A/n: So did I mention I'm sorry?
Warning: this story will deal with violence, sexual mentions and rated for over adults. TAGS: Corruption, violence, mentions of rape, murder, child abuse and illnesses. Warnings will be in place from the star of each story.
CHAPTER Warning: General racism, violence.
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters and no money has been made from this.
Enjoy...
Part Seven
Regret
We are kneeling at the river's edge and tempting
All the steps to follow closer right behind
Is it only when you feel a part is empty
That it's gnawing at the corners of your mind
I will ask you for mercy
I will come to you blind
What you'll see is the me
LP – Muddy Water
Eight days since curfew…
The alcohol is fast in leaving her, the nice dull ache replenished with fear and concern. Regret it lingers, burns her insides. She cries into the waiting arms because this is all her fault. If she hadn't wished it up on Hermione, they wouldn't be here sitting in the waiting room. Clutching to Lily because her other sister is clinging to life in a bed too big for the small witch.
They sobered at the news, the banging on their door stirring them from their sleep, an empty bottle of wine resting on the table. Stunned to find a Kirk standing in their doorway, soot covering his face. Perspiration, dripping down his neck, breathless he clutched the doorframe. Blue eyes bright, against the dirt on his face and so haunting.
"They got Hermione…"
Not asking questions they followed the wizard to the hospital, where he left them to it. An emergency meeting, Andie hopes they won't do anything stupid. Hopes Ted won't do anything stupid. Please, think clearly…
I wished her to burn. She closes her eyes burying her face in her hands she sobs. Because they saw her through the doors, as the mediwitches worked to save her. Saw the burn from the fire, the smoke inhalation, the beaten bloody witch dying. Why?
Two soft hands curl around her, pulling her close into the emotional body of Lily who whispers soothing words. They cling to one another as morning turns to afternoon waiting for news. Waiting for anything.
Lily finds them something to drink, with shaking hands, Andie sips her tea. Ignores the looks of disgust from passers-by as Lily rests her head against Andie's shoulder. This is all Andie's fault. Why, why did she say those things. Jealousy got the better of her.
Always got the best of her, the demon on her shoulder rearing its ugly head. Ruining anything in her life, because of the insecurities. Her demons she needs to placate because she's scared when anything good happens something bad will happen. So, she sabotages before fate has a chance.
That she's scared Ted will leave her, scared he will hurt her by breaking her heart. Because she loves him so much it hurts, scared to show him how much she loves him. It's not in her nature to show her emotions, to show love. She does it subtly by making sure they always have Lily's favourite tea; Hermione doesn't fall asleep at an awkward angle. That both witches have lunch and she looks after them through actions. If she speaks the trust, she's scared she will crack shatter into a million pieces. Terrified if she lets them in, they might break her heart, so she keeps up her stupid façade. Even after all these years, she keeps them at arm's length.
Doesn't make a difference, the hugs come often, the snuggling of a sofa. They look after her make sure she never misses a subscription to the muggle magazine start trek because she's obsessed with the show. Lily's massages to die for and the bickering between Hermione and Andie fighting to win favour with the masseur of their group.
Her family, her sisters.
"I love you." The words break through her thinned lips, startling the snoozing witch on her shoulder.
"What?" Lily mutters rubbing her eyes. "Are we dying?"
"No, I just want you to know. I love you so much."
"Course you do," Lily smirks pressing a kiss to Andie's probably greasy hair. "We're sisters don't you know."
She's grateful for the blasé attitude she's not she could survive anything deeper.
"love you too, idiot," Lily whispers tucking her feet underneath herself.
Smiling, Andie presses her head into the blonde hair, closing her eyes. She imagines they sat on the sofa, drinking watching tv Hermione running late from her midnight activities. That the pizza on the table isn't calling her name and she's being a good sister waiting for Hermione to hurry up home. Otherwise, she will have no tea.
"Girls," Jumping to her feet, Andie almost knocks Lily of the chair.
Hovering a few inches away is Mediwitch Poppy Pomfrey, one of the few Andie works with. A kind witch who has the patience to teach and doesn't shield Andie from reality. Doesn't judge Andie for her choices in life, unlike the others.
