Disclaimer: I do not own any characters and no money has been made from this.

Enjoy...

Chapter Nine

9th November…

The crunching of glass makes her jerk backwards, her head thumping heavily against the wall. Cursing, under her breath, she holds her wand aloft, peering through the darkness. Heart thumping beneath her ribcage, pounding so loud in her ear that she can barely hear anything. The blood is rushing, the pain from the bump to the head.

"Who… Who goes there?" Hermione demands handshaking.

"It's me," A whisper in the dark.

The hair shines against the street light a flash of blonde in the darkness, soft fingertips touch her bare knee. Swallowing, Hermione shakes her head, this cannot be real it's not safe.

"It's not safe," Hermione whispers the words swallowed by the gloom.

"Hermione," A murmur gentle, silver-blue eyes smile back at her. "It's Luna,"

"No, no, no. Luna, you can't be here, you're not safe…"

"Hermione,"

She jolts from the hand touching her bicep, trying to shake off the grip. Afraid, scared, if they find Luna here, they will kill her or worse. It's not safe.

"Luna,"

"Hermione, what you're imaging it's not real," Luna reassures, a hand pressing against her wrist. "You're safe, you're at home. I'm going to put a light on…"

"No! They'll see you!"

"No, I promise they won't."

The lights flicker to life, making Hermione flinch, she reclines backwards covering her eyes. Heart pounding, she struggles to see to make sense of her surroundings, flinching as a hand pulls her wand free. With a soft touch against her cheek, she stares back at Luna who knelt before her.

"Focus on me, breathe in, one, two, three. Exhale, one, two, three." Luna orders rubbing patterns on Hermione's wrist.

She focuses on her breathing, inhaling before exhaling, trying to control her pounding heart. Handshaking she clutches Luna's arm, trying to ground herself. Blinking, she takes in her surroundings, frowning at her apartment. Destroyed, the table smashed to smithereens, her kitchen ransacked, and windows blown out. The smell of smoke in the air, a pan had caught fire when she got distracted while cooking.

"What happened?" Luna asks with a gentle smile.

"I… I think I did this," Hermione whispers staring at the destruction. "One minute I was cooking the next minute I thought… Well, I thought I was somewhere else."

"That's okay," Luna reassures, slowly rising to her feet.

Two hands help Hermione climb to her feet, she swallows at the destruction of her flat. Pictures of her friends, happy memories trashed on the floor, trampled. Rubbing her eyes she stares at the destruction, fear spiking. Where did Crooks go? Did she hurt him?

"Crooks…"

"Is fine, I tripped over him when I came in," Luna promises.

"Luna…" Hermione trails off she's going to get sectioned at this rate. "I need to clean this up."

"Hey, go lie down, I'll tidy this up."

"No, I can't ask you to do that," Hermione argues.

"You're not asking, now you need sleep,"

"Is that your way of saying I look like shit?"

"Yes," Luna smiles. "Go sleep, here, take this. You need to rest."

"I'm going crazy,"

"No, you're not. PTSD is common after a mission, go rest. I'll clean up, I promise."

Sighing, Hermione tries to avoid stepping on any more glass, moving towards her bedroom. Staring at the kitchen, she remembers cooking, she got distracted by one of the cases Bella asked her to look at. Something caught fire, and she went to put it out, but after that, she struggles to remember. Can only remember the smell of smoke, the fire, pain, endless pain.

"Hermione, sleep," Luna orders pressing a hand against Hermione's shoulder.

Nodding, she steps through to her bedroom, thankfully nothing in here is destroyed. She settles on the edge of the bed pulling the cork out of the potion, she swigs it in one. Frowning at the taste, she falls against the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Listening to Luna humming to herself as she tidies her mess. A soft meow, makes her jolt, Crooks appears, he moves choosing to lay on her chest. Purring, she smiles up at him, bopping him on the nose she closes her eyes.

