Broken Mirror

Disclaimer: I don't own anything and I don't make proffit either.

Chapter 4

Potter... AND THE WEASLEY?! WHAT HAS GOD AGAINST ME!? Just out of Azkaban a few weeks ago and now this... This was a terribe situation for Bellatrix. The dark witched looked at Hermione, searching for some sign that it was all just a prank. But no. It was really hapenning.

She would have to face Potter. She would have to be in a room with Prewet Junior! And she would probably have to stick to Hermione's rule of no hexing at the table... And then there were still the Skeeters. Those horrid things. How she hated Rita! Even in their school years. The woman migh have been older than her, but Bella held no respect to her even then. And could they be called humans? Whatever, I'll just call them bugs. Bug and Bug Junior... Yeah, that works.

"Bella, before you freak out, just..." Hermione didn't really know how to calm down the other witch.

She had seen Bellatrix eye's changing from surprise, to shock, to disgust and to rage. The brunete knew it was hard for the older witch to socialy interact. And to have not one, but two meetings in less than a day? And with the boy who had killed her ex-Lord? Hermione felt bad for Bella, but if she really wanted to have back her life, than she would have to endure some not so good situations. Starting with these ones.

"Look, I know it's not easy but... Maybe... just maybe you could give it a chance. I mean, it's not like, uhm... it's not going to be that bad ad-" Hermione had grabed Bellatrix's hands between all her ranting.

"I can't." the dark haired witch's voice was barelly above a whisper, her hair covering her face. The dark look around her scared Hermione, not because she was scared of Bella, but because she was scared for her. She was really starting to think that her Bella suffered from Social Ansiety.

"Why?"

"Because..." Bellatrix slowly turned her face to stare at Hermione. "I don't have any clothes!"

Hermione blinked once. Twice. Bellatrix' grin was pure and inocent. How the woman could change her feelings like that she didn't know. However, it made her feel inocent too. Unaware and childlike. Hermione really liked it. And yet, there were moments when Bella was terrifying. It's just what they say: get yourself a woman that can do both. Wait, did I just-

Hermione jumped at Bella with a«the pillow that had been resting underneath the woman. The young Gryfindor stradled the older Slytherin and hitted her without mercy. The dark haired witch was so shocked that could barelly react. Asides from dying with laugther.

"You - " a hit "- are - " another hit " - so imature!" Bella wriggled under her capture, laugthing her head of.

"Imature?! Look at you, hiting me with a pillow like a seven years old! Who would say you were a respectable worker of the Ministry?" Bella smirked at Hermione.

"Well, I suppose that if you really need clothes we better go to Diagon Alley then." Hermione was the one smirking now.

She stood up and walked to the stairs, leaving Bellatrix laying on the carpet. Quickly, Bellatrix also stood and run after Hermione. She had no idea how a joke could back fire like this... Yes, it was awfull that she had to be with all those idiots, but a trip to Diagon Alley, where there would be plenty more people, all of them hating her?! That was just suicide! Besides, even if Hermione had given back her wand, Bellatrix was sure that if she used it in public and against someone, even if it was only to protect herself, than she would be thrown back in Azkaban! And that was the last thing she wanted!

The dark haired witch finally caught up with the brunete at the top of the stairs. Hermione seemed to have already decided their plans for the afternoon, but it couldn't hurt to try and make her see some sense.

"Hermione, just think, yes? Do you really find it a good idea to set a Death Eater free in the midle of Diagon Alley in browed day light?" Bellatrix jumped to Hermione's bed, and watch her with cusiosity disapearing behind a door.

"Would you hurt anyone? Atack anyone? Provoke a fight?" the Gryfindor's voice came on the other part of th room.

"Well, no, bu-"

"Then there is nothing to worry about."

"Okay, let me try this diferently." Bellatrix rubbed her eyes in desesperation. "Do you think it is a good idea to let an ex-Death Eater who is hated by EVERYONE go to a place where EVERYONE will be?"

"Of course not. But's why I'll be there. No one will dare to say anything with me around." Hermione apeared again, holding some clothes. "Here, try this ones on."

