A/N: Hello my lovely readers! It feels almost weird to have this chapter ready relatively soon after the last one was posted. My brain has been buzzing with inspiration for this story, and with any luck, it will stay that way and I can get to the end of this story. I know it's been a long time since I first began publishing chapters and I am ready to finish it for all of you. You all deserve completed stories and I fully intend to finish every single story I write even if it takes a long time. I'd like to thank you all for your patience and continued support even when I disappear and don't publish anything for months. You truly are a wonderful audience and I'm so honored to share my creations for your enjoyment.
Now I fall
Into every trap and hold
So did you design this all
Or did it come natural
It's inescapable
I don't understand it all
You've sunken your hooks in me
And now I can't think of me
Without you
-On My Mind, MNQN
"Cissy," Bellatrix purred, greeting the blonde witch at the gates of Malfoy Manor.
"Bella," she greeted with a smile, noticing Hermione's absence and feeling a thrill go through her.
"How are the changes to Black Manor going?" Bellatrix stepped through the gate, caressing her sister's cheek lightly as she passed.
Narcissa leaned into the touch, her eyes fluttering closed at the contact. "As you've instructed."
"Good. I have another task for you, dear sister. Arthur Weasley is going to plant explosives inside the Ministry. You will follow behind him as he goes in, put him under the Imperious Curse, and make sure he stays under it until they're detonated." Bellatrix held out the invisibility cloak and explosives to Narcissa. "Make yourself a portkey so you can leave before the countdown ends. You'll have ten seconds to activate it."
"Of course, Bella. But what-" Narcissa took the cloak and explosives carefully from her sister.
"Don't question me," Bellatrix snarled, "You will do what I tell you and if you need to know something I will make sure you know it."
Narcissa took a step back, lowering her gaze and murmuring, "Of course. I'm sorry."
Bellatrix placed two fingers under Narcissa's chin, forcing her gaze back up. "Don't do it again. I will be arriving here alone a week after the explosion."
Narcissa nodded her understanding, wisely not voicing the many questions she had.
"There's my perfect pureblood sister," Bellatrix crooned with a smirk, "We act in two days. Don't forget."
"I won't," the blonde witch breathed, leaning forward as Bellatrix pulled her hand away in an attempt to prolong their contact.
"Until next time, dear sister," Bellatrix whispered coyly, turning on her heel with a wink.
Narcissa clutched the invisibility cloak to her chest, staring longingly at the spot her sister had been standing. Comforted by the fact that soon her sister would be staying with her- just her sister- she began the walk back to the manor. She desperately wanted to know what Bellatrix was planning, but she would need to earn back her sister's trust. Being given such an important task gave her hope that she would soon be back in her sister's good graces. She stroked the fabric of the invisibility cloak as she ascended the steps to the front doors, humming softly.
Hermione couldn't help but fidget as she waited for Bellatrix to return from her visit with Narcissa. She paced the living room of her parent's house restlessly, glancing at the clock more frequently than she wanted to admit. It felt like ages had passed before Bellatrix finally appeared in the living room, and Hermione quickly halted her pacing. Bellatrix came up behind her, draping her arms around Hermione's shoulder and leaning her head against Hermione's.
"Miss me?" she breathed, nibbling Hermione's jawline.
Relaxing into the older witch's embrace, Hermione whispered, "I always worry when you leave."
"Are you ready?" Bellatrix asked, brushing Hermione's hair out of her face.
Hermione turned in Bellatrix's arms, pushing herself up on her tiptoes to capture Bellatrix's lips. "I'm always ready to serve you."
Bellatrix smiled down at her, cupping her chin. "You're the best lieutenant I could ask for."
Pride bloomed in Hermione's chest at the praise, her cheeks turning slightly pink. Bellatrix tried to fight the fond smile that pulled at her lips, but she was mostly unsuccessful. She stroked Hermione's cheeks softly, her eyes tracing over features she had long since memorized without even realizing. She would miss Hermione during their separation, and she only hoped it would pass quickly, but she doubted it. Hermione pressed her face into Bellatrix's collarbone, inhaling deeply and squeezing her eyes closed. She knew better than to ask questions, so she stood in Bellatrix's embrace for as long as it lasted.
