A/N Just a quick thank you once again to all my reviewers as well as people following and favoriting this story. just wanted to give a quick shout out to WrinaBlack who is currently writing to excellent Bellamione stories, and if you havent read them you should totally check them out! Same disclaimer applies, i dont own anything but thankyou JK Rowling for creating them and allowing my imagination to flow!

Chapter 14

Hermione aimlessly sipped on another cup of tea as she fed the flow of background conversation through her mind yet again. They had been sat for hours round the table of the burrow once again discussing order business. Hermione was wedged inbetween Andromeda and Draco, a scowling Ron's eyes had been burning into her from across the table the entire time. Molly Weasley floated across the kitchen with another boiling pot of tea and large tray of buns, which immediately half emptied by the Weasley clan before it was placed on the table, the only Weasley not present was Ginny, she had left earlier that day for the Hogwarts express, Harry was currently at the ministry strategizing their next trip. Hermione and Draco had opted to simply apperate their way to hogsmeade after the meeting sending their trunks ahead.

"So we can confirm these sightings in England were legitimate?" Arthur Weasley spoke in a worrisome tone.

"yes though not in the last 7 days, we believe there currently in Norfolk but no solid lead has come up yet" Kinglsey deep voice echoed all known progress as he laid out several documents in front on the table.

"The law enforcers have been pressing forward for a thorough check of the Manor I'm afraid Mrs Malfoy" he looked over at the blonde witch.

"Then by all means send them in, as soon as I get back I will be packing my belongings and leaving that residence permanently." Narcissa answered.

Draco blinked several times as he looked at his mother a slight look of shock on his face.

"Where will you go cissy? You know I have room for you should you ever need it" Andromeda spoke looking at her sister. Narcissa smiled at the gesture.

"Thank you Andy but that won't be necessary, I have the London town house in my Maiden name on purpose, and Lucius cannot even access it without my permission"

"I'm afraid I must take leave of the meeting, I have an invasion of students due in an hour and faculty of professor's no doubt in chaos" Minerva spoke as she headed to the floo.

"Try not to be late you two" she smirked looking at Hermione and Draco. Both the students smiled back. Hermione could practically hear Ron seething at this point, she was relieved to see other members packing up at this point, as Andromeda stood up along with Narcissa heading into the garden. Hermione mumbled a goodbye before giving Ron a final glare and followed the other witches into the garden.

"At least come stay tonight cissy, I hate to think of you on your own and the company would be nice knowing Hermione is now leaving"

Narcissa smiled and nodded giving into her older sisters reasoning. They all apparated to the cottage, to be greeted by a happy Teddy amidst a chocolate mess as the Elf had been cooking. The little boy's hair turned blonde as he looked at his estranged relatives. Hermione scooped the little boy up and squeezed him in a hug realizing she really would miss her temporary home.

"We should probably head to hogsmeade soon" Draco spoke as he heard he grandfather clock chime.

Hermione nodded as she set the boy back in his chair. They group of four turned towards the living room, where on the coffee table a witch weekly magazine stood on a countdown to activate as a port key to transfer the mature students to hogsmeade.

Narcissa embraced her son, laying a kiss on his forehead in affection, Draco closed his eyes, leaning forward into the warmth of his mother's love. Before stepping towards the port key. Hermione watched them before turning to her side and looking to Andromeda, she could see the watery eyes the older witch held back her emotion. Hermione moved forward initiating the hug herself feeling sad at leaving.

"Thank you for everything Andy, I don't know what I would have done without you" Hermione whispered.

"You know I'll always be here if you ever need me, take care of yourself Hermione" Andromeda clung to the young witch before reluctantly letting go. Hermione smiled as she stepped back and turned to the port key she took hold of the opposite side of Draco, feeling the tug to Hogwarts as she remembered the conversation the morning before.

"Hermione?" Andy's voice brought her out of her thoughts as she continued to stare out into the garden. She turned to the older witch.

"Everything alright?" she asked.

"Fine, just couldn't sleep so I came and got a drink" the words rolled off her tongue so effortlessly.

"Thirsty or did you have visitor?" Andromeda asked, holding up the two empty mugs, a slight look of concern on her face.

Hermione tried to hide her panic as she absorbed Andromeda's last statement. Surely she couldn't have seen Bellatrix in the dark.