"Pomfrey," Andie says a voice dry. "How is she?"
"Stable," Pomfrey answers. "Smoke inhalation, broken ribs, internal bleeding, burns to twenty per cent of her body, concussion… she's lucky to be alive."
"Can we see her?" Andie asks.
"Yes, one at a time, she's fragile. Take it easy on her, she's awake but doesn't remember what happened. Don't force her to remember."
Nodding, Andie thanks the mediwitch, receiving a sympathising pat on the shoulder.
"Wait, Poppy," Andie call after the witch. "What about Anderson?"
"He didn't make it."
It's a cold reality, drenching their small moment of happiness. Turning, Andie studies the witch in front of her, Lily barely holding it together.
"Okay?" Andie asks always checking on Lily.
"Yes, you go first, I need a minute."
"Okay, okay."
"She'll want to see you, Andie, never doubt that."
Nodding, Andie not sure Lily is correct, why would Hermione want to see her? She told the witch to fuck off, to do one. If anything, Hermione has every reason to hate her.
Shouldering the guilt, she nudges the door to the room open pausing on the brink. Queasy from the sight of the beaten witch looking so small in the bed. Bandaged, beaten black and blue. Pushing her feeling aside Andie steps into the room, picking up a chair to a place near Hermione's bed.
Honey eyes find hers a brilliant smile breaking across a split lip. A bandaged hand searching for Andie's she clutches it like a lifeline. Grasping the contact, tears breaking through her facade. She gasps wanting to speak but she cannot form any words.
"What you think?" Hermione mumbles wincing at the breaths. "Do you think this will give me street cred?"
Snorting, Andie bursts into tears going into the open arms of Hermione. Clutching the white fabric of the hospital linen. She cries until her tears soak the linen and she has nothing left to cry.
"I thought you were dead."
"Not yet," Hermione mutters, running her unbandaged arm along Andie's arm. "Not yet gave it a good go though."
"They said you don't remember…" Andie comments brushing the hair out of eyes.
"Lestrange." Hermione interrupts.
"The brothers, I'm gonna fucking kill them."
"No, it was just Rabastian and someone else. I don't know who though. Acting on Riddle's orders."
"You sure? We should press charges; I'll do it myself."
"Andie, they know."
The world stops, tilting. Know what? Which bit do they know?
"You and Lily need to move out, find somewhere else. Tonight."
"No, you're coming too."
"I'm compromised." Hermione grimaces. "They know I printed the stuff for Yaxley, they found the printer at A…" She breaks at the word. "Reg's."
"But it's gone now in smoke, they burnt their only evidence. So, doesn't matter. We'll all move."
"Andie…"
"No, you cannot be alone. What happens if they come back?" Andie nods shakily. "Exactly safety in numbers you're coming with us. Don't fight me on this you won't win."
Sighing, Hermione breaks into a cough, taking in deep breathes she clutches her chest. She turns her head to the window studying the outside world.
"They say they can finish fixing me tomorrow," Hermione states pulling a loose thread. "I don't know how I can afford this."
"We'll figure something out."
"They only admitted me because I am a victim or possible suspect, Aurors need me alive."
"They don't think you're a suspect, do they? What to?"
"Probably arson or something."
"Seriously?"
"We'll just have to wait and see. Good news if I am suspect Auror office will pay my medical bill."
"Don't say that." Andie reprimands.
Lily is a flurry of limbs as she enters the room on Andie's exit embracing Hermione in a hug. Standing in the waiting room, she breathes in the stale air. Things were rolling out of control. An older witch huffs at her, been watching them all day. Judging them.
"Is there a problem?" Andie demands to startle the older witch. "Cause if there is, I suggest you fuck off."
Huffing, muttering under her breath the witch stalks from the room, heels clicking against the floor. Sighing, Andie rubs her eyes, she needs a drink.
They spend the night in the foyer, refusing to leave. They take perch near the door to Hermione's room, watching the comings and goings of staff. The arrival of Ted and some of his friends. Dirk one of the few to visit Hermione.