Eventually, the embrace did end, and each witch immediately missed the warmth of the other but neither expressed it. Bellatrix made her way to the kitchen to begin preparing their dinner while Hermione lowered herself onto the couch, laying across it and flicking her wrist to start a fire. From her position, she could catch glimpses of Bellatrix every now and then, and her eyes were frequently drawn to what she could see of the kitchen. The dark witch could feel Hermione's gaze on her and she busied herself with cooking so she didn't have to think about what she would soon have to do. No part of her wanted to leave Hermione, and she cursed herself for getting so attached to the young brunette witch.
Hermione moved her legs so Bellatrix could sit on the couch, sliding her legs onto the dark witch's lap as she was handed a plate of food. Bellatrix balanced her plate on Hermione's shins, staring down at her plate. They ate in silence, neither of them wanting to bring up the source of their unusual melancholy, for various reasons. Hermione found it difficult not to begin asking questions. She trusted Bellatrix to tell her everything she needed to know, and if there was something she wasn't told, then it was for a good reason. Bellatrix, for her part, tried to distance herself from her feelings for Hermione, knowing it wasn't possible to the extent she wanted it to be. She could picture the expression Hermione would give her as they were forced to separate, and she felt her heart doing strange things in her chest. Things she couldn't explain but she knew what they meant, no matter how hard she tried to make herself believe otherwise.
Their remaining time together passed all too quickly, and Bellatrix almost wished she could tell Hermione what she was feeling and why so they could enjoy themselves. She couldn't though, and it was spent deliberately talking about everything but the events that would soon be taking place. Bellatrix balanced on Hermione's shoulder as she entered the Ministry, trying not to look the way she felt. Hermione almost made her want to reconsider it, but she wouldn't. She had a plan, a goal, and nothing would derail her from it again. Not even Hermione. To her credit, Hermione was able to successfully conceal the turmoil she felt, portraying the image of a witch that Bellatrix wanted the world to see her as. Kingsley stood as Hermione entered his office, greeting her warmly, which she returned. He eyed the raven on her shoulder closely, his attention drawn back to Hermione as she handed him the envelope with the Animagus files.
"I trust your students' project turned out well?" he asked, taking the envelope and placing it on his desk.
"That remains to be seen, but they are my two best students so I would expect nothing less." Hermione hoped her voice didn't waver too much as she spoke. Narcissa would be overseeing the planting of the bombs by now, and Hermione couldn't help the anxiety she felt at the task being entrusted to her.
Kingsley sat in his chair, gesturing for Hermione to sit if she wanted to. "Well, I hope it does. It seems an interesting thing to examine and I do hope if there is anything notable, I'll be informed."
Hermione allowed herself to sit and get comfortable as Kingsley spoke. "Of course. I'm sure they would love the opportunity to present their findings to you, if it's worth your time."
He nodded, deciding to change the subject. "How are the renovations to your new property?"
"To be honest, I'm not sure. Madame Malfoy was generous enough to offer to oversee everything, and my position at Hogwarts keeps me busy so I accepted. The last time I checked on it, they had just finished removing the rubble from the old mansion." Hermione fought the urge to fidget, comforted by Bellatrix's presence on her shoulder. It felt like Narcissa was taking much longer than she needed to, and for just a moment, she felt doubt trickle into her mind before she shook it away. If Bellatrix trusted Narcissa to carry out the task, then she would trust Bellatrix's decision.
Kingsley steepled his fingers in front of him. "I understand. And there's still nothing I can do to convince you to work here when the school year ends?"
Hermione shook her head, a thoughtful smile on her place. "I enjoy teaching for the moment. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I actually get to experience a normal year at Hogwarts. I'm not ready to give that up just yet."
Kingsley opened his mouth to respond when the building trembled violently, causing several things mounted on the wall to fall. Hermione gripped the arms of her chair while he gripped the edge of his desk, both of them slightly hunched to protect themselves. Hermione couldn't help the shriek that left her throat when the building trembled again, stronger this time.
"What's happening?" she shouted so Kingsley could hear over the noise.
"It seems like the building is coming down," he shouted back, ducking under his desk as a piece of the ceiling came crashing down.
