Help

Hermione sat back in her armchair and tried to take it all in. There wasn't exactly a lot to take in. Bellatrix's story had been short. 'I suspect the Imperius Curse has been put on me regularly. And the occasional Memory Charm.' The brunette replayed the image of the Death Eater saying these words to her over and over again in her head. The calmness in the other witch's voice baffled her. How did one simply come to terms with the fact that they had been made to do horrible things unwillingly, for which they now had to pay?

"I can see the pity in your eyes, Hermione. Whatever Gryffindor stupidity you're about to spit out, hold it!" Bellatrix's voice was harsh. Hermione was pulled away from her inner musings.

"Gryffindor stupidity?" she blinked. "I was merely going to say that what they did to you – what Voldemort did – is awful."

"Yeah, that's what I meant." Seeing the surprise in her eyes, Bellatrix elaborated. "If you think I was a good person before that, you're wrong. I was raised to believe in everything Voldemort fought for – Pure-blood supremacy, wizards dominating over Muggles, Muggle-borns not being real witches and wizards – you name it. The Imperius Curse merely made it easier for me to be tasked to do Voldemort's bidding. So get over it."

Hermione worried her jaw might hit the floor soon. She couldn't believe how Bellatrix could think so little of something that was so wrong in every way. She didn't even know how to begin explaining to the other woman how much this had ruined her chance at a happy life.

"You do understand that what Voldemort did – how he made you do all those things – prevented you from living your life? And continues to do so. I mean, if you go out in the streets now, the people are either going to run away in fear or try to capture you and bring you to the Ministry."

Bellatrix laughed mirthlessly.

"Why you assume I think I'll have a chance at a normal life is beyond me."

"Wouldn't you want one?"

"It doesn't matter what I want" the older woman dismissed her. "Listen, this inviting you over thing isn't going well. I just wanted to know why you didn't tell anyone about me. I think you were truthful, and if you weren't, it doesn't matter. I won't cause any trouble and I'll make sure no one's going to find me if they start looking. I'll keep this ring with me, so you don't have to worry about being dragged here ever again. It's best if we leave this house and agree to forget what happened. Thank you for telling me what I needed to know."

Bellatrix was on her feet now, looking down at Hermione expectantly. The brunette knew she should leave – apart from being an impolite guest, staying would also make the hostess drop her attempts at being kind to her. But she couldn't bring herself to simply leave someone suffer such an injustice. Even if that someone was Bellatrix Lestrange.

"Bellatrix, listen," Hermione stood up too, "I understand you don't feel safe around me. Merlin only knows if you feel safe around anyone at the moment. But what was done to you is so wrong and hurtful, I can't stand by and do nothing. You deserve a normal life and there's people who will stop you from having it – they'll hold you responsible for things you won't even remember you did. If you want to be able to get past that and live in the open, please let me help you. I believe I can help you think of a way to do it."

For a moment, Hermione thought she'd convinced the other woman. Then Bellatrix smirked at her.

"Gryffindors – ever the righteous heroes, aren't you? Forget this encounter. You only need to remember not to pick up every shiny thing you see on the ground" she waved Sirius's ring at Hermione. "Now go. I don't want to have to threaten you again."

Hermione managed not to shudder at the memory. She made to leave quickly but stopped herself. She was a Gryffindor, even Bellatrix had emphasized on that. Turning around, she spoke urgently, like someone could overhear her.

"You don't have to agree to my help now. But if you ever want it – I'm starting my last year at Hogwarts in three days. Just send me an owl and make sure it arrives at night."

She walked away hurriedly not wanting to see Bellatrix's reaction to that. In fact, when she Apparated in her room in number twelve Grimmauld Place, she paced around in it, her head filling with conflicting thoughts. She was doing a good thing… right? But what was she doing offering help to Bellatrix Lestrange? It's not like she owed her anything, save for a brand of her own, perhaps. Really, she could barely stand seeing the woman and not having flashbacks of that night right then and there. And that was without taking into account the fact that Bellatrix was actually supposed to be dead. What had Hermione gotten herself into?

"Yeah, that's what we want to know" a voice spoke from the doorway. "What have you gotten yourself into that you disappear without a word two days in a row."

Hermione looked up to see Harry and Ron standing there, looking equally angry. She realized she had probably spoken that last bit out loud. She also realized she was in big trouble.