A/n: Another upload another chapter to be uploaded. The amount of views on this story is just mind blowing I can't even thank you enough. So there's a new app out on pottermore where you can find out your patronus pretty damn awesome. I got a Siberian Cat very random but I'm happy with it. Loved to hear what you guys got.
Disclaimer: I do not own any recognisable characters and no money has been made from this.
Enjoy...
Chapter Thirty Five ~ New Boundaries
Staring longingly at the empty mattress, she tries not to let the frustration show or the tears fall. The chatting has stopped, the other girls watching her, waiting for her reaction. It is not them that makes the situation sink in nor her old empty bed.
The situation only becomes real when the house Elf finally looks her dead in the eye, a level gaze that she never expected from such a slight creature. A creature never looking into the eyes of his 'masters' now staring at her with a look of such understanding she wonders, if he knows more than she does.
"You're no longer here Miss," The house elf advises. "Your stuff has been moved to Professor Back's quarters."
With a click, his gone taking the last of her items with him, leaving her nothing but an empty bed. The girls are staring at her once more, wondering if she has perhaps finally broken. Perhaps she has, just not right now.
Turning on the spot, she heads to the door Ginny jogs to keep up with her as she descends the spiral staircase. She wishes the witch would not follow, she is not ready for company; she has just left hell and been handed to the devil herself.
"Hermione." Ginny breathes. "Let me walk you there."
"I'd rather be alone." Hermione answers not stopping.
"I think you'd rather know who's teaching who." Ginny says as they pass through the entrance.
"Not now."
A hand grabs her arm tugging her to a stop the force surprising Hermione. "Yes you do." Ginny says flatly.
"Alright," Hermione relents shaking her arm free. "You can walk me to hell."
"It's not that bad."
"It's not great either." Hermione snaps.
"Yes it is," Ginny insists stopping Hermione once more. "Get your head out of this funk; you have Professor Black training you. She volunteered most would kill for that."
"Why though, I want to know why."
"When you know let me know." Ginny smiles. "Look it's not the best situation but she chose you."
"I know." Hermione sighs rubbing her face before leaning against a wall. "Tell me."
Ginny smiles, relieved to steer the conversation away from Professor Black and onto something less likely to cause a fight. Hermione glances to the sky noting the time, wondering if Black will give her a curfew or let her wander freely.
"I spoke to the boys; they let me know the gossip." Ginny says with a smile. "I think you might find it surprising."
"Go ahead surprise me."
"Gladly, well Harry father James volunteered to train Harry, but only after Ron's mentor stepped forward."
"How do you know all this?"
"The twins eavesdropped." Ginny grins.
"After Black volunteered for you well it caused a moment of silence. Draco's mentor is Snape a surprise I know."
"Snape is Draco's god father." Hermione shrugs not hugely surprised.
"Oh, I didn't know that. Anyway the most surprising was Ron's, it's Sirius Black."
"What?" Hermione stutters. "Why him?"
"I don't know." Ginny shrugs. "But he volunteered out of nowhere which led to James volunteering."
"I didn't know James was a volunteer." Hermione murmurs.
"Apparently so, he was helping in Hogsmead until an altercation meant he had to work from the offices."
Hermione remembers Tonks saying she had to break a fight up, Hermione never pressed the witch for any information at the time. She would bet any money that it was Sirius and James fighting, which means they might be carrying their hate to one another into the games. The news makes her wonder, is it Sirius that has been whispering in Ron's ear?
"I better go." Hermione says. "I might have a curfew."
Ginny laughs at the very thought as they walk, talking about Quidditch and the latest developments. Hermione tunes out her mind running over the scenario that Ron might be Sirius little puppet.
Pausing outside Professor Black's door Hermione wonders if she should knock or go straight in, she chooses the safe option and knocks. Feet patter towards the door, a squealing of a lock then a clunk as the door forcefully opens.
Blinking Hermione stares at the empty room, until someone clears their throat forcing her to look down at the elf. A smile graces elf lips as they nod cheerful of Hermione's appearance.
"Mistress has ordered Pinky too show Mistress Hermione around." Pinky greets cheerfully.
