A/n: So this story never seems to be ending haha, on a more serious note the last few chapters may feel as though they're dragging but they are filler chapters, I can't just throw the girls together and pretend everything is fine. A forewarning I am away again in October I shall warn you ahead of time.
Warning: This chapter contains scenes of violence some may find disturbing. There are mentions of child abuse at the end of the chapter skip if you this will upset you.
Disclaimer: I do not own any recognisable characters and no money has been made from this.
Enjoy...
Chapter Thirty Six ~ Training
The next few days of training, they spent mostly in silence, the only noise from Black as she ordered Hermione to perform different spells. Every time Hermione tried to bridge the gap, the memory of the betrayal makes her stop and her mind retreat to safety. She spends most her free time in the Great Hall or the Library depending upon who eats at the Gryffindor table.
Ginny her only remaining friend along with Luna who would join her in the library. Many Gryffindor's seeing her choice of mentor as a betrayal it brought an unneeded headache. Her lack of sleep not helping with her mood, dreams of Black betraying her in the last level, Draco standing over her laughing.
Morgana whispering distrust in her ear begins to weigh her down, so she finds herself outside on her day off enjoying the solace it brought. No homework or essays to distract her; she spent most her time sitting by the lake throwing stones into the tranquil water.
She kept an eye on the time planning to meet Raven for a chat seeing as Tonks has vanished for a few days with work commitments. At five minutes to three she rises stiff legged from the ground, dusting mud from her bum she treks towards Raven's tent looking forward to seeing the witch.
Voices catch her attention she pauses wondering if she should continue, she recognises one of them to be Sirius Black. With a bad feeling, she follows the voice, throat constricting she strains to hear them. With a frown, she steps closer to a hedge hiding her from view from Sirius Black talking heatedly to another hidden behind a tree.
"It's simple, what are you finding so hard?" Sirius demands. "You said you could do this and you disappoint me. You just have to distract her, do what you must. You promised me you could do it."
"I know what I said."
Hermione swallows as Raven shuffles forward arms folded in discomfort she brushes hair out of her eyes before staring dead fast at the lake. Sirius scoffs shaking his head in annoyance before throwing his hands up in mild wonder.
"Then what's the problem?" Sirius demands.
"It's not that easy." Raven replies stiffly.
"It's not difficult, you boast about how good you are, how hard is it to sleep with the know it all?"
"She's not interested." Raven grinds out.
"She isn't or you're not?"
"I don't feel right doing this," Raven snaps. "I wanted to spend time with you; I don't want these stupid terms and conditions. You asked me to sleep with a minor."
"I asked you to distract her, make sure she loses. I need Ron to win; I thought you would not want your friend to get hurt? What's the point spiking the drinks if you don't take advantage of it?"
"My aunt was there."
"So? Bella is too smart for her own good, bed Granger or break her heart. Or she will break in the next round do you understand?"
"Dad, please."
"I'm trying to protect her, she's too stubborn to leave on her own, and I promised Ron I would make her see sense. So I ask you now make her see sense."
Darting into cover, Hermione shrinks into the bush, covering herself with a disillusionment charm just in time as Sirius storms past. He pauses glancing around in confusion, turning he stares right at her, heart beating wildly she prays he continues. A shake of the head Sirius turns and carries on stalking towards the castle.
Numb, Hermione stumbles forward, she feels almost sick, violated in the worst way. They tried to use her, tried to get close to her to break her heart just so Ron could win. Stepping away, she heads back to the castle, wiping the tears away furiously.
"Hermione?" Raven calls.
Not acknowledging the call, Hermione forces one foot in front of the other until a hand grabs her arm forcing her around to face the startled witch. Yanking her arm free Hermione glares at the witch refusing to cry in front of the auror.
"How much did you hear?" Raven asks not bothering to play dumb.
"Enough." Hermione spits furious. "You used me?"
"No,"
"No? You're seriously lying to me?"
"I'm, look it started that way but…"
"Oh no don't you dare say you have feelings!" Hermione scoffs in disgust running her hands through her wild hair.
"I do alright, it wasn't fair. I couldn't do it."
"Your actions say otherwise."
"Hey, if I wanted to I could have." Raven snaps angrily.
"What with me drugged? You're no better than your lousy father, I'm glad you're spending time together you can realise how much of a prick he is."
"Don't talk shit about my father!" Raven growls. "You don't know him."
