A/N: Hello guys. I'm so sorry for my disappearing act, but my mental health took a nosedive and I've struggled to write. We are in Week 5 of lockdown here and the monotony of it all was getting to me. There are ups and downs, but there are others who have it far worse than me, so I should really stop complaining. Here is an extra long chapter for you. I hope you enjoy. I think I struggled because originally it was more of a filler chapter, but I've included some extra things that came to me. As always thank you for your support and I really hope you enjoy this latest chapter. Disclaimer: All characters (except the ones you don't recognise) belong to J.K. Rowling.
A roar of exasperation sounded across the countryside signalling that they were no closer to finding out what the list of names on the sheet meant.
It had been two days since Cypher had stabbed himself in his kitchen. Two days with Hermione, Bellatrix, Andy and Narcissa being holed up in the cottage trying to figure out what it all meant. Bellatrix was struggling with their lack of progress the most. More than once a hole had been blasted in a wall, only for Narcissa to lazily flick her wand to repair it. Apparently, both her and Andy were used to their older sister's outbursts. Hermione still flinched whenever it happened, but was now sighing, rather than giving a yell every time it happened.
What hadn't helped the situation was when Andy had snuck out the day after, to see if there was any news, only to return with a copy of the Daily Prophet, complete with a headline about Cypher's 'murder' and that Bellatrix and Hermione had ruthlessly killed him in his own kitchen. It was clear that the League were more in control than anyone realised and published whatever lies they needed. The brunette had expected to feel angry or upset over yet another untruth being written about her for all to see, but instead felt a strange calm about it all. This was her new normal and like Bellatrix, she had learned to just accept it, although at times she still struggled with it.
"This just makes no sense," snarled Bellatrix, once more cursing the list of names in front of them.
"No one said it would be easy," muttered Hermione.
Andy brought over a tray of tea and handed mugs to Narcissa and the brunette. Bellatrix never drank tea.
"I think it's clear that those aren't names of anyone here in Britain," said Andy, once more peering over Hermione's shoulder at the list and glaring at her older sister, silently reprimanding her for her behaviour.
"You're probably right," sighed the brunette. "If only we knew what it meant."
There was a knock at the door and Bellatrix went to answer it. Usually it was one of her men coming to deliver a message. When she came back she looked grave.
"We need to leave," she ordered. "We've spent too long here and there is business I must attend to elsewhere."
Hermione stood up. "Why can't I just stay here?"
"Because, Granger, the Aurors are beginning to get closer," explained Bellatrix, with all the patience of an angry rhino. "My boys have been keeping an eye on them. It won't be long until they start probing for wards in isolated places and I for one would rather they not find this cottage."
"So, where are we going?" asked Andy. "It's got to be safe for Teddy."
"I know that," said Bellatrix. "Do you honestly think I would put that little boy in danger? Just pack your stuff and get ready to leave within the hour."
The brunette didn't bother moving. She had no stuff, having borrowed Andy and Narcissa's clothes ever since she had arrived. A short while later and all four witches, plus Teddy were ready to leave for wherever it was Bellatrix planned on taking them. Hermione surprised herself that she was so comfortable with leaving and not knowing where she was going. It wasn't as if she could go back to her old life, she reasoned, although she was saddened that she had never had the chance to grab Crookshanks. Hopefully Ginny would have taken him, that was if she didn't believe Hermione had actually killed her brother.
"Right, let's go," said Bellatrix, being the last one to come back downstairs.
"And where exactly are we going?" asked Narcissa.
"You'll see," replied the dark-haired witch, grinning.
There was a Portkey, which they all crowded round. Andy was whispering instructions in Teddy's ear. The boy looked excited and could barely keep still. Hermione copied the others and placed a finger on the Portkey, bracing herself for wherever she was about to go. It seemed strange to her to find herself so comfortable with the lack of control she now had over her life.
The familiar lurch and tug pulled Hermione into oblivion and a few seconds later she landed with a thump on solid ground. Teddy was squealing with excitement and immediately pleaded with Andy to do it again. His grandmother just smiled at him and ruffled his air.
Hermione shifted her gaze to their destination and her mouth dropped open. They were stood in a grand entrance hall that wouldn't look out of place in a palace. Glancing out the window, the brunette recognised immediately where they were.