"Is it nightmares? I know you go off somewhere, I felt it's not my place to ask, but I do worry Hermione" Andromeda spoke as she put the cups into the sink. Hermione composed herself and shut the door behind her.

"I'm sorry Andy I never meant for you to be worried" Hermione answered as a wave of guilt came over her. The realisation of how big her secret of Bellatrix really was. She looked at the older witch, the words almost on the tip of her tongue before she swallowed them down like a lump of lead in her throat. She wanted so badly to tell the older witch her secret, but at the same time she couldn't put that strain the older witch. She glanced at the two mugs in the sink, and back at the older witch.

"Your right though I was thirsty"

Hermione and Draco landed in a thud on the road just outside the village, a thestral drawn carriage was waiting for them nearby. They both walked slowly and quietly towards the carriage, Draco hopped in first before holding his hand down and helping the witch with him. Both taking a seat as the carriage lurched forwards.

"At least were early we can go change into our robes and be down in time for the sorting hat" Draco spoke.

Hermione nodded, not really thinking of anything but getting the feast over with.

"Can I ask what happened between you and Weasley?" Draco pressed on

Hermione looked over at him, caught off guard by the question. Expecting a smirk she was surprised to see his face showing mere curiosity and slight concern.

"Ronald is struggling with the concept that he and I will ever be more than friends" she stated in a tone that nothing further would be spoken of the subject.

The sight of the castle came into view, they both looked in silence, the building almost looking undamaged from afar but tell-tale signs were on display as they neared their destination. They were greeted by their headmistress at the main entrance as they jumped from the carriage.

"Excellent, follow me Miss Granger and Mr Malfoy" the headmistress set of at a brisk walk along the corridor.

"Where are we going professor?" Hermione asked.

"To your new quarters, the eighth years who have returned will have their own space. we have converted and extended above the gatehouse at the rear of the castle, there will be no house segregation for you in your sleeping quarters, and mealtimes you can sit wherever you please" she concluded leading them past the grand staircase and down the rear passage almost never used to the gatehouse entrance. A steep flight of stone steps hidden behind an alcove just before the rarely used entrance, least I won't have a problem sneaking out Hermione thought, as the steps lead them up to a single lonesome portrait. A tall gaunt looking wizard was lounging in a chair, immediately scrambling up as he heard the approaching footsteps.

"Good evening Alphard" The headmistress spoke.

"Evening professor" a gruff voice answered, his dark hair shined in a rather unstylish bowl cut, as well as a thinly pointed beard that wisped from his chin.

"Pioneer" the teacher muttered the password, as it swung open. The common area appeared neutral, colour scheme of black and whites, with a large fire and large seats surrounding it. A passage behind weaved with various doorways to their dorms.

"Since only a handful of students opted to return your dorms are individualised, you will find your names to your rooms. Change into your robes the rest of the students are due anytime." Minerva announced as she left the room.

They both looked around before Draco turned towards Hermione. "Do you know who else is returning?" he asked. She shook her head, and walked towards the dorm rooms, reading the names as she went. There was 8 students including themselves that had returned it seemed. Hermione unconsciously read all the name on the doors till she found her own at the end of the corridor. Tracey Davis, Draco Malfoy, Neville Longbottom, Michael Corner, Cormac McClaggan, Mandy Brocklehurst and Fay Dunbar.

She opened her door to reveal a rather plain room. The large bed sported a black velvet throw and drapes, a mahogany desk, and her trunk at the foot of the bed. With a door on the opposite wall to her own private bathroom. She quickly changed into her school robes and returned to the common room to wait for Draco.

He followed a few moments later, noticing the witch sticking her wand into her sleeve arm.

"You use that wand?" he asked looking at the distinctive curved wood.

"Yes" she answered matter of factly. He didn't push further.

"Is yours new?" she asked. Knowing harry had permanently taken ownership of his previous wand.

"It was my grandfathers, I found it when we cleaned out the manor. It's not great but it works for me till I get a new one, I heard rumours a wand shop is to be opening in Hogsmeade soon. Maybe we can go together?"

They headed down, not slowing as they stepped through the portrait as the wizard shouted behind them "you boy have we met . . ." they met the influx of students heading for the great hall and followed Draco hesitant wither to follow the witch or go his own way, eventually choosing the latter as he saw Hermione heading for the Gryffindor table. She hugged Neville and Ginny as they took their seats.