"I don't know you either. I thought I did, but now I realise you're just a slut putting out for your dad."
Raven gasps as though slapped taking a step back she closes her eyes trying to control her emotions. Licking her lips Hermione blinks back tears, she was such a fool she should never have trusted Raven.
"Let me explain." Raven tries again.
"Ah Raven," Professor Black's voice calls making Raven turn to the approaching Professor and Hermione turn her back. "Still sulking Granger, fair enough. Raven I need a chat about a particular volunteer."
"Not now." Raven demands.
"Yes now, I'm not a lady of leisure now. What is this a lovers tiff?" Black questions noticing the tension.
"Please Bella, not now." Raven begs.
"What's going on what did you do?"
"Yeah Raven; why not fill your aunt in?" Hermione suggests turning to them both.
"Fill me in what? Raven?" Black wonders glancing between the witches.
"You never knew? Hell what am I saying you might even be involved wouldn't be the first time you kept something from me." Hermione grinds out.
"She doesn't know." Raven says stepping closer to Hermione. "Please I can explain."
"I want to know." Black insists. "Someone spill now."
Raven shakes her head begging Hermione not to say anything, shaking her head Hermione turns from the begging eyes before looking back.
"Please 'Mione just a few minutes." Raven begs.
Sighing, Hermione turns away a hand grasping her arm she shrugs it off glaring at the witch, she so wants to hit. Betrayal making her want to be sick to say screw the world and exit the Wizarding world for good.
"Don't touch me," Hermione hisses. "I should have listened, should never trust a Black."
With those words she turns, heading towards Hogwarts not wanting to deal with anybody else tonight.
"Hermione!" Raven starts after her.
"Let her go," Black orders preventing Raven from following. "And tell me what mess you got yourself in."
~~~~~ Fractures ~~~~~
Hot water pours over her, steam encasing the room, making the outside world disappear behind a curtain of vapour leaving her left alone under the shower. With a shaky hand, she turns off the shower, stepping out the bath and settling on to the side of the tub staring at the large bathroom belonging to Professor Black.
She couldn't return to Gryffindor the fat lady wouldn't let her past, no longer welcome, she had to retire to Black's room thankfully the witch still absent at the time. Now though she hears movement in the other room, Black pottering around waiting to spring a trap on her exit. She does not know how long she has hidden in the bathroom, only disturbed by the wrap of knuckles against wood.
"You can't hide in there forever, others need the loo," Black advises. "Come out before you shrivel up."
Rolling her eyes Hermione dries not wanting to face Black with nothing but a towel on she slips into some slacks and loose top. With her towel she dries her hair wanting to forgo using magic needing something for her hands to do, she finally unlocks the door. Taking a moment before stepping out into the room, automatically searching out Black.
She finds the witch on the sofa sipping wine another glass sitting on the table, frowning Hermione steps closer to the table eyeing the glass suspiciously.
"Raven told me what happened, after some persuasion on my side." Black says not looking up from her magazine. "We need to talk now sit."
"I don't want."
"It wasn't a request." Black says looking up. "Sit and drink."
"I'm underage."
Black shrugs at the mention before frowning. "Where did you get that scar?"
Looking down, Hermione realises her top has ridden up to expose her ribs as she dried her hair. Blushing, she pulls her top down casting a spell to dry her hair before slipping into the seat and taking a sip of wine. Exhausted she waits for the barrage of questions from Black waiting for the witch to demand answers.
Licking her lips Hermione winces at the bitter taste placing the glass on the table, she cracks her neck too tired to bother with a lie. She waits patiently for Black to start, frustrated as the witch continues to flick through her magazine not looking up.
"I spoke to Raven," Black begins folding the magazine away. "She explained what happened."
Hermione waits for the excuse for the niece to come waits for Black to excuse her niece's behaviour and plead on behalf of the auror.
"She's a stupid girl." Black shakes her head. "How many times we warned her Sirius only cares about himself, but it explains a few things. Which means one thing…"
"That is?" Hermione questions.
"We need to address our strategy, Sirius is out to win and his willing to burn any bridge do so. This is becoming an ancient fight between friends which we were aware, but now we know just how far his willing to go. The worrying part is he knows you're a potential threat."
"What are you saying?" Hermione asks not following.
"Keep up Granger, do you want to win this or not? I need to know."
"I ugh." Hermione sighs rubbing her face. "Is it worth it?"