The scene fills Andie with dread, the studying from onlookers, the attitude from the friends. Something is going down; she just doesn't know what. Ted hugs her; they spend some time in another room from prying eyes.
"What's going on?" Andie demands to fold her arms.
"We're moving stuff from your flat," Ted confesses. "It's not safe."
"I know, what else is happening."
"Too soon to say."
"Ted, don't hold back on me here. She's my sister."
"I can't say yet." Ted shrugs apologetically, the motion riles her. "Why don't you come home with me, won't do you good…"
"No, I'm not leaving her."
"I can leave someone here with her."
"Not happening."
They don't speak much after that, a kiss on the cheek from Ted a promise to talk. She doesn't buy it, the pieces on the chessboard are moving. Set in motion, but she's in the dark. The look on Dirk's face terrifies her, as though tasked with something impossible. He doesn't linger after meeting with Hermione, leaves suddenly with a whispered word to Ted.
"Are we in check?" Lily whispers watching the wizards converse.
"That or checkmate."
Pomfrey relaxes the order of only one visitor, allowing Andie and Lily to remain in Hermione's room. They drift asleep through the night, only leaving when they come to heal Hermione once more. Taking a walk on the grounds, spending too much time in the hospital. Lily fetches them some late lunch, a dried apple and some sort of sandwich from a petrol station.
They are notified of their new address, assured all belongings including Hermione's are now at their new flat. She wonders if it will be worse than the last, will there be black mould on the bathroom wall? Will the blind fall down each time the tug it? Will the windows howl with the slightest wind?
Stretching her leg, she leaves Lily with Hermione needing the fresh air. Tomorrow Hermione can go home with them. Still, it's unsightly seeing the bruises on Hermione's face and neck. It makes her stomach twist each time she watches the witch take a jagged breath.
Cups of tea in hand, Andie heads back to the room, the reassuring smell of tea. Her mouth salivates at the thought of the light brown liquid the taste. She wonders if she can steal some biscuits from the staff lounge.
"What are you doing?" Lily's shout breaks her peaceful thoughts. "Get off her!"
Dropping the tea, Andie runs the rest of the way ignoring the shouting of hospital staff. Freezing at the sight of Auror's guiding Hermione out of her room in handcuffs.
"Stand down ma'am." Potter orders pushing Lily away. "We have ordered to arrest Miss Granger."
"For what?" Andie demands to come to a stop in front of Rodulphus Lestrange preventing the wizard from going any further.
"Murder and arson." Lestrange retaliates. "Step aside."
"Make me." Andie snaps.
"Andie, don't." Hermione orders. "Don't do this. Get my lawyer."
They both know that's code to rally the troops, notify Ted that shit is going down. Stepping aside, Andie doesn't hear the shouting from Lily the abuse hurled at the retreating Aurors. Pulling the hysterical witch aside, Andie gives a firm slap to Lily's face snapping her from her moment.
"Listen, you need to go get Ted, tell them what's happening."
"But…"
"Lily!" Andie snaps, kid gloves are off. "I will follow, you go get help. Lily! Listen, no listen. She needs you right now. Needs you to pull your shit together. She can't protect us anymore but sure as hell doesn't mean we cannot protect her. Now go to Ted."
Sniffling, Lily nods pulling from the embrace running the opposite way to rally the troops. Andie follows the Aurors, running to the floo network she's barely in the flames before she's heading towards the Ministry.
In a blur, she finds herself in the Auror unit, in front of the towering Sergeant on the desk demanding information. How high is the bail money, what are the charges? She somehow flusters the Cornish man who backs away.
The sound of feet, the muttering of voices she knows the troops have rallied. Turning up behind her, all demanding answers. Night has barely fallen, and they are all out, demanding justification.
"ENOUGH!" A voice hollers, Scrimgeour entering the halls. "Enough of this madness!"
She spots her once sister following Scrimgeour out of the office. Bellatrix looking towards the retreating forms of Hermione and her arresting party. A frown on Bella's face, as she studies the angry crowd in front of her.
"You have no right to hold her!" Andie states challenging Scrimgeour, despite her crowd going quiet, she will not remain quiet. "This is brutality."