17th November…

Talking stirs her awake blinking Hermione frowns listening to the muttered voices. Rubbing her eyes, she glances at the clock, eight am, it's the first time she's had a fall night's sleep. Pushing to her feet, she heads to the bathroom shedding her clothes she throws on some baggy clothes.

Emerging, face freshly scrubbed, Hermione follows the sound of chatter, wondering if Luna is still here and who she might have brought with her. She hopes it's not Mercy, she's not sure she could deal with Mercy today.

Nudging the door to the living room open she hesitates. Every time she opens her bedroom door she always imagines the flat in ruins. The smell of bacon cooking turns her attention to the kitchen to the two witches.

It would be comical if she didn't feel so drained, Luna cooking with a pink apron and Bellatrix stood awkwardly. Bella watches Luna with suspicion as though this little blonde witch in a pink apron was the biggest threat of all. Those suspicious eyes turn to Hermione softening as a small smile tugs at her red lips.

"Morning," Hermione greets smiling at the two witches.

"Good morning," Bella greets pleasantly.

"It is, isn't it." Luna agrees as she pops bread into the toaster. "I find this invention so intriguing."

Hermione frowns at the pile of toast, Luna is fascinated with the toaster she's used a whole loaf of bread. Smiling, Hermione presses a kiss to the younger witch's head as she heads to the fridge. God, she's not sure what she could do without Luna. Glowing, Luna smiles under the praise flicking down the lever of the toaster once more.

"What are my two favourite witches up to?" Hermione asks, pouring herself a glass of apple juice.

"Mercy will be upset by that," Bella replies airily eyes reverting to Luna.

"They're wives," Luna answers distracted smiling as the toast pops up. "She's not classed the same as us."

"Oh, yes, work wives." Bella drawls.

"You want a drink?" Hermione asks.

"Anything alcoholic?" Bella questions. "What? I've just finished a night shift, technically it's still my evening."

"No alcohol," Luna sings.

"Luna threw all my alcohol out," Hermione explains.

An eyebrow raises, Bella glancing between the two witches. It's true, Luna not a fan of alcohol had not long ago thrown every drop down the drain. Choosing to keep some bottles as decorative pieces. Not good for Hermione's health to keep drinking not until the flashbacks get under control.

"Coffee?" Bella requests.

"Decaf okay?" Hermione asks filling the kettle.

"Decaf?" Bella repeats.

"No caffeine," Luna sings out of tune, cracking eggs.

"No caffeine," Hermione sulks.

Not until the nightmares stop then Hermione can have caffeine once more. Since Luna turned up that night of her flashback the witch has become Hermione's carer. It would be embarrassing if Hermione was proud. As it was, the difference in her diet, Luna's cooking, no caffeine, and no alcohol have made a big impact on her. She's growing muscle mass, healthy once more, and not out of breath by the simplest task.

"Here," Luna declares serving a bacon and egg sandwich. "Would you like some toast?"

Bella frowns at the question, staring at the pile of toast. Mouth open, Bella goes to reject the witch but the subtle look from Hermione makes her close her mouth instantly.

"I'd love some," Bella grinds out, accepting the mountain of toast.

"Excellent," Luna smiles.

Stirring the coffee, Hermione watches Luna faff grabbing the butter and jam, she plants them in front of Bella. A small sigh escapes Bella's lips as she stares down at the toast, collecting the knife. The slightest twitch, the hand holding the knife, the eyes darting between the butter and considering stabbing Luna. Sighing, Bella obliges, starting to butter her toast as Hermione settles the coffee in front of the witch.

"I'm going to shower," Luna declares. "Then we have Pilates, Hermione, eat."

"Yes, ma'am." Hermione obliges, sitting on the stool.

Smirking, Luna wanders off to the bathroom, Crooks hopping onto the counter next to Hermione, he sits waiting patiently for a slither of bacon. Plucking a bit free she feeds it to Crooks smiling as he makes a hash out of eating. She soothes his back in reassurance, turning back to Bella she flinches at the dark gaze.

"What?" Hermione asks lifting her sandwich.

"How long is she going to be here?" Bella demands pointing in the direction of Luna.