Hermione expects anger, annoyance from the witch who put her reputation on the line, but merely receives a smile response. Sitting up, Black stares into her wine considering the question.
"Honestly I don't know," Black answers running her finger along the glass. "It's the hardest thing you will ever do; you will lose everything you love in return for hollow wealth and fame. People will scream your name because they think you are some sort of hero, but there is no such thing. I beat my friends out of greed. You however, you are not me."
Black's eyes captures Hermione's, stealing the young witch's breath as they gaze at one another. Hermione sees the living ghosts inside the older witch's eyes memories running on repeat regret living and breathing.
"I would do it all again how could I not? It would be an insult to everyone else if I regretted my actions, but we are not the same Granger. You did not enter for grandeur, you didn't stay in for greatness, you remained because they asked you too. You are not here seeking glory or fame, so I am going to ask you." Black says standing up and coming to rest in front of Hermione. "Do you want this; the world is against you for being a muggleborn. The Championships are fixed, and you have enemies so ask yourself are you willing to show the world your true self? To show them your not afraid and just what they are messing with?"
"You're not angry?" Hermione asks.
"I want you Granger," Black says making Hermione's skin tingle. "The real you to make an appearance to prove to the world that you can do this."
"What do you get out of this?" Hermione asks.
"You don't understand," Black shakes her head.
"Explain it to me." Hermione pleads.
Looking away, Black considers her words tapping her finger against the glass before placing the drink on the table and regarding Hermione once more. Folding her hands together, she pushes the hair out of her face a sigh escaping her lips.
"The magic surrounding you is intense," Black says quietly. "I don't understand it; I have never seen anything like it. Many can sense it but not understand where it comes from. As for Black's, well we are different. You are right we cannot be trusted, a Black will always sniff out power whether through marriage or an allegiance it is perhaps are biggest flaw. You confuse me, I cannot even explain the power I feel from you and you have such control its mind blowing. I am a Professor things interest me and it's in my nature to follow them to understand."
"So you're doing this for my magic?"
"Yes," Black answers honestly. "Granger should you ignore what you have there is a very high chance that it will consume leading you to expel magic in any way possible or result in you taking a substance to hide it."
Licking her lips, Hermione stares into her glass wondering feeling the bitterness from earlier seeping in, the betrayal from Ron and Raven sinking in. Neville is gone, under the best care, there is nothing to lose in this, and the world already has it out for her.
Yes… The voice whispers through her mind making her jolt in shock, spilling her drink on her knee and Black to start next to her. Curious Black passes her a tissue studying her with a raised eyebrow. Show the world what a muggleborn can do. Destroy the stereotypes and reveal to the world that magic is magic.
"Alright?"
"Just a shiver." Hermione answers with a smile, shivering from Morganas voice.
Come talk to me.
"Training tomorrow?" Hermione asks downing her drink.
"Yes," Black nods. "You doing this?"
"I think so. See you in the morning."
She rises from her chair aware of Black watching her leave as she enters her room, shutting the door softly behind her. Taking a deep breath, she walks over to the mirror, before pulling the blanket away and revealing her Morgana watching her with a smile.
"My dear," Morgana greets.
With a flick of her wrist, a shiver runs through Hermione as Morgana casts a spell sealing the room from prying ears. Swallowing at the display of magic Hermione, how can the dead cast magic? How is this possible?
"It is about time we spoke." Morgana says softly. "Mother to daughter."
"How?" Hermione questions glancing at the door.
"Even in death magic will live," A smile graces perfect lips. "Your professor is right. You must try."
"You said…"
"I am aware, never trust a Black but learn from her, she does, I admit have a good understanding of magic. She is drawn to your magic she is yours to control. She ignored her blood to train you; it shows she is not as blinded as some. Learn and show the world what you can do."
"I thought I was meant to be hiding?"
"They already know you are a threat, we will show them just what a threat you are. This is only for a short time; sometimes the only way to help others is by ending them."
"I won't hurt my friends."
"You sentiments are noble, if not foolish for they will hurt you. Greed will corrupt them; do not let them win by playing with your heart. Now I need to go."
"What why?" Hermione asks.
"I am needed elsewhere, something is going on I can feel it…" A smile as a hand presses to the glass. "I am always with you though, in there."
Hermione clutches her heart, as Morgana nods in approval. Pressing her hand against the glass, heat seeps into her palm a grin forming on Morgana's face.
