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, drug misuse.
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters and no money has been made from this.
Enjoy...
Part Twelve
Holy Man
Show me a savior, show me a savior
Show me something pure that I can understand
Show me a savior, show me a savior
Cause even in the worst kind of sinner is a holy man
In this Moment – Holy Man
Previously
"It has everything you need; it's written in French and stamped from Toulouse. You intercepted the owl travelling to Knights end, where you were visiting your favourite shop. Noticed a young man, six feet tall, acting shady, he has brown hair, nose ring and a scruffy beard. Walks with a distinguished limp, he saw you ran off before you could catch him you found that on the ground. His name is Louis Segal, thirty-nine. Often frequents the dodgy Goblin, you made enquiries in the neighbourhood. He has a daughter in Guernsey, he lives at forty-eight Maple Drive. He'll lead you to one of the labs."
Staring at the envelope in her hands, Bella breaks the seal checking inside. The information is sporadic, legit it speaks in codes. Something she would never decipher attached to the back is the code cracker she needs along with names and locations.
"Months?"
"Nothing else to do in Azkaban. Oh, that's how the ship stuff around as well, without anyone noticing. See you again, Black."
Bella watches the witch walk away summoning a taxi using the last of the muggle notes Black gave her to take her somewhere else. Staring at the evidence in her hand, Bella wonders if she's just been handed a pandora's box. A trojan horse, was it too good to be true?
It was easier than she thought to investigate the Silence, she managed to slip the information through the Auror unit. The paper landing on Gawain Robards desk with the information, the Brothers helping to translate the information. The right informant with Bella's touch passing on any extra information.
A strangely easy situation she gave Granger three days, as requested. It gave her three days to play the cards right, to catch Luis running the so-called paper she threw into evidence. The evidence that landed on Robards desk with no real knowledge of who brought it in. Robards interviewed Segal who cracked after the mere mention of his daughter in Guernsey a helpful tip from Alice.
A well-orchestrated play, Bella wasn't sure if she was the writer or merely the director. She could have brought the information to Scrimgeour herself; it would have meant promotion. Instead, she chose to sit at her desk throwing a rubber ball in the air as Gawain Robards spoke behind closed doors with Scrimgeour. A knowing smirk as the play continued without a hitch, she was a bloody good director. She supposes that makes Granger the author of this little act.
She heard through the grapevine; Hooch received an offer to work at Hogwarts a lifelong ambition. An accident befalling the old teacher, Bella chose not to investigate that rumour anymore. Wondered just what Granger had pulled to get the old Professor of Hogwarts payroll. The missing person report for Chloe Hooch who vanished with her boyfriend forgotten about at the bottom of a pile. A pile Bella accidentally forgot to file.
She heard the club was under new management, Hooch sold it for a low price too many memories of her daughter. Choosing to start a new fresh life away from the rush of London. Protected by the walls of Hogwarts, Bella would give Granger her due. They couldn't have put Hooch in a safer place not even gangs were stupid enough to cross Hogwarts's grounds. Not even the Ministry tried to influence Hogwarts too much, neutral territory for all.
Twiddling an elastic band, Bella tries to be as confused as everyone else as to why they were all called in. Tries to ignore the glee emanating from Robards, in truth, Bella was lying to herself if she was doing this out the kindness of her heart. If Granger's information was wrong, led them down a rabbit hole then Bella was clear of any fuss. She wasn't going to tie herself to any such information without vetting it properly.
It may work in Gawain Robards favour it may go wrong, all Bella cared was it didn't mess with her current workload. She also wondered if the Order going quiet was Granger's work too or just a mere coincidence.
She didn't look the gift horse in the mouth she only cared of getting the shit off the streets before any more kids were killed by drugs. Sure, others will come to take over, but it would be a long time before it happened.