"I have a Portkey," Hermione shouted, crouching as she made her way to Kingsley, "To Hogwarts. Minerva makes me take one when I leave the grounds so I can get through the wards."
Kingsley could see the fear in Hermione's eyes, tempered by the calm that settled over someone who had been in too many perilous situations, as a larger portion of the ceiling fell. She was holding it out to him, waiting for him to take it before activating it. He reached for it, his hand gripping it firmly as another tremor shook the building. He glanced up as Hermione activated it, blue sky replacing the rapidly approaching ceiling. The landing was jarring for both of them, the wind knocked out of them and both of them on their back. Bellatrix took advantage of their disorientation to first stun Kingsley, and then- with a heavy heart- Hermione. She didn't have long before Aurors traced Kingsley's whereabouts, and she needed to linger just long enough for them to see her attacking them.
The pair recovered fairly quickly, Hermione reaching for her wand as subtly as she could. This was the moment Bellatrix wasn't able to tell her about. She would have to make it look convincing, but at least her surprise was genuine. She hated the idea of having to fight against Bellatrix instead of with her. Bellatrix needed it to happen this way, and as her lieutenant, Hermione would do everything in her power to make sure it did. Regardless of how hard it was to make herself fight Bellatrix, she would do it.
"Bellatrix?" she asked, furrowing her brow in confusion as she struggled to deflect a stunner.
The lingering effects of her disorientation made her slow, but she was better off than Kingsley. The wizard groaned, trying to reach for his wand but Bellatrix flung several spells at him before he was able to, all while dodging Hermione's. The brunette tried to shield him, but it didn't hold and a wave of dizziness passed over him, halting his attempt to reach his wand. He wasn't sure where they were or what exactly was happening, but he knew they weren't at Hogwarts and he knew Hermione and Bellatrix were certainly not on the same side. He heard Bellatrix's taunts toward Hermione, but none of them processed as he tried to force his recovery so he could help Hermione, who was barely holding her own. It wouldn't be long before Hermione was overpowered, and if that happened, they were both done for. If they could at least hold on until the Aurors arrived, they would be fine.
Hermione did her best to keep up with Bellatrix. Her initial state had made it difficult to focus, and she had been hit with a few spells that caused substantial damage. She had only ever dueled Bellatrix while she was at full strength, and even then she had never defeated her, only hold her own for longer than probably anyone else. Currently, she was at a serious disadvantage, and she couldn't protect Kingsley enough for him to help her. She tried, but it was too much to defend him and herself and attack. Naturally, she knew she had to lose, so she wasn't fighting with absolutely everything she had, but she was trying to make it look like she was, which still required a lot of effort. Several cracks of Apparating wizards and witches filled the air, and Hermione allowed it to distract her enough for Bellatrix to hit her in the chest with a Depulso. The force of it propelled her into a tree and she cried out as she hit it hard, banging her head against the solid bark. Her ribs had definitely broken and she could feel the warmth of blood flowing down the back of her head. The last thing she saw was a jet of green light hitting Kingsley square in the chest before Bellatrix Apparated away and Aurors filled her vision, shouting for healers to be brought to her. Hermione allowed her consciousness to drift away as Bellatrix's mental command echoed through her brain.
"Come find me."
Bellatrix appeared in the foyer of Malfoy Manor, her sister waiting calmly for her. A scowl was etched onto Bellatrix's face and Narcissa surged forward to embrace her. She allowed her younger sister to engulf her in a hug, but she couldn't return it just yet. She didn't want to have to leave Hermione, especially after hurting her the way she did. It wasn't the fact that she had hurt Hermione that bothered her, she had done plenty of that and they both enjoyed it, but the fact that she couldn't be there after.
"You did well, Cissy," Bellatrix said in a monotone, breaking out of Narcissa's arms.
"Bella," she began.
Bellatrix paused long enough to say, "Not now."
Narcissa nodded even though Bellatrix couldn't see her. Her face was taught and her lips were pressed into a thin line as she watched her sister's retreating form. She wanted to be her sister's comfort like she was before Voldemort's fall. She refrained- with great effort- from following her sister through the manor, turning her attention to finalizing the renovations of Black Manor instead.