"I am always with you; I am a part of you. We are one; never forget this. I will return shortly, until then my daughter I want to hear from you by your actions. You will never disappoint me, do you understand."
"Why does this feel like a good bye?"
"A week to me could be a year to you; Death has plans as do I. Be safe."
Swallowing, Hermione watches Morgana morph into nothing leaving only her reflection to stare back at her. Sighing, Hermione retreats to her bed sliding under the covers a sense of loneliness and overwhelming feeling of purpose making her mind click. She will aim to win, to prove she is not the person the world think she is.
~~~~~ Fractures ~~~~~
"Yes," Black shouts from the side. "Keep the charm."
Not taking her eyes of the charm, she deflects the incoming attack, preparing her attack in return, she springs her stupefy narrowly avoiding Black's face. A smile breaks on Black's face despite the attack. Their spells engage the ground rumbles sweat slipping down Hermione's back making her right foot slip on the floor.
"All of you Granger! Same as the other day!" Black orders.
Fighting back her smile, Hermione wonders how they got to this point. Three days since her chat with Morgana, they have done nothing but train, more bruises on her body than she has ever had. Black a fearsome duellist pushing Hermione to her limit and forcing her control to break. Black hoping for a repeat from the other day hoping Hermione will exit her shell.
"You going to smile when Ronald lifts the cup?" Black taunts.
Angry Hermione lashes out once more, the ground splitting, tearing into Black's spell and throwing the witch of balance. Laughing in glee, Black shifts, snapping their duel and attacking once more, forcing Hermione into defence.
"Pathetic."
"Why use more magic," Hermione grunts out deflecting the barrage of hexes. "When my opponent is mediocre."
"Expulsio."
A blast throws her backwards, her elbows digging painfully into dirt, air knocked out of her, she rolls jumping to her feet. Reacting with a flourish of spells.
"Deprimo, Confringo, VIX!" Hermione shouts, a fire whipping through the air.
Black smirks at the firestorm water shooting from her wand and wrapping around the wind of fire a battle ensuing between two elements.
"Immobulus!" Black fires.
Ducking, Hermione curses as the spell clips her leg making her collapse to the ground and her ball of fire lose momentum, slowly destroyed by the water.
"Give up now pet, no point wasting my time." Black laughs.
"Impervius." Hermione whispers.
The water explodes raining down on Black and causing a shriek of shock, pressing her hand to her leg, Hermione removes the spell. Jumping to her feet, she pivots, wand aimed high, eyes alight she attacks once more. A stupefy clipping Blacks arm making her curse and react. Violently. A hex hits Hermione dead in the chest and she doubles over in pain.
"Salvio Hexia," Hermione breathes getting to her feet.
"Reducto." Black mimes.
The spell leaps and bounds from Black's wand, Hermione sees it coming, heading straight for her. She lurches forward, her feet forcing her to move.
"Impedimenta," Black hisses.
The spell strikes her side just as the reducto explodes the ground behind her throwing her forward. Black flinching on instinct, her wand moving to protect herself to throw Hermione off from the collision course. Wingardium Leviosa Hermione casts, the spell hitting Black and forcing her upwards into the air just as Hermione hits the ground her back grazing Black's feet.
"Granger!" Black shouts in annoyance.
Groaning, Hermione rolls on to her side, dirt raining down on her from the explosion, her chest heaving as Black floats above her. Despite the burn in her chest, Hermione grins as Black angrily swipes for her wand, just as Hermione removes the levitation spell taking Black by surprise.
With a flash Black hits the ground next to her with a thud, a curse escaping lips as Black rolls to her side. In seconds Black is above her, wand raised making Hermione blink in confusion.
"No duel is over until your opponent is disarmed, knocked out or dead." Black says with a menacing smile.
"I won." Hermione says breathless.
"Did you?" Black asks wand pressed against Hermione's neck.
"I think so." Hermione grins her wand pressed against the witch's stomach.
Black rolls her eyes, as Hermione licks her dry lips eyeing the destroyed duelling area with a raised eyebrow. Smoke billowing into the air, a small fire in the corner, Hermione's whole body aches not helped by Black pressing against her, although the feeling not entirely uncomfortable.
"You still holding back but you are improving."
"Is that your way of saying I won?"
"You didn't win." Black grumbles running a hand through her long hair.
"I think I did."
"Rictusempra."
"No."