Granger had failed to appear lately, perhaps she was waiting on Bella to attend St Mungo's investigate the good preacher. She had spoken if briefly to the parents who had very little to say without a lawyer. It wasn't worth the paperwork, they kept promising the preacher would have saved their daughter. She supposes she will have to start at St Mungo's when this meeting was over.
"Right," Scrimgeour shouts to the full room. "Thanks to Auror Gawain Robards incredible work we have had a breakthrough."
"We've got the Order?" A voice shouts.
"Ah no, a breakthrough in the drugs. At two this morning, we organised raised to these three factories. Inside this location police found labs creating and selling Bonedust. This new craze has been hitting the streets. We have arrested dozens and shut down the labs."
A clap fills the room, nodding from the group, a whoop from somewhere. A chuckle from the brothers. Bella smirks as she claps watching Gawain Robards flush with pride.
"We have reason to believe we know where the head of the Silence is. Being held at this location, heavily guarded. His name is Thomas Evenger also known as the Clown. Yes, yes, I know the stupid name. We're planning on raiding the location today. Those of you who have already been prepped gear up. Black a word."
Rising from her seat, Bella almost groans she hoped she would be left out of the meeting she had enough on her plate. Stepping up to her boss, she folds her arms eyes running over the board with the latest news on the Silence.
"Black I know you probably want to be involved," Scrimgeour states calmly. "No hear me out, I'm attending the scene, I want you here. I need you in charge until I get back."
She had not been expecting that she eyes the Head Auror's office, acting commander. She likes the idea, turning her dark eyes back on her boss, she tries to act annoyed.
"I know, I need you here though just in case the Order hits." Scrimgeour continues buying into her attitude.
"Fine, do I get your chair?"
"Yes, don't mess up my desk though." Scrimgeour orders.
Nodding, Bella steps past the head Auror as he addresses the room once more. Informing the group Bella is in charge until he returns. Reclining in his chair she rests her boots on the table waving a frowning Scrimgeour of as she relaxes. Yes, she could do this quite comfortably.
"Sir, where the bloody hell is everyone?" A cranky voice interrupts her afternoon as she flicks through cases in Scrimgeour's office.
"Alastor," Bella greets wheeling around in her chair she rests her hands on the desk enjoying the shock on Mad Eye's face. "I thought your eye sees all?"
"What the bloody hell you are doing?" Alastor demands. "I'm gonna bloody report this."
"Oh, okay hold."
She twirls around in the chair once more resting on her elbows as she gazes at Mad eye in her most authoritative way possible. Enjoying this far too much she watches him grow even angrier. She could do this all day.
"I heard you had a complaint. As your acting commander, how may I help you?"
"Acting what?" Alastor stutters.
"Oh yes, you had an appointment, Scrimgeour is overseeing a mission. I'm acting commander till he returns."
"You!"
"ME!" Bella replies joyously. "Now be a good wizard and fuck of, you've got a shit load of work to do. I don't know Robards is out their catching drug lords, I'm here keeping the place from falling apart and your what? Seeing a dentist, pearly whites not too pearly?"
Stuttering, Alastor, stares too stunned to talk. With no retort forthcoming Bella waves the wizard off, cackling as he staggers from her office. More satisfied as she hears the snort from Alice as she passes by. Yes, she could get used to this.
Three hours later, a complaint dealt with, an order placed and two squabbling Auror's each with a smack to the head. She wonders if the pay rise is worth it, the paperwork although daunting is merely mind-numbing. As she works meticulously through reports of Aurors. Checking the status of ongoing investigations all the while working on her investigations. The only perk is having a clerk bring her coffee.
A knock at the door, the heavy footsteps she groans, rubbing her eyes. She swears if she has to have another argument with her today, she's going to fire the bloody Auror. His already reappeared twice tonight demanding this and that.
"I've told you once Alastor, I'm not funding your stupid mission. Piss off." Bella groans, reading through a report.
"Should I come back?" A smart voice asks.