Bellatrix could feel her sister's gaze until she was out of view of the younger witch. She felt the need to destroy something to make her feel better, but she knew only Hermione would make her feel the way she wanted to. Deciding not to spend time indoors for the moment, she made her way onto the grounds, wandering through the garden. It was easy to get lost in it, and Bellatrix was more than happy to do that. She didn't want to be with her thoughts. She had spent the last week with nothing but her thoughts to keep her busy and she had grown weary of her own company. By now, she hoped that the Aurors stopped searching for her here, if they had come here at all. It was best to play it safe so she wasn't caught, and it would be a lie to say she hadn't enjoyed being in a space Hermione had been.
The first few days of lying low, she had barely left the bed, spending most of her time staring dejectedly at the ceiling, watching the blades of the fan go in circles as her thoughts did the same. She hadn't even bothered to turn any of the lights on, worried it would attract too much attention. It would be unwise to think that the shambles of the Ministry of Magic hadn't reported her description to the Muggle government. Besides, without Hermione, she lacked her usual energy and didn't want to do anything, anyway. After she had finished sulking, she visited several small Wizarding villages in Eastern Europe, sowing seeds of dissent from behind the scenes. With the Ministry as fractured as it was, it had been all too easy, and it kept them spread thin for the time being.
Now, she just had to wait for Hermione to return to her side. She knew it wouldn't be easy. Hermione would probably be under close observation for some time. Her Lieutenant had definitely suffered a bad concussion, possibly fractured or broken ribs, and several deep cuts. Bellatrix had no doubt that she had survived it all, it was just a matter of her getting well enough to join her once more. Waiting was always her least favorite part but at least she had the option of her sister's company. It wasn't her first choice, but it was better than being alone. If she grew bored, she could always continue spreading dissent. The more unhappy people were with the government, the easier it would be for her to seize control. It didn't have the immediate satisfaction that came with blowing something up, but it would all be worth it when she was finally in control.
Hermione stirred with a groan, bringing a hand to her temple as she tried to sit up. The attempt caused her head to throb even more, and she winced, letting herself relax back into her current position. She opened her eyes slowly, thankful that the room was not brightly lit. Her body felt stiff and she tried to piece together what had happened. With a gasp, she bolted upright, the sudden motion making the world move sideways as she reached blindly for her wand. Bellatrix. She had to find Bellatrix. Was she safe? Why did they have to separate?
The magical alarm ringing didn't register as she continued to feel around for her wand. Panic gripped her as it continued to elude her, and the sudden entry of several witches only served to send more adrenaline through her system. Hastily, and without thinking, she threw up a magical barrier to prevent them from coming closer. She didn't recognize them, and though they appeared to wish her no harm, she wasn't sure. It was only when Minerva's familiar Scottish lilt scolding the witches registered in her ears that she realized she was safe.
"Rushing in on the poor girl like that, after everything she's been through! You should be ashamed of yourselves!" Minerva finished scolding them, pushing her way into Hermione's sight.
Hermione, not wanting to be next, quickly let the barrier disperse but couldn't stop herself from making herself smaller on the bed. It was then that she realized the group of witches was St. Mungo's mediwitches and not, in fact, assailants. She relaxed, only slightly, as Minerva continued forward and swept her into a hug.
"I was so worried about you," Minerva said.
"Sorry," she managed, patting Minerva's shoulders.
"I'm just glad you're okay. When you were brought here last month you were severely injured." Minerva released Hermione, shooing away the mediwitches and sitting in the chair next to the bed.
"Kingsley!" Hermione exclaimed, turning her head slowly to look at Minerva, "He was with me. Is he okay?"
The expression on Minerva's face was enough of an answer. "He was killed by Bellatrix just before she escaped."
Hermione buried her head in her hands, fighting back tears. "I tried so hard and it wasn't enough."
Minerva looked at Hermione in shock. "You did everything you could, Hermione. Even the Aurors couldn't stop her."
Hermione couldn't stop the wry laugh that bubbled from her chest, choking on tears. "It's all my fault."
"Hermione," Minerva said sternly, moving back onto the bad and pulling the distraught witch into an embrace, "You are not responsible for her actions. She fooled us both."
Minerva rubbed soothing circles in Hermione's back as she cried and clung to her. Hermione cried until she had no more tears left, pulling away and dragging her arm across her face to wipe away any evidence that she had cried. The look of determination on her face didn't go unnoticed by the Scottish witch.
