A/n: I hope this story brings some distraction to the real world. Take care all.
Warning: this story will deal with violence, sexual mentions and rated only for adults. Swearing & death. This story will contain mentions of mental illnesses, self harm and suicide. Please, please read responsibly. I will put the major warning before each chapter so you know what to expect.
Disclaimer: I do not own any recognisable characters and No money has been made from this.
Enjoy...
Chapter Nineteen
Friend or Foe
The enemy of my enemy is my friend - Various
Pins and needles shoot through her fingers, causing her to shift underneath her sleeping bag. Pulling her knees to her chest she feels tiny in the belly of the valley. Swamped by the towering mountains. It puts everything in perspective, now she has nothing but to admire than the scenery. No cause out here, only herself and the mudblood asleep near her.
She has never set eyes outside of England, only now do her achievements feel small. So insignificant. She feels small, knows her name still carries weight perhaps not for the best reasons. Still, people know of her from all corners of the world but here. In the valley where they are currently damned, she is no one. They are no one. Perhaps they will just become bones like the ones they pass the ones picked clean by vultures. A forgotten memory.
They ran out of food eight days ago, her stomach cramps. Hunger it's achingly painful, enough water for a few more days. Without food though they are as good as dead. They are exerting, what did muddy call it? Calories? Yes, exerting more calories than intaking. Their last bar of food ran out what morsels they had last forgotten by their tongue.
Muddy's ankle bound by a bandage, the bloody witch sprained it falling down the side of the mountain. Worse yet was the head wound, sustained by the falling rock. If she just kept to the fucking… A fight perhaps for another day, now Bella needs to focus. Granger lost blood from the head wound, can barely walk on her ankle.
Every day she half expects the witch to sit down and not rise again. To throw her hands up in defeat. She supposes it's not in Granger's nature, although today came close. Close to defeat, Granger, telling Bella to move on. To find them food, leave her behind and come back. They both know no one will be coming back. If there's anyone to come back to. Out here, they have nothing no second chance.
She could have a concussion, a fracture to the skull. Perhaps even a blood clot, she could collapse from the head wound any day. Through the years Bella has seen many witches and wizards return from the field with a head wound to die in their sleep. Its possible Granger might not wake tomorrow, perhaps that's why she refuses to look at the sleeping witch. Perhaps it's the reason she fails to fall asleep.
She craves her magic, her wand for it to flood her system. To release the pent-up anger building, the frustrations growing. She could heal Granger with a mere flick of a wand, could summon their food to kill the goats that taunt them. Eat their flesh and devour them with abandon.
Never one to go without magic, sure she learnt how to defend herself without a wand. Now though, she needs her magic as much as the food. Her fingers itch her blood pulses with need. Bella knows Granger too is struggling, no magic affecting the young witch. Despite her filthy blood, Granger requires magic just as much as Bella.
Pulling her sleeping bag tight, she leans back against the solid ground too hungry to fall asleep but too tired to stay awake. She drifts, aching, muscles contracting, feet cramping. Her thighs chafed, the cream providing little relief. Her shoulders burn from carrying the rucksacks. Carrying Grangers today, worried the ankle will not bear more weight.
How the witch continues to move it, Bella doesn't know. Can see the bulge through the trousers, every wince. Her own feet rubbed raw by her boots; she hasn't removed her socks for a day scared to reveal the ever-growing problem. It's days like today she wishes her Lord will find her, kill or save them she's not sure which she wishes for more. The thought scares her, she is near her end. Their talking has slowed, other than instructions they remain focussed on their footing. Only their stomachs speak rumbling a constant reminder that time is running low.
Thud.
Jumping, she pulls her dagger from her sleeping bag holding it out in front of her. Hands shaking from the exertion, her eyes track the darkness only the stars as her light. Chest rising, heart pumping, she easies out of her bag, crouching low. Did Granger get up? Did she fall over? Her sense scream, yelling that there is something wrong.