"Minister," Bella greets rising to her feet. "I thought you were…"
"Alastor? Yes, I gathered." Riddle replies with a smirk, he wanders over to the window. "I was meant to have a daily catch up with Scrimgeour when he failed to appear, I was informed by his aid that he was currently indisposed."
"I wasn't aware of a meeting," Bella replies making a note to hex the clerk.
"No, you wouldn't be you have to be sworn in to attend, which you're not."
"Obviously."
"I hear we're on the verge of a big drugs bust. I understand why Scrimgeour thought it more important than seeing me. So, I thought it best I come to the acting commander."
Is it her imagination or is Riddle proud of her? There's a glint in his eye something she's never seen before. As he indicated for them both to sit, waiting as the Clerk brings them tea and biscuits. The door shutting softly behind them. This is the first time she's been in Riddle's presence alone since his visit. It puts her on edge as he motions for her to update him.
She does so, with the little news she has, the odd petty theft to drugs raised. The murder of a wife committed by her abusive husband; a prostitute beaten in a back alley a mugging by all accounts. It reported strangulation but given she wasn't taken, and money was stolen she disregarded as the work of the serial killer.
"What of the order?" Riddle wonders chewing on a biscuit.
"Alice is currently conducting an undercover sting. They're trailing some prominent members she plans to update me before end of shift. However, they have yet to bring any new evidence forward. Alastor has been following up on a few leads which led to some busts, but they are small time. Won't lead to anything major."
"What about you?" Riddle questions making her pauses. Is he asking her personally or professionally?
"I'm conducting some enquiries into the murders; Dumbledore was somewhat helpful. Although I think there's more to gain from Hogwarts, I'm aware next time I go they'll lawyer up. It's not worth pushing any further. I followed up on a lead from one of the recent victims' friends, nothing in writing as they were too spooked to speak. Regardless, they did suggest that Clearwater was blackmailing someone before she died. Unfortunately, given Clearwater had no permanent address we have no way to go through her things to follow this up. The person remains unidentified. A lead did go to St Mungo's something I'd like to follow up."
"St Mungo's?" Riddle asks.
"Clearwater was put into St Mungo's following her expulsion, during her rehab she mentioned she found the pastor creepy. Could be teenage drama could be more, could be who she was blackmailing. I'd like to talk to them to see if they knew Clearwater's last few steps."
"Will I need to reach out to Hogwarts?" Riddle questions brushing the crumbs from his suit. "If you feel there's more to gain?"
"I think they're trying to avoid being sued. Clearwater attended detention in the forbidden forest which resulted in a severe injury. It led to her dependence on potions due to pain and her drug addiction. I cannot verify this the parents weren't forthcoming, and Dumbledore wasn't too keen on sharing information."
"Well if it was a possible liability case, I'd imagine Hogwarts would have paid an undisclosed sum behind closed doors."
"According to the rumour they paid for Clearwater's rehabilitation."
"Might be worth speaking to archives even if this did go ahead, they'll be some trace somewhere," Riddle replies folding his hands on his lap. "Well done."
"It's not anything useful."
"No, however, you've got further than most. What of you though?" Riddle smirks. "I was more interested in how you were coping?"
She tries to hide the shock. "I'm fine,"
"I'm aware I put a lot of pressure on you, I don't want you to burn out."
"I'm fine sir," Bella replies hastily.
"Your one of the best we have."
Pride fills her, she tries to hide her smile behind her dark maim, away from those ghost-like eyes. Swallowing the joy, she nods her thanks, never one to show her emotions.
"How do you like a chair?" Riddle questions.
"Loads comfier than mine." Bella retorts.
"I meant the position."
She pauses, smile falling from her face, was he probing to see if she liked being in charge. She struggles to form an answer she wants to gush although the paperwork is boring, she loves it. Every inch of this.
"I know you'd probably want to be in the field helping Gawain Robards,"
"No," Bella answers honestly. "Gawain Robards is a very capable Auror, he doesn't need my help."