A laugh bursts from Hermione lips as a tickling sensation forces her body to lurch and her hand to drop her wand. She tries to fight it until she catches sight of Black's grin, a breath-taking grin that makes the tickling worth it. With a flick of her wand, Black ends her torment, leaving Hermione breathless beneath her.
"I won." Black hisses in Hermione's ear.
"For now." Hermione breathes, watching the shiver run through Black.
Her heart beats erratically, her skin on edge, she fears Black might feel her heart pounding. She swallows as Black leans backwards resting on her knees as she surveys the damage to the arena. She is beautiful.
"Better get this cleaned up." Black says rising to her feet, she offers her hand. "It's will do for now. Get cleaned up, I'll fix this."
Nodding, Hermione wanders over to her belongings as Black fixes the room, grabbing a bottle water she drinks greedily, dropping some on to the back of her neck. She closes her eyes, resting as Black tidies their mess. Each Champion given their own arena to train in, protected by wards allowing only those designated to enter.
"LIAR!" A roar breaks outside.
Rising to her feet, Hermione drops the bottle, heading to the sound of shouting outside their area. Black trailing behind, she steps out into the daylight, a loud of clang making her wince. Anxious she steps closer to the noise, noticing the American Champion standing toe to toe with the Beauxbaton student.
"You stay away bitch!" The American threatens.
"I can't hear zu through your annoying accent."
"Let's make it clear you touch my stuff I will chop your hands off in the next level. Understand?"
"There's no need to fight, honest mistake." A voice interrupts a boy stepping between the two girls.
"Get out my face Arty I will curse you." The American threatens.
"Hayley, please." The man pleads.
"Control this animal please." The Beauxbaton requests.
A spell erupts from the wand, striking the man down, the Beauxbaton student reacts instantly a duel engaging as volunteers rush to control the two duelling students. Reaching for her wand, Hermione goes to interfere when Black grabs her hand dragging her away. Spluttering, Hermione wants to go back to help, but Black is dragging her back towards the school away from the fight breaking out.
"Shouldn't you break that up?" Hermione asks.
"I cannot, once I am elected a Champion I cannot become involved in another Champions business for fear of sabotage unless a life is threatened. Effectively I am powerless."
~~~~ Fractures ~~~~~
Stretching her leg, Hermione works the kink her work displayed in front of her quill abandoned and Black shuffling around in the background. Placing her foot on the floor, she chews the end of her quill as a knock at the door makes her pause. Black reaches the door, wand hand free; she opens the door to the flash of ginger, a scared smile offered by Ginny.
"Hey," Ginny greets. "Hermione in?"
Hermione snorts at the question waving to Ginny who smiles in relief stepping forward except Black does not move.
"Professor," Hermione sighs.
"What you want ginger?" Black asks.
"To study, you can't keep her prisoner."
"Stretch your arms."
"Seriously, Hermione she being serious or what?"
"Sooner you do it the quicker it'll be over." Hermione advises.
Sighing, Ginny lifts her arms, Black's hand sliding over her frame searching for any hidden items before double-checking with magic. Nodding satisfied, Black shifts aside allowing Ginny to enter the room placing her books on the table next to Hermione. Settling into the seat opposite, Ginny eyes Black-sitting inches away from them flicking through a book.
"She's staying?" Ginny asks.
"It's my room." Black retorts. "Besides, you might still try to kill Granger."
"Why would I do that?" Ginny questions.
"You tell me,"
"Because my brother is in the championships you think I'm going to try and help him?" Ginny says with disgust.
"So you thought about it?" Black demands.
"I'm not going to kill 'Mione, I need her help with potions."
"Love you too Ginny," Hermione chuckles.
Shaking her head, Hermione helps the witch with her potions ignoring the jibes from Black who watches from the sidelines. Hermione takes small comfort in the fact Black seems serious about keeping her safe, although she tries not to read too much into it. It is only when curfew hits does Black kick Ginny from the room.
"Thank you." Hermione says collecting her things.
"For what?" Black asks confused, looking up from her book.
"For letting her stay so long."
Shrugging Black ends the conversation by heading to the bathroom; Hermione decides to call it a night, heading to her bedroom to read. Half way through her second page her eyes slip shut her book dropping to the floor with a silent thud.
Rinsing her hair, Bella takes a breath the heat from the shower helped to relax some of the tension in her shoulders but not all of it. The towel lies in wait for her hanging over the edge of the draining bath she takes a few minutes regarding herself in the mirror.