"Belgium! You brought us to Belgium?!" shouted the brunette at Bellatrix. "Why on earth would you bring us here? I didn't think you controlled here."
Bellatrix turned and smirked at Hermione's annoyed look. "I don't. Well, I don't yet."
"Absolutely not!" yelled the brunette, causing people and guards to stare. "You brought me here as part of your plan to make it look like I'm supporting you just so you can take over another country. Well sorry, but I am not prepared to do that."
Bellatrix got a dark look in her eye and stepped closer. Andy, sensing the danger, shared a look with Narcissa and grabbed Teddy by the hand, distracting him by pointing at the palace guards stood just outside the door.
"I thought you wanted to stop the League," snapped Bellatrix. "Why else would you stay with us and try to decipher those names? In case you hadn't realised, your plan to take the members out one by one just won't cut it. My plan helps to stop them in their tracks. It might not be the best moral choice, but it's the only one we've got, sweetheart."
Hermione opened her mouth to shout back, but Narcissa intervened, glaring at the pair of them. "People are starting to wonder what is going on. Now it is all well and good you two disagreeing with one another, but choose a more private setting." The blonde woman gave her sister a pointed look, resulting in Bellatrix throwing her hands up in the air and stomping off in the direction of the palace. Narcissa now faced Hermione. "Look, I know that you don't agree with my sister, nor am I asking you to, but there is no other option for you now. I suggest that you just stay with us for the time being, accept the hospitality that is being offered here and then think about your next steps. You don't have to appear anywhere with Bellatrix and that will show that you aren't onboard with her either."
Hermione bit her lip. She couldn't help but think that Narcissa was right. What other choice did she have? Being here kept her away from the League, at least she hoped it did. Plus, it would be far safer staying with three other people to watch her back than going it alone. Nodding her agreement, Hermione followed Narcissa to where Bellatrix was waiting with Andy and Teddy. Just as the brunette was beginning to wonder what exactly they were waiting for, a gentleman in a suit approached Bellatrix.
"Madam Lestrange, welcome to Brussels." He gave a small bow. "My name is Pierre and I am the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister. He has asked for me to welcome you and to show you into the Palace to your accommodation."
It was clear from his tone and demeanour that he didn't altogether like Bellatrix, but clearly he had orders to follow. It was also clear that the dark-haired witch was well aware of the opinion Pierre held of her and it amuse her, if the smirk was anything to go by. Hermione surmised that they must be in the Royal Palace of Brussels and couldn't help but wonder how Bellatrix even managed it. She was distracted from her thoughts by Pierre calling for them to follow him.
"The Minister for Magic in Belgium can use the Palace?" asked Hermione "Don't the Royal Family have something to say about that?"
Narcissa laughed. "The Palace hasn't belonged to the Royal Family in quite some time," she replied. "The Ministry of Magic here claimed it many years ago. They are the real ones in power here, the muggle government is just for show really."
Hermione wasn't even surprised anymore, nothing about politics would ever shock her again.
Pierre led them through corridor after corridor, each one more regal than the last. The staircase had so much gold lining it, Hermione was sure that it could solve world hunger.
"Here you are," announced Pierre, giving another little bow. "The Minister has arranged for you to have these apartments. If there is anything you need then please ring the bell inside and a house elf will be right with you." He quickly departed leaving them alone.
Bellatrix walked into the room as if she owned the place and she very well might do at the end of negotiations if she got her way.
It was incredibly spacious. There were currently in a living area with sofas and a rather grand fireplace. Doors indicated there were other rooms and as Hermione explored further she saw they led to bedrooms. Bellatrix chose the biggest one, of course, but when Teddy shrieked with excitement and jumped on the bed in there, she smiled and immediately moved her things out, declaring it was Teddy's room for the duration of their stay. Hermione couldn't help but smile at the way the dark-haired witch treated her nephew.
Hermione couldn't find it in herself to spend time in the presence of Bellatrix. Muttering her apologies to Andy, the brunette picked the bedroom furthest from Bellatrix's and closed the door behind her. She was still furious with the dark-haired witch for bringing her here. Furious that Bellatrix was arrogant enough to think that Hermione could be swayed that easily.
A knocking at the door interrupted the brunette's fury, but she ignored it, instead throwing herself onto the bed and glaring at the wall. The knocking sounded again, but this time the door opened.