The hairs on her neck inform her something is watching her. That whatever made the noise is not Granger, is not friendly. Tongue dry she tries to swallow, to loosen the words trapped in her mouth. A warning to Granger, a shout to the enemy, she's not sure.
Crunch.
Flinching, she turns to the sound of the noise, searching desperately for the noise in the dark. Only boulders surround them. Her stomach drops at the sound of something being torn. The smell of iron is overwhelming, the smell of death in their little sanctuary. Another crunch, jaws snapping through bone, she bulks.
"Gr… Granger." She whispers stuttering on the name.
Looking over her shoulder she spots the torn sleeping bag, ripped apart by something. Turning away, Bella grips the dagger, shit. The eating has stopped, silence other than the crickets ensues. The thumping of her heart, the rushing of her blood. Licking her parched lips, she spots movement from behind a boulder.
Something large, hidden in the dark, it stalks closer. Am I next? She's not sure whether to be relieved or scared. An end to this stupid mission. AN end to their misery, she tries not to think of Granger. Did she feel pain? Am I sleeping, please let this be a dream?
Thud.
Stumbling backwards something lands in front of her kicking up the desert dust. Is this Granger's body? She feels for the torch near her feet, ignores her shaking hand as she flicks the button. Pointing the light, she steps closer a frown flickering across her features. A dead goat?
Slowly, she tracks the desert floor towards the moving shadow, tracing along with the big hairy white paws. The glinting fangs, the panting of an overly hungry werewolf. Granger. Blood it glints, dark eyes reflect the light narrowing at the intrusion.
She barks a laugh, making the wolf flinch, baring its teeth. Doesn't care if she's spooking the wolf, she's relieved to see the hairy beast.
"Never thought I'd be happy to see a werewolf," Bella mutters rubbing her face, pinching her eyes she regains control of her breathing.
Hears the wolf retreat to its food leaving Bella to her goat. She doesn't waste a second rushing to gather a fire, she's quick to light it. Feels like a madwoman as she whispers to the flames. Knife slicing through the skin of the goat she works methodically, ignoring the wary gaze of the lumbering beast.
The first bite is almost magical, she forgets the chewiness. The lack of any herbs, she eats the goat without fuss. Without worry, filling her stomach until she collapses back on her sleeping bag. She allows the fire to burn into the night, aware the wolf has vanished once more.
Drifting asleep, she wakes once more to the sound of the wolf panting near her face. The smell of death washing over her face she tries not to gag. Tries not to flinch at the enormous fangs that hover above her eyebrow. Turning, she spots a large white sealed tub, covered in mud.
Pushing to her feet she inspects the tub, a paw smacking the sealed top. She bats it away ignoring the growl, she pries the top off. Supplies. Hikers supplies, Granger has managed to find another hikers supplies. Absently she wonders about the hikers relying on the supplies, she pushes the thought aside.
She's moved aside by the large head as the wolf rifles through the tub. Shoving the wolf, she pulls the tub away groaning at the sight of something in the teeth of the wolf. She fails to grab it before the creature scurries away with its reward. If it managed to find this, then it will mean they are on the right track.
She spends the next few minutes rationing their supplies. The remaining goat that is not being eyed up by the circling wolf all rationed. She throws the remains off to the side, the wolf pouncing instantly. Hiding the rations, she buries it beneath her sleeping bag hoping the wolf won't eat her in search of more snacks.
Climbing into her sleeping bag she douses the fire, not wanting to attract any unwanted attention if there is anyone around. Curling up, she allows her mind to wander listening to the wolf mooch around. Rolling her eyes as it begins to howl into the night.
"OI!" She shouts after ten minutes. "Cut it out!"
Surprisingly, the wolf obeys, going quiet until she hears the padding of feet. The licking, she knows the wolf is grooming its coat. She wonders if Granger will get hairballs if the witch will heave up the fluff. It makes her chuckle at the image. She also wonders where Granger will now be sleeping since the wolf destroyed her sleeping bag trying to get out.