"Argument one." Ginny chuckles. "Good luck Hermione."
Groaning, Hermione watches Ginny wander away before turning back to the expectant gaze of Pinky. Smiling back, Hermione steps into the room the door shutting and locking behind her, skin crawling she looks around. It was not that long ago she was here drunk passed out on Professor Black's floor.
"This is the kitchen," Pinky begins pointing to the obvious kitchen. "This here is Mistress Black's room, she has warned should you touch or move any of her belongings she will deliver a cruel punishment."
Pinky squeaks the threat a shiver running through her tiny body as stares at Hermione in horror. Uncomfortable Hermione nods her head not sure what else she can do to reassure the little elf.
"I best not touch then." Hermione promises.
"Or move anything!" Pinky insist.
"Or move anything; it might be safer not to breathe." Hermione jokes.
"I wouldn't advise that, that would be very silly mistress!"
"It's a joke Pinky, relax and it's Hermione please."
"Of course Mistress Hermione."
"No just Hermione, no mistress please."
Two large eyes blink up at her not understanding the order. Releasing a breath, Hermione glances around the room, hoping to end the tour and remove the awkwardness.
"My bedroom?" Hermione asks hopefully.
"This way, that door there leads to the bathroom, would you like me to show you?"
"No I'll discover it later, I like a little mystery."
"I don't, Mystery is bad." Pinky whispers. "Mystery set fire to kitchen curtains Headmaster was not pleased."
"Are we talking about an elf?" Hermione questions.
"Mystery is a troublesome elf Mystery is not in your bathroom though, Mystery is folding laundry."
"Of course." Hermione nods. "But I wasn't on about… never mind my bedroom."
"This way."
Nodding, Hermione trails behind the elf, a door emerges out of the brickwork allowing Pinky to push it open and reveal a simple bedroom. A small smile graces Hermione's lips as she notices the Gryffindor banners lining the far wall, her items stacked away neatly into the cupboards and proud red duvet covers her single bed.
"Does Hermione approve?" Pinky asks quietly.
"It's brilliant thank you."
"Mistress Black will not approve of the banners." Pinky murmurs sadly.
"It'll be our little secret, don't worry Pinky she'll blame it on me."
"I cannot allow that…"
"It's an order Pinky, I insist." Hermione smiles. "Thank you for this."
"Miss Hermione is welcome. Some items I did not put away, I thought you may want to choose where they go."
"Very thoughtful."
"I will leave then Miss, if there's anything else?"
"No thank you Pinky you've done enough."
Smiling, Pinky vanishes with a pop allowing Hermione to scope out her new living quarters. Stepping fully into the room, it is all basic similar to the Gryffindor girl's room, she steps up to the few items left on the bed. Picking up the framed picture of her parents and her when she was younger, she places it on the windowsill next to the bed.
She takes a seat going through the items, a yoyo from her father, a slinky and her History of Hogwarts book, she flicks it open revealing the knife. Sighing, she closes the book slipping it under her bed along with her slinky. Playing with her yoyo she studies the little diary left on the bed, the pink cover, she has not read any in a long time. Placing the diary under her cushions, she glances around the room, the large mirror in the corner makes her frown, rising she grabs a blanket throwing it over mirror.
I cannot face mother just yet. Walking back to her bed she takes a seat staring out to the sky a perfect view of the grounds. A door opens and closes, she does not budge merely studies the stars above even as the door to her room opens.
"Looks like you've made yourself at home." Black comments.
Glancing up, Hermione finds Black leaning in the doorway analysing the room with distaste. Sniffing Black rolls her shoulders before shrugging of her robe and throwing it on to a hook behind. The action is completely harmless, just an everyday action except Hermione finds it strangely personal. She looks away, feels as though she is evading Black's personal space. She invited me here.
"What's wrong with the mirror sleeping beauty?" Black asks.
"If I'm sleeping beauty does that make you Maleficent?" Hermione wonders aloud.
"You tell me, do I scare you?" Black chuckles. "Seriously though you could make the mirror disappear."
"I know," Hermione acknowledges. "I just don't like mirrors watching me, always feel like you don't know what happening when you're not looking."