"Usually if there's no response it means the person wants to be left alone," growled Hermione, immediately regretting her words and tone.
It clearly wasn't Bellatrix, she wouldn't have knocked, which means the brunette had just taken her irritation out on Andy or Narcissa. Sitting up and turning to fact the door, Hermione's apology was on the edge of her tongue, which she promptly bit when she saw a rather timid looking Teddy standing there.
He was looking unsure of himself and Hermione felt a rush of guilt hit the pit of her stomach. She quickly got up and hurried over to the young boy, kneeling down in front of him.
"I'm so sorry, Teddy," said the brunette quickly. "That wasn't aimed at you." The boy still looked apprehensive. "Everything okay?" asked Hermione.
Teddy nodded. "Nanna said not to bother you, but you seemed mad and I don't like it when people are mad."
"I'm not mad at you," said Hermione, brushing his hair back. "I can never be mad at you."
"I know," replied Teddy. "It's Auntie Bella you're mad at. What did she do? Don't you want to be here with us?"
"Of course, I want to be here with you," said the brunette with a smile. "Why wouldn't I want to spend time with my favourite boy?"
Teddy grinned at this. "We're here to help people, aren't we?"
Hermione wasn't sure how to respond. Was it really right to think they were helping people if Bellatrix's plan was to instil a dictatorship? Yet at this moment in time, the brunette was struggling to come up with an alternative plan to stop the League.
Realising Teddy was looking at her for an actual answer, the brunette opened her mouth without any idea of what she was going to say.
"S…Sometimes, Teddy, just because grown-ups have a plan, doesn't mean it's always the best plan."
The boy frowned. "But Auntie Bellatrix says that everyone gets to decide. Surely if everyone is deciding then it's a good plan?"
Hermione smiled sadly. "It's a bit more complicated than that."
Before he could ask any more questions, Andy's voice sounded from the other room.
"Teddy? Teddy, where are you? Come unpack your things."
The young boy jumped as if he'd been electrocuted. "Nanna said I was to leave you alone, I'd better run."
The brunette laughed. "It will be our little secret."
Grinning again, Teddy hurried off. Hermione looked up and saw Bellatrix leaning against the side table. The brunette shot her a glare and closed the door abruptly.
XXXXX
The sun was going down when Hermione finally emerged from her room. She quickly gave Andy and Narcissa apologetic looks. Bellatrix was clearly finding the whole thing very amusing if her smirk was anything to go by.
"Finally," said the dark-haired witch. "We were beginning to wonder if you'd ever come out."
"Bellatrix," growled Andy.
The oldest Black merely grinned. "Come on, we've been invited to dinner by the Minister and it would be rude to turn down his invitation."
"Fine," said Hermione, "but I'm making it clear I don't agree with you."
Bellatrix glared at her. "Fine."
Both witches missed Andy and Narcissa giving each other knowing looks.
The awkward atmosphere as they walked down to dinner was completely lost on Teddy. The young boy was chatting animatedly to his gran the whole way down, excited at being allowed to stay up a bit later. He skipped along holding Andy's hand tightly, completely oblivious to the frosty looks Hermione and Bellatrix were casting one another.
"Ah, so lovely of you ladies to join us," greeted Pierre, bowing again. "Please this way. I hope you're hungry."
Hermione didn't miss the fact that his smile didn't reach his eyes. One look with Bellatrix showed the dark witch hadn't missed it either. Her hand twitched, a clear sign she was on edge.
They followed Pierre into an elaborately decorated dining room. A fire was roaring in the hearth, despite the hot weather. The brunette realised magic was involved as there was no actual heat coming from the flames, it was merely for effect.
"Madam Black," greeted a man wearing expensive-looking purple dress robes with gold edging. "I welcome you to Belgium. I hope you have had time to relax."
"Minister Dubois, you have been so kind. Thank you for allowing us this visit," murmured Bellatrix.
Hermione couldn't believe how easily the dark-haired witch could turn on the charm. It was warm without coming across as fake. The brunette was beginning to see why a witch with Bellatrix's reputation had been welcomed into so many countries.
The Minister greeted Andy and Narcissa in much the same way and high-fived Teddy, something the boy loved. When Dubois saw Hermione he did a double-take.
