A/n: Just keep moving, just keep moving.
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: violence, mentions of kidnap, drug abuse. Underage sex hinted at. Prostitution.
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters and no money has been made from this.
Enjoy...
Part Nine
Secrets
"Knowledge is power. Power to do evil...or power to do good. Power itself is not evil. So knowledge itself is not evil."
―Veronica Roth,
Knee crossed over the other, she waits in the small sitting room, with the loud grandfather clock ticking. The curious paintings pretending to read but she feels their eyes linger. Her thumb taps an unsteady beat against her thigh. Her investigation into the murders led her here, to Hogwarts, waiting outside the headmaster's office.
In his Clerks office, waiting to be seen by Dumbledore. She's aware she has already overrun her appointment, an appointment Riddle managed to secure her after much persuasion. One of their victims had just left Hogwarts it was imperative she spoke to the Professor's and her friends. How did a bright star fall to drugs, become expelled and slaughtered on the streets in less than a year. She's well aware the young girl turned to prostitution to fund her addiction.
Corrina Clearwater, a strong student, sorted into Ravenclaw following in the foot's steps of her older brother. Disowned by her family for bringing shame to them through her expulsion. Flicking flint from her robe, Bella ignores the gawping students peering through the clerk's door. Clearwater a prominent quidditch player, Bella had seen some of the footage, the girl was good. So how did she come to this? How did it come to Bella sitting waiting to speak to Dumbledore about the death of one of his students?
"Shoo!" The whiny voice orders.
Slowly the students wander away, catching glimpses of the famous Auror. Bella is aware one of her pictures is framed somewhere. Something to do with her foiling the illegal selling forged artefacts and the investigation into the biggest quidditch tournament which prevented a terrorist attack.
Slightly bowed, the short wizard forces a tentative smile, even now after all these years. He remains a weakling. Even the students fail to respond to his orders, can hear the mutterings and giggles of the children as they leave. Staring at the blank wall she ignores the watery eyes that plead her attention, refuses to acknowledge him.
A clerk to the headmaster, some would see as a prestigious position, others know better. He's just a paper pusher for the Ministry, Dumbledore not the best at keeping records so they gave him a clerk. She'll admit though, Pettigrew has lost weight no longer the fat chubby kid in school now a skinny short idiot. Very much like his animagus, something she forced Potter, Pettigrew and Sirius to register when she learnt about them. Although arresting them would bring joy to her it would not do her any good to arrest one of her own Auror's.
"He shouldn't be any longer." Pettigrew apologises in his nasal voice.
"A busy man." Bella comments.
"Yes, yes he is."
It's a lie, Bella knows this, Dumbledore is putting the meeting off. Whether it's to hide something or just stubborn way. A power play for Dumbledore as some sort of proof that he does not bend to the Ministry. She could care less this isn't about the little rift between Riddle and Dumbledore. This is about a girl murdered in cold blood.
A tall black-haired witch pauses on passing, the stern gaze and emerald robes. She doesn't change even after all these years, Minerva McGonagall still the same Professors. Students stumble in the presence of McGonagall scared to cross the witch. It's the fear that used to turn Bella's veins to ice. The only Professor she truly respected, because McGonagall was not someone to trifle with. Bella learnt that the hard way, the numerous detentions, she's sure she had the most. A pause, as McGonagall regards Bella before she continues about her day.
Bella smiles as she hears the Scottish voice chase some poor student down the hall, takes her back to her days at school. Is this why Pettigrew and Snape returned to Hogwarts because it held precious memories. The warmth in the castle the adventures to be held, the fun and sheer joy contained in old walls. Hogwarts creates a bubble where lines cross, blood mingles and duty becomes forgotten. It's the harsh reality of the wizarding world that slaps them on graduation. Hogwarts failing to prepare them for life.