"Why? You don't like Luna?"

"We haven't had a takeaway in weeks,"

"Aww, there's me thinking you were jealous," Hermione chuckles taking a bite out of her sandwich. "Oh, this is delicious, want some?"

"No," Bella replies pushing the plate of toast away. "What even is this?"

Hermione smiles at the Star Wars imprint on the toast, how does she explain to Bella what the imprint is? It's Luna's favourite franchise, Hermione has lost count of how many times they've watched all the Star Wars films. She had to buy Luna the toaster with the Star Wars imprint on, it just to see the joy on the witch's face.

"It's Star Wars," Hermione answers.

"You're just saying words now," Bella sighs grabbing another piece of toast.

"It's Luna's favourite film."

"You watch films together?"

"Hmm," Hermione answers wiping an egg from her face.

"Oh, I didn't realise she was staying," Bella states glancing at the empty sofa.

"Oh, that reminds me," Hermione declares, remember she has big news. "I'm hopefully moving."

"Moving?"

"Yeah, I put an offer on a house before I went away, didn't think anything of it and got a letter yesterday! I've been accepted!"

"Accepted? That's… Well, that's brilliant,"

"It's nothing special just a two-bed cottage but it has a garden and an acre of land, be a bit of a commute to London. Thankfully, I'm a witch and we have floo networks." Hermione grins pushing away her empty plate.

"That's… I'm happy for you," Bella answers. "What about this place?"

"Oh, I only rent so it'll just go back up for rent."

"When do you move?"

"Not for a while, probably December time, I'm waiting for the last legal bits to go through." Smiling, Hermione collects the mountain of toast placing it aside with her plate. "When your free, you want to see it?"

"Of course,"

"I miss hanging out with you,"

"Works been busy,"

"I heard," Hermione frowns. "Probably didn't help the research I gave back to you."

"It was insightful, I passed it on to the Law department. We've all been so caught up in catching this cult now chasing this cult leader we didn't even notice the Sunset Killer was still active."

"Hey," Hermione slides her hand across the counter encircling Bella's hand. "We don't know for sure."

"Please, muggle-borns matching the same description as those who were murdered before, mysteriously vanishing? Too much of a coincidence."

"Could be down to the cult," Hermione reassures.

"Now you're lying to make me feel better,"

"Is it working?"

Smirking, Bella squeezes Hermione's hand in thanks. During Hermione's research into the files Bella had given her, it became obvious. The killer never stopped, instead he was abducting people working out of sight. All departments were too distracted by the cult to notice the odd muggle-born witch was going missing. Too easy to put it all down on the work of the cult that they realise the Sunset Killer had changed from killing on the streets to abducting. Without any bodies though, they can't be sure for certain if his still active. Deep down though, Hermione has a feeling this killer is still at large, still stalking the streets.

There are bags under Bella's eyes, the night shift catching up with the witch. Absently she draws patterns on Bella's hand with her thumb. She needs Luna at the moment, the witch her work colleague, her handler when undercover, and her friend. Luna is important in helping Hermione heal, but she misses Bella. Misses their nights when it's just the two of them.

"Is Bella coming to the party?" Luna asks wandering into the room.

As though electrocuted, Bella yanks her hand back from Hermione's. Frowning, Hermione doesn't have a chance to question the witch's behaviour before Bella is rising to her feet and downing the rest of her coffee.

"What party is that then?" Bella asks turning her attention to Luna.

"Fancy dress party," Hermione answers. "It's Mercy's birthday, we're going to…"

"Fox and Hound," Luna replies instantly.

"That's right, but some are coming here first then we're using a Portkey over."

"Fancy dress?" Bella questions with a raised eyebrow. "What sort of fancy dress?"

"Mixture of muggle and traditional wizarding fancy dress."

"Dare I ask what you two are going as?"

"I'm going as Yoda," Luna answers.

"I don't know what that is,"

"Star Wars." Hermione supplies with a smile. "We're going as Star Wars characters."