"Cheerful Granger, cheerful." Black snorts.
"You asked."
"And now I'm going to drink. I'm assuming Pinky has showed you around?"
"She did."
"Good, you still need to eat in the Great Hall however help yourself to what's in the cupboard." Black says.
Turning from the room, Black disappears into the kitchen the clunking of a glass-hitting worktop. Hesitating for a second, Hermione hops to her feet, following the sound to the kitchen to find Black pouring a fire whiskey.
Words on the tip of her tongue, Hermione flinches as Black hands her a glass out of nowhere, earning a smirk from the witch. Did she just give me alcohol? Sniffing the liquid Hermione thrown at the smell of apple juice and the infuriating grin from the dark witch.
"Not getting you drunk pet, you might get frisky."
Blushing at the comment, Hermione filters to the side of the table settling on the chair as Black lounges in the kitchen flicking through paperwork. It is all strangely domestic; it puts Hermione on edge as Black scribbles notes on a pad flicking through her latest essays.
"Why?" Hermione asks.
"Next question." Black answers not looking up
Frowning Hermione considers her next question wondering where to take the conversation. There are so many things to ask where could she begin?
"What about Draco?" Hermione questions. "You promised…"
"What's that?" Black smirks eyes flashing dangerously. "What did the little canary say?"
"Nothing."
"I pretty sure I heard you croak something."
"I just assumed you were promised to help Draco you are his aunt."
"Hmm, assumed or overheard?" Black shakes her head throwing a paper on to the worktop. "Doesn't matter, what's done is done."
"Won't Riddle be angry?" Hermione asks.
"Why would you say such a thing?" Black smirks in response. "But to answer your question no, he was rather amused by the scenario. He always wanted to see who was better me or Snape and now we will find out."
"Isn't Draco upset?"
"Draco is many things but primarily not your concern." Black dismisses. "You have an American with an axe to grind to worry about."
"And my two best friends." Hermione sighs.
"Well I wouldn't say both of them, Potter does have some magical ability granted with the help of James he will be a strong opponent."
"Plus Ron has Sirius which means it's become a contestant now between two guys who can't get along."
"Who told you about Ron's mentor?" Black asks.
"News travels fast."
"Was it Nymphadora?"
"What no, I haven't spoken to Tonks since exiting the level."
"What did she pick pocket?"
Hermione turns cold, choosing to drink instead of answer she shrugs at Black is questioning gaze. The drink turns her throat dry as she wonders how Black always manages to catch her doing something. Hermione decides to throw the truth out.
"She stole my knife." Hermione shrugs.
Snorting, Black rolls her eyes sipping her drink. "I'll believe it when I see it. What was it a muggle pocket knife? Did she need to borrow your magnifying glass?"
"You asked." Hermione smiles in response.
"Coming from the student who summoned a book as a weapon."
"I won didn't I? The pen is mightier than the sword…"
"Oh Merlin spare me." Black sighs. "Just go to bed."
"Are you sending me to my room?" Hermione asks.
"Yes, yes I am."
"Fine." Hermione chuckles climbing to her feet.
Her empty glass floats to the sink as Black sets her work on the empty table spreading out the essays to mark. Hermione watches as the glass washes itself in the sink smiling at Black's careless display of magic before she concentrates on the work on the table. Digging into her pocket Black pulls out a pair of rimmed glasses setting them on her nose as she reads. Choking on thin air, Hermione tries not to stare at the sigh in front of her.
"What?" Black drawls not looking up.
"You wear glasses?" Hermione asks her voice squeaking.
"Sometimes," Black answers her quill flicking over the page. "Depends if I remember."
"Professor…" Hermione pauses to her room.
"Mmm?" Black asks engrossed in work.
"Will Ron be okay?"
Pausing, Black looks up turning to regard Hermione before pulling of her glasses to chew on the frame. Swallowing, Hermione tries to move her mind out the gutter grateful the witch cannot see inside her mind.
"Sirius wouldn't do anything right?"
"No more than anyone else." Black answers before sighing.
"You warned me to stay away from him, if Ron…"
"Granger," Black interrupts. "Concentrate on yourself."