"Miss Black," Scrimgeour replies the surname making her vein pulse. "I can assure you there is no brutality here. We are merely observing the law."
"What law? Riddle's law? Or the law of the people? Because I sure don't see the people happy these days."
"That is an outlandish statement, Miss Black…"
"It's not Black," Andie interrupts. "I have no association with them. What is Hermione's bail?"
"The court has declared no bail to be set as a flight risk." The sergeant adds.
"She's never been in trouble all her life, how the fuck does that stand? "A voice shouts before more jeers break from the crowd.
Rabastian Lestrange guiding Kirk through the crowd in cuffs, with the assistance of the Longbottom's. What is happening? Why is Kirk involved?
"Are you her family?" Scrimgeour demands Andie. "No, then I cannot discuss this with you…"
"Yes, I am. I'm her sister."
"Not by blood," Scrimgeour snaps. "you have no claim to Miss Granger's business."
"Fuck you," Andie snaps aware of Bella stalking closer. "you have no idea of the shit storm you've created."
"IS that a threat?" Scrimgeour demands.
"This is just the beginning…"
"Alright," Bella interrupts stepping in front of Andie and the crowd. "We're done here, why don't you folks head home."
Angry, Andie feels the crowd step back at the presence of more Aurors at the presence of her sister. Ordering them to cease and desist, to go home. Let Hermione be thrown into Azkaban. A hand presses against her shoulder, Bella forcing Andie to step back.
She reacts, back-slapping Bella so hard she stumbles backwards. Lip bleeding eyes wild, Bella rears her real ugly head. Anger pulsing through her veins, the crooked wand slips into conniving dextrous fingers.
"Don't fucking touch me," Andie spits furious. "You are no relation to me. Mr Scrimgeour, you will be hearing from an attorney."
Turning on the spot she marches back the way she came half terrified Bella will attack her, half hoping she will. The crowd follow, they apparate away to the selected hideout for the night. The night's events on repeat, the crowd roaring with injustice angry. They speak of her actions they praise her. In one single move, she has become one of them, truly one of them. It's only when they all leave, just her and Ted left alone, does she collapses to her knees. Heaving, crying smacking the floor until he pulls her on to his lap. Rocking her back and forth.
Hermione is done, they can do nothing for her… Nothing.
~~~~~ Curfew ~~~~~
The chains dig, pinching into her skin, heavy they hold her in place. Not that she could escape, not really. Maybe on the back of a dragon, but she doesn't have one of those in her pocket. Kirk is looking very calm in his little cage. She can see the sweat under his armpits because this is real. She's being sentenced to death, even if she doesn't get the kiss it doesn't matter. It's over she will never leave Azkaban alive. If illness doesn't take her, the temptation of suicide then old age will.
"You stand on trial for the murder of your employer Mr Reginal Anderson, discrimination of Minister employee, fabrication…"
She trails of Barty Crouch residing over their hearing. The Aurors looking mighty smug, her few supporters failing to look reassuring from their docks. This is it now, her last day as a free woman.
Kirk promised he erased her parent's memories before he was arrested, they should be halfway to Australia. It's all over, least they won't question her disappearance.
"Not guilty."
"Very well, Sir Griffon if you please." Crouch gives the floor.
"Thank you, your honour, Prosecutor for the state, Sir Griffon."
Won't be long now their pleas will come to nothing, Azkaban already has her room reserved. No refund for this one, not with the glee pouring from Riddle watching. No, she's going to hell for the rest of her life. She never did expect this, she expected to die for the cause maybe. Some part of her though, hoped she owns a little cottage, a house. A few acres of land away from everything. In another life, she would maybe run for Minister. Perhaps a Professor at Hogwarts or the temptation of an Unspeakable.
"My second witness."
There was no potion this time to save her, she was found half-dead in the bookstore. As the days pass the trial continues as she shuffles too and from the dock, she wonders if it was worth. Was it worth it? Perhaps, Dumbledore has now placed a charm protecting Hogwarts from strangers passing through to the ground uninvited.