Hermione paid little attention as the soring hat sang its riddle, she noticed Draco sitting on the slytherin table looking largely depleted of students in comparison to the others. She wondered why they simply didn't disband the houses and let everyone be equal wasn't that what they wanted from the war? Perhaps the 8th years were an experiment for this idea first before corrupting the whole school.

"Know any of those faces?" Ginny whispered to Neville, catching Hermione's attention she looked up at the direction they were focused on and realised she was talking of the several new professors sitting at the top table. She noticed three new faces she had never seen before. Next to Hagrid sat a short frumpy middle age man, his salt and pepper hair lay in an over exaggerated comb-over style, choosing to wear a muggle style shirt and tweed jacket and pants over the normal school teaching robes. Next to professor Slug horn a young cheery looking woman who seemed to be deep in conversation with the old potions master. Her auburn hair twisted messily into a bun with a quill stuck through and holding it in place. To her left was a hard faced wizard, his dark cropped hair and stiff posture reminded Hermione of army soldiers from the muggle films her father loved so much. The man had a look of annoyance to his face as he stared out in front to the student tables his cold blue eyes stern and unblinking.

"Finally I would like to introduce the new professors, as well as our returning teachers. First we have Samantha Quigley. ." the young woman waved to the students as her name was spoke. ". . She will be assisting Professor Slughorn in potions in turn for his retirement at the end of the year, and acting head of house for Gryffindor." Gaining a cheer from the Gryffindor table.

"Secondly we have Professor Adam Kegg who will be taking over the role of defence against the dark arts . . ." the hard faced wizard have a slight nod at his acknowledgement, scanning the student body for any sign of displeasure. " . . And finally we have Professor Oscar Mctavish who will be teaching Muggle Studies". The stout wizard grinned from under his thick grey moustache at his mention. The headmistress continued to stress the same rules of curfew and no entering the forbidden forest as all previous years before announcing the feast could begin.

They were just moving onto the desert course when filch burst through the doors, limping forward. "Headmistress, we have an invasion of imps on the 7th floor, I'm afraid they have worked their way into Gryffindor tower"

The Gryffindor's immediately stood up, running for the grand staircase, several professors hot on their tale. Hermione followed Ginny up the stairs wondering if anyone knew the password.

It seemed Hermione had missed out on a rather important piece of information when she heard Ginny muttering the password "Dumbledore" and noticed he silver badge on her robes symbolizing head girl. Hermione realised another of her ambitions shattered, seven years of hard work for a position she would never have, but priorities do change, it had never occurred to her on returning she could still have a chance at the position.

Gryffindor tower was in chaos, it seemed the imps had managed to get into several dorms and scavenged amongst the possessions of the students. The older students and professors made quick work of capturing the rebelling imps. However it took time rounding them all up from the 7th floor and tidying up the chaos they had unleashed in such a short time.

Once everything was settled and accounted for, Hagrid rounded up the crates of imps taking them out of the castle to be freed near the swampy coastline down the valley. The majority of possessions taken had been repaired and returned to their owners and student settled for the night. It was past curfew, Hermione was making her way to her dorm to change and sneak out to the forest.

"Miss Granger" a cheery voice rang from behind her.

"Professor McTavish" she answered as she saw the stout man standing with a smile behind her his hands clasped together behind his back.

"I noticed I do not have the pleasure of you in my teaching class this year"

"I found myself overwhelmed academically in previous years professor, muggle studies is hardly beneficial since I am a muggleborn witch" she answered.

"Of course of course" he continued, his bushy moustache puffed out on every exhaled breath. "I merely wished to ask if you would consider mentoring any students I find may benefit from an experienced witch such as yourself. Extra credits and acknowledgement will be given of course and it always looks good on record were you to take an interest in a career at the ministry" he continued in his upbeat tone, his stride seemed to be double as he kept up with the witch walking down the corridor.

"Of course professor if I have the time I'll gladly help"

"Excellent!" he grinned before turning on his heal and trotting to the teaching quarters.

Hermione turned towards the dorms as she reached up the steps she found another waiting at the entrance of the portrait.

