Hi guys! I don't own Harry Potter or any of the characters involved, all of that belongs to J K Rowling. This is my first fanfic, I don't have a completely solid idea of where it is going yet but hopefully you stick around for the ride. Slowburn bellamione. Not completely alternate universe/timeline but it doesn't completely stick to the original timeline of the series. Reviews are welcome, let me know what you think! I'm aware of some spelling errors from the previous chapters and am working through it! I'm sorry for the very long delay for chapter three.
Thank you to everyone who read, followed, favourited and reviewed! (Vilkiss thank you for the comment hope you enjoy this chapter!)
Honestly so happy with the responses for this, really appreciate everyone and glad to see you're all enjoying the story so far.
Here's chapter three!
- Weekly-Crisis
Bellatrix sighed heavily; rolling her shoulders causing the heavy chains to scrape against the floor loudly, before she settled, choosing to sit cross legged. She looked up at the younger witch and smiled emptily. "Does that satisfy you?"
"No. Not at all." Hermione murmured miserably, body limp in Andromeda's grasp.
"Well, if that's all, I think we're done here." Bellatrix huffed, shoulders sagging as she hunched forward, chin resting lazily in her palm. Hermione stared at the witch in confounded silence.
Narcissa braved breaking the silence, tucking a blonde strand delicately behind her ear before casting Bellatrix with a look of sheer disappointment, her eyes mirroring a mournful ocean. "Bella, I am begging you to stop with this abrasive behaviour. Miss Granger is our only chance at-"
"Our only chance?" Bellatrix practically barked her laughter, mirth and despair swirling so inextricably Hermione wasn't entirely sure if the dark haired witch was capable of feeling much else. Which was curious to Hermione as the younger witch had only ever seen variations of destructive pleasure and chaotic mania in those black depths. It caused brown brows to raise in pure bewilderment. A bewilderment that was shared amongst the rest of the company watching Bellatrix closely. "Let me explain why i'm laughing, since you all look like you've been stupefied!" The chained witch grinned ferally, venomous laughter spilling from her lips as easily as the woman had spilled blood. "I just find it amusing because, well, you keep saying that like it's both our chances. As if… as if we're both facing life imprisonment or death! like everything came crashing down on the both of us. Which is utterly hilarious because last time I checked, and give me a moment just to confirm my suspicions-" Bellatrix shook her shackles violently, glanced at her youngest sister, before nodding in satisfaction, pitch eyes ablaze, black curls wild and in that moment Hermione saw the witch as both thunder and lightning. "Just as I thought, only one of us is in CHAINS!" Bellatrix's voice boomed with the very thunder that encapsulated her nature. Lightning colliding with swirling volcanic fury and before anyone could blink, a spark of untamed, ferocious magic lashed out. A strike of white rimmed purple scorching the floor before being suddenly, and violently quashed by the restrictive seals ingrained into the witch's shackles. It all had happened within a few seconds but the guttural animosity that ripped through Bellatrix's throat was nothing short of devastating.
Hermione had thought her own screams during her torture in this very manor were agonising but nothing could compare to the sheer, unbridled pain that was Bellatrix's resounding cry. It was raw frustration, defeat and distress all bundled into one person whose dam had just completely collapsed after years of damage and repair; though it never would never be the same fixture. Hermione should have revelled in this. She should have been overjoyed at the witch's despair. Hermione should have been a lot of things. Instead all she felt was a sadness so deep in her bones and all the witch could do was stare in astonishment. This wasn't the same Bellatrix Lestrange that pinned Hermione to the floor, who murdered Dobby, who tortured the Longbottoms. There was no hysterical laughter, no thrill or bloodlust in this woman's eyes; only darkness, bottomless pitted darkness. Bellatrix was.. Is wounded. A caged, muzzled animal about to be put down.
Hermione's arm throbbed.
She fled the room after the dark witch collapsed, painful spasms still running its course through her body.
That had been one hour ago, yet Bellatrix's scream lingered in Hermione's mind. Echoing repeatedly in the background of any and every thought. When Draco found his bookworm, the young woman had been sat with her knees pressed to her chest and her arms wrapped protectively around herself. No words passed between them. Draco simply sat next to the brunette and let his head thunk softly against the wall behind him. Five minutes into the mutual silence, Draco felt a soft weight press against his shoulder, brown locks brushing his jaw lightly as Hermione settled into his side comfortably. At first he stiffened at the contact but quickly relaxed into the quiet search for comfort. Hermione sighed softly.