"Saying is diferent than doing. And you really sound confidant. Besides, I hate shopping!" Bellatrix huffed and stared at her reflexion in Hermione's mirror. "How do I look?"

"Well, you were the one who pointed out that you had no clothes. And you will have to face people eventually." Hermione waved her wand at Bella's robes and they became smaller. "There you have it. A litle too big, but with some high-heels it will be just fine."

Together, they climbed down stairs, Bellatrix still sulking. Hermione didn't know I if it would be better for her to go first or Bella, so grabbed the floo poweder and made room for the other witch in the fireplace. Seconds after some dust (a lot of dust) and flames, they were standing in front of the fireplace in the Leackey Cauldron.

Bellatrix looked around nervously. Everyone was just so busy with their own affairs that they didn't even see her. She wanted so badly to grab her wand, but Hermione was still holding her hand. Not that she minded that, only that it would be more dificult to protect herself like that.

Hermione could feel Bella moving behind her. She could only start imagining the panick inside the other witch. She squized her hand a stared at the other witch's eyes. Bellatrix stared back at her without saying anything and took a deep breath. She gave Hermione a slight nod and they started walking down Diagon Alley.

There was just so many witches and wizards and it was just so crowded and there was just so litle space to move around that it was really easy for the ex-Death Eater to walk around unnoticed. So many things had changed since she had last been there. There were more and diferent stores, and she wanted to go into all of them and inspect every single thing. Of course that wasn't quite possible at the moment, but she knew Hermione loved books, so maybe she could convince her to go to a book store. At least that.

Hermione bumped Bellatrix shoulder when she saw the enthusiasm in her eyes. Only now she remembered this was Bellatrix fisrt trip there in quite a lot of time. Maybe they could go to a book store after? She knew Bellatrix loved books, so maybe she could convince her to stay a litle longer.

The brunete had been staring at the older witch for some time, even if she was trying to be discret. She just couldn't grasp how much Bellatrix had changed, fisicaly and mentaly. Principly because after the breack out of Azkaban in her fifth year, Bella had looked much worse. Maybe she didn't got any treatment... But I remember Snape saying in one of the Order's meetings that he had been brewing potions to help the Death Eaters that had been locked away recover... Did they forget about her? Ok, now I'm just overthinking it. Probably. Why does everything with Bellatrix has to be so confusing? But she is good company... At least I can keep an intelectual conversation with her. What is kind of ironic, since she is supposed to be insane...

"You shouldn't stare at people, you know? It's rude." Bellatrix voice was harsh and she wasn't looking at Hermione. Her jaw was clenched and her eyes were looking to what was in front of her.

Bellatrix had seen Hermione staring at her. She knew how she looked. She hated thinking about all those years she had wasted in Azkaban. She felt old and ugly, and she hated it. She knew it was stupid to feel like crying over not being beautifull anymore, but danm, it was hard! She couldn't stare in the mirror, every time she thinks about the way she looks she feels ashamed... She remembers the way she used to be when she was younger. So beautifull and carefree and it makes her want to cry.

"Wha-what?" Hermione looks confused at her warden. Minuts ago Bellatrix had been perfectly normal, maybe nervous yes, but not aggressive. And she didn't have a pained look on her eyes.

"I know I look like shit, ok? You don't have to keep staring at me like that. I know very well what Azkaban can do to a person, okay?" Bellatrix grip on Hermione became harder. The brunetes' eyes opened wide at the woman's words. Does she really think that?

"When I first saw the state you were in after three more years in Azkaban... You were... almost death. I thought you would die. I was scared of toutchin because I thought I would breack your bones." Hermione pulled Bellatrix closer and linked their arms. Bellatrix gulped. She knew that whatever she was about to hear would make her feel way better or way worse, so she was listenning atently. Hermine smiled warmly at her."But you didn't. You looked so fragile and yet so strong. I mean, you could barelly breath, there were just so many bruises, broken bones, scars, you had fever, infections, bones that had to be re-grown... But here you are, and that's because you are much stronger than I thought. Than what you probably think. Yes, you are still too thin and pale, and have some bags under your eyes, but you don't look like a skeleton like you used to. You're hair is just has bright and shiny as it used to be and you look more rested than before. You are not insane either. Well, just sometimes. You have some moods swings, but I'm sure you're dealing with a lot right now. It's just that... even if Azkaban left a mark on you, it also made you stronger. And it's not like you can complain, you're the hotest woman I have ever seen."