"Ah miss Granger" the dark arts professor grunted wispily. "Professor . . ." she answered looking up at the expressionless wizard.

"I wish to address the 8th years but was not yet given the password"

"Pioneer" she spoke. The portrait swung open and she followed her new professor into the common room.

The other students looked in confusion, Draco and Tracey Davis sat near the fire as the rest of the students sat on the opposite side, eyeing them warily.

"As mentioned at dinner I am the new DADA teacher, what was failed to mention is I'll also be overseeing the head of 8th year, as you have been told the house rules do not apply to yourselves, you are all equal and expected to work together and live together. This we hope will encourage house unity and a good example on the lower years. Take my advice, forget the war, this is a clean slate for everyone. I want no personal vendettas or the punishment will be extortionate. Most of you may not have heard of me but I have 30 years' experience of auror training as well as Azkaban wardening behind me. I won't tolerate failure in any form. Get yourselves settled, the hard work starts tomorrow" he concluded before turning abruptly on his heels and leaving the room.

"He's right, we can't sit here being suspicious of each other, and we need to move forward" Tracey Davis spoke stepping forward.

"Any funny business I'm going to suspect it's you or Malfoy" Fay spoke as she stood between Neville and Michael corner.

"Perhaps we can all sit and actually talk and get to know each other, clean slate and all that" Cormac reasoned. A few murmurs of agreement were heard as they began to sit in a circle. Hermione attempted to sneak passed to her room.

"Where are you going Hermione?" Neville asked

"Erm . . ."

"Come on granger, everyone has to take part" Cormac continued.

She sat down in defeat, hoping to get this over quick. Of course nothing ever goes to plan, after several heated arguments, a few tears and a snuck in bottle of fire whiskey finally settling a truce between the groups, finally saw them to bed way after midnight.

Hermione woke with to a tapping on her window. The sun was rising and a small white owl hovered looking into the glass panel. She opened the slot as it hooted gratefully standing on the window sill as she pulled the package from its leg.

She pulled the letter from the top and unfolded it.

Thought you might need this

HP

She pulled the wrapping from the small parcel pulling a rather old piece of parchment out. The marauders map. Hermione smiled at her thoughtful friend, he had given it to her over his girlfriend, thinking it might be good to keep this detail from the new head girl. "This will help when I go see Bellatrix" she thought. She immediately frowned as she realised she never got out last night. She sent a patronus whispering her apology for not getting out the night previous and promising to meet her after lessons today, after she sent it she changed and set out for the first day of classes.

It seemed lessons were uneventful for the 8th years, unsure if it was because they had toned down the practical side of lessons at Hogwarts after the previous year's fiascos with the Carrow twins, or if they simply believed they were over experienced for practise. It seemed the lessons were almost completely based on theory as meaningless notes were taken. Hermione knew she could no doubt take her NEWT's now and still excel, but she wanted to do it properly with a sense of preparation, achievement, and normality. Although normality is never normal in the life of Hermione Granger, so when she found during her free period before dinner later that afternoon, grabbing the newly delivered map and walking across the grounds and stealthily sneaking into the forbidden forest to see her biggest kept secret since their Horcrux hunt, Hermione went to see Bellatrix.

Hermione strode across towards the forest, she could see in the distance near hagrids hut the half giant teaching second years, they appeared to be studying nifflers. She entered the dense forest, lighting her wand to lead the path she vaguely knew.

She first tried the snow cherries bush wondering if the dark witch would be lounging with her dragon, but alas it was deserted apart from a small swarm of dragon flies that hovered near her wand tip. She continued on to the meadow, unsure she was in the right direction until she found her wand stashing tree, placing her wand and map there before entering through the barrier. She scanned, the horizon of different creatures but not sight of the witch. She ran towards the cave entrance, knocking before pulling the tick fur curtain aside to find the place empty, bed neatly made and a morning meal untouched on the table.

She headed over to the centaurs cooking area where Bella took her previously. There was no sign of Bellatrix but a few centaurs looking at her curiously. One stepped forward.