"I'm sorry, Granger. I… that is mother and I completely understand if you wish to leave. This was a horrifically stupid idea and I-"
"I'll vouch for her."
"I understand I'll inform mother of your decision."
A beat of stony silence.
"I'm sorry… You'll what?" The blonde turned to face his friend, shock clear in his pale blues. His hands came up to grab Hermione's shoulders and started to thoroughly shake her. "Repeat that again. Are you insane? I misheard right?" Confused and hysterical laughter bubbled up past Draco's lips as he shook the girl.
"Draco, could you stop shaking me-"
"No because it sounded like you said you would-"
"Vouch for her?" Brown orbs glittered with amusement as she observed Draco's lapse in sanity.
"Yes! Which is preposterous and- and you must be sick, with a fever or...or with the crazy-"
"The crazy?"
"Yes the crazy! Oh Merlin, maybe I'm the one who's lost it? Granger! Check if I'm the one with the fever!" Draco finally released her and began hectically checking his temperature. Hermione smiled and although a little dizzy, placed a reassuring hand against Draco's arm.
"Draco, shut up for like ten seconds. Although, you might be right about the crazy stuff though, we'll come back to that another day. Even still, I'm serious about vouching for her." Hermione ran her fingers through her curled hair unsure before meeting Draco's hanging jaw with confidence and determination.
"Why?"
Hermione pursed her lips, resting her chin atop her knees once more and stared ahead contemplatively. "To be honest, Draco… I'm not entirely sure. When I looked at her, really looked at her, I still saw the woman who hurt me, but I also saw a woman who didn't hurt me. A person who has well and truly been hurt her whole life. It was… haunting." Hermione subconsciously drew in to herself more, brown eyes flitting through a storm of emotions. "I saw exhaustion. Perhaps even regret. I… I can work with that. It means that she can understand, whether that means change or redemption I have no clue. I'm not saying I forgive her, not even close to. But this wild exhaustion is something I can work with."
"I'm not going to pretend I understand, Granger. Quite frankly, I think you're mad for this. Mother will be thrilled I'm sure." Draco smiles softly. "Well, I'm sure the adults are worrying sick by now. Let's go grace them with our youthful presence!" He grins playfully, shoving the brunette goodnaturedly before bouncing to his feet to get away from the shell shocked witch whose mouth was full of carpet. Hermione glared at his retreating form before standing, disgruntled.
"I will so be getting you back for that." Draco simply shrugged at her threat as she caught up to him and they began their walk through the halls towards three magical signatures. Once they entered the study in which the three adult witches were quietly discussing the next step. Narcissa noticed the two teenagers first.
"Miss Granger, I would like to sincerely apologise for my sister's abhorrent behaviour and I completely understand if you choose to stop this foolish idea now and move on and...and why are you smiling, Draco?" Narcissa bristled at her son's easy grin interrupting her apology.
"Hermione is going to vouch for Aunty Bella."
"I… You…" For once in her life, Narcissa Malfoy was speechless. Tears threatened to spill as she stared at the muggleborn in complete wonder. "Truly?" Narcissa whispered, full of disbelief. Her answer came in the small smile that pulled at the young witches lips. To the shock of everyone in the room, Narcissa Malfoy began to cry. "Even after everything, you would really help her? Thank you. Really, I am… truly grateful to you." Narcissa mumbles between quiet sobs, muffled behind a delicate hand.
"Hermione, are you absolutely sure about this?" Andromeda turned to look at the little witch. Confusion, appreciation and awe swirling in her eyes that so mimicked her eldest sister. "You do remember this is the witch who-"
"I haven't forgotten a single thing, Andy." Hermione's tone was clipped, but her gaze settled softly on Andromeda, trying to convey how set she was with this decision. From across the room, sat in an armchair, Minerva McGonagall watched and listened to the exchange in silence. A part of her was proud of Hermione's decision, the young prodigy had so much kindness in her that sometimes she truly believed Hermione could get a dragon to roll over, tail wagging like a pet dog. That particular thought had the professor smiling and she sighed heavily before standing, garnering the attention of everyone in the room.