"I... uhm... you... Thanks." Bellatrix leaned closer to Hermione and smiled softly. How can it be so easy for me to open up with her? "It's just that... I've lost so much to that place... All those years of my life an- wait, you think I'm hot?" Bellatrix sent her a cheeky grin and raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, shut up." Hermione punched Bella shoulder again. "I can't say that I know how that feels, but even with scars, I'm sure that with some more rest and proper food, you will look just like you're old self. Younger self? And the years, well... You just gotta enjoy the rest of your life as much as you can, I suppose. And don't look at me with that murderous look on your face, ok?! It's creepy!"

"That's the point, pumpkin."

Bellatrix had to admit: openning up with someone helped her a lot. Maybe it was because she felt she could trust Granger. Deep inside, she was relieved she had taken that out of her chest. And as much as she didn't want to admite, she liked it when Hermione had complimented her. It had never hapenned a lot of times, and it felt good.

But the way she felt around her... it still confused her. Both the way Hermione accepted her and the way she felt prompted to be honest and herself. She knew she would've never shown that memory to anyone. Not even to her sisters. Thinking about them wasn't something Bellatrix wanted to do. She knew she would meet them soon.

The moment they entered the store, the mood changed. Now that there wasn't so many people, it was easy to spot Bellatrix and see who she was. Hermione stood in front of her, to try and kind of hide her, as they walked to the futherst part of Madama Malkin's. It was rather comical, because even if Bellatrix was slightly smaler than Hermione, with high-heels she was a head taller, and seeing the female member of the Golden Trio walking and trying to look intimidating in front of the Death Eater, who had an amused smile, was quite the picture. The women who looked their way and realised who the older witch was were quick to turn away and get as much space as possible between them. There were some loud gasps and one young Lady even ran away, making Bellatrix snicker. The more people saw them, the louder the whispers got and more intense became the hatefull stares.

It started anoying Bellatrix. It was funny at first to see everyone react weirdly but the whispers were getting louder and the stares more intense. She wanted to pull her wand a show all those stupid people their place. Didn't they know better than to stare and point at a member of the Most Ancient and Noble House Black? Probably not, since her generation had destroyed her family reputation. Oh, but she would fix that. She really would.

"Go to the changing rooms. I'll pick something for you." Hermione whispered in Bella's ear, seeing how uncorfotable and angry she was getting.

"No cheerfull colors." she said through greeted teeth as she walked to said place.

Hermine hoped the older witch could control herself. It would be horrible if she went back to Azkaban for this.

The brunete slowly started examinizing the clothes. From what she remembered, Bellatrix had a very personal style. She didn't just wore dresses. No. There was more to it. The dresses she wore seemed to be inspired in the Mediaval time. The problem was that it didn't seem Madame Malkin's sold any of those. Maybe she could try to mix some things to get the same effect.

The shoes were easy. Two pares of black boots. One in Dragon skin, the other in normal leather, but with some Goblin Steel here and there.

She also picked up a green normal dress and thought that it couldn't do any harm to just show it to Bella. There were no corsets, so she just thought that they later could try to get them in some other way. She was going to ask Draco to ask Narcissa to send her Bellatrix' old clothes anyway.

She picked up another black dress, this one a litle more like the ones she remembered Narcissa using. Maybe with a belt it would look more apealing to the dark witch.

"Dear, is everything alright?" someone had gently grabed her elbow.

"Ah... Ye-yes. Why?" the woman in front of her seemed to be about Bellatrix age. A severe face and a disdainfull look were the first things Hermione would say about the woman if she had to describe her.