"Can we assist you Miss Granger?" he asked

"I'm looking for Bellatrix"

"She has not been seen since this morning, she returned briefly at breakfast looking a little distressed but left almost immediately"

Hermione began to panic. "Thank you" she whispered before running back to get her wand, perhaps she could find Bellatrix using the map or a location spell. She grabbed the map whispering the incantation and scanning over the aged parchment in hope of seeing the name. It wasn't there. The map covered some of the forest but only the border of the school and behind the lake. It could take hours of hunting and barely touch a certain area of the forest. Hermione pulled her wand out thinking of the best location spell to use and was about to whisper the incantation when she heard a thud behind her.

The thestral landed trotting a few steps before slowing to a halt. Hermione had whipped around at the sound of the beast landing 20 feet away. She watched in silence as the shimmering outline of Bellatrix of reappeared and slid elegantly down from the back of the Thestral. Hermione continued to watch the dark witch who had not yet noticed her. The dark witch landed on both feet silently, straightening her cloak behind her and pulling at her velvet skirts, she ran her hand through her curls pushing them out of her face as she whispered something to the thestral as she stroked his neck. Only when she stepped forward did she see the other witch in front of her.

"Hi" Hermione said sheepishly.

Bellatrix looked at her for a moment, her face blank, eyes blinking as if she was unsure of what she was seeing. She sneered before turning and walking fast paced to the barrier.

"Bella Wait!" Hermione cried, running after the witch. Bella continued to march refusing to answer or acknowledge the call. Hermione caught up to her grabbing her shoulder. Bellatrix spun round grabbing the offending hand from her shoulder and pushed forcefully against Hermione's chest causing her to stumble backwards and fall.

"DON'T TOUCH ME MUDBLOOD" Bellatrix shouted venomously, her eyes glowing black in anger. She turned on her heal and continued on.

Hermione was dazed for a second, feeling hurt and then anger from that derogative word. She jumped up and back after Bella. She tried to grab bellas arm again but met resistance, this time she wrapped her arms around the dark witched arms and chest pulling her backwards to the ground and quickly scrambled forward so she was straddling the dark witch. Bella thrashed her arms trying to strike but Hermione was quicker, grabbing the thrashing limbs and pinning them down.

"WILL YOU KEEP STILL AND JUST LISTEN" Bellatrix continued to wriggle.

"NO, Get off me muddy! I'm not listening to anymore of your lies and shit!"

"When did I lie?" Hermione demanded.

"YOU SAID YOU WOULD COME LAST NIGHT, I WAITED!"

"I tried I couldn't get out of the castle" Hermione argued

"I don't believe you!" Bellatrix spat back.

"For once in your bloody life Bellatrix trust me when I say I tried! I'm here now aren't I!?"

Bellatrix stopped thrashing. Hermione loosened her grip slightly feeling the tension leave slightly. Bellatrix was straining her eyes slightly looking up at the brunette in concentration. That's when Hermione noticed the invasion. Bella had unconsciously performed legilimens on her and was already thoroughly scanning through memories. Hermione tried to push her out but struggled to keep at speed of Bellatrix scans until the dark witch stopped, concentrating on the flutter of memories from the previous day an eyeshot of the travel to the castle, the feast and the group gathering of 8th years. Hermione felt Bellatrix stall on the last memory of Hermione smiling and drinking next to Draco before stumbling to her room. She felt the dark witch pull out forcefully.

Hermione shook her head making sure she was fully rid of the witch in her mind, before looking down at her. Bellatrix's face was scrunched up slightly, a mix of anger, disgust and Hurt?

"My nephew, you discarded me for my bloody nephew!" she whispered. Hermione was taken aback by the statement looking confused as she saw the look in Bellatrix eyes when speaking. Hurt and jealousy was coursing through her and she finally shoved the witch off her once again.

Hermione staggered to her feet after being shoved off. Bellatrix was jealous of Malfoy? Why? She thought.

"Bellatrix there's nothing going on between me and Mal-"

"I'm not interested granger! You know I really began to think you were different. I finally found someone who I could trust again. I can't believe I was stupid enough to think I could trust a mudblood like you! You're no different than the rest of the scum I ever put faith in. My Father, My husband . . . My lord . . . all just used me for their own personal gain" Bellatrix turned to leave.

"Bellatrix please" Hermione whimpered getting upset.

"NO! Just leave me alone!" she could feel the hot tears welling in her eyes. She refused to cry, refused to show weakness. Because for the first time in a long time Bellatrix realised she had a weakness. Hermione Granger had become her weakness.

SlytherinEnigma