Sighing she checks the time, Dumbledore running an hour late. The jaw tenses she hates being late hates being held up. The room smells like a rats den, she chances a look towards Pettigrew who is busy chewing a pencil. Another sigh escapes her lips, her thumb stops tapping she draws a curse on her leg with her finger instead. Imaging casting the curse could just imagine Pettigrew's high pitched squeals begging for the pain to stop.
"Dumbledore has sent for tea he will be with you in ten minutes," Pettigrew comments mid-chew.
A grunt leaves her pale lips, the finger still drawing the curse. A promise of pain, she distracts her mind with her thoughts. Her mind wanders the curses turning more deadly as she recaps Riddle's visit almost a week ago. The badge still heavy on her belt, still cold to touch.
No one spoke to her return to the Auror unit, only a passing comment from someone asking if she was better. It was as if she was never gone, her desk the same. Only Scrimgeour looked at her with concern hidden feebly. The brothers remaining oblivious, Rod too wrapped in figuring out what was bothering his brother. Rab too lost in whatever drama is plaguing his life. The activists continuing their protests during the day dispersing at night. Obeying the rules, she watches both. The so-called Order of Phoenix and the murders. Alice not too happy having to hand the murders to Bella but her lips remain tight. Perhaps only Bella is foolish enough to speak her mind.
Everything now seems tainted, the walk into the Ministry, the patrols at night, it has become a hindrance. A tick in her mind, something telling her there is something very wrong. The world continues as normal, however, except for the papers, they report nothing but good news. She heard Skeeta was arrested for being an illegal Animagus, but the Prophet has published nothing but praise for the Ministry. Slander against the muggleborns, against her disgraced sister, not Granger though. Still protected, for the time being, It won't last for long.
"The Headmaster will see you now," Pettigrew informs her, pointing to the opening staircase.
"Just in time." Bella drawls rising.
She climbs the stone steps aware of Pettigrew following her every move, it's not until the stone case turns once more does she feel the gaze leave. The room is stuffy, the smell of books, a bird rattles in a cage, she steps into the office. Towards the large desk covered in scripts, letters, a leaflet on Cabedoism and old tombs.
"Bellatrix," The calm voice, it's a flashback to many school assemblies.
To the cool blue eye that used to regard her when she was dragged to his office. His disappointed tone as he would reprimand her and the brothers. Can still remember his attempt at trying to influence her thinking. That she could be so much more after the brothers left he would tell her she could live up to more than family expectation. When she cursed her sister, he was the one to punish her. The one to bring her aside and tell her love is more powerful than anything. That blood is merely just a part of the body, not one's true identity. She was quick to remind him that he was a hypocrite. Quick to remind him that once upon a time he used to hate muggles and muggleborns. Hoping to get a rise out of the famous wizard only to receive a shake of the head a sigh of disappointment.
"Sit, please."
The chair creaks as she sits. "Thank you for seeing me."
A cracked smile as Dumbledore nods in approval. She wants to demand what kept him, why waste her time. She chooses not instead listens to Riddle's words as he organised the meeting. Please, Bella, do not antagonise Dumbledore. You get much further with him if you play by his game.
"Tea?"
He doesn't wait for a response a cup is floating in front of the teapot, the steaming tea filling the chipped cup. Folding her hands she waits patiently for pleasantries to end. Tries not to let her annoyance show, focusing instead on studying the elderly wizard. Gracefully accepting the offered cup, the blackened mangled hand offering the tea.
With a forced smile, she takes the cup, placing in it on the desk. Reclining in his seat Dumbledore observes Bella over his half mooned glasses. She catches a glimpse of a much younger Dumbledore posing in a frame next to Newt Scamander before the fight with Grindelwald. Before Dumbledore was called to fight his once friend, to finish the war.
No longer the young man in the frame, Grindelwald died during the fight. Died by his curse reflected by Dumbledore. She remembers reading about the battle the true power she wished she could have witnessed it. Never the less, a reminder of what dark magic and a duel are truly capable of, Dumbledore did not leave unscathed from the fight.