"It was meant to be a simple crime." Griffon drones on. "To fabricate a lie regarding one of our Ministers. They devised an outlandish story destroying Mr Yaxley's character. They, however, didn't anticipate Mr Anderson would discover their little plot. He realised and confronted Miss Granger that fateful night. Demanded why his trust was broken his machines used for such a disgraceful act. Said he would go to Auror's, would exploit them. Panicking Miss Granger reached out to Mr Cresswell; they devised a cruel plan. When the shop closed, they ambushed Mr Anderson, killed him. Tried to destroy the evidence make it appear a robbery. How manipulative Miss Granger truly was she got Cresswell to beat her. Just enough to look real. They then set fire to cover their tracks, leaving the front door unlocked so Miss Granger could be rescued easily."
She feels the pressure of the room turn to judge her, what would they see. A beaten witch left to die or a manipulative bitch the state wants her to appear. Should she smile, frown, give them the finger no one trained them for this. How do you act innocent?
"This was a crime of two scared individuals, of hate. Mr Anderson was an innocent man, did not deserve to die the way he did. Miss Granger used his trust to betray him and killed him in cold blood. We have the printer that Miss Granger used to print the leaflets. We have witnesses who saw Mr Cresswell running from the scene. A letter from Mr Anderson arranging the meeting."
"I call my first witness, your honour." Their attorney states the following day.
She watches her friends give testimony to her alibi, to her character. They linger gaze they all know it's useless, but she appreciates the attempt. All their characters are put to the test by the prosecution. Past actions coming to light, she hates the whole charade.
"My next witness Miss Granger."
She takes the stand, recounts the story, minus a few details. How she arrived, was attacked and left for dead. Why are we doing this? It doesn't matter, they don't care…
"I'd like to cross-examination, your honour." Griffon requests approaching her dock. "Miss Granger, how was your boss, Mr Anderson?"
"He was like a father to me." The answer is not one Griffon wanted.
"His death would have been crushing to you?"
"Yes, especially because it will go unanswered."
"unanswered?"
"I am not guilty, Sir. I would never hurt him, I begged for him to be saved. Begged."
"Of course, you did, from the mysterious attackers, you still don't remember them?"
Silent, she remains silent staring at Rabastian Lestrange, unflinching at her scrutiny. He let Anderson die, for no reason, let a good man die.
"The witness will answer the question." Crouch orders.
"I remember them," Hermione replies meeting Griffon's gaze. "I recognised one of them anyway not the other."
"Are they in this courtroom?" Griffon smirks.
"Yes,"
A gasp shock, muttering they think she means Kirk, but she merely holds the hungry gaze of the prosecutor.
"Will you point them out to us?"
"Sir, I would love to." He grins at her answer, but her hands remain folded on her lap. "That would mean my death though. I can tell you with absolute certainty that Mr Cresswell was not there that night."
"You talk of death Miss Granger but offer no other reason to explain your innocent plea nor a solid alibi."
"objection…"
"Overruled continue."
"By keeping silent you are securing your deaths in Azkaban."
"Your right, I will speak plainly. Kirk cannot speak to that night because he was passed out drunk at the party. So yes, I am keeping my gob shut because it will mean death."
"Yes, death how so? Why would it mean death miss Granger?"
"They left me alive so I can get sent to Azkaban a point to be made to all mudbloods. That this is what happens if we speak."
"Ah, you blame your blood, another excuse."
"I created the leaflets," Hermione admits. "I alone created them with the help of Reg. I never worked one of those crazy old machines. He helped me print them. Because the truth needed to be heard."
"A lie!"
"The truth, sir. It's just the start."
"I'm sorry."
"It's only the first edition, there's more to come." She turns her attention to Riddle. "It doesn't have to though. Kirk was not there that night; I alone was there. I was attacked they killed Reg, they left me to die in the burning shop. I upset some people, Mr Griffon, they wanted me to remain quiet."
"Another lie." Griffon shakes his head.
"Look at me," Hermione orders Griffon making him turn to her shocked. "It doesn't matter if you lock me up. It doesn't matter. Because we are just beginning. Just beginning."
"Order," Crouch demands.