Something flashes through Riddle, respect maybe. She misses it, wonders if it was all part of her imagination. She chooses to go with the truth, no bravado Riddle knows what she's like he'll see through any act.
"Honestly, not as easy as it looks. Boring too in some parts. Hard to watch your colleagues go out to dangerous situations while I wait for feedback. However, I enjoy it something to aim for in the future."
Nodding, Riddle raises to his feet she joins him. Brushing crumbs from her robes, hands fiddling with the report abandoned on the desk. She takes the offered hand a firm handshake from Riddle a smile on his pale lips.
"Acting commander," He addresses her with a sure nod. "You've matured a lot Bellatrix, keep up the hard work, Scrimgeour won't be in charge forever."
She watches him go, falling back into the chair in disbelief. Was this a test? Was Scrimgeour testing her abilities, was this Riddle's idea? Shaking her head, what did it matter Scrimgeour wasn't going anywhere any time soon she had cases to organise.
It's near three am, she's been awake for nearly twenty-eight hours when Scrimgeour enters the office. Sweaty, but otherwise happy. Fast to inform Bella the raid was a success and they managed to catch a few in the act. She informs him of the events, the paper done, and items ordered for the department. There's no missing the surprise on his face but she revels in the pat on the back. An order to go home rest, she deserved it as much as he did.
Returning home, she embraces the gloom of the empty manor, Rome quick to appear. The food at the ready, would she like Bella to get Rome rid of the vermin in the basement. She waved the enquiry away, of course, Rome can get rid of any vermin she didn't need to ask.
"Wait, Rome," Bella calls out stopping the elf from vanishing. "Are you on about Granger?"
"Yes, she came hours ago I will shoo her."
"No, she can stay. I'll take my tea downstairs."
Tight-lipped Rome vanishes as Bella passes the charms protecting her work. Towards the dimly lit room hidden behind a large wooden door. A pop announces Rome behind her, the smell of food coming from the room, she didn't realise how hungry she was.
"Did you feed her at least?" Bella asks the elf.
"I did as you asked, I offered satisfactory drinks and food." Bella wonders if the elf spat in the sandwiches.
"Good,"
"Mistress," Rome says hesitantly.
"Yes, what is it?"
"The mudblood has been coming at all times of the days. Even while your sleeping."
"Does she remain downstairs?"
"Yes,"
"Then that's fine," Bella replies pausing when the elf remains. "What is it?"
"I believe the mudblood has been stealing."
Fire ignites in Bella's veins, filthy mudblood, she knew she shouldn't have trusted Granger. What was she thinking? IF the Ministry got wind of this, she would become a laughing stock any promotion vanishing. She glares at the elf as it rattles on, wondering why only now she is being informed of this?
"I thought it was an elf, maybe a rat I am so very sorry Mistress…"
"Rome, hold up, what exactly are you accusing Granger of stealing."
"It must be the mudblood only she…"
"Rome, what is missing?"
"Food mistress," Rome replies indignantly. "I keep good records, particularly good records. I notice food missing when the mudblood appears. An apple here, bread. All from the pantry."
"Food?" Bella drawls anger disappearing.
"Yes,"
"How much food are we talking about enough to feed an army or enough to feed a hungry witch?"
"Not even enough to feed a child, a pittance. Enough to feed squirrels perhaps but nothing more. Still, it is missing none of the elves claims responsibility I was kind neither."
"Rome," Bella interrupts holding up her hand. She can imagine the fear the elf inflicted on the others. "It's probably Granger."
"I will lace the food with poison a trap."
"No, no poison." Bella orders. "Granger can eat from the pantry."
"But, but."
"But nothing, the witch can eat the food. If she starts stealing to feed an army then tell me. If she steals any valuables, then I want to know. Otherwise, no poisoning and you have my permission not to worry."
"My records?"
"Add a section under vermin waste if you must, now is there anything else?"