"For the contestant, Hermione Granger, Hogwarts. We have eleven volunteers for her mentor. If there are no more, no one else to add then the most suitable mentor will be drawn. Any objections from the board?"
A shake of the head as Lord Riddle watches on with mild interest, Dumbledore sitting next to him smiling pleasantly. She spots Andy sitting on edge fingers crossed, Lupin her support watching with rapid interest as the adjudicator nods acceptingly. Bella stands rising from her seat with elegance and grace her mother would be proud of an atmosphere drawn to her that her father would approve of.
"Professor Black, is there something you would like to add?"
All eyes turn to her, Lord Riddle shifting in his seat, watching her with mild interest. She can feel Andy's eyes boring into her, can feel the Malfoys sitting nearby smirking and Snape scrutinising her. She knows the Potions Master has put his name in for Granger, knows exactly who has stepped in for the witch.
"Professor?" The adjudicator asks again.
"Granger's mine." The words slip between her lips making Riddle twitch in his seat.
"I'm sorry?" The adjudicator repeats.
"Granger, I volunteer for her mentor." A gasp from behind, Cissy dropping her perfect pose for a second.
"Professor? Are you sure?"
"Any opposition from the board?" Bella asks turning to her mentor expecting hate but only finding a curious gaze.
"None at all." Riddle answers a hint of worry in his tone only her trained ear can pick up.
"Good," Bella smiles stiffly sparing Andy one look. "Granger is mine."
"Agreed." The goblet spinning the names spits out Grangers into the old hands of the adjudicator. "Hermione Granger is now your Champion.
She spares no speech stepping from the stalls and heading towards the exit, she has much to plan. Soon Granger will learn, she will not take the news lightly, she must get the house elves moving, prepare the training and somehow teach Granger.
"How could you Bella?" Cissy demands storming after her.
She has just done the unthinkable, volunteered to train Granger, chose a mud… muggleborn over her own nephew. Went against her best friend and mentor wishes all for a muggleborn. What is she thinking?
"Bella! Answer me." Cissy snaps grabbing her arm.
She flexes her muscle beneath the hand a silent warning for Cissy to back down, she lets go of her arm, but not before a final squeeze.
"I'm sorry Cissy,"
"Sorry? He's your nephew, you going to allow him to continue without a mentor for filth?"
"Snape will make a fine mentor."
"I want you, what am I going to tell him… You got him this far."
"I will not aid a cheat." Bella replies angrily.
"I don't even recognise you anymore. You lost everything once I stayed through it all with you, now I cannot. You are on your own Bella." With a final shake of her head, Cissy walks away.
Sighing, Bella winces; her hand traces the red blossoming bruise on her abdomen a gift from Granger during their duel. The witch managed to get the upper hand, managed to break through her defence and get a direct hit. She would never say it aloud, but she is proud of Granger and amazed at the amount of power the witch has.
Wrapping the towel around her, she exits the bathroom, finding the kitchen empty she knows Granger has retired for the night. She dresses quietly; slipping into her nightie, she checks the door, tapping her wand to the charms to ensure their safety.
She remembers the death at the time, the death of the student in the second championships, many tend to forget but she never did. An auror at the time and volunteer, they charged her with inspecting the murder. Mad Eye told her not to speak a word as they bundled the body into a blanket, hiding it from view. Not to speak to the world it would bring too many repercussions, but she knew; knew who was responsible for the death of the student.
A single stab wound straight to the heart, she would think nothing of it, if it were not for the peculiar marks left by the knife. Nor the five glasses left out, she had seen the knife that could leave those wounds. It belonged to her cousin, belonged to Sirius Black.
She spots Grangers door a jar, stepping forward she pulls her wand concerned she nudges the door open silently, to find the room empty. She checks with magic to make sure before hiding her wand in her hair. She smirks at the sight of Granger spark out on her bed, the book forgotten on the ground pages askew.
She would normally leave, except Granger is half hanging of the bed, sighing she enters the room, drawing back the duvet. Her hands slip under Hermione curving gently around her legs and back, the witch twitching in her arms but not waking. Shuffling her lower, Bella pulls the cover up to the witch's neck, studying the relaxed face.
"You confuse me." Bella admits to the sleeping witch.
Rising, Bella retreat kicking a tomb with her foot and cursing lightly, Granger stirs but does not wake. Reaching down, Bella has half the mind to set fire to the book but knows Granger will never forgive her if she did. Her hand curls around the History of Hogwarts rolling her eyes she lifts the book by the spine, planning to teach Granger a lesson about tidying up after herself as something topples from the pages.