"Well, Miss Granger. I would like to admit that I am a tad surprised by your decision, but i have never once doubted your kindness, nor your determination. Perhaps with your support, the council will allow Bellatrix to live. Let us not waste anymore time." Minerva finished with a stern look that caused each witch and one wizards back to straighten and the mood to sober. "Hopefully Fudge will agree with you."
It was a strange gathering. The Wizengamot had decided that members of the Order and those who Minerva approved would make up the council for Bellatrix's trial with only Cornelius Fudge, being the active Minister of Magic, in attendance from the ministry. Sat around a private courtroom were many in attendance including; Molly and Arthur Weasley, Narcissa and Draco Malfoy, the Tonks family, with Nymphadora Tonks sitting with Fleur Delacour. Even Neville and Luna sat in the small crowd. All watching Bellatrix Lestrange chained to the middle of the floor, the dark haired witch still recovering from the magic that wracked her body with convulsions. Cornelius Fudge sat atop a chair watching curiously as Hermione Granger took the stand.
"Hermione Granger, you are currently in a court of law here to judge the crimes of one Bellatrix Lestrange, death eater and former right hand of he-who-shall-not-be-named." A low growl emanated at the back of Bellatrix's throat at the sound of her ex-husbands last name, though nothing else passed and so Fudge continued undeterred believing it to be a protest against the mention of Bellatrix's dark lord. "Do you understand that your decision today is the last testament to the witch's trial and if you choose to condemn her, Bellatrix will be served with the dementors kiss?"
"I do, Minister." Fudge nodded at the simple response and glanced at the group in the room. If Hermione were to choose death for the death eater many people would be more than satisfied. The dark witch had committed atrocities and wizards wanted blood for blood. Hermione had even suffered grievously at the hands of the witch. Truth be told, Cornelius was ready for this trial to be over, he knew the outcome and was more than ready to pass judgement. That is, until Hermione floored the entire court,bar those who knew her decision, with five stunning words.
"I wish to save Bellatrix"
At this, the death eater in question lifted her head in utter shock. She met warm chocolate eyes across the room, the same eyes that merely hours before resembled cracked, charred earth but now glimmered with… with emotions Bellatrix couldn't place. Bellatrix wasn't sure what had happened but she knew that sound had exploded around her, shouting, disagreements, vehement and furious but all of that was drowned in silence to Bellatrix. To the dark witch all sound had stopped, replaced with a silence that stretched privately between herself and the young witch. Bellatrix was confused. Confused at the girls choice, confused by the feeling of relief blooming in her chest at the thought of living - she had been resigned. She had been ready, to die, to rot, all possible negative outcomes Bellatrix was ready for. She was tired, of life, of death, of pain and of hope. And with five words from a bushy haired teenager she had been ruined. Completely and utterly ruined. Bellatrix let her eyes drop to the floor.
"M-Miss Granger I… are you certain of your decision, this is a very serious matter, many people want this particular death eater dead. Doing otherwise would invoke a wrath of the people… a wrath that would be directed at you." Cornelius stared at Hermione desperately, imploring the girl to change her mind. His pleading look was met with steel.
"If I may, Minister, I am aware of everything that Bellatrix has done in her life. Acutely, in fact. However… I truly believe she can be redeemed, and she can't do that if she's dead or being drained by dementors for the rest of her life." At this the arguments fizzled out, leaving everyone in attendance in rapt attention. Hermione took a breath, rolling her shoulders before addressing the room fully. "I'm not saying she can be good, or ever truly pay for what she took from people, but she can be given a chance. Especially with you-know-who still out there, how are we supposed to be the light if we cast those in the shadows into complete darkness." Her speech was met with stoic silence. Bellatrix glanced at the people surrounding, feeling very much like like a circus animal before Nymphadora stood up.
"'Mione is right. Bellatrix may have been on the wrong side of the tracks but that doesn't mean we should abandon her. Bellatrix… actually saved me during the final battle… I never said anything because I wasn't completely sure it was her but-"
"Are we really considering letting this, animal back into society?! She is a murderer!" Molly Weasley's indignant shout sweeped over the room and more voices joined the fray.