"I think I'll pass."

"Oh, come it'll be fun," Hermione pesters.

"I'll come to see the state of you all," Bella grins. "I'll bring a camera."

"Lovely," Luna declares wandering away.

"She doesn't notice if I'm taking the piss, does she?" Bella questions glancing at Luna.

"If she did, I don't think she'd care." Hermione smiles.

"When is this fancy dress?"

"19th November, everyone will be here for seven pm. Don't be late Black,"

19th November…

A green face greets her at the door, she falters staring down at the witch the silver-blue eyes peering back at her. Hiding her first thought, Bella forces a smile.

"Bellatrix," Luna greets with a smile. "Come you have,"

"Luna."

"Luna I am not," Luna answers.

"Okay," Bella murmurs stepping past the witch.

In all honesty, Bella isn't sure why she came, but she's glad she did. Just to see the stupid costumes, spotting Hermione in a black robe carrying a helmet under her arm. She has no idea, what any of them are meant to be, bar maybe Ginny. If she were to guess, someone from Alice in Wonderland.

"Black,"

"Weasley," Bella greets the youngest Weasley. "How goes Quidditch?"

"Fast," Ginny replies handing a glass of unknown substance to Bella. "It's whiskey, just with dye."

"I thought, Hermione wasn't allowed booze," Bella mutters trying not to let the frustration show.

"She's drinking butterbeer," Ginny shrugs glancing over to the witch in deep discussion with Neville Longbottom.

Nodding, Bella takes a sip of the whiskey, holding back any comments. Watching Luna move through the group, the jealousy burning deep inside. To lose Hermione a second time is almost like a punch to the stomach. Walking in on Luna cooking a few weeks ago another blonde in Hermione's life. Except this one seemed to be sticking around, cooking, watching tv and movies together going to events.

She didn't think she would lose her friend a second time. How often had she tried to stop Hermione from drinking? How often had she spent nights at the witch's place for Luna to waltz in? With a click of her fingers, Hermione has stopped drinking, stopped caffeine as though overnight. Exercising regularly, eating healthy and spending more time outside the flat than usual.

If anything, Tom is gleeful to have Bella at home more often. Fear is running through her, she's seen a small velvet box. She knows Tom is thinking of proposing, not that she will accept. She has no intention of accepting his proposal, or anyone's proposal. She doesn't want to marry ever again.

"So yeah, I'll be breaking up soon for Quidditch, heading home," Ginny continues, Bella realising the witch has been talking all this time.

"So soon?" Bella asks forcing her attention to the redhead.

"Soon?" Ginny replies confused.

"Weren't that long since you were here," Bella replies. "You stayed at Hermione's for a bit."

"Yeah, for a week," Ginny retorts. "Back at the end of July, stopping over during transfer window. Then Hermione went off to Australia,"

"You didn't stay after?"

"No, Luna came round before I left and said she was pet sitting."

"Luna stayed…"

Swallowing, Bella clenches her free hand, she hadn't questioned it not seeing Ginny. She had seen the evidence of the witch living in the flat, she never thought any further about it. She knew the witch had a large family, a boyfriend, and Ginny a social butterfly, she hadn't expected to see the witch.

The lie it hits deep, makes Bella's confidence falter. Hermione lied to her. Biting her tongue Bella holds back the urge to storm across the room, grabbing Hermione by the arm. Demand an explanation from the witch.

Her anger stumbles confused as Luna and Neville kiss in the alcove of the kitchen. Hermione in deep conversation shows a red light-up stick to Fleur who is laughing.

"I still find it weird," Ginny comments. "Luna and Neville, I mean it's cute but weird."

"Why?" Bella grinds out.

"Just Neville is training for Professor at Hogwarts and Luna's you know." Ginny trails off watching the couple interact. "Well, she's the same as Hermione, isn't she."

"An Unspeakable?"

"You didn't know?"

"No,"

"I'm not sure for definite, but I know Hermione and Luna work together a lot."

"Oh, I'm being summoned for photos, you coming to the party?"