How did it come to this? Being at ease with a werewolf? Trusting a werewolf? And when did we start calling muddy, Granger? The last question causes her pause, she's not sure when she became Granger or why. It's the question she ponders as sleep begins to claim her.
A paw nudges her back making her jump, she closes her eyes as the beast towers over her body. This is it; it's going to eat her. She groans as another paw pads at her abdomen, moving her to her back. No. No. NO!
"Ah." She grumbles as the creature circles above her shifting her body as though a mere pillow. "No."
Her words fall on deaf ears as the werewolf settles atop of her, curled up. Surprisingly, it's not as heavy as Bella thought, it doesn't stop the knobbly elbows digging into her gut. Her whole body moves as the wolf pants.
"No," Bella groans struggling to move beneath the creature. "Off."
Dark orbs turn to her, still panting the wolf twists it's head to the side studying her. She glares, using her only free hand to point.
"Off!"
Lick.
Ugh. Wiping her face, she grumbles at the slobber. Ugh no. Of all the bloody things, Granger had to turn into an affectionate bloody werewolf. Did the bloody thing even have a bad bone in its body, or did it merely live to survive? Yawning, the wolf stretches before settling its head on Bella's collar bone. Sighing, Bella stares up to the sky, hesitantly resting her hand on the wolfs head. Pauses at the flinch, before gently ticking the wolf behind the ear. A steady thump of a tail reassures her the affection is appreciated.
Smells like Granger.
She falls asleep at the thought, warmed through by the slumbering beast resting on top of her. The wolf waking at every noise, a comfort. Bella sleeps deeper than she has in weeks knowing the creature will pick up on anything way before Bella would.
The sun makes her stir, blinking, she stretches out stopped by weight on top of her. Flinching under the sunlight she starts in alarm noticing its mid-day by the position of the sun. Did they sleep that long? For the first time in days, her stomach doesn't groan with hunger. However, the buzzing of flies and the hovering of vultures makes her aware of the previous night. The flies congregating in a mass behind the rocks probably snacking on the remains of goats.
A knee in her bladder reminds her she is in desperate need of the toilet. Looking down, she studies the witch sleeping on top of her. Drooling on Bella's sleeping bag, stark naked. Thankfully, they are shaded by a rock, so Granger won't be getting a tanned arse. Or sunburnt one at that.
Smirking, Bella admires the witch a second longer a nice tan forming. Really? Snapping from her thoughts, she coughs disturbing the witch. Watches hazel eyes blink, a lob sided smile at Bella. A smile Bella struggles not to return. I'm going soft. Granger not fully awake to realise her situation. Raising a suggested eyebrow, Bella watches the intelligent mind click. Confusion soon followed by a blush that tracks down to the witch's chest. A hand rushing to cover her private parts earning a snort from Bella as the young witch fumbles for clothes.
"As much as I wish to jibe you," Bella states making the witch pause. "I could care less that your naked I need a piss and you keep knocking my bladder. So, unless you want me to piss on you…"
Shuffling to her feet, Granger uses a piece of Bella's clothing to cover her parts. Allowing, Bella to rise to her feet. Stretching, Bella laughs at the bewildered witch struggling to grasp the situation. Taking herself away, Bella finds a spot to relieve herself groaning in relief.
"I've seen it all before Granger," Bella calls from behind a rock. "I've got the same parts."
"Right," Is the mumbled reply. "Wh… What happened?"
"You went for a moonlight walk."
"Did I hurt anyone?"
"Only the goats."
A breath of relief, the rummaging of items as Granger searches for clothes. A groan as she realises, she has no sleeping bag.
"Hey," Granger shouts making Bella jump as she takes a walk back. "My foots healed and my head."
