Hello all, its ofherowndesires here! I just wanted to pop in and say thank you all so much for the lovely comments and reviews that are being left behind on my story. This is actually a gift for my wife, she doesn't know I'm doing this, so your feedback is important.. I've got to make it just perfect for her!

I will try to reply to your comments and of course answer any questions you have. I know it is a little all over the place, but I'm carrying on from one of our own little stories we wrote together before we started dating... so if sometimes things don't add up for you it will for her.

I also saw a comment asking on a previous chapter why was Hermione so excited to see Bellatrix, even after the hurt she was put through. Well, Bellatrix hurt Hermione to protect her and after finding that out it made Hermione fall in love with Bellatrix even more so. It's just how they are, they're so full of fire and fight that in most ways they're alike to one another!

Anyway, enjoy! x

"Dumbledore, I'm not too sure that my sister is stable enough to -"

"Hold your tongue, Cissy! I said let the little brat in.. let me see her." Bellatrix's fingers bounced against her upper thigh, tongue flicking like a snake ready to strike at the first sign of movement. Every nerve in her body had become hyperactive, the need for punishment brewing within. Not long now.

The blue eyes of Lady Malfoy trailed over to Dumbledore, whose wand was still firmly pointed in Bellatrix's direction, where she watched the old headmaster nod slowly. "You may let her in, Mrs Malfoy. It's alright. Go ahead."

Suddenly the sliver haired witch had crossed the room, the handle of the door grasped firmly within her hand and then there was a click and groan of old wood as the office door was pulled open and the silhouette of a young woman filled the void.

Thick curls of brown hair.

No.

Large doe eyes topped with fluttering eyelashes.

No!

The smell of roses, so flowery and sweet that one could almost taste the pureness of it.

Liar. Liar. Liar.

The figure of Hermione Granger crossed the final barrier into Dumbledore's office, taking each step with caution as her head tilted towards the elder witch she had loved so deeply in their past childhood lives. There was something about her that caught Bellatrix off guard, as though the girl she had once known as Lyra had morphed into a woman. Everything about her was… more. Green replaced red. Serpent became Lioness.

Traitor.

The tension bubbled and brewed. It was almost enough to choke one to death if you had let it.

Petal lips parted, soft and pink, but to Bellatrix it was nothing but a watery humming in her ears. Never once did she hear the lies, the excuses and betrayals Lyra - no, that Mudblood - spilled from the black pits of her wicked gut. The girl was dirt. Vile. An ugly little creature that had lied to one of the most powerful witches of the century… and oh how the power within longed to be set free, to be able to play with the girl that once broke everything Bellatrix Black held dear.

"I'm so sorry Bellatrix, please understand that it was -"

"Liar. Lyra!"

Every single raw fleeting feeling that had come to be in the last thirty years of Bellatrix's life formed into a screaming mass, wild and full of blackening rage. This time Dumbledore was not quick enough to protect his shining student. Screams filled the glowing office, and this time around they did not just come from Bellatrix, her wand twitched violently between nimble, well taught fingers. Dark magic pulsed through pureblooded veins, heart beating so fast it caused pain to spread through her heaving chest. This time no one would stop her. This time it would be Lyra's last. So many years wasted.. and it all, finally, came down to this very moment.

One more spell.

Then there was nothing but green light, blinding. Brilliant. Beautiful.

The screams never stopped.

"Bella… Bellatrix? Can you hear me? Bella…"

Everything felt too tight and movement was limited.

"I'm here, shh, don't move around so much. It's alright."

Wait, no, her movement was restricted all together.

"Bella?"

At the sound of her own name the dark witch snapped open her eyes and tried to adjust to the streaming sunlight that poured through several massive stained glass windows dotted the edge of a white washed stone room. Several empty beds ran along both walls, the sheets untouched and clean. At the far end of the room was a desk, also empty, and two large doors… the only way out. Everything was quiet and smelt clinically clean. I'm in the hospital wing. I'm in a bed. I'm still at Hogwarts. What happened and why cant I fucking move? Merlin, my ribs are on fire.