His right hand scared mangled from a curse that tore his wand apart. A deep scar running from the tip of his nose to his hairline crossing over his left eye that is no longer blue. Blinded in one eye, his left pure white from a spell. Blinding him during a nasty spell, his leg damaged. She heard he lost muscle in his calf during a duel. Making him walk with a cane and a permanent limp. Not only did he lose his childhood friend and if rumour to believe his once lover. Dumbledore was maimed in the fight, never able to recapture his true potential ever again.
Pity, it creates empathy in the depths of emotions, she always respected Dumbledore. Rising to the call when needed, she along with others though question his motives. He could have stepped in a lot sooner prevented more dying, but his actions cost him more than any could be imagined. A reminder that magic comes with terrible consequences.
Now he remains in what she supposes is his prison, she's not even sure he leaves Hogwarts grounds. Already a ghost to the only place he considers home, floating the halls at night. Do nightmares keep him awake, what does he see when he looks in the mirror. A fighter? Survivor or a murderer. Who became the victim, in the end, Grindelwald or Dumbledore?
Once a proud wizard, powerful, all she sees is a tired man, holding on to his throne while around him the wizarding world changes. Is there room for the likes of Dumbledore? Does he have any political ties in the Ministry has his flock long deserted him. She wonders when the Ministry will oust him from his role when McGonagall will step forward. Heaven knows the school could do with some fresh blood in charge.
"What can I do for you, Lieutenant Black?" Dumbledore asks after sipping his tea.
"You heard about Clearwater?"
"Of course, a tragedy, Miss Clearwater had such potential. A waste of a very skilled witch, I spoke to her family a few hours ago."
"Why was Clearwater expelled?" Bella asks, flicking open her notebook.
"I understand that the Auror unit is already aware," Dumbledore replies, tilting his head. "Your team did conduct a thorough investigation at the time."
"I'd like to hear it again." Bella requests. "If you don't mind."
"It was my understanding; Miss Clearwater had fallen behind in her studies. She turned to potions to help her stay awake, to study, from there it is clear it spiralled out of hand."
"How?"
"I'm sorry."
"I'm not being awkward Dumbledore, but I need to understand. How did no one notice?"
"Her friends raised concerns, Matron Dankworth requested Miss Clearwater to visit. For a check, but I believe this request was denied by Miss Clearwater herself. She improved remarkably after that, until…"
"Until she was found overdosed?" Bella supplies helpfully. "By Snape, I believe?"
"Indeed, Severus was on his routine rounds when he found Miss Clearwater." Sighing, Dumbledore places his tea down. "There was no other action to be taken at that time. The Clearwater's refused to acknowledge their daughter's addiction and without their authorisation, she could not be admitted to St Mungo's for rehabilitation. It was the school boards decision to expel Miss Clearwater."
"You didn't think that was the right thing to do?"
"I believed Miss Clearwater needed help. Banishing her from Hogwarts would only place her in harm's way. Nevertheless, I was outvoted."
"I need to speak to Snape."
"He is currently undisposed," Dumbledore responds calmly reaching for a biscuit. "He is at a conference with Professor Sprout in Belgium until Tuesday."
"I'll have to speak to him on his return," Bella comments making a note.
"No need, he forwarded me a written report," Dumbledore replies pulling a scroll from his desk sealed with Snape's ink. "I thought it prudent to speak to him when Tom organised this meeting."
Reclining, Bella studies the report on the desk. Why would Dumbledore feel the need to speak to Snape, was this Dumbledore's usual interfering self or something more? Was he covering for Snape? Was there more to the incident than either wizard is willing to admit.
"You hesitate? Is this not what you require?" Dumbledore ponders.
"You know it is," Bella replies, collecting the scroll and stashing it away to read away from prying eyes. "I still need…"
A scarred hand rises, stopping her speaking, Dumbledore leaning forward in his chair. Flattening his good hand on the desk as he addresses her directly.