"I have read in the papers that they had let that... insane freack free again. I knew she had a care taker, but I know she can be a lot of trouble." The woman was still looking in disdain at the changingrooms. "Oh, how rude of me. My name is Angeline Parkinson, née Rosier. I'm one of Bellatrix most distant cousins, from her mother side. I hope she is not hurting you. I will gladly support you if you would like to send her back to Azkaban. It's where she belongs and nobody would judge you.

Hermione didn't like this woman. And not just because she was very pobably Pansy's mother. It was obvious she had no idea how Bellatrix really was. But again, did anyone?

"I'm quite fine, thank you. Lady Black is a marvelous company and I'm happy to be able to learn from such a powerfull and bright witch." with that, Hermione turned her back to the woman and left her there.

People seemed to forget that Bellatrix also had some qualities. If she could make them see that she wasn't a monster, then they would accepted her more easily. Of course, not everyone would see past the insane Death Eater fassade. But again, was it really just that? It seemed like sometimes Bellatrix Black really was insane, and others she was completely normal. Hermione had thought about that for quite a lot of time, but it seemed like something was escaping her. Did the other witch have multiple personalities? It was common to devolope more than one when constantly faced with an harsh environment. And from the memory Bella had shown her, her childhood had not been anything near normal.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, why?" Hermione handed Bella the clothes she had picked. "I'm not sure f you'll like them, but I did the best I could."

"Thanks." Bellatrix closed the curtain. It was easier to use magic to dress herself, but she didn't want to risk, in case the Ministry had placed any traps on her wand. While it might work in Hermione's house, she didn't know what would happen in the outside. "I've seen that look on your face before. It means you're trying to understand something that bothers you or that you're upset with something because it didn't go acord to plan. What? You receive a lot of owls from the Ministry."

"Just promess you won't kill anyone if I tell you." Bellatrix noded to Hermione's reflexion in the mirror as the other witch examined the dress in more detail. Hermione took a deap breath."Someone called Angelina Parkinson came to me and basicly told me that I should send you back to Azkaban."

Bellatrix all body became stiff. Angelina Parkinson... Long time no see. I should've know I would meet her eventually, but so soon... It doesn't make sense. Is this really just a coincidence or... But she had no way to know I would be here today. I myself didn't know it minuts ago...

"Bella, who is she? She said she was your cousin bu-"

"She is. My cousin I mean. We didn't really like each other, so I suppose it's normal she would say that. But still..."

"It's not normal, is it? That we meet her on your first day in Diagon Alley. Do you think..."

"Later."

Hermione was about to say that Bellatrix had no need to speak like that with her when she saw where the other witch was looking at. Pretending to be examining a bright yeallow scarf, Mrs Parkinson was clearly spying on them. Why is she so interested in Bellatrix? And why does Bellatrix have so many enemies?!

It took only ten minuts for Bellatrix to try and choose what she wanted to buy. She even managed to coach the younger woman to buy something for herself. Of course it had been nothing like the older witch's purchases, but she had to admit: that blue dress really suited Hermione. Maybe the colour was a litle to bright, but it was not that bad.

The brunete paid for the items, since they had yet to go to Gringots to get Bellatrix' count cleared. Something the olde witch seemed very happy about.

As they were getting out of the store, Bellatrix bumped her shoulder with Parkinson, who fell down on her backside. She had heard the all conversation, and it warmed her heart that Hermione had protected her.

"Argh, look out yo- Oh, Bella dear! It's so good to finally see you free again! I see your maners haven't changed. But Azkaban would do that to a person."

Everyone had stoped to listen the conversation. The woman was picking on Bella pretty obviously, wich was completely stupid. Bellatrix face showed no emotions and her presence was imponent, arrogant, like she had been born in royalty and was above everyone around her. The perfcet pureblood. Hermione tugged on her sleeve to try and coach her to get out of the store before she did something she would regret.

"I must admit, you look so much better. Almost normal again." the woman went on and on. Hermione knew she was just trying to anger Bella, but it seemed like it wasn't working.