Shaking her head, the elf vanishes she can hear the crashing from the kitchen, her elf having a tantrum. Rolling her eyes, Bella pushes the door open, candlelit lighting up their work, trying to catch a killer. She spots the cottage pie steaming on the table and freshly buttered bread next to it. She scans the room for Granger, wondering if Rome made good on her threat to rid the mudblood from the house.
She spots legs sticking out, peering around the table she finds Granger asleep next to a sack. She kicks the leg, Granger mumbles without waking up. She had wondered if Rome might have poisoned the witch, but Granger is merely sleeping. She chooses to allow Granger to rest deep circles under the witch's eyes. She does notice the colour returning to Granger's features gaining weight once more.
Taking a seat, Bella notices the extra scribbles from Granger adding to their never-ending list of information. She eats fighting of tiredness, Granger's soft snores the only noise. She doesn't speak as she summons a blanket to cover Granger, protecting her main resource. That's what she tells herself, protecting her resource.
~~~~~Curfew ~~~~~
A kick to her knee startles her awake, she jerks groggily from the sack she fell asleep on. Bleary-eyed she stares around at her surroundings confused as to where she is. She can hear birds outside; she must have slept through the night. A long night meeting with the order, she barely got any rest she must have fallen asleep in Black's basement.
A clink of a cup as Black sips her morning coffee, Hermione pushing to her feet, she rubs her face trying to wake herself up. She's getting too comfortable around Black letting her guard down, she needs to be more careful. A habit from her Animagus the ability to sleep almost anywhere, something she learnt being on the run. Just nice to have a warm room, a roof over her head.
"Eat," Black instructs pointing to the toast on the table as she digs into her breakfast. Flicking through the paperwork. "Don't make this a routine."
Reaching for the toast, Hermione clicks her neck she slept at a funny angle. Helping herself to toast, she eagerly lavers it with butter and jam. Almost orgasmic the taste she resists the urge to purr as she eyes the marmite. Even the wizarding world has a beautiful substance, something she's grateful for, something she could never live without. How long has it been since she had butter on toast?
"Understood?" Black asks.
"I don't know, didn't your parents ever to teach you not to feed a stray?" Hermione quips an age-old defence because without humour in her world she would cry. "I'm kidding, I don't have any interest in staying. It was a long night."
"Anything interesting?"
"Nice try," Hermione smirks brushing the hair out of her eyes.
Looking around she reaches for her bag, digging through for the potion Andie made her. Ignores the probing eyes of Black as she swigs the substance. The bitter taste removes any trace of marmite or jam. Steals the last bit of joy.
"What is that?" Black asks eyeing the potion.
"I caught an infection when in Azkaban, I'm on regular medication." It's a half-truth because the rest well only Andie knows. It's easy that way.
"Infection?"
"I caught Pneumonia which led to Putrefaction," Hermione answers. "Azkaban isn't the healthiest of places."
Black regards her curiously before turning back to her reading any further questions forgotten. Sighing, Hermione pulls her jumper on warming her arms as she finishes her toast.
"We're going to St Mungo's today?"
"We?" Black repeats.
"What? I'm coming with you; they could have Lily there."
"You haven't already checked? Why not ask Andromeda?"
"Because they're on separate parts of the building," Hermione replies as though speaking to an idiot. "Andie doesn't have clearance to enter the psych wards."
"She could just ask other healers." Black grinds out picking up on Hermione's tone.
"You don't get out, much do you?" Hermione retorts. "Us muggleborns, blood traitors etc we're not liked."
"I wonder why?"
"If Andie goes sticking her nose in things, she could lose her license her job. She needs that job; we don't all have mansions." Some of them have nothing at all.
"Anyone ever told you your annoying?" Black questions.
"They've mentioned it. Anyone ever told you that you have blinkers on. You only see what they want you to see?"
"They? Oh, great a conspiracy theorist."
"There's no conspiracy, just the Prophet. I heard Skeeta was sent to Azkaban. Life sentence for failing to report as Animagus."
"Among other things."