"Madam Granger," he said, shocked. "What an honour it is to have one of the Golden Trio here. Welcome, welcome."
"Thank you, Minister," replied Hermione, shaking his hand. "You are too kind. I am here merely to spend time with Andromeda, she is a dear friend."
"I see, I see," said Dubois. "Well, please sit down."
They all seated themselves at the table, even Pierre. The waiters brought out the food and soon they were all tucking in and Dubois was giving an account of the goings-on in Belgium. There was absolutely no talk of the League, or questions about what Bellatrix intended. In fact, the dark-haired witch was proving herself to be very adept at social situations, but then again, she had been raised in a pureblood household.
It was only when dinner had ended that any talk turned to politics.
Andy took the opportunity to excuse herself and escorted a very sleepy Teddy from the table and back to the room. Narcissa reached for her wine glass and was clearing bracing herself for things to get tense.
"So, Madam Black," said Dubois, "now the pleasantries are out of the way, shall we talk about why you're really here?"
Bellatrix peered at the Minister over the top of her own wine glass and it was clear she was sizing him up.
"You know what I want," she stated simply. "This isn't the first time we've had this conversation and now you've had time to mull over the facts since my last visit, I see no point in pretending that we don't know why I'm, nor is there much point in discussing anything."
"Oh," said Dubois, clearly slightly taken aback by how direct she was being.
"Let's not play the usual diplomatic games," replied Bellatrix. "We both know of the existence of the League. You also know that I already have control in Scandinavia and you know how I managed it. You've been dragging your heels for months now and yet you still won't give me a straight answer."
"I will not allow you, an outsider, to come to my country and start telling me what to do," said Dubois, an edge to his voice now.
All airs and graces had evaporated and Hermione could only watch as the two stared daggers at each other. How has the mood changed so drastically? It was giving the brunette whiplash.
"I may be an outsider, but I'm also trying to save your country, you idiot," snapped Bellatrix.
"You go too far," shouted Pierre, standing up. "You are a guest here, nothing more. A guest who likes to play with dirty tactics."
"Yes, and I'm also trying to protect you," growled the dark-haired witch. "I get angry when innocent people have leaders who make ridiculously poor choices."
"The fact remains," said Dubois, raising his voice and cutting across Pierre before he could speak, "your way of stopping the League ends up with us having to give up our liberty. That seems to suit you more than us."
"You'll be losing your liberty either way," snapped Bellatrix. "My way keeps you in power."
"Only as a figurehead," spat Dubois, "and with me having to submit and obey you."
"And what do your people think about your decision to do nothing?" asked Bellatrix.
"Don't think we don't know you're the one who leaked all the information to everyone," shouted Pierre. "It's the dirty tactic you've used before. Do you think we haven't seen you do it already? Leak the information to the wizarding population and sit back and wait for them to pile on the pressure to the Ministry, until we back down and cede power to you."
Bellatrix shrugged. "I figure the Belgian people should be aware of all the facts."
"The facts?! The facts!" shouted Pierre. "How about the fact that you served He Who Must Not Be Named? How about the fact you are a convicted and fugitive Death Eater? How about the fact that you are responsible for the deaths of dozens, if not hundreds of people? Besides, your little plan didn't work this time. The Belgian people are well aware who you are and don't want you anymore than we do."
Well that proved to be the wrong thing to say. Without warning Bellatrix stood up in a rush, her chair going flying. Raw magic was pulsating around the room and both Dubois and Pierre were looking alarmed.
"Yes!" screamed Bellatrix. "Yes, I did all of that, so don't sit there and act like I don't know that. Don't act like I don't know I will never be able to make up for any of the things I've done, nor do I deserve people's forgiveness. Don't pretend like this League isn't something to be scared of. I have lived under a dictatorship. I was part of that dictatorship. I know what it is to live like that and I never, never want a repeat of that. So, yes, you are quite right, I would be taking control, but you would be wrong to think I do it lightly. I do it, because I don't see an alternative. I only know of one other person living with the power and capability of keeping people safe and she's not prepared to do it, so I will. I will be the necessary evil to keep people safe. Things in this life are never clear cut, never as simple as we want. Sometimes people have to do terrible things in order to protect people. Well my soul is already tainted and I will gladly sacrifice everything to stop history repeating itself."