"I want you to know, we will never stay silent." Hermione stands in the dock. "Never."
"The witness is excused," Crouch demands the guards moving to take her down.
"Remember me, Mr Griffon," Hermione instructs the Prosecutor. "I want you to remember my face because I am innocent Sir. I would die before I hurt Reg. You sent me to my death."
"Remove Miss Granger," Crouch demands.
They drag her towards Kirk clutching his bars staring at her confused.
"What did you do?" He whispers.
"Saved you."
It's three days later, standing in her cage, waiting for the sentencing. Griffon won't look her in the eye. Andie is watching, a crowd today. A crowd every day, but it's bigger the last few days because of her outburst.
"Before I read the verdict, I will address this courtroom. We will have no outbursts from the stands, we will not tolerate any misbehaviour." Crouch sends a sharp look to Hermione. "in the case of the state verse Mr Cresswell, the court has found you Mr Kirk Cresswell not guilty."
Disbelief, she collapses in her chair, the shock on Kirk's face worth a million sentences. The guards heave her to her feet. Swallowing, it doesn't matter about her verdict she saved Kirk from certain death.
"In the case of the state verse Miss Hermione Granger, the court finds you guilty of second-degree murder."
She releases a breath, no kiss then. Just life in Azkaban. The gravel falls, finalising the verdict. The chains removed from Kirk; he pushes past the guards gripping Hermione's hand through the bars.
"I will never forget this." He promises.
She kisses the hand. "I know. Stay safe."
"Hermione…" The guards wrestle him away despite his protests they escort him from the court. "I'll get you out! We'll get you out!"
Closing her eyes, Hermione takes the moment to regain her composer. The stands aloud with chatter, the onlookers in disbelief. Rising once more, Hermione grips the metal bars scared if she doesn't, she will collapse.
It's not Andie who catches her attention it's Black watching from the stalls. Hunched over, elbows on her knees studying the court as though it's something foreign entirely. Look at me. Look at me! She doesn't know why she wants Black's attention.
"Miss Granger," Crouch gains her attention. "You have been found guilty by the court. You will be sentenced to life. You will serve your time at Azkaban there will be no parole hearing. Is there anything you would like to address the court?"
Clearing her throat, she clutches the bars surrounding her, can hear the birds outside the windows chirping. The silence is almost deafening.
"I love Reg, as though he was a father to me. I did not kill him; I only wish I dared to tell you who did. I wish I could honour his name by locking up his true killers. To my family, my friends, I love you all… To the rest of you, go fuck yourselves, you corrupt, fascist bastards."
"Order! Order!"
She gives the Riddle the finger before they chain her hands behind her back. Leading her from the courtroom. She knows outside there is a carriage waiting to take to Azkaban. Her knees buckle but the guards prevent her from falling.
Breathless, she vibrates in fear, the blinding light of the end of the tunnel. It's not her salvation it's a looming carriage. With sentinels posted, hovering above on brooms ready to take to hell. The hearse of a carriage black in colour.
They stop.
She almost slumps, the sentinels listening turning to the source of the noise. Squinting Hermione wonders what they can see, why have they stopped. What's happening? Is Riddle going to kill me now?
A continuous thud, the rumbling of the ground. Auror's appear flanking the carriage. Pride fills her removing her sense of dread. A crowd, not a mob of friends, strangers approaching.
"Disperse!" A sentinel orders.
"Hell no, we won't go!" A voice shouts. "Hell no, we won't go!"
A chant breaks out, banners, flags appear in the air. Ted stands at the front of the mob, confident. He winks at Hermione; this was not for nothing.
They rush her into the carriage, bundled in between two large wizards. The crack of the whip, they lurch, she catches sight of the mob coming toe to toe with Aurors. In a spectacular move, they remove their clothes slurs written across their chest before sitting. Still chanting.
It wasn't for nothing…
A/n: So apparently, I have a thing for sending Hermione to Azkaban. It's not that I hate her, i just love having Azkaban in the stories. From the chapter after this we're going to see the real development of Bellamione interactions. If your good I might just upload the next chapter.
Wishing you all health and happiness, stay safe.
Till next time...