Bounding around the corner, Granger is quick to show off her newly healed ankle. The cut on her forehead gone, nimble fingers gently probing where the wound used to be. Studying the witch, Bella merely smirks as Granger stands in only pants. Not one to waste an opportunity, Bella admires the witch's assets, perky breasts and toned stomach. Long legs remind Bella that the witch is far from a girl now, much more an adult. Curves in all the right places, a large mole on her hipbone.
"Nice mole." Bella comments.
A deep flush covers Granger's cheek as she realises her mistake. Scurrying away to the sound of Bella's cackle chases after her. A mumbling in response even as Bella continues to laugh. They might just make it out of this after all.
~~~~ADITM~~~~~
The oxygen burns her lungs, the air ripped apart, the heat it scorches her skin. The trees seem to ripple in fear buckling under the pressure. The ground shifts, the sky darkens, the sun blocked by the raging magic. It's terrifying in all it's majestic quality. Her blood pulses responding to the call, her skin tingles. Her heart hammers but her feet remained grounded.
Rapture it covers graceful features, the swan neck tilted, the vein pulses. Long fingers curl, sprout and spew unrelenting magic. Lips move with such speed, it becomes a trance, trapped in their bubble. As the ground blackens and the grass burns.
Just the two of them with the river raging, drawn to its new gravity, drawn to the powerful magic. Fear it strips her of sense, the urge to run, the need to stay and pure admiration. It strikes her stupid at the display of magic, leaves her strung close to the endless river. Close to destruction at a curved wand suspended in this limbo.
It's a panted breath that brings an end to the display, the flock of birds shooting towards the sky. The world starts once more, wild boar rushing from hiding they scurry oinking. Perhaps she should run too, follow them to the foliage hide from such magic. Such magic it darkens her soul, it calls to her demon. Beckoning. A promise of untold potential, the truth to real magic. Not the prancing magic they learn at school, not the test they are subjected to, no. Its real raw magic that courses through black blood that flickers behind dark orbs.
It controls every muscle of the witch in front of her, every breath. The muscle that tenses, the flexing veins that beat to a new rhythm. The eyes that dilate, the knowledge contained within the dark curls. Beneath the layers of a witch who can control their environment.
It ends. The wand smoking, the ground weeping and the animals cry. Was this pure malice, darkness a nightmare behind pale skin? Magic reunited with its owner, a glee, a twinkle of hope it brings life as quick as oxygen to her lungs. Makes her suck in a deep breath, the smoke fills her lungs, taints her skin.
She doesn't know whether to fall to her knees in worship or to run as fast as possible. Tear away from this place, to leave the witch to her thoughts and never return. Her magic well it pulses grateful to reunite with her wand. No longer suppressed by the trial she fails to rectify the same results. Timid perhaps to even release anything out of fear. Out of disapproving eyes, she wants those orbs to turn to her in praise. Craves it almost.
Is this what it was like for the witch, for Bellatrix. When witnessing Voldemort for the first time, did she crumple with desire? Did her magic tingle and burn in response? Or did he? Did he see the opportunity to create a weapon so fierce, so unpredictable he was never sure he would control it? To create Bellatrix Lestrange nee Black, did he morph her into his finest creation. Did he suppress her true power? Is that why the world hunts them, not to save Hermione but to recapture the witch who could defeat both wizards on both sides.
"Your staring," It's the gravel voice that stops any further questions forming. "Why?"
It's almost as though another part of Bellatrix is released with the reunion of magic. As though a very own entity by itself another part of her personality. Perhaps that's what crawls in the depths of daring eyes, just below the surface. The one that flickers in the reflection of the fire under the stars, that studies too much. It rears its ugly head when threatened, when free and when madness knocks.
"Teach me." The words stumble unbidden, but she refuses to take them back. She craves the magic, craves Bellatrix to teach her.
"What?" It's a spiteful word, laced with malice and wrapped in humour.
"Teach me, please."