"You will do no such thing," she chided as Hermione opened her mouth, "You are not fully recovered."
Hermione was taken aback, momentarily forgetting how well Minerva could read her. "What about Hogwarts?"
A flash of sorrow crossed Minerva's face and she almost regretted asking. "The students were sent home after it happened. They won't be returning until next school year."
"I can't just sit around doing nothing," Hermione protested.
"You have recovering to focus on. The Aurors are searching for her and they will continue to do so until she is found. Every magical government is on the lookout for her. She will be caught." Minerva placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder, trying to portray confidence she didn't feel.
Hermione nodded with a heavy sigh. She hadn't expected it to be easy to convince Minerva to let her leave, but she hadn't expected her to be so insistent that she stay in St. Mungo's. If she could at least go somewhere else it would have saved her so much trouble. Minerva had said she was brought here a month ago, which a month longer than she wanted to be apart from Bellatrix even if she had been unconscious the whole time. She needed to get back to Bellatrix so they could continue their plan, but Hermione wasn't sure if escaping from St. Mungo's was the best idea, even if it would get her to Bellatrix sooner. There was no telling how long she would be kept here, though, and she wasn't looking forward to any of it.
Noticing the change in her demeanor, Minerva offered, "I'll ask them about getting you moved somewhere you'd be more comfortable."
"I'd appreciate that. I think, if it's okay with you, I'd like to go back to the Isle of Man." Hermione had never felt so small before, and she let that feeling seep into her words.
Minerva stood at the door to Hermione's room, smiling gently at her. "You are always welcome there. Let me see what I can do."
Hermione allowed herself to relax once the door was firmly closed. She breathed a sigh of relief that she might not have to be there for much longer. If she went to Bellatrix after being released, she would draw less attention. Minerva would believe she was hunting down Bellatrix if she disappeared, especially if she left a note. It wouldn't be easy to sneak away, but it would be easier than sneaking out of where she currently was. Perhaps she would take it easy for a day or two, though. Already, she was feeling exhausted, and she wasn't confident in her ability to Apparate without splinching herself just yet. The benefit of being in the wizarding world was that her injuries could be healed so much faster. There were some lingering effects, sure, but she was certainly better off than she would be if she were in a Muggle hospital. Hermione let herself sink into the mattress, closing her eyes and descending into a light sleep.
Waking up the second time was not as jarring as the first time. She tensed as soon as she processed the other people in the room, but was able to relax upon remembering where she was. She wasn't sure how long she had slept this time, but she felt much better than she did last time. Tilting her head to the side, she was met with the steady, familiar presence of Minerva amid the bustling mediwitches. She made to push herself into a sitting position, but was stopped by one of the witches in the room urging her to stay still for a few more moments. Based on how tired Minerva looked, Hermione guessed that she had been asleep for a few days, assuming she never left.
"Congratulations, Ms. Granger, it appears you are well enough to travel by side-along," the mediwitch said, "Please refrain from any strenuous activity for a few more weeks or you will have to return here until you are deemed fully recovered."
Hermione was thrilled by the news that she no longer had to stay here that the only indication of her understanding was a slow nod. The mediwitch nodded once, supplying Minerva with further instructions on the care Hermione would need. Hermione paid it no attention, her mind reeling with the fact that she would soon be reunited with Bellatrix. She just had to play along for a few days, and then she could start looking for her. With the aid of the mediwitches, Hermione maneuvered into a standing postition. Minerva pulled Hermione's arm over her shoulders, waiting for her to nod that she was ready to leave.
Minerva's house was just as Hermione had remembered it, and she was surprised how comfortable she felt being here again. Hermione subtly glanced at Minerva. She expected her to keep a close eye on her, and probably keep her wand in an attempt to keep her from running off to look for Bellatrix. It was fine, she supposed. Minerva would have to sleep at some point, so she could look for her wand then. It wouldn't do any good to leave as soon as she found it, but she would know where it was when it was time. She would lull Minerva into a sense of security by complying with her recovery, for now. The more recovered Minerva believed her to be when she disappeared, the less likely she was to draw unwanted attention.