Clunk. Frowning, Bella reaches down plucking the dagger from the floor, a tinge of red to the tip; she turns to regard the sleeping witch. Opening the book she finds a hole cut out a perfect shape for the dagger to fit, she swallows.
"She stole my knife." Hermione shrugs.
The memory loops in her mind until Granger shifts behind her making her start she slips the dagger back into the book and slides back to where the witch left it. Stepping from the room, she shuts the door quietly, swallowing at the revelation. At least she told the truth.
"It's happening again." Bella whispers.
The marauders were questioned over the stabbing they all had matching stories, it just a coincidence their biggest threat and friend was murdered. Just a coincidence that there were five glasses, just a coincidence they all fell out in the last round ending with Pettigrew's death. Just a coincidence the man knew of Lupin being a werewolf and was threatening to spill the secret if they didn't step out the Championships.
Now there remained four friends, one already eliminated, three still standing. It brings Draco to her mind, reminding her ever so much of Snape already helping Hermione, already fearing the witch. Ron desiring her and Potter an wanting nothing but to impress his father.
A shiver runs through her body, they cannot not see the pain coming, but she can. Sirius pulling strings she only fears what James may try to do in retaliation, Head Auror comes with privileges. Only time will tell and the next level will start soon, she is only waiting for the letter of confirmation.
Next Chapter Extract: Contains mentions of child abuse...
Cold, a hollowness fills her as she takes a single step forward the world around her rippling with her movements. The house unfamiliar to her she blinks confused, where is she? The bleak house, a window left open a bird chirping and Granger… except not the Granger she was talking to, a young Granger, she smiles fondly the little know it all she remembers well.
"Granger," Bella calls, her voice echoing in the cramped room.
Granger tenses, her muscles tightening almost painfully, chuckling Bella steps forward then she remembers, the spell gone wrong. This is Granger's memories, she should not be here it is not as if Granger can even hear her or talk to her.
The girl jumps making Bella flinch, a muffled sound, making her frown, Granger has yet to turn around staring into the sink. Rolling her eyes, Bella imagines the witch is probably thinking over a new potion.
Bang! Wincing at the noise, Bella turns to regard the locked door behind her, the muffled noise becoming too insistent. The door is vibrating, a constant pounding the voice coming from the other side, Bella frowns. Whom did Granger lock out?
"Please!" Granger shouts. "Just please."
"Get out here!"
"I didn't mean to break it!" Granger whispers dipping her head towards the sink. "I can fix it!"
"With your magic? Sorcery!" The door shakes violently.
"Dad please!" Granger cries clutching the sink.
"GET OUT HERE!"
"I'll fix it!" Granger yells.
"You filthy no good witch! Open this door!"
A sob escapes Granger, tears dripping into the sink and Bella swallows harshly.
"HERMIONE! Open this door NOW!"
Gasping Granger steps away from the sink shaking her head as tears trickle down cheeks, she steps away from the door head bowed she collapses on the floor between the sink and bath. Becoming incredibly small in the tiny bathroom, she cries silently holding her wand limply; she pushes her hair out of her eyes.
Oh, she got this very wrong. Bella clutches her stomach in disgust she misunderstood Granger completely. Staring at the horrible red mark on the young girls face, her students face, her Granger's face. A black eye forming, a desolate broken look in her eyes as she stares transfixed at the bathroom door.
"I can fix it…" Hermione breathes staring at her wand. "I can fix this I swear."
A/n: You know what this means? The next phase begins all hell is breaking lose! And guess what? You guessed yet, I'll tell you. The next chapter *spoilers* Contains POV from Bella... Hermione's past comes to light and Bella is about to go on a wild ride. Bellamione is here people! A small snippet of the next chapter you just read and if your lucky (no promises) I may upload two chapters this week. Anyway this story seems to be getting bigger each time I upload I may exceed my extended limit.
Can you believe this story has nearly made a thousand reviews! That is insane I never imagined this to grow so big, but i am so happy you guys enjoy it and glad I am able to at least upload every week. Your support makes this worth it and appreciated so thank you for sticking through this. Sorry about Raven, and I don't know why Sirius is always the bad guy it my stories nothing intentional just suits him haha. Anyway amount of things going behind the scenes I really should write a story to correspond with this (I joke) I've got something else planned. Till next time guys have a great weekend...