"Bellatrix, the board would prefer this investigation to move away from Hogwarts grounds."
"A girl was murdered."
"I am in complete agreement with you and I understand your moral duty. Never the less, parents are already asking questions, the board would consider it in the best interest if you would take to interviewing Professor's in their own time."
"When the school is closed?"
"Yes, exactly."
"In months when memory changes," Bellatrix replies frustrated.
"I could order statements from all the staff."
"So everyone can have the same story?"
"There is no conspiracy here," Dumbledore reassures with a calm smile.
"It feels like there is one." Bella states resting her foot against the desk sees the tick of an eyebrow, Dumbledore annoyed at the blatant disrespect. "It feels as though Hogwarts has something to hide."
"Hogwarts will always have something to hide, it was built on secrets."
Frustration builds, bringing a hammering headache knocking against her skull. A steady thump, thump that grows with every second spent in the old wizard's company. She never did like speaking to Dumbledore, always speaking in riddles. Never one for a straight answer, it annoyed her at school, now it is apparent Dumbledore is trying to guide her away from Hogwarts. What could the old wizard be hiding in these walls?
"You've changed," Dumbledore comments offhandedly.
"What happens when you grow up," Bella replies with her usual sarcastic drawl.
"Hmm, I suppose it does, we do lose our joy to the troubles of the world. You always did carry the world on your shoulders even as a child." A hand combs through an ancient beard as a blue crystal eye studies her. "Such a burden surely, the weight of the world."
"The reward is worth it."
"I'd imagine it would be," he nods, swirling his tea. "The reward of the people or him?"
The question stumps her, she swallows, her fingers pulsing. Wondering who he could be discussing, did he know of her admiration for Tom? Does he know how much she is willing to risk for the wizard, for the Minister?
"It's not the same though, you seem troubled even now. You fight with yourself tell me, Bellatrix what has Tom done to trouble you."
The question throws her on to the back foot, it's the oldest strategy in the book. Throw someone off so they stop asking the questions. It's years of practice that stops her from showing a reaction, but she cannot stop her fist curling. A satisfied glint in cool gaze, Dumbledore happy to have rattled her cage.
She picks at her nails, with all the casualness she can inflict in the action. Her tell-tale sign she is bored of a conversation, watches the annoyance flicker across Dumbledore's face. She used to pick her nails in his detention, give him the finger when she knew he wasn't looking, but knew he would sense it. Would hex others in detention when he would turn his back, she didn't need a wand not then. Not now. She wonders if his mind is casting back to when she set his favourite chair on fire, or when hexed a student to start spewing her guts up. Nerves of steel. Even under his cool gaze, resilient. Yes, she may have changed, but it didn't make her any weaker. She may question Riddle, it would never shake her resolve though.
"Albus," Another flinch, she has no right to call the wizard by his first name but since they seem to be on the first-name basis she will. "A girl died, one of your students. She got high in your school, overdosed in this school. I will need to speak to her friends."
Frowning, Dumbledore shakes his head rising to his feet he rings a small bell. She can hear the footsteps on the concrete stairs, her interview has come to an end.
"I am growing tired," Dumbledore replies showing no signs of tiredness. "I cannot allow you to interrupt the student's study."
Pushing to her feet, she finds some of the police Riddle has issued to guard the school waiting by the door for her to leave. She faintly recognises them from years back Gryffindor's perhaps, she's not sure. She's seen their pictures in the graduating folder, their loyalty clearly to Dumbledore but they spare her a nod of respect.
"Ma'am if you will," One of the wizards greets her hand slowly moving to the door. "We're here to escort you out."
"I don't need escorting." Bella bites, turning to Dumbledore.
"It's a new policy," Dumbledore comments studying the grounds below his window. "No visitors are allowed to wander freely in Hogwarts."
"You were never this stringent when I was in school." Bella comments.
"Times are changing," Dumbledore replies offhandedly. "I hope you catch the killer Lieutenant. I'm sorry I can be of little help."