"Our Lord would surelly be very pleased with you. Getting close with one of Harry Potter's friends and to kill him. I'm sure he would be prou-"

"Our?"

Bellatrix tilted her head to the side, and wicked and haunted smirk on her face. The older woman's eyes opened wide when she realised her mistake. Now, instead of having all the attention and hate directed at Bellatrix, she was the one being whispered about. And the dark haired witch had donne nothing yet, only said one word.

Happy with the outcome of the woman's rambling, Bellatrix marched out the door, with Hermione at her side. She knew Bellatrix was clever, but this was an all diferent level. She hadn't donne a thing and still managed to win an argument! It was so diferent from her usual company, who let their emotions get on their way. Besides, this was the first time Hermione had had the chance to see the real Bellatrix Black in public. And to be honest, she represented the perfect pureblood woman.

They lazilly walked back to Diagon Alley. Since they both wanted to go to a bookstore, they decided the best would be to just go to the closest one. It wasn't very big, and not many people went there, wich was good, because after the encounter, the only thing they needed was somebody else to antagonize them. Also, Hermione had heard from Professor McGonnagal that she could find there some rare books, with much more advanced magic than what she would find in any other place. None of them spoke about the fact that they still had their arms linked when they enetred the store.

"Finally! Home!" Bella jumped to the sofa, sprawlling like a cat.

"You do realize we still have to cook dinner, right?"

"Do you allways have to spoil my hapinness?" Bella turned around to see Hermione carrying some of the bags from their shop.

"It's not hapinness, it's laziness. Now come on and help me."

Bella got to her feet and started levitating the bags to the kitchen. Hermione rolled her eyes at the way Bellatrix beamed at using magic. Well, I can't complain, I probably do the same. Besides, she has the rights to do so, after so long without it. Still can't believe they let me not put any charms on her wand...

"So, how you're felling about the dinner?" Hermione helped Bella placing the food on the counter.

"What about chinese?"

"Bella, you know what I mean."

"What do you want me to say?" Bella leaned against the counter, her eyes resting on Hermione who was still working. "I'm not happy, but I suppose I can't help it. Besides, after my dear cousin, a dinner with an almost teenage boy will be a piece of cake."

"If you say so. Just try not to kill him."

"Fine. But I can't promesse anything about the Weasley." Hermione sitcked a finger between her ribbs, almost making her break the botles of wine in her hands. "Hey, look out. I payed a lot for this."

"No you didn't, I did! And don't atack her. Please?"

"Only if they provocke me. And don't be so sure about that, love."

"Wait, you paid for this? Why?" Hermione gave a knife for Bella to shop the legumes. "Don't stab anyone. And we have to change those bandages later."

"Well, what can I say? I can't let you do everything. That's the least I can do." Bella shoped a carrot a litle to agressivly. "And again, no promesses."

"Thank you. You didn't have to."

"There's a lot of things you didn't have to do but you did."

"I'm happy I did them." Hermione elbowed Bella playfully.

"Of course you are. I'm a wonderfull company."

"Yeah, yeah. Go change clothes that I'll finish this."

"If you say so."

To be continued...

A.N.: Hey guys! I'm so sorry for taking so long to update and for the chapter being smaller than usual. It's kind of a filler and a lighter chapter too, put it has important things to the development of the story. Also, I'm trying to make them less saturated with information. I'm not sure what you think of it, so tell me if the ones I'm writing are fine of if you'd rather have more chapter with less information and some more fillers or less chapters but each one with more information (take note that they will haave the same size). By the way, do tell what you prefer: longer chapters of short chapters? I won't allways be able to make them have the same length, as is the case of this one, but I will try to comply with what you think is easier to read. Because sometimes it doesn't make sense to cut the story in some parts. In this case I thought it would be better because next chapter will be veeeery exciting! Just wai! And thanking you for the wonderfull reviwes. Tell about anything that you would like to see on the story and your opinion. And do not get stressed if it takes a long time until I update. I allways will. But I have a lot of fanfictions, so it's rather hard. Adeus.