Without another word, Bellatrix stormed out of the room, leaving a stunned silence in her wake.
"Well, that went well," muttered Narcissa, taking another sip of wine.
XXXXX
Hermione and Narcissa quickly took their leave after Bellatrix. Pierre glared at them as they left, Dubois ignored them. As the door shut behind them, Hermione saw Pierre pull a chair up next to the Minister and start whispering in his ear. The brunette couldn't help, but think that the sooner they left Belgium the better.
The room was quiet when they got back and surprisingly in one piece considering the mood in which Bellatrix had left. Andy came out of her room to greet them, shutting the door quietly, so as not to wake Teddy.
"It didn't go well then?" asked Andy.
Narcissa shook her head. "I don't think we're going to be invited back anytime soon."
"Is Bellatrix here?" murmured Hermione, concerned that the dark-haired witch could be causing chaos and destruction somewhere.
"Yes," replied Andy, nodding. "I didn't see her, but by the slamming of doors I guessed it was her. I haven't been brave enough to poke my head in and check on her."
"Probably a wise decision," muttered Narcissa. "Look, let's get some sleep and then leave first thing. Belgium has failed, it would not do to dwell here. The only thing stopping them from arresting Bellatrix is the army that they know will come and save her, but I'd rather not put that to the test. Goodnight."
Hermione nodded, but found herself sitting in an armchair. Narcissa looked at Andy, but when she shook her head and gestured, the blonde went into her room, closing the door behind her.
"You know, usually when someone says 'Goodnight' it's your cue to, you know, go to bed, not sit looking like you kicked a puppy," said Andy.
The brunette could only manage a small chuckle at the older witch's attempt at humour.
Andy came and sat across from her. "What's wrong?"
Hermione sighed. "It's just…I don't get why Bellatrix thinks this is the right course of action. The way she spoke tonight, when Pierre pushed her too far, there this look in her eye…desperation. She seemed like an animal trapped in a cage."
"That's Bellatrix for you," said Andy. "Listen, Hermione. My sister, there wasn't an awful lot she could control, not growing up anyway and she's already told you about the Voldemort stuff. In all honesty, she's never had much control in her life and now…it's almost like she needs to be in control, because then she feels she can protect people and stop bad things from happening."
"That makes absolutely no sense," replied the brunette.
"At what point did you think my sister was sane enough to make sense?" laughed Andy. "Bellatrix has a lot of flaws, believe me I know, but in this I truly believe she wants to help and she is so desperate for people not to suffer, like they did under Voldemort, that she wants to have that control to ensure that doesn't happen."
"I guess in some strange, completely insane way, that makes sense," said Hermione.
Andy sighed. "Bellatrix know she never ever be able to make up for what she's done in the past and she isn't doing this to atone for past sins, she knows she's beyond that. I genuinely think she thinks she's doing the right thing. And, if you want my opinion, it seems to me to be down to a choice: Bellatrix or the League. Not many people would see the appeal in either choice, but Bellatrix…"
"Is the necessary evil," interrupted Hermione. "It's something she said earlier. I can't help but begin to think she's right there." The brunette made of noise of despair and exasperation. "When did the world come to this?"
The older witch stood up and placed a hand on the brunette's shoulder. "The world has always been like this, but like so many of us, you've been blindfolded to the harsh realities."
Andy squeezed Hermione's shoulder and disappeared into her room, leaving the brunette alone with her troubled thoughts.
XXXXX
Hermione wasn't sure what it was that had woken her, but she immediately regretted waking up.
She had fallen asleep in the armchair and her neck was letting her know about it. Rubbing it to ease the pain and stiffness, she suddenly felt on edge.
Something wasn't right. There was a strange feeling in the air. A normal person would put it down to a half-asleep brain, but her training taught her better.
Hermione took a moment to try and shake the last remnants of sleep from her mind. Her instincts were telling her something was off and her legs led her to the door to Bellatrix's room. The brunette couldn't hear anything, but that didn't mean a thing. Again, her instincts prodded at her and she felt magic at her fingertips.
Taking a breath, Hermione stood back and opened the door. Bellatrix was sound asleep and the potion vial clued the brunette in as to why the dark-haired witch was sleeping so heavily.