"I will talk to the students," Bella warns.
"Not on Hogwarts you will not send my regards to Tom."
"Take care Headmaster, I'm sure I'll see you again."
It's an idle threat, not her best, never the less she turns on her heel walking from the room. Ignores the fact Pettigrew is scampering back to his desk pretending he wasn't eavesdropping. Shakes the annoyance of the guards escorting her to the exit, a comment passed quickly rebuffed.
They ensure she cannot divert from their chosen path, not past any classes or students. Perhaps it was a new stringent law, perhaps, Dumbledore was just a puppet to the board, clinging to the only power he has. Maybe she's too tired of chasing shadows. Too tired of being lied to that she seeks truth when it's already offered. It doesn't matter her instincts never let her down even now they scream at her to go back to Headmaster. Shake him from his stupid pompous robes demand a single solid answer.
"Built on secrets," She mutters under her breath, she knows exactly what Hogwarts is built on.
Security was not one of them, would never be one of them. The number of rules she broke as a child testament to that. She takes the steps towards the main doors two at a time, wanting to be free from the oppressive castle. Something has changed here, what though she doesn't know.
The sight of Minerva McGonagall standing near the exit startles her to a stop. McGonagall who should be teaching, not standing at the exit. Waiting for her, despite her aloofness she knows Minerva is waiting to speak with her.
"Bellatrix?" A high pitched tilt to her powerful Scottish accent, a fakeness ringing clear in Bella's ear. A pretence as though pretending she didn't know Bellatrix would be leaving at this time. Taken by surprise, something Bella learnt in school was near impossible. She could never get one over on McGonagall perhaps Dumbledore but never the feisty witch.
"Minerva," Bellatrix greets courtly, she hasn't spoken to the headmistress since graduation.
"I would have thought you had left already," Please Minerva why the act? She feels her guards slack at the conversation stepping back to allow Bella time to speak with Minerva. "Did Dumbledore waffle on?"
"Could say that," Bella nods, putting her hands in her pockets trying to act indifferent as much as her training would allow.
"You've grown into such a capable witch," Minerva comments a glint in her eyes. "Always nice to see students after they've graduated. To see what they have become and done with their lives."
"Well," Bella starts licking her lips struggling to decipher the witches cryptic code. "I never thought I'd go down this route."
"No, I don't imagine you did." Minerva comments hands clasped the essence of a caring Professor. "After I caught you at Spletost Market, oh what was the pub called?"
Confused, Bella chooses to flush red looking towards the old stoned ground, ignoring the snickers from the guards. She has never been caught by Minerva in Spletost Market she would never step a foot there. It's a known muggleborn area in Leeds, she tries to rack her brains for the pub Minerva could be referring to.
"The Excited Apple?" Bella poses.
"Yes, that's the one, you were in detention for weeks, I think it was during that time you changed your mind. When things started you on this journey."
"I didn't see daylight for days." Bella plays along aware the pictures are changing, Dumbledore sending them to listen in on the conversation.
"No," Minerva responds a hint of sadness.
"I'm going to have to ask for statements from all for Clearwater."
"I'm sure Hogwarts will oblige."
Hogwarts, she can just imagine the same statements from all Professors. What was Minerva trying to tell her that, was there a lead at The Excited Apple for her to follow. She had heard of its underage drinking and illegal drug deals. Is that where Clearwater received her goods?
"Anyway, I must move on I have homework to prepare for the upcoming holidays. Something to keep the students busy while they're sent home. After all, if we didn't who knows where or what they end up doing. Especially in days like these." Minerva smiles. "It is good to see you, Bellatrix. Look after yourself."
"You too Minerva. If you ever think of anything regarding Clearwater let me know."
"Of course, Hogwarts aims to be transparent."
A touch to the shoulder, a lie told between professionals. A meaningful look passed from professor to student, cause even now Bella knows she is a student in the eyes of the Professor. They all were no matter what age they were. Bella watches Minerva retreat to the castle at a slow steady pace with all the time in the world.
