift fly's through darkness, her stomach ending in her mouth as they come to a jarring stop. Breathless, she steps from the lift, out of practice from using them daily.
It has been almost a year now since she walked these corridors. Time flying as lift goes on. It feels as though she was only a way for a week. The corridor still the same ominous presence. Nothing has changed, only her she supposes.
A/n: So be nice smut isn't my strong point, but long time over due.
Rysaki: Aww thank you so much. I'm glad you chose to keep reading, I try to ensure the reader truly feels what the characters experience and by sounds of I achieve it haha. But seriously thank you for the lovely review and I hope the story does not disappoint.
MadameBellamione: Ta-dah! Happyish make up, long over due make up tbh. Alex has a major role but not so much in her actions just in the case of whom she is. When it becomes clear who she is, a few things will start clicking into place. I hope in the end of the story you come to like her. Thank you for the review :)
Boomerang: Ah dragons are my favourite! I love them so much. They're just incredible mythological creatures. So many variations of them. Ah Bella she has moments of being extremely smart. Ah thank you for your lovely comments about CITM it is a slight pet hate for me atm. Its hard to explain. People love it, but the story was lost to me for such a long time that when I came to finish it, I just had to finish it. There's so much I wanted to do for CITM that I started rewritting it. I may one day revisit it but as long as people still enjoy it, its important for the story to remain as it leads as you say to the bigger picture. A tragedy all started by one womans you for the reviews :) and the lovely poem, it fits as you say to the impeding gloom that follows this story.
Zire-7: You talking to me yet? I mean for a make up that was pretty good? :P I will neither confirm nor deny your theory haha, just have to wait and see. Thank you for the review I hoped you enjoyed this chapter.
Sei-mobus: Some interesting questions there... I won't answer them haha. I will let you dwell in thought and will eventually answer all questions in good time. Yes Mia is coming, she will be revealed in the next few chapters I hope everyone is ready. Thank you :D
Dragul: Heartbreak is good, as long as they're fixed. As for dragons how could I resist? They're my favourite. Thank you for the review the Malfoys well it will be all explained in due time.
H286: Hopefully you will forgive me with this chapter. Thank you.
Justine: Hello stranger for a moment I thought you vanished :P I am good, I am doing Lent which makes one author crazy for caffeine. How bout you? Everybody's guessing but who's getting the right answers? You got aether right, don't think I forgot ;) As always this story is an experiment for my own writing which will all be explained at the end of the story. Good old Voldy getting in on the action, just shows how long Hermione has been playing with her power. Makes you wonder though why did she go back in time? I enjoy exploring Voldemorts power and Dumbledores which will be reflected more in Fractures unfortunately I cannot visit it too much in this story. Ah the heartbreak was coming, long overdue. They have danced around the topic for too long had to happen. Thank you for the lovely review, I am glad you are enjoying the story. I hope this chapter did not disappoint. There's a lot of fireworks coming then cake - maybe some gifts haha. Till next time.