"Why did you offer is this a ploy so Draco can win?" Hermione asks.
"Excuse me?" Black demands rising from her seat. "I think you should rethink that."
"How can I rethink it when all we ever do is argue? Hell you kicked me form your class."
"Whose fault is that?"
"Yours!" Hermione snaps.
"Mine? Well little miss perfect I think you forget someone's been holding back…"
"Because I don't want the world to know!"
"Tough shit!" Black snaps. "My whole reputation is on the line Granger, if you fail this I go down with you! Did that ever cross your mind? I'm not here as some stupid guided attempt so my nephew could win, if I were to do that then I would ensure you got my sister."
"Mrs Malfoy?" Hermione asks confused.
"No the other one." Black retorts angry. "Andy is a good witch, a great duellist but only when coaxed out of her little shell. Therefore, whether you like it or not you have me and I am plan on winning this. So you either get the thought in your head or you go and withdraw do you understand?"
Taking a deep breath, Hermione considers the ideas that Black has just as much to lose as Hermione does. Still though the witch has hurt her so many times, she struggles to trust her.
"I don't trust you." Hermione whispers.
"I don't trust you so I guess that makes us even." Black replies harshly. "But I recognise talent and we are going to need to learn to trust one another. We have a month before the next level; I'm going to need your true potential here for it."
"You don't know what you're asking of me." Hermione stutters.
"We'll soon find out. Get some sleep we're up early, we have a lot to work on."
Turning Black heads back to the table taking a seat and slipping on her glasses see returns back to her work. Heading into her room, Hermione closes the door behind; lifting her wand, she goes to press it against her door.
"You dare charm my door Granger I will remove it!" Black shouts making Hermione jump.
Dropping her wand arm, Hermione slumps of course Black would not let her charm her door. Throwing her wand on to the table by the bed, she slips into her pyjamas before sliding under the sheets.
"You can't trust her." Morgana's voice whispers through the room.
"I have no choice." Hermione sighs pulling out a book.
"She is a Black, all the ones remaining are, none of them can be trusted."
"What choice do I have?" Hermione demands the mirror.
"Trust me…"
"You're dead." Hermione snaps angrily. "I need someone who can actually physically help me."
"You're angry. But this doesn't change anything…"
"Yes it changes everything." Hermione groans.
The door jolts open making Hermione jump a mile and lose her place in the book. Black stands in the doorway studying Hermione with scrutiny her eyes scanning the room.
"What?" Hermione asks.
"I heard talking."
"I'm reading out loud." Hermione says lifting the book. "What do you think I was doing?"
"I thought you might have snuck Tonks or the female Weasley."
"Ginny." Hermione reminds.
"When she becomes any good at something I will refer to her as such until then she remains mandatory." Black grumbles stepping into his room.
"I was reading out loud." Hermione restates.
"You changed the pitch of your voice?" Black asks in disbelief.
"It's a script." Hermione replies.
"What are you hiding?" Black demands stopping in front of the mirror.
Hermione's blood tingles she frowns before realising Black had used Homenum Revelio to see if anyone was in the room. Temper rising, Hermione shuts her book harshly Black raises an eyebrow.
"You don't trust me?"
"We've been through that." Black replies, rolling her eyes Hermione goes to retort. "One year of the championships, there was a student; they hailed him the chosen one, magical power one could only imagine…"
Frowning, Hermione wonders where the witch is going with this, when her eye catches the mirror. A cold chill runs down her spine as she recognises Morgana rising behind Black cold eyes studying the witch, Hermione could spot those eyes even through the blanket covering the mirror.
"He slept in the room with all his other house mates, the next morning he was found stabbed to death. No witnesses, no sound made, no one was ever accused of the murder."
"Why you telling me this?"
"That was during the second Championships, ever since then we have kept any who make it the knockout stage separate. For their own protection. You were allowed entry into my quarters by Pinky and only you and I can enter. Anyone else has to be invited in, there's a reason I cannot allow you to charm the door and that is for your protection, not because I feel like it."