Her eyes scanned the darkness of the room. A slight movement by the window caught her eye, but she pretended not to notice. Either her acting wasn't good enough, or the intruder was jumpy.
Springing up, a figure moved swiftly and raised their wand, aimed not at Hermione, but Bellatrix. They were no match for a trained Unspeakable.
Hermione shot a spell from her hand straight at the intruder and it hit them long before they had formed the first word of their spell. He fell back and hit the wall with a crash.
Bellatrix awoke with a start at the commotion and Andy and Narcissa hurried in, brandishing their wands.
"What in the name of everything is going on here?" shouted Bellatrix. "What are you doing in here, Granger?"
Hermione didn't answer. She flicked her hand to bring the lights on, causing the other three witches to shield their eyes at the sudden brightness.
The brunette kicked the body of the intruder over and was only slightly shocked when she saw it was Pierre.
"Looks like I just saved your life," muttered Hermione.
"I should have guessed something like this would have happened," growled Bellatrix, more to herself than the others.
Hermione turned and glared at the dark-haired witch. "Are you completely stupid?"
"Excuse me?" snapped Bellatrix.
"Oh boy," muttered Narcissa, rubbing her fingers against her forehead.
"Well, what were you thinking? Drinking a Sleeping Potion of all things when we are in a neutral country where you have just lost it with the Minister for Magic and the League wants us dead!" Hermione couldn't believe how careless Bellatrix had been. "You know for a smart woman you have some incredibly stupid moments."
"How dare you!" shrieked the dark-haired witch. "I saved your life first, or had you forgotten that?"
"Great, we can call it even," yelled Hermione.
"Erm…ladies…" began Andy, but they ignored her.
"Still doesn't give you the right to judge me or call me stupid," snapped Bellatrix.
"If I hadn't woken up, you would be dead right now, because you were unconscious thanks to that potion, so yeah I will call you stupid."
"Well, don't expect me to thank you."
"I won't!"
"Ladies!" shouted Andy.
"What?!" screamed Bellatrix and Hermione at the same time.
Andy held up her hands. "Don't start on me. I merely want to point out that the wannabe assassin is still lying on the floor over there and we perhaps might want to get rid of him before going to sleep."
"Like hell are we going back to sleep," snapped Bellatrix, "I want answers."
The dark-haired witch got off the bed and flicked a hand at Pierre. He came awake with a start and immediately went to get up and run, but Hermione flicked her hand, causing ropes to appear and wrap themselves around his body.
"Start talking, or you'll start screaming," snarled Bellatrix, menacingly.
"I'm not telling you a thing," spat Pierre.
"Wrong answer," sneered the dark-haired witch.
Hermione stood in front of her before Bellatrix could start torturing him.
"No Cruciatus," ordered the brunette. "You're proclaiming you aren't a Death Eater, then prove it."
"Fine," growled Bellatrix. "You make him talk then."
Hermione knelt down next to Pierre. He didn't look scared but soon he would.
"I'm not going to ask you any questions, Pierre. Instead I'm going to tell you what I know. You are a member of the League. You've been planted here by them to persuade your Minister to reject Bellatrix's help. That way they can swoop in here and take control instead." Pierre's eyes widened, proving that he would be a rubbish poker player and that Hermione was right. "Now, my guess is that you were given orders to try and eliminate Bellatrix. The League never imagined that you would succeed of course, it was simply too good an opportunity to pass up and, well, you're disposable to them…"
"You're wrong!" snapped Pierre. Clearly Hermione had hit a nerve.
"Really?" replied the brunette, with a sneer. "Do you honestly think that? I'm guessing that the order didn't come until after you'd told them about Bellatrix's outburst?" His silence told her all she needed to know. "Yeah, see the League, they know that Bellatrix ruined any chance with the Minister when she did that. Let's face it, we all know that the Belgian people aren't willing to support Bellatrix, she's already leaked the information on the League and they still don't want her help. The Minister was the only chance she had and he's remaining stubborn in his resolve to reject her, thanks to you. That outburst really was the final nail in the coffin. A failed assassination attempt isn't going to change anyone's minds here."
Pierre smiled wickedly. "Then we have succeeded. She won't defeat us."
"Oh, I agree," replied Hermione. "Bellatrix can't win over the Belgian people. But, I bet I can."