"Not happening."
"Why?" It's a demand, her backbone firmly planted.
"Because…"
"I'm a mudblood? Tough, you owe."
"How'd you figure that?" There it is the madness creeping on the edges of the peripheral vision. Hello Lestrange.
"I got us here,"
"I carried your sorry arse."
"I kept us alive, we kept you alive." Perhaps she imagined the growl in her voice, the way Bellatrix recoils however she knows her demon is awake. "Teach me."
"Which one of you is asking?" Bellatrix wonders morbid curiosity settling across her features, Hermione a lab rat to the witch.
"Both."
They stand barely a foot apart; Hermione can hear it though. The thump, thump of the heart, hear the buzzing of blood. Every intake of air, the scurrying of a mouse two metres in the grass, the flap of the hawk above. The beady eyes of a grass snake, if only Bella knew, knew of her new heightened senses.
"What do I get out of this?" Bella demands imperiously folding her arms.
"Humour? You get to watch me fail…" Hermione trails of considering her options as Bella nods, that option is acceptable but not enough. Not enough to tempt the temptress into revealing her art, her craft of magic.
"What else?" A mere challenge because they both know Hermione has nothing Bellatrix doesn't have or the means to get.
"A secret."
It's the temptation, bait that could be useless to the likes of Bellatrix. Could be pointless for both but it grabs the witch's attention. Steals it, the unknown elusive and promising in all his masking glory. Could be worthless, could be the best trade since time.
"Umm." The deep hum, a finger tapping against a proud chin. "Tempting."
I know.
"What makes you think your worth teaching?" Bella replies the idea still buzzing.
"The fact you kidnapped me, the fact we're both still alive," An eyebrow raised out of both annoyance and praise. "The fact you're considering it at all."
"Fine," Her heart jumps in excitement although she knows there's a but. "But," There it is. "IF your secret is shit, then you can shove this up your arse."
A nod, a mere acceptance, because she cannot speak out of excitement. Despite the rotating hand insisting upon the secret to being revealed. She falters at the last hurdle this was her last secret, could she reveal it? Yes.
"Well?" Bellatrix enquires annoyed at the delay, the hesitancy.
"I have a heightened sense of sound," Hermione announces, but it feels foolish even to herself.
"Did that knock to the head do more damage than we thought?" Bella questions frustrated. "I already know this you…"
"No, you don't." Hermione interrupts, pulling her wand out watches the tensing of Bella's wrist. "It's so much more now… I can't explain it."
"Try."
Lifting her wand, she taps her head, a single tap, a single invite. "You'll need to see for yourself."
It's an invitation for the witch to enter her mind, to see through Hermione's eyes. It's dangerous, her only haven away from the trials from Bella. She needs to show someone though because she fears the only other option. She's gone mad in the trials and all this is in her mind. She doesn't fear for her memories, Bellatrix quick to teach Hermione how to protect her thoughts. Not a lesson, not as such more a constant intrusion at the beginning she learnt quickly to keep the witch out.
"What ploy is this?" Bella demands, eyeing the wand in Hermione's hand.
With a soft thud her wand falls to the wayside, unarmed, only a silent threat lingers in her mind. In her soul it stalks the shadows, peering through the window of her mind. Watching the world, now though it stays dormant. After all, it kept them both alive during their last adventure. Tired from its nightly prowls, her body tired. She needs rest will no doubt collapse in their tent at the end of this revelation.
The only way they survived the valley of the doomed as they both named it. Because of her wolf form, it kept them going, pushing on at night. Hunting any wildlife, tracking ahead, a week more since it showed its face at night. They found the end falling through to the fresh sound of running water. Despite the forest around them, they almost hugged the boggy ground. Grateful to be away from the hell of the desert. They will never moan about trees again.
"You need to see to understand, I warn you though it's disorientating," Hermione warns.
