Hey all! i am finally done with the revisions! There aren't many drastic/major changes, but I definitely that runs a lot smoother. I really hope you enjoy this updated version :)
Comments/Questions/Constructive criticism is always welcome!
Now, please, enjoy!
Chapter 1
It was a gloomy day to go shopping, even if it was only for school supplies. However, there was no point in avoiding going out when everyday seemed to be dampened with a shadowy atmosphere. Everyone had now realized that the Dark Lord was indeed back, and with him, came his infamous inner circle of Death Eaters. However, Hermione chose not to think about that, today. Today, Harry, Ron, and herself had to do their shopping for their school supplies. And the witch wanted to take this day to separate themselves from the constant vigilance that Moody tried to ingrain into their brains. Though, they did listen to Mrs. Weasley's request—or rather, demand—to stick together, especially outside. So, after they got their fill of excitement at the twins' new and, unsurprisingly, thriving joke shop, they made their way over to Hermione's favorite shop: Flourish & Blotts.
Once inside, Hermione split off from the boys, as per usual. She loved taking her time to browse the various shelves to see what new subjects she should study while she was at Hogwarts, and she wouldn't be able to do that if the boys were following her around wondering when she would be finished already.
Last year, the young witch had spent the better part of her free time studying, practicing, and perfecting her abilities at wandless and nonverbal magic. It helped her greatly when she was there at the Department of Mysteries. Her practice saved their lives, but still, she didn't leave the event unscathed. That giant purple scar on her abdomen attested to that.
Once inside, Hermione immediately headed up the stairs for the second floor. If she wanted to find anything of interest and usefulness, the second floor towards the back was the place to go. The teen browsed around for a little while before something caught her eye. Crouching down, she found several books on occlumency and legilimency. The memory of Harry's lack of care to learn the former flashed through her mind, so with that, she felt it best to go with these two subjects as her side project for the next school year. It was be pertinent to learn, especially for the next few years. The teen witch skimmed the shelves for books that would be of great use to her. Ultimately, she settled on three books: one on the basics of occlumency, one on the basics of legilimency, and the last being an advanced tome with both subjects.
Happy with her choices, Hermione made her way over to the stairs. Though, as she made her way, she was not paying attention as she was already reading over the first page. That is until she collided with another, stronger body. Hermione stumbled back as she lost her hold on her new books, causing them to land harshly onto the floorboards. "Oh goodness, I am so sorr—". The light brown haired witch halted her speech mid apology when she saw who she collided with. She had found herself staring into the violet eyes of a breathtaking woman who looked to be a few years older than herself. She had a head full of beautiful deep, dark purple waves, which fell to just below her breasts. Her eyes twinkling with amusement and had a small smirk on her well-sculpted face.
"No need to worry. I, too, wasn't paying attention as to where I was walking." The woman's smirk widen as the girl blushed slightly at her silvery, yet smokey voice. The purple headed beauty, then, bent down to pick up the teen witch's chosen books. "Hmmm, occlumency and legilimency. Interesting topics for a…sixth year, I presume?" She received a hesitant nod from the witch, causing her smirk to become more prominent. The woman simply hummed while she handed the books back to the smaller witch, allowing a stray finger to graze the younger girl's hand. Her eyes lit up in amusement when she saw the girl shiver, which finally snapped the girl out of her stupor.
Hermione had been assessing the woman whilst she was frozen. The other witch was a few inches taller than her own, which was 5'5". Her appearance screamed androgyny. While she had a strong feminine physique, she dressed more masculine. She was wearing a pair of black form fitting—but not tight—leather pants. She had paired it with an untucked white long-sleeved button up dress shirt under a black blazer. She accented her outfit with a black slim necktie, neatly folded black and white checkered handkerchief in her front jacket pocket, and a pair of black leather Chelsea boots. However, as she examined the older witch's face, she felt that there was something familiar about her. "I hope this doesn't sound strange, but, have we met before?"
The witch, before her, cocked her head to the side with a curious expression. "I don't believe so; I would've remembered a face like yours if we had."
Hermione had blushed at the not so obvious compliment. "Hmmm, sorry. You just seem so familiar, but, I just don't know how." The purple haired witch smiled at the statement. However, Hermione's expression changed to one of horror as she came to a realization. Shocked at her lack of manners, Hermione stuck out her hand. "Oh, ummm, so sorry. Where are my manners? But, hi," she gave the other witch a small smile. "I'm Hermione Granger."
The other witch grasped her hand and Hermione's eyes widened as she felt a shock as her hand connected with the other witch's. "It's alright, I'm Beckett Blackwood," she said as she squeezed the girl's hand.
The teen witch gave the violet eyed witch a curious look. The name was familiar. After a moment, her eyes lit up when she finally remembered. "Wait, Beckett Blackwood? As in the Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation?" Hermione now remembered where she heard that name from. It was about two years ago after the school year ended did the Prophet announced the naming of this witch as the new Department Head. After Barty Crouch Sr. was murdered by his own son, they needed a new Head. She had also garnered particular attention from the media and gossip as she is the youngest to ever be appointed as a Head of a ministerial department, being only 24 years of age.