What could the witch possibly know and who had the power to silence McGonagall? Was it Dumbledore or higher? Turning she follows her escort from the castle, can feel burning eyes on her back not friendly, not students merely observing. Something or someone else is lurking in the shadows of Hogwarts.
She wishes she had a warrant to tear the castle apart reveal all its dirty secrets. If only she could find every rotten thing hidden in the school. Protect the students from any further damage, she feels a failure as they lead her along the bridge. A failure to the school to the students and their parents. Turning her back on those in dire need of help, those easy to sway.
"GET OFF ME!" A shout breaks her self loathing.
Picking up her pace she heads towards the scuffle in front recognising two police officers pushing a witch away. She waves her guard away a clear sign she will deal with this after all she is technically high than them. They hesitate before returning to the castle choosing to obey her order.
"SNAPE!" A familiar voice shouts, it cracks at the high velocity. "Snape! GET OUT HERE!"
"Shut up!" An officer orders shoving the witch. "GET of this property."
Another scuffle, the witch far too weak to break the grip of the officers. Still, she tries, trying to push past them, they ignore her shouts. Her profanities, Bella winces as the witch is thrown once more to the ground. Breathless she leans on her hands and knees.
"Enough," Bella orders preventing the officers from inflicting any further damage on the witch a split lip will be enough blood for today.
"Ma'am!" They snap to attention even as the witch on the ground throws Bella a filthy look. "She's trespassing, we're gonna book her."
"I'll take care of it," Bella says before her mind can catch up with her.
"Ma'am?" The taller officer replies cautiously.
"I'm heading back to London, no point wasting your time lads. I'll deal with her."
They pause uncertainly before they shrug at one another happy to not fill in paperwork. Another nod as they head back to the castle casting the witch sitting on the ground a look.
"You out of your mind Granger?" Bella demands once the guards are out of reach.
"Fuck off." Granger hisses, slowly pushing to her feet.
"You've just got out of Azkaban what you want to be sent back there?"
"I need to see Snape."
"He's not here," Bella replies.
"I know he is, don't lie to me!" Granger snaps breathless.
Granger goes to push past Bella, determined to get herself thrown back into Azkaban. Dumbledore will not tolerate a once murderer on his grounds, even if cleared. She spots the gathering officers in the distance starting to take notice. Grabbing the witches jacket Bella pulls the witch into side apparition before she shakes free.
They hurtle from Hogwarts with such velocity, Bella suddenly remembers she's not travelling alone, it's too late. She passes her wards to her mansion to the rooms buried at the back of the mansion. Away from prying eyes, her once servants entrance long since changed into her investigation unit.
Her feet touch solid ground, Granger crumpling on the ground next to her. A clap of her hands ignites the candles, the long corridor leading towards the main house. Behind the large wooden door is her weeks worth searching for the elusive killer.
It takes Bella a second to realise Granger is not standing merely cowering with her back pressed the cold cellar walls. Petrified. Hands offered in defence it smacks Bella on the head the realisation that Granger is so used to being beat she probably thinks she's here to die.
"I'm not going to hurt you." Bella offers a truce, slowly lowering herself down on to knees as though addressing a frightened animal.
"Yeah right." Granger snorts although the words are lost in the a scared mumble.
"I'm not, I didn't mean to bring you here."
"What do you want from me?" Granger demands to push herself further into the corner reaching for her wand. "I won't tell you shit."
Sighing, Bella stands back up. What should she do? Wipe the witches mind send her home, let her forget about this meeting? She's sure Granger will only go back to Hogwarts get herself arrested. What did it matter though? Granger was none of her concern if anything they were enemies, yet the witch looks so pathetic. Why did I bring her here?
A/n: Yay, Bellamione, well sort of. R&R, might treat you all to the next chapter where our girls start to get to know one another.