"And she'll continue to be one if we don't do something Molly!" Andromeda barked. The arguments began again, though with the discourse it became clear that more of the order were taken with Hermione's compassion over Molly's vengeance. Fudge listened intently before pinching the bridge of his nose and raising his hand, commanding the attention of the room. After meeting each gaze of those in attendance, his eyes met Hermione's.
"Let's say that we do pardon Mrs Lestrange. What would we do with her? If not imprisonment, then what? She can't just be released, Miss Granger."
"Rehabilitation. At Andromeda's or in a safe space on the grounds of Hogwarts."
"Hogwarts? Surely you can't be serious. The school has just been rebuilt and you want to keep a death eater on the perimeters near students?" Fudge's eyebrows practically raised into his hairline. He turned to look at Minerva begging the professor to see how ridiculous this idea was. "And the ministry would never allow Lestrange to stay with family, it's too much of a risk!"
"Actually, Hogwarts makes sense. We could keep Madame Lestrange in a variation of the room of requirement. It could be sealed off so students and teachers couldn't access it without permission from myself and we could have her see a therapist." At that, Bellatrix snorted, all eyes turned to her and suddenly the dark witch felt very self-conscience.
"And how about you Lestrange? Miss Granger has pleaded a case for you, do you believe you deserve this chance?" Fudge asked her scathingly.
"Not at all." Bellatrix smiled and Hermione rolled her eyes.
"This is a very, very risky plan Miss Granger, Professor McGonagall. If you believe you can make this work I will approve it. However, you will have shifts of aurors as a protocol as well as reports on Bellatrix's behaviour. Any contact with Lestrange must be signed upon by Minerva or by myself. If the ministry, and myself do not find these reports progressive after a year then Bellatrix will suffer the dementors kiss. Bellatrix Lestrange, you have been given a chance at redemption." Fudge finalised his decision with a thwack of his gavel. Murmurs spread through the group until one by one each member apparated from the room, leaving Hermione, Minerva, Andromeda and Nymphadora and Narcissa and Draco. Once again, silence filled the room. Hermione was becoming quite sick of this tense quiet and sighed heavily before thanking Minerva for her support. Narcissa gracefully slid across the room to Bellatrix and wrapped her arms around her sister tightly.
"A year to prove yourself, Bella. Things might actually be okay." She whispered softly, her voice full of a hope that sat at the bottom of Bellatrix' stomach.
'A year' Bellatrix thought. 'A whole damn year to be a lab rat. A living lab rat, but an experiment nonetheless'. The dark witch returned the embrace and as her sister let go to thank the muggleborn, Bellatrix turned her hands, listening to the steel clasped around her wrists clang quietly. She flexed her fingers before rolling her eyes at her next thought. 'A lab rat with a therapist'. She turned her heavy gaze to the young witch.
"And who on earth will be giving me, therapy, mudblood?" Bellatrix spat, the word therapy making her stomach coil with anxiety and the slur slipping past her lips like a viper hidden by flowers. Hermione levelled a glare at the black haired witch before approaching her as the others watched with bated breath.
"Most people would have said thank you, but I guess a kicked dog like you can't even do that. I still hate you, don't mistake that, but you could show some appreciation considering I just saved you, Lestrange." Hermione's words were laced with more than venom, they were threaded with it; poison and electricity and it struck the dark witch, causing her to hesitate for only a split second before a feral growl burned at the back of her throat.
"You have ruined me."
Sooooo that happened. I've decided on a few pathways for this story and the rehabilitation of Bellatrix by Hermione is only a small one that i've wanted to try from reading a few different plots. I know this chapter was a bit slow but i really wanted to get Bellatrix's sentencing out of the way as i felt it was gonna be the slowest and longest to write but i wanted to show a hint of the connection and understanding between Hermione and Bellatrix. Next chapter will have more interaction between the two and i hope this chapter hasn't been too long. Reviews are always welcomed! Let me know what you think! Will try and commit to updating once a week or every two weeks. I apologise for any mistakes with spelling etc I tend to write and upload at one in the morning and have no beta reader ;-;
I also decided to change the name from Why do the birds sing to just Why do birds sing. I didn't like the way the sentence sounded with the 'the' in it and felt like why do birds sing rolled off the tongue better... if I'm wrong let me know.. but I won't change it ;)
Thanks for reading!
Weekly-Crisis