Chuckling, "yes, that's me." She gave the teen a small, dramatic bow; earning a laugh from Hermione. But before she could respond, the two witches were interrupted by the calling for the teen witch by the other two-thirds of the golden trio. Beckett let out a sigh, one Hermione suspected was filled with annoyance. "Well, that cues the end of our lovely chat, and the beckoning of you to go to those…boys." Hermione could hear a hint of disappointment and irritation at the interruption. This confused the witch, but she didn't think too much about it. Beckett was looking in the direction of the bellowing voice and then turned her head to look back into the soft hazel eyes. "Well, Hermione Granger, it was truly a pleasure talking with you. Until next time, little witch." And with that, the mysterious witch sent Hermione an amused smile and one last squeeze to the girl's hand and left, leaving a confused and oddly yearning teen witch.
Shaking herself out of her stupor, the curly haired witch went downstairs to join her best friends and purchase her books. However, as she left, the teen didn't notice that three sets of eyes were intently watching her.
She quickly hid in the shadows of the rows of bookshelves. Beckett felt the presence of her two companions stand behind her, but she paid them no mind for she was intently watching the conflicting emotions sweep across the girl's face. She smirked at the sight; lavishing in the effect that her presence had on the girl. Though, her smirk slowly morphed into a frown. Her eyes followed as Hermione walked away to meet up with her so-called 'friends'. The purple haired witch knew of how the two ungrateful boys treated her. They never truly appreciated her presence within their little friend group. They only use her; assuming that she will always be there—helping them with their studies, doing their schoolwork, and saving their lives countless of times without so much as a 'thank you'.
Beckett was there at the Department of Mysteries. She was there for the battle. She watched as the girl figured out that it was a trap and delivered several warnings to leave, but no, they ignored and snapped at her. And because of Potter's stupid stubbornness, he almost got her witch killed. She was surprised to see the teen up and walking around so early after Dolohov's surprise attack. Yes, it had been a few months since the battle happened, but that spell she was hit with was meant to kill her. She may be walking around seamlessly to every one around her, but the purple haired witch saw the slight wincing the girl made after every few steps or so. She was still in pain and her 'friends' didn't seem to even care to take notice.
After the teen vanished from sight, a voice snapped the young woman out her reverie. "Relieved she's up and walking around, dear niece?"
"Yes, but, of course, it was of no thanks to those two idiots she calls 'friends'," Beckett hissed. This earned her a chuckle from her raven haired companion. "And they don't even seem to care that she is still in pain. It still pains her to move around too much." She looked over to her Aunt Bella, "I'm surprised she's even walking right now, and they are acting as if nothing happened to her."
"I know, dear niece. And they'll regret their negligence and selfishness when the time comes." Bellatrix's eyes were full of understanding and promise as she spoke, while her sister took hold of their niece's hand with a comforting squeeze. "Soon, everything will be righted. Hermione will know who she truly is and know where she truly belongs. And the 'light' will crumble under their own deeds; they will fall and we will win. And vengeance will be ours and hers." The ravenette finished while grabbing Beckett's other hand.
This significantly calmed the youngest witch and smiled a Bellatrix-esque sinister smile. Of course, she couldn't have her way with the Boy-Who-Wouldn't-Die, for he was reserved for the Dark Lord. But, the Dark Lord was generous with the three Black witches. He has given Bellatrix, Narcissa, and Beckett the gift of revenge against those who were involved in the kidnapping of Hermione. And Beckett couldn't wait to get hers, especially with Potter's sidekick. And when Hermione realizes who she really is, she will get hers as well.
"So, dear Io," Narcissa was met with a groan and scowl from the purple-haired witch at the name. "Hush up. I will not hear your distaste for your rightful and actual name. Anyway, how is your little witch? You were practically glowing by just being able to finally speak with her."
Beckett's expression softened into a small smile. Just the thought of it, she couldn't keep the smile off her face. And now that she was finally able to do it, it made her heart soar. Though, that quickly left her face as she remembered why her conversation was so short—those two idiot baboons. "I wish I knew. We weren't able to talk about much. Those boys called her away from me." However, her eyes lit up as she continued speaking. "Though, when our hands touched, she felt a spark run through her hand at our connection. She even asked if we had met before. There is a part of her, subconsciously, that remembers me from all those years ago." This brought a smile to her aunts' faces, just from the sheer excitement that radiated off her body.
Bellatrix brought her hand to caress the younger witch's cheek. "Soon, dear niece. She will remember who she really is and will return to us, and will be back securely in your arms." Beckett Blackwood simply smiled at her aunt's very true words.
And there's the end of the first chapter! There will be a new updated chapter everyday for the first 19 chapters :)
Thanks for reading!