The instinct to survive and be set free from this poisonous school kicked in and sent Bellatrix into overdrive. With every ounce of energy she had left the witch threw herself forward from the bed her body lay upon. Over and over again she tried, legs kicking out, hands screwing into fists as invisible forces kept her bound to the bedding below. Her body ached, ribs screaming and pleaded with her over and over again to stop, to give in to the tiredness and rest, but such a witch would never allow that. The bed rattled as the iron headboard repeatedly hit the wall behind. Bellatrix Lestrange would not give in!

"Stop, you're going to hurt yourself!"

All at once the focus came off of the invisible chains around her wrists and legs as those same black eyes flashed upwards towards the shadow that came to linger above. There was that same bushy hair.. the smell of rose water invading Bellatrix's senses, her pupils dilated and expanded all at once. A soft voice, warm breath mixed with spearmint toothpaste and quiet, gentle hands reaching forward to rest upon the struggling pureblood's shoulder.

Oh no little liar, not this time. Vile girl. Flithy little -

"Mudblood! Get your dirty hands way from me now!" The serpent rose from within and hissed, beaded tail rattling its warning. Bellatrix had never felt anger like this before. Oh, she wanted to kill the girl in the most violent of ways possible, rip out her throat, tear her from limb to limb, make her beg for death as unworthy blood spilt all over Hogwarts floors. "I'll kill you if you come near me again, do you understand?!" Bellatrix finished her threat by sending spit in the direction Lyra.. Hermione.. stood, yet the girl was too quick and jumped aside before it could land upon those ugly red Gryffindor robes.

The more Bellatrix struggled the more helpless Hermione felt. She had wanted nothing more than to free the woman she had called her lover less than a few weeks ago, but Dumbledore had forbidden it completely and bound Bellatrix Lestrange with his own powerful spells, ones that could not be released without his approval. The young lioness could only now watch as Bellatrix threw herself around helplessly, the pain must've been unbearable.

It was only hours ago that Hermione Granger almost lost her life.

After returning to Hogwarts from her second life it wasn't hard to see that there was something missing in her life. Of course she had missed Harry and Ron, reuniting with them after being away for so long felt like coming home.. but she was coming home alone. When Dumbledore's powerful magic had called his loyal student back he came to find Hermione sobbing upon the floor of his office. Everything felt empty. Without Bellatrix there was nothing. The excitement and danger of seeing the beautiful dark haired witch had vanished and Hermione found it hard to fall back into the flow of school life. The halls, that she once walked with the most powerful witch that would ever walk this planet, lost the passion Hermione had felt.

It was Harry who noticed her lack of absence in their heated debates about Voldemort, Draco Malfoy and Death Eaters. As soon as the Lestrange's were mentioned Hermione all but ran from the Common Room with the excuse she had to go to the library or had accidentally left notes behind in a previous class, but no matter how much he asked if she was okay or needed to talk it was clear to see Hermione had no interest in opening up to one of her best friends. Since returning back from her family emergency, something else she didn't wish to speak of, there was no doubt Hermione had closed herself off from the rest of the world.

Hermione was mourning her loss. She pined for Bellatrix Black more than anything else in this world.

Finding out that the dark goddess had not heeded her warning of staying away from Rodolphus Lestrange tore at Hermione's heartstrings. There was no doubt in Hermione's young mind that Bellatrix had been abused by her husband, whether it be physically or mentally. He was a creature filled with a deeper darkness than she could've ever imagined to begin with. His face was on every wanted poster, the reward for his life or dead body increasing with each muggle death caused by his hand. Bellatrix was a strong woman and could hold her own, Hermione never doubted that, but there was something about Lestrange that summoned demons from the blackest pits of fiery inferno. Together the couple were toxic and there was nothing Hermione would not do now to save the girl she loