A/n: If I could have a moment of your time this is an important announcement so please do not skip! We are reaching the critical point now, this is where you either turn away or read through to the end. There will be points in this where you think that's it - the end but I will promise you though you'll regret not reading all the way through. I hope your ready. You may skip now if you like this is a note in general. So when I decided to upload two stories I should have known better. My weekends contain mostly of uploading chapters, seriously it takes its taking it's toll. So this is a massive thank you to everyone who's reviewing, following and adding me to their favourites. Without you guys I may have lost motivation for this story a long time ago and it may have followed in the likes of Turn Time and become abandoned for a few years. How my girlfriend deals with me at times is beyond me but lucky I have support for being a recluse which means you guys get chapters and everyone is happy.
Disclaimer: I do not own any recognisable characters and no money has been made from this.
Enjoy...
Chapter Twenty Five
With one last look around, Hermione unlocks the door. No one has stepped in their way; no one has tried to stop them. Andy recognised by most in the department, if the defences did not go up then no Unspeakable would interfere. The ministry maybe hunting her, it does not mean that she has forgot how to work the defences of the department. How to move unnoticed through the department.
The door creaks, no longer in use after her departure, she pushes it open bathing in the darkness. The staleness of the room, the smell that invades her senses she holds the door open for Bellatrix to slide in behind her before closing it and turning the lock. She spits out her polyjuice, the taste no longer acceptable.
"We need to be quick." Hermione whispers, morphing back into her usual body.
With a few spasms running along her body, she steps further into the room wand in hand. Bella following close behind. With a flick of the wand she ignites the candles of the room, hears the gasp from Bellatrix behind her.
"What in Merlin's balls is this?" Bellatrix asks.
Hermione pauses, glancing around the room that controlled her life for the last four years. The 'keeper of time' hanging scrawled on a piece of wood a small joke from cutter. The granite floor kicks up dust as she moves towards the centre to the massive tube that sits silently like an ominous light. Controls magical and muggle combined to the side. The instrument that harnesses the power in her veins the ones able to send her so far back in time.
"I told you travelling back in time is easy. Travelling forward is another matter entirely." Hermione answers running her hand along the glass.
It is a scary object terrifying in all its glory, magic pumping steam into the rafters. The door patiently waiting to lock someone in. The harness that hangs loosely with blood splatter on the floor, long since dried into the granite. Her blood, a trip or two gone wrong. Wrong timing, wrong experience and the effects of travelling through time apparent. Pandora. Pandora's lab, her lab – patient zero.
"This is ludicrous." Bella states staring around the bleak room. "You actually conducted experiments here? In that device."
"Yes." Hermione answers sparing Bella a single glance. "They were successful to the end."
"Too successful." A voice calls out.
Whipping around, Hermione points her wand at the intruder. Croaker stands tall near the side door, the door only used in emergencies. Black robe billowing out behind him, his height never more pronounced than now. Bella steps closer to Hermione her eyes trained on the door opening behind them.
"I knew." Croaker begins, grinding his teeth. "Nay, deduced you would come back here. To where it all began. Did not believe that for a moment you would be foolish enough to return though."
"You knew it was me at Cutters funeral." Hermione retaliates as Unspeakables move into the room surrounding them.
"Obviously, none the less I could not risk arresting you. Aurors swarming all over the place like parasites. You belong to me, my unspeakable. Such high hopes. You threw it all away. It comes with the territory I'm afraid – I will arrest you. I will send you to Azkaban. No one will even remember your name."
"You should have brought more men." Hermione spits.
A sharp laugh erupts Croaker with a swift click of his fingers three more enter, Hermione swallows, Bella's back touching hers. They are both fully aware of the training endured by Unspeakables. This will not be easy, Bella tenses behind her ready for the fight.
"I want them alive." Croaker calls out, eyes glinting. "You'll be foolish to pursue this endeavour."
"We shall see."
Hermione licks her lips eyeing Croaker as he draws his wand. Bella has patience. They have to play this smart. The tension returns her breath short, her mind calculating. Analysing the area. The threats. The two men to her right Croaker in front of her, Croaker will be waiting for her to strike first. Bella has her eyes on the three Unspeakables behind Hermione. Hermione is not worried Bella can take care of herself.
"Fiendfye!" Bella roars a screech of fear from one Unspeakable as he dives aside.
A roaring dragon erupts her wand, devouring one Unspeakable as the other two dive to the side. The fire paving its way to the doors the Unspeakables unable to control it. Locking them all in no one can enter and no one can leave.
A tremor of muscle, the Unspeakable to Hermione's right lifts his wand ready to attack. She twirls like a banshee in the night; Hermione casts the crucio striking the man to the ground. A sharp scream leaving his lips. A Deprimo strikes the other Unspeakables feet an explosion is the result sending him hurtling backwards through the air.
Leaving her only with Croaker to deal with. With a simple flick, she removes the panting Unspeakable still recovering from the effects of the crucio, rendering him unconscious. Croaker tuts, as spells ignite behind Hermione, Bella in her prime fighting. Bella no longer old her body in full functioning ability. Hermione hopes the witch won't forget the plan.
"You traitor will never see daylight again!" Croaker growls raising his own wand.
A wrist snaps a swirl of the joint a spell erupts, following the roar of the caster.
"Everte Statum"
"Finite Incantatum"
They clash, the air flicking with intensity, they draw back redoubling their efforts striking back with more force. Arrows shoot from Hermione's wand, causing Croaker to dart to the side, throwing up a protego at the last second. An arrow clipping his side. He does not falter; he stirs before lashing out.
Eyes gleaming in the dark, a sparkling red light bearing down on her. Roaring heat, blistering the atmosphere. With a grunt, she forces her shield up; her feet biting the floor for some purchase. Her arm protesting from the intensity.
A yell escapes her lips, with pure anger she throws the spell off, the ground shaking the candles flickering. Avis birds burst from her wand a flock of them, darting towards the intended target, a flicker of confusion flashes across Croakers face. Confringo The birds catch fire, balls of heat heading straight towards her old mentor. Expulsio they explode the air blasting apart around Croaker damaging his shield.
The smoke clears, feathers falling to the floor. He breathes a sigh. Langlock, Locomotor Mortis – nox. Light flashes, quick bursts that blind Croaker, he throws up another shield he misses the first spell. His tongue rooted to the top of his mouth – the lights go out in the building.
Hermione hears the murmurs of Unspeakables behind, except Bellatrix is a hunter. She lives for the dark. She dances in the madness cackling with laughter striking her opponents. Croaker is groaning, unable to speak.
"Sectumsempra!" Hermione cries.
A grumble erupts Croaker, a poorly erected shield that crumbles under the spell. He narrowly avoids injury quickly using the momentum to cure Langlock. Returning with his own string of attacks.
"Finite Incantatum!" Her charm falls into place.
A sweat dripping down her back, pain in her bones. Magic purring in her body. Something catches her eye, one of the Unspeakables she knocked down climbing to his feet. Wand raising there is no escape too busy engaged with Croaker to react. Her veins pulse. Power purring alive from the extensive magic. Magic stops time – time stops magic.
The room falling still, she leaves her charm in place turning her wand to the new victim, she fires a stupefy. Casting a quick glance to Bella paused mid jump in the air, missing a spell face alive with excitement. Wand burning with magic. Hermione restarts time, the sound of feet landing the oomph as Bella's victim hits the floor. A girlish shriek as her stupefy finds its target.
She pushes her shield; it grows inside, the room creaking in response.
"Occillo vita!"
Her spell bursts through her shield striking Croakers on slaughter, driving his own spell back. Piercing his wand and tearing through his hand. A sharp gasp rings out, a cry of pain as Croaker flies through the air. Disappearing into the smoke.
She turns her attention to the fight behind Bella seems to be winning. At that second, the tube shatters bursting glittering sharp daggers into the air. She moves throwing the shield up to protect Bella from the danger flying through the air. Pierces imbed themselves on Unspeakables taking them down. Her shield protects them both as glass glints in the air, vanishing into dust when it connects with her shield. There is one Unspeakable left a puppy-eyed stranger panicking at being the last man standing. It is over.
She shares a quick smile with Bella; it is all going to plan. The fire still contains them protecting them. Protecting them from reinforcements. Bella's smile slips, horror crossing her features. Her mouth moving, Hermione's wand ready.
Thud. Stars explode her mind short cutting. She flays. Collapsing to her knees. A jet of light flowing above her attacking Bella. Another spell heading to her witch chains wrap around Bella's right wrist, tugging her to the side another catching her left wrist. Tying her down as though a wild animal pinning her with chains.
Groaning, Hermione fires a warning spell, glaciers firing through the room hitting nearly everyone. Even Bella ducks for cover lying flat against the floor. Hiding amongst the shattered tube. Blood trickles down Hermione's neck; she pauses, lost in thought wiping at it blindly. Bella is shouting something, except it is all incompressible. Her vision doubles.
A heavy hand snatches her wand; she turns wild eyes to Croaker standing next to her. Half his face burnt from her spell, a metal pole dripping with blood. Her blood. She tastes iron, spitting blood to the floor. There is shouting and Hermione knows Bella is going down with a fight.
"Should have stayed home," Croaker, hisses, eyes burning. "Black got to you. Should have stamped it out long time ago."
He throws the bar down as Hermione tries to rise to her feet. Except her legs give out and she collapses to the floor. Staring up to the burning ceiling. Lying amongst the ruins of her creation blood trickling down her face. Keeper of time. The sign hangs loosely from one hook, dangling above her, taunting her. A final wave goodbye.
"Azkaban for you," Croaker says staring down at her. "I'll post you there myself."
A foot rises, she can barely move. Barely throw a hand up to protect herself. Stamp one final cry from Bella almost like a wounded animal. The crushing pain of the foot stamping home. Her vision blurs and darkness welcomes her.
~~~~ A Drop in the Ocean ~~~~~
"Presume you make it to the ministry. That you get past security." Alex pauses mid rant. "Say you manage it. Who's to say Tonks won't report you as soon as you enter her office?"
"She won't." Hermione answers confidently reclining in the chair.
"You're basing this on pure hope?"
"I know Tonks. This will interest her to a point she will not report us."
"Significance of this will pay off later I presume?"
"Tonks is partial to the plan."
Alex sighs, taking a seat by the window she opens it, before pulling out a cigarette and lighting one. Hermione frowns; she has never seen the woman smoke. The long brown coat long since discarded, the guns lining the woman's body even impressed Bella.
Hermione stirs, her mind heavy her body pulled taunt. She feels strung between two worlds lost between memory and real life. The room refocuses in all its dazzling whiteness. Blinding her. She squints glancing around her arms tied to the bed, her feet also bound. Metal chaining her in place.
There is talking in the corridor as she drifts in and out of consciousness. Living between the states of limbo, hoping for clarity. Hoping for the throbbing in her head to ease. She drifts to sleep again to relive memories.
"I'm giving up." Alex explains indicating the cigarette in her hand. "Granger you give me a headache you make my job extremely difficult."
"Precisely what is your job?" Bella asks.
"Protecting investments." Alex replies inhaling the smoke before expelling it. "This all goes to plan. Tonks agrees by some miracle you're not caught. You break into the ministry what happens then?"
"We head to the department of mysteries." Hermione answers.
"To achieve what?"
"Pandora." Bella murmurs, gaining Alex's attention.
Alex stubs the cigarette out leaning forward. "You knew all along didn't you?"
"I am aware of it."
Hermione stirs awake once more the memory slipping from her mind. A hand ghosts over her head, turning her head gently to the side to inspect the injury sustained. The presence of a wand against her skull. There is movement by the door possibly Aurors keeping a constant guard on her room. To prevent her escape. She doubts she will be going anywhere any time soon her mind is still spinning her hands shaking.
"There's a base line fracture." The nurse explains. "They really did a number on her."
"Just need to know when she can go to court."
"To stand trial?" The nurse huffs. "Do you want her coherent enough to defend herself or a mindless puppet?"
"She's going Azkaban regardless." Is the gruff response.
"I'll keep you informed." The nurse bites back.
"See that you do, whether you like it or not the traitor will take to the stands by the end of the week."
A door slams shut, bathing them in silence. The nurse continues to potter around, Hermione watches her through a swollen eye. Before the Mediwitch pauses in front of her, a sponge in hand. She dabs it gently against Hermione's black eye making her wince.
"I'm sorry." She whispers, before shuffling away.
Hermione watches the nurse leave, the only sound of noise in the hospital. The wards press down on her, constricting her mind, slowing her healing process. She will recover fully once she leaves. There's a constant fog in her mind, clouding everything. Thudding pain at the back of her head it makes her nausea.
Alex sighs, crossing her legs deep in thought. Bella is amusing herself near the table, teasing Crooks with a piece of string dangling from the air. Sphinx hovers over Hermione's shoulder she scratches his ear; she may never see him again.
"Destroying Pandora is your plan?" Alex asks sceptically.
"It's a plan." Bella replies.
"Assuming this goes to plan, what is you escape idea? You'll be in the depths of the Ministry. Swarming with Aurors. How do you escape?"
"We don't." Hermione answers leaning forward. "We become overwhelmed, we go down convincing all."
"Hoping they don't kill you."
"I've made arrangements for that. We have inside help."
"Who is willing to help you?"
"I can't say, but someone trusted is going to pass the message on that we are in the ministry. Croakers pride will not allow anyone but Unspeakables to capture us. He and he alone will bring us to trial."
"Why Azkaban?"
"Someone is calling the shots from there. I need to go there, except I am a 'hero'. One of the golden trio no one will trust me. That's where Bella comes in."
"I've corrupted her you see." Bella continues. "Hermione Granger's fall from grace will be spectacular. She will go down in history and stricken from record."
"Once we arrive in Azkaban we will find who is responsible gain their trust."
"If they don't trust you, what then?"
"That's where you come in. We need you to bail us out of Azkaban and the search begins anew." Hermione says.
"You've got balls Granger, I'll give you that."
"Can you do it?"
"Can I break you out of Azkaban? I could do it in my sleep. I've learnt a trick or two from a friend."
"Well that's the plan. If we're not out in two weeks or made little process we'll pass word to you."
"How will I know?"
"Cissy will deliver the message." Bella informs her.
"Bit risky." Alex murmurs sending a look to Bella. "They'll be expecting that."
"They won't be expecting me." Hermione continues. "Cissy and I have I history no one will think twice if we interact."
"For the record I think this will end badly."
"Duly noted."
She stirs awake, two sets of strong arms, unhooking her from the bed. With a lift, they pull her from the bed, her legs dragging across the floor. Croaker stands in the doorway, she grimaces. His right side of his face is blistered red, skin peeling. A new wand in his hand she broke his old one in the duel, split it in two with the power from her spell.
"You've got a court hearing tomorrow," Croaker informs her. "We're moving you to the cells until then."
Dizzy, Hermione allows the men to drag her out, even as the nurse rushes forward. Protesting, demanding they let Hermione rest until healed. They force her aside, heading to the floo network. A pair of iron cuffs biting into her wrists, as they carry her through the onlookers.
The trip is boggles her mind, as she stumbles to her knees on the other side of the floo. Two hands forcing her to stand once more no sympathy for traitors. The escape from the hospital does wonders for her, a weight lifting off her shoulders. She relishes the feeling of freedom. Until they throw her face first into a cell, her face scraping harsh stone she curses before kicking the locking door in anger. Earning a sneer from her jailor. The Ministry prisons. How a week flew by, her head still hurts, still healing. She shuffles to her feet, the cuffs disappearing from her wrists as she settles on the wobbly bed in the corner. Wonders where Bella is, hopes the witch is okay.
As time ticks by, she heals faster, her heart kicking back into high gear. The mechanics of her mind beginning to whirl once more, the magic in her body stirring. Waking to the world. It reaches out, the time turner purring under her skin. She clicks her fingers patiently. On reflex, she clicks her neck.
They sit in silence, even after Alex leaves, contemplating the upcoming fight. Mentally preparing for the fight. The crackle of the fire a reassurance to them as time ticks by. Bella finally stirs, rising from her perch she stalks to the fire staring into the depths. Deep in thought.
"If you could have any wish in the world what would it be?" Hermione asks, playing with a piece of paper.
"Excuse me?" Bella questions regarding Hermione.
"Wish? What would you wish for?"
"Anything?" Bella asks again.
"Yeah."
"I wouldn't."
Hermione ponders the answer, unsure why the question came to her. "Nothing at all? There must be something."
"Nothing." Bella remarks. "What about you?"
"Another chance."
This earns her a curious look. If she had the opportunity, she would wish for another chance, for things not to go so very wrong. Instead, there is no wish and she settles to listening to the fire, the steady thud of rain on the window.
"Do you believe in fate?" Bella asks eyes glued to the fire.
"I believe someone has it out for me."
"Preordained we were meant to follow this path."
"I believe in the here and now. I think if I had the power to make any wish, I would not want that power." Hermione answers.
Bella nods, pouring herself a firewhiskey. Taking deep gulps before dropping the glass onto the fireplace. She turns to Hermione eyeing her.
"For the court hearing you're going to need to be convincing."
"Aren't I always?" Hermione smirks, leaning back in her chair.
Bella tuts, striding across the small distance. Settling in front of Hermione, she brushes a strand of her long hair out of her face. Slightly caressing the cheek.
"Not for this. For this I'm going to need Mia," Hermione frowns. "The little pureblood bitch you played in school. They are going to need to hate you. They need to fear you, you must disgust them."
"Bella," Hermione sighs.
"This time you listen." Bella interrupts, her eyes capturing brown ones. "If they do not fear you, if they do not hate you. They will try to save you. St Mungo's rehabilitation. A way to play with your mind prove you innocent. Despite the claims laid at your feet if you do not present the monster they want to see, they will pity you. Pity will lead to a healer. Not Azkaban."
The lock turning wakes her, she rises from her bed as the jailor and two Aurors enter. She turns around placing her hands against the wall; they approach her slowly eyes flickering over her body looking for any sign of a weapon. Satisfied, they turn her around, the cheap smell of colon making her turn her nose up in disgust. Two hairy and clammy hands hold her in place as they slap the cuffs on; it is the day of the hearing.
With a tug they half lead half drag her out of her cell leading the way to the court room. She straightens her back; rising her head, she will not look defeated. She cut her finger earlier, rubbed some blood on to her cheek to give it a healthy pink glow. Tided her hair she may look like a prisoner but she put the best effort into looking healthy. Time to play the game, time to show the world what she is capable of doing.
There's murmuring as she reaches the double doors, her chains dragging noisily on the floor, she feels slightly bad about scratching the surface. Her head still pounds in some ways she takes this as a good thing it will her attitude last throughout the hearing. She fears the verdict, fears that she may play this all wrong, sent to a healer and not the prison. Absently she considers this thought and considers she should fear Azkaban. Yet she does not fear the hellish place, she fears living there forever but she has safety procedures in place. If Sirius can escape, she is very certain she will be able to escape if need be.
The doors open the hush of the court, the clanking of her chains, the shuffling of feet. She heads to the chair in the middle of the courtroom centre of attention for everyone. Climbing atop of it with elegance, she struggles to show, her legs still weak. Her body still healing but she tries valiantly to hide this. From the looks of disgust she is receiving, it appears to be working.
Kingsley Shacklebot watches from his post as the brutes' chain her to the chair securing and tying her down. Unable to resist Hermione twitches her arm jerking, it makes one of the Aurors jump in fear. A smirk laces her mouth as he scowls at her before tightening the chains until they bruise and leave her wrists red.
"When I get out, I'm coming for you." Hermione hisses with murderous promise.
He swallows harshly backing away his colleague following close behind; she follows their journey until they disappear behind her. Turning her attention back to the Minister she flexes her hand trying to keep the blood flowing. A tongue darts out as she wets her lips, the court still not talking. She sighs rather loudly, so loudly it causes a murmur in the docks. Smiling at Kingsley, she rests her head against the chair, blowing a piece of hair out of her face.
Another door opens someone else enters the docks Kingsley nods to the newcomer before clearing his throat. His gavel hits the desk, calling the attention of the audience, Hermione lounges in her chair. Waiting for the court to proceed, out the corner of her eye she catches sight of someone familiar. Glancing she finds Andy in one of the rows watching her with a sorrowful look, she wishes she could reassure her friend. Except her head, still hurts and any attempt at legimancy will cause more harm than good. Instead, she turns back to Kingsley the less attention towards Andy the better for all of them.
"This court is in session." Kingsley begins. "We are here today to give verdict of one Hermione Jean Granger presented to us today for the counts of multiple murders, the exposer of magic to muggles; breaking and entering the list is endless. We have eye witness accounts and testimony's, before we begin is there anything anyone wishes to say?"
The crowd remains silent, Hermione glances around the room spotting the Weasley family in one corner and Harry in another. His face stricken to a ghastly white, Luna sitting next to him patting his hand. She feels like waving but knows this will probably be a very bad idea.
"Miss Granger, you have entered the court declining any offer of defence. Now is the time to speak." Kingsley probes.
Rolling her shoulders, Hermione sits straighter in her chair, before clearing her throat. "How's Thongs doing?"
A thunderous roar of outrage erupts, the shouting of slurs, the echoing of guilty ringing through the room. Kingsley tries to control the outbreak his court shouting for order. Hermione can hear Mrs Weasley's voice the loudest of them all shouting, demanding justice.
"Order!" Kingsley fumes. "Miss Granger the taunting of the court will do you no good."
"What you going to do? Throw me in Azkaban?" Hermione chuckles eyes growing impossibly dark. "I loved the blue lilies at Ron's funeral Molly, very nice touch."
An anguished scream breaks out, the staggering of feet as Molly tries to reach her chair. She sends her a withering look before sending Kingsley a smug look. He frowns, a hesitant look of disgust flashing across his features.
"Shall we move this along? The banshee in the corner is giving me a headache."
"She killed my SON!" Molly thunders. "GIVE HER THE KISS!"
"ORDER!"
The audience falls to a silent murmur as Kingsley straightens his collar. "The court calls the first witness to the stand. Nymphadora Lupin can you approach the stand."
Tonks enters from the back room; walking towards the stand, she pulls the chair back before sitting. Her eyes finding Hermione briefly before looking away.
"We have a signed confession from yourself Ms Lupin, a sworn statement that Miss Granger tried and to kill you seconds after the report of Ron Weasley death is this correct?"
Nymph shifts in the stand, placing her folded hands in front of her. "It's true I tried to apprehend Miss Granger during her escape. We duelled briefly until I was struck from behind, while distracted she dislocated my arm and if it wasn't for the interference of another I believe she would have killed me."
"Who interfered Ms Lupin?"
"I am not sure the angle was unfortunate however I remember someone saying 'Don't kill her.'"
"You are absolutely sure?"
"Definitely, I would never forget the next words."
"What were they Ms Lupin?" Kingsley asks.
"'We need to move Bella, I've dealt with Ron."
A silence echoes in the room hanging suspended over everyone's head. Hermione represses the smile even as Tonks appears to struggle with composer sending the Weasley family a forlorn look. Sometimes Hermione you are just too good. Hermione nods with her inner voice, Azkaban here I come.
A/n: So thank you, I hope you enjoyed the latest instalment - the story has nearly caught up with itself. To Azkaban we go!
BLLVMY: Why thank you I enjoyed the last chapter took long enough haha.
MadameBellamione: The ball is motion lets just see if Hermione can pull of clearing her name. I just had to do it though, the opportunity for Bella and Nymph too great too miss. Glad it went down well, I would pay good money to see it on film though. Glad you enjoyed the chapter it took a while to write a big scene this one was fun though.
Wrispen: I know it took awhile but it was great when they finally did it! :D The intro chapter is next and at least we know what Nymph signed too. The hug is perhaps my favourite as well truly great fun to write! Oh the climax is going to be spectacle trust me ;)
Kay178: All questions will be answered shortly you know I will not spill my secrets haha. Can Hermione turn into a dragon? That is a brilliant questions but I will say no to that although how awesome would that be? It will be full circle all the stories will combine in the end have faith. I would love Rowling to read any fanfiction story although she'll probably get scared off haha. Wow that is a compliment looking forward to this more than Rowlings 8th book I am truly flattered thank you.
VB: I won't but don't shout it out for everyone to hear ;)
Zire-7: Haha got to love a bit of crackship, Role playing in the bedroom now that is an idea... Could add it to my other one shot, you shouldn't give me ideas could be dangerous. Hope you enjoyed the chapter till next time.
Mia: Dear lord she lives! :P I hope you are enjoying yourself. I hope learning spanish is going well wishing you the best. Don't worry the revelation of Hermione's and Voldemort meet will come clear at the end. Till next time take care hope you get signal soon.
dallheart: You are very kind thank you, I hoped you enjoyed this chapter a lot more duelling to experience. Till next time where we get to visit Azkaban once more :D
Boomerang: No worries as long as the story is enjoyed that's the most important part :D There needs to be heartache before love I can't help it. Thank you again for the support it means a lot till next time.