Hermione does not know how to answer that her mouth runs dry even as she tries to turn away from the hand reaching out from the mirror. Licking her lips she tries not to panic as the hand grazes the back of Black's corset. Frowning, Black turns to regard the mirror reaching out she pulls the cover of the mirror releasing a gasp of surprise. Hermione lurches up from the bed, ready to intervene when Black turns around grinning.
"Wow have seen the bags under my eyes?" Black declares with a crooked grin. "Relax pet you're too tense."
"What…" Hermione breathes.
How can Black not see Morgana watching them both, how can her Professor not see Morgana smiling? Shaking her head, Black heads to the door.
"Sleep Granger," Black comments reaching the door. "We start training tomorrow; try not to read too loud."
Shutting the door, Hermione stares confused, she is losing it, she has officially lost it. Morgana is all part of imagination.
"She thinks too highly of herself," Morgana comments. "If she thinks only you two can pass through her wards."
Turning to the mirror Hermione gazes as Morgana's hand reaches out the mirror tugging the blanket back into place a single wink sent to Hermione. I have lost it.
The door opens again making Hermione start as Black sticks her head in book in her other hand. She pauses regarding the covered mirror, shaking her head in mind wonder.
"You've got problems Granger, it's a freaking mirror." Black says throwing the tomb on Hermione's bed. "Bit of light reading for you."
The door slams shut, Black heading back to her table, the only sound of Morgana's laughter ringing in the room. Heart beating Hermione picks up the tomb wondering just what Black has in stall for them.
~~~~~ Fractures ~~~~~
Panting, Hermione holds her chest hoping to prevent her heart from breaking free and spilling all over the floor. She can imagine it would leave quite a mess, sweat drips down the back of her neck as she counts to ten in her mind. She feels sick, as though she is going to hurl at any moment as Black wanders back and forth.
"You dropped your defence." Black informs her.
"How is this possible?" Hermione whispers pressing her head against the cold surface. "I don't understand."
"You think because both my nieces have trained you in hand to hand combat that you're good enough? Who do you think taught them?"
"You taught Nymph?" Hermione asks getting to her wobbly feet.
"I taught them all, the first Championships brought one thing to light quite clearly. In a fight, people play dirty. I was Lord Riddle's test dummy. We learnt self-defence from the best when I made head auror I made it mandatory. What was it you said to me without a wand a witch or wizard is powerless?"
"Something like that." Hermione breathes.
"Well in theory you should never be without a wand. Theory becomes quite tiring. Again."
"I don't know if I can." Hermione says.
"This is your first day and you're throwing into the towel."
"Wasn't what I was expecting."
"Boohoo."
Preparing herself, Hermione raises both her arms as Black stalks in front of her, heart beating heavily against her chest. Licking her lips, she waits for Black to strike. The kick directed to her face blocked; she barely reflects the punch and misses the kick to her side. She hits the ground with a thud, breath knocked out of her.
"Pathetic."
Pushing to her feet, Hermione ignores the grin and concentrates. Lashing out, her right arm hits Black's defence, pain spasms down the side of her arm, she dodges the elbow aimed for her face. Reflects the kick to the chest and strikes with her own kick, it hits mid-air as Black slips to the floor and swipes her feet out from under her.
Smack, she hits the ground again dust kicked up. Groaning she pushes to her feet once more not willing to be out done, she considers her options. Black is quick with her kicks, licking her lips she studies Black's posture. Damn she looks good… Shaking her head she ignores that piece of information, ignores the fact Black is wearing slacks and still looks ravishing.
Ravishing? Groaning, Hermione counts in her mind as Black kicks come in a flurry, each on blocked she flinches with each hit trying to spot a weakness. Twirling, Hermione takes Black by surprise throwing a jab into Black's side and hitting solid muscle, Black merely tenses at the hit. Not put off, Hermione swipes again her elbow directed for Black's face.
A hand curls around her bicep tugging, and throwing her off balance. Stumbling her knees hit the ground, one hand preventing her face from hitting the mud. Her right arm held behind her back, Black leaning against her.
"Nearly." Black breathes in her ear. "Not bad Granger."
"You kicked my arse."
"It could have been worse." Black smirks, her breath ghosting over Hermione's neck making her shiver. "Feel better?"