Hesitant, Bella studies the young witch before studying the fallen wand in the mud. Hermione still a threat they both know this, a threat without a wand. Neither knows what the beast that resides in her will do when Bella enters. Despite the fact the wolf chose to sleep on top of Bella during the nights in the desert how friendly it truly was when threatened, well they will only find out.
"If this is a trick…" Bella lets the threat fall even as the wand lifts.
"Just trust me." Hermione sighs rolling her eyes in annoyance.
It's a strange feeling, the rush as someone enters your mind. As though crammed into a cupboard elbow in faces, knees hitting soft stomachs they adjust. Bella a presence of her own, it makes them both wince.
Adjusting, takes a few seconds, Hermione trying to allow the witch to gather herself before thrusting the senses upon her. They both sense the wolf prowling near, watching, studying, assessing the new threat.
Ready?
Get on with it Granger.
This will be… uncomfortable.
It's the only word she can think of, as she switches gears, the rushing of her mind. She settles back to the side ignoring the pressure, she allows Bella to step forward.
Bella now, is it?
Smirking, Hermione ignores the question, disconnecting from her senses, she feels the moment Bella sees through her mind. Stabilizes her body as Bella flinches from the on slaughter. She watches from the back of her mind, as the world around them crashes in.
It's deafening, from her seat, she can only imagine what Bella will be feeling. The squawking of birds, the rustling of the grass, the scratching of a squirrel claws on a trees bark. The thumping of Bella's heart, the rushing of the raging river. Can hear the droplets of water dripping from Hermione's wet clothes. The steady drip amplified in the mind.
The foliage no longer dark but open she can see the scurrying of woodlice. The sight of deer thirty feet away slowly moving through the trees. The fish swimming below the rippling water.
The smell of burning grass, the overwhelming smell of sweat, the touch of raspberry. The earthy smell, the damp moss, a beaver's den. Can almost taste the newly opened soup set aside for tea, the tomato it lingers imaginary on her tongue.
It's daunting, mind-fucking. She kicks Bella out from her mind almost as fast as she enters, disorientating them both. She finds her feet even as the dark witch stumbles away clutching her forehead. What would it be like returning to her human senses?
Can hear the sucking of deep breathes nails clutching her robe, the flutter of eyelids. It's almost normal now, the sense no longer overwhelming merely another part of her.
"Shit," It's a mumble from the dark witch.
"So, you going to train me?"
"You've been holding back Granger," Bella murmurs righting herself. "The secret was worth it. I'll train you, first rest though, my mind is fucking pounding."
Grateful, Hermione slips past the dark witch heading into the depths of their tent. She doesn't change as she collapses on to her bed, grateful they erected the large tent. Her body sore, her mind aches. Sleep claims her in seconds she drifts off listening to the sounds of Bella settling outside the tent. Always on guard.
When did she become a Bella?
A/n: I know, I know I've made the werewolf cute, I know this isn't a representation of JK's werewolf. However as much as I love JK I love werewolves just as much. Have from a young age, I truly believe they are mistaken mystical creatures. Like wolves like any animals, animals are not wholly evil, they only kill to survive. I wouldn't suggest walking up to a wolf and hugging one. I merely think werewolves have character development in Harry Potter. We will delve a bit more into the mind of the wolf, and we will learn truly what it is capable off. For now though let us pretend its cute and cuddly until; reality catches up.
Thank you everyone who is still here, who continue to review and to motivate me to write. I appreciate every single response I get from all my stories. Helps me push through this shit time, Bellamione providing some sort of sanctuary. I just want you all to know that none of you are alone, everyone is in the same boat. Perhaps we could pass the time, be interesting to know where everyone currently is who reads this. What countries your from and to know everyone in the world is in the same boat.
So I'll start, Hello to my dear readers from sunny Cornwall in England. (Well it's currently night time as I write but it has been beautiful here as of late.) Looking forward to see where you all currently are.
Till next time...