"You so blinded it physically hurts to talk to you sometimes. Do you ever look at the faces who look at you from the gutter? How the less fortunate have no means of making any money. How the curfew has affected businesses?"
"A curfew you caused."
"What about Ministry employees? Any gone missing you noticed, bit thin on the ground."
"And who is behind this big conspiracy?"
"You're not that dense." Hermine snaps.
"You tread a fine line Granger," Black warns. "You're not coming with me to St Mungo's."
"Look I either go with you and we find answers together or…"
"Or what?"
Remaining quiet, Hermione merely raises an eyebrow, allowing Black to run through every scenario. Aiding a fugitive although currently, innocent Hermione is under no illusion the Ministry isn't searching for her.
"I heard Robards made a spectacular arrest," Hermione states sipping her juice.
The pulse point jumps the slightest twitch from Black as she stares Hermione down. The anger she can feel it vibrating through the table. Wonders how much Black hates her guts, is it equal? Maybe not, Hermione pities the witch in some ways, it's hard to see the truth when blindfolded.
"I just want to find my friend; I don't trust you enough to keep up your side of the bargain," Hermione says breaking the tension.
"So, you blackmailing me?" Black retorts folding her arms.
"I've done crazier things."
She lets the words lie, rising from her seat, she brushes the crumbs from her chest. Fetching another potion from her bag she stares at Black. A silent question, are they doing this or not? Sighing, Black pushes from her chair walking around the table.
"I'm assuming you have a potion for this too?" Black queries.
Not answering, Hermione downs the liquid in one gulp grabbing Black's arm as she apparates them away. It's a strange feeling rushing through the air, insides twisting in and out. Appearing in another form completely different from her own. Standing at the entrance to St Mungo's.
Despite the sunny day, a dark cloud looms a prominent fixture over the large imposing building. An old muggle building that spans the over the acres of land. A beautiful water fountain decorating the pathway up, the road for carriages or muggle cars as it was once used for circling the fountain. Rose bushes decorate along the edge of the fence. The tall clock tower blocks out the sun, a loud bell ringing the dawn of a new day.
Black does a double-take on Hermione's appearance before sighing and leading the way. Past the enchanted entrance, the receptionist busy distractedly points them the way to the Mental Ward. They pass through heavy doubled doors, the extra charms preventing anyone from leaving not stopping those entering.
Here the silence lingers away from the healers the rush of the hospital, this place suspends in an eerie silence. The squeaking of boots on the slippery floor, the clatter in the distance. The receptionist greets them with a smile and beady eyes. A form slipped forward waiting for them to sign, dating their entrance to the ward.
"Bellatrix Black and Rodulphus Lestrange?" The receptionist questions her beady eyes blinking repeatedly.
"That's correct," Black grinds out.
"Reason for visiting. Not personal," A high pitch laugh leaves her lips as she grins at them.
They both try to ignore the hand reaching for the admittance form, one signature. That's all it would take, and they would be trapped in the hospital. The glee it all most pours from the receptionist an eagerness that makes Hermione shiver.
"No," Black replies managing a humourless chuckle, neither miss the sigh of the receptionist. "I'm here to speak with Pastor Quirinus Quirrell."
"Ah, our esteemed Pastor. Of course, is this personal? Admittance, are you signing to join the Pastor's flock?"
"No, this is an Auror business, so if you wouldn't mind."
"Take a seat won't you, I'll reach out to him."
Stepping away from the desk, Hermione makes a beeline towards the seats away from the receptionist. Rubbing her arms, she tries to generate warmth and remove the itch that's grown since she entered.
"Still cold? It's boiling today?" Black comments.
Shrugging, Hermione concentrates, on warming herself up before placing her hands in her pocket. Waiting for the infamous preacher to join them. Two double doors open white robes fluttering on entrance accompanied with a white turban. A smiling wizard greets them hands clasped together he bows ever so slightly.
"Pastor Quirinus Quirrell?" Black says regarding the wizarding.
A/n: Will upload when I have time guys.