"You're kidding right?" Hermione asks struggling against the hold.
Chuckling, Black release her arm allowing her to fall flat against the ground, grumbling Hermione jumps to her feet prepared, only to find Black transfiguring her slacks into her normal corset. Throwing Hermione her wand Black draws her own, raising her eyebrow at Hermione's dumbstruck face.
"We're duelling now?" Hermione asks confused.
"That was warm up pet; we both had pent up frustration thought it would help get rid of some of it. Now you're going to show me the basics, I need to see what damage Snape has done."
"He's a good teacher."
"Very defensive, just a teacher?"
"What you implying?" Hermione demands.
"I'm implying, is he a teacher or a good friend."
"His both actually."
Black regards her silently before shaking her head, "Why is he?"
"I'm sorry?"
"Why is he a good friend?"
"Because he is." Hermione answers stupidly.
"Same way my sister is and Nymph is?"
"Are we training or not?" Hermione questions.
"Of course, you know for this to work we both need to have some sort of faith in each other."
"You just beat the crap out of me." Hermione reminds.
"And you tried the very same. Now show me your patronus lets start somewhere."
Aching in places she never knew existed Hermione treks back to the school, leaving their training area behind as Black sets up for the next day. Taking a sip of water, she feels sweat drip down her back the worrying part is this is the first day of training.
"You look like crap." A voice calls out.
"I feel like death warmed up." Hermione answers stretching her muscles.
"I can see that," Raven answers mooching over. "Want some chocolate?"
"If you have any."
"Always have chocolate spare in case of Dementors." Raven says handing Hermione a bar.
Nodding her thanks, Hermione eagerly unwraps the dairy goodness before taking a bite. Leaning against the nearest wall Hermione releases a tired breath knowing she has some studying to do before she can even dream of going to bed.
"How's it going?" Raven asks.
"She kicked my arse in every aspect."
"Hell hath no fury like my aunt's rage."
"I've never duelled anyone like her." Hermione mutters.
"She's almost impossible to predict isn't she?"
"Almost, she is."
"You learn some mannerisms everyone has a tick you just have to learn them."
"Well I have a lot of time to do that." Hermione answers.
Smirking, Raven watches students mull around as Hermione devours her chocolate bar, enjoying the silence. Black wanders past sparing them both a look before throwing Hermione her book and continuing inside.
"She's not even broken a sweat." Hermione whispers.
"You just have to try. You know she's going to play you right." Raven asks.
"What you mean?"
"Well come on, she knows you don't reveal your true potential, she's going to play on it, going to mess with you until you do reveal it. She is good like that, good at getting in people's head. They used to call her the breaker of oaths."
"Breaker of oaths?"
"When she was an Auror, when dealing with a particular criminals who most couldn't break they would send my aunt in, leave them with her for a while, and let them sweat it out. She would snap them eventually make them spill their secrets. Where my aunt is concerned she always gets what she wants."
Swallowing, Hermione feels the chocolate churn in her stomach, wondering if she made an error of judgement. Was this all some big game by Black to get Hermione's secret, to learn Hermione's past, would the witch really suffer if Hermione failed. With a reputation as fierce as Black's Hermione doubts it would be possible to ruin the witch's history.
"She given you a descent answer as to why she picked you?"
"Not really." Hermione answers.
"You know who everyone else has right?"
"I heard your dad…"
"His no dad of mine." Raven interrupts.
"I heard Sirius chose Ron."
"Yeah causes that's not odd at all!" Sighing, Raven rubs her eyes. "Whatever I've got work, if your ever free we could chill out. Away from my aunt beating the crap out of you and my useless father."
"Sounds good Raven." Hermione smiles, bidding the witch farewell.
Trudging back to the castle, Hermione waves hello to Lupin as he teaches with a smile on his face, a new suit on the class listening to his every word. Stepping into the hospital, she walks flicking through the book Black passed to her stopping at the end of Neville's bed.
Closing the book she looks up, her heart jumps to her throat as the book tumbles from her hands hitting the floor. She spins around the hospital searching for Neville, a cold sweat making her nervous.
"Neville?" Hermione calls staring at all the empty beds. "NEVILLE!"