"No," Bella answers sharply.

"Ah, bummer."

Placing the whiskey down, Bella moves to Crooks, stroking the cat as the flash of the camera goes off. The group disbanded to converse once more, all their strange costumes. A shiver runs through her as she watches the cloaked figure move, hood raised over the mask.

Talking with Fleur, or more accurately, Fleur talking with the hooded figure. That stance, the movement, Bella has seen them before. She would recognise that movement anywhere. The baggy clothes move stiff, the head tilting to the side, eyes hidden behind the mask, and a hand reaches out to stroke Fleur's cheek.

"Stop it! You're freaking me out!" Fleur chastises.

"Fleur I am your father," Hermione announces in a deep voice.

Laughing, Hermione pulls the mask free, grinning at the witch who gives her a subtle shove. The head cocks to the side, fingers ghosting across Bella's cheek. Smiling. Bella knows they're smiling she can feel it despite the mask. The memory is still fresh in her mind, it taunts her nightly.

Vomit forms in her throat, but she swallows it back down, watching Hermione move through the group of friends. Almost a ghost, nimbly moving between them as though out of touch. As though a figment, Bella watches the witch, the movements. It can't be…

Silver blue eyes meet black through the throes of people lining for the portkey. A smile forming on the witch's lips, Luna stares back at her through the crowd. Watching Bella slowly piece the puzzle together.

"Right, everyone in!" Hermione calls. "Black, last chance."

With a small shake of the head, Bella watches everyone grab the portkey, Luna the last to take hold. Never breaking eye contact, she cocks her head to the side. A smile on her lips. We have engaged in a duel with this one several times, they are impossible to predict, and they're duelling changes frequently. Very hard to predict, avoid at all costs.

Are they one of the same? All this time? Were Hermione and Luna the masked individual all this time? Is each one taking turns undercover? Ever since Hermione's return, the witch has been fully always dressed. Normally Hermione is the first to strip, the first to be wandering around naked. But there's been no conquests of late. Hermione has also been suffering from recent back pain.

I mean it must have been terrifying they had you pinned down. A foot on your throat, it's a loss of control? Hermione's word bounces around in her head as the group party vanishes. Hermione wouldn't have, would she?

20th November…

It's late, or is it early? She's not sure, the party dispersed, Luna, heading home with Neville. Smiling, Hermione shuts the door to her flat closed, throwing the fancy dress onto the waiting armchair. Moving through the flat she finds some pyjama shorts and a baggy t-shirt to slip into.

Heading to the kitchen she flicks a single light on in search of food. Pouring herself a glass of water, she digs in the fridge, deciding to make a sandwich. Drawing a sharp knife, she uses it to cut the cheese. Movement behind, she spots Crooks jumping onto the counter from the reflection of the oven. Bugger. She drops a tomato on the floor, bending down to pick up the errant fruit.

Something grabs her back a hand grabbing her shoulder stealing a cry of alarm. With the shove, she manages to prevent herself from falling into the cupboard. A hand grabbing her t-shirt and lifting it, she bucks against the grip. With a swift kick of her leg, she swipes the assailant's foot. Making them stumble, her elbow connecting with a chin.

Shifting, she moves, knife cutting through the air, landing against pale skin. Hand curling in hair, pinning the assailant against the counter. With one swift movement, she could slice them open. One flick of her hand and in a blink, she could end those dark eyes… dark eyes.

Frowning, she stares at the witch in her hands, the knife pressing against the swan-like neck, those impossibly black eyes staring back at her. The press of the wand against her side, equally assured destruction if either of them moves they both die.

"Bella," Hermione breathes the name staring confused at the witch relaxing the grip on the knife.

"Granger," Bella grinds out. "Or is it half-moon? Nice to finally meet you."

Swallowing, Hermione feels the grip of the hand on her t-shirt. Her back exposed, her charm no longer in place. The blood drips from Bella's split lip, the knife held against pale skin.

"Bella, it's. It's not what you think," Hermione whispers.