Her voice echoes around the room, as full panic sets in where is he. Had something happened? Did something happen to Neville and they forgot to tell her? She was not immediate family, why didn't they tell something happened.
"Miss Granger?" Pomfrey calls rushing into the room.
"Where is he? Where's Neville?" Hermione demands.
"I thought you knew." Pomfrey says calmly. "Professor Black said she would tell you."
"Tell me what, what happened?"
"His been transferred to St Mungos."
A stilled breath escapes her cold lips as the realisation crashes into her they won. They had managed to send Neville to St Mungos with both his parents possibly never waking up.
"She didn't tell you?" Pomfrey asks sadly.
"No, when did he go? Today? Tell me it was today."
"The other night, we wanted less fuss, it'll be better for him under constant supervision."
"How long has this idea been going around?"
"At least a week, I wanted to tell you but I was assured someone else would."
"Thank you," Hermione sighs stepping back from the witch she collects her book. "I understand."
"I'm sorry dear."
Turning, she heads to her new room, feeling numb barely registers the path she takes until she enters the room and shutting the door behind her. Black's room is empty the witch still to return she sinks against the counter tears springing down her face. Why did they not tell her?
It is late when Black returns entering the dark room and tripping on something. Cursing, she lights the room finding Hermione's book abandoned on the floor she collects it throwing on to the table with a bang she turns to the kitchen only to jump.
"Granger!" Black hisses. "The hell you doing sitting in the dark?"
Nursing her drink, Hermione studies the witch over the rim of her glass, watching Black as she shuffles out of her robe.
"Well? Don't get ideas you can leave your crap lying around…"
"When were you going to tell me?" Hermione demands.
"Is that my whiskey?" Black questions.
"When were you going to tell me?" Hermione questions rising to her feet.
"Tell you what?" Black wonders.
"About Neville?" Hermione hisses slamming her glass against the counter. "You're spewing shit about truth and you hide that from me."
"Calm down," Black warns. "I did not hide it from you I just declined to share it with you."
"Why the hell not?"
"Because I knew this is how you would react."
"I had a right to know!" Hermione insists.
"A right yes, but a need to know, not exactly. If I had told you would have fought tooth and nail to keep him here."
"His my friend, my responsibility." Hermione shouts. "His safe with me."
"No he is better at St Mungos with help."
"I can help him!"
"Like you helped your mother?" Black demands.
"That is uncalled for," Hermione hisses. "You don't know crap about my family."
"I know enough to tell you none of this is in your control. None of it is your responsibility. Neville is in that bed because of his father's mistakes, because of his mistakes. You should let the sodding idiot die for daring to flaunt a sick man."
A hand lashes out, aiming to slap the aristocrat face, only for an iron grip to grab her wrist forcing her backwards into the cabinets. Black glaring at her, panting Hermione tries to break from the grip.
"This is not your fault." Black repeats calmer. "DO you hear me?"
"I should have been told." Hermione snaps.
"I was going to but I need you focussed, Neville isn't going anywhere. His safe where he is and I cannot risk anything distracting you."
"His my friend." Hermione protests.
Black smiles, relaxing her grip but not releasing Hermione making the witch accurately aware of how close they are. Heart beats for an entirely different reason as Black sighs.
"You should have told me." Hermione breathes.
"Yes I should have but I didn't."
There is no regret in her actions, making Hermione pull away from the grip; stalking past to her bedroom, she shuts the door. Throwing herself onto her bed, she curls into a ball, listening as Black pauses on the other side of her door, wondering if she should follow before moving away.
"Never trust a Black." Morgana warns.
Closing her eyes, Hermione knows she cannot get near Neville not now, they will only let family visit now. Curling into a ball, she cries silently into her pillow, never feeling more alone than right now.
A/n: Just a quick note obviously there's no mention of Bellatrix wearing glasses but I had an image pop into my head and I had to put it in. Hence Bellatrix can sometimes where glasses. Like I said another chapter, another late update should really try to update earlier. Anyway Bellamione is beginning people I'm so excited. I'm going to curl up and sleep till next week, till the next update I wish you all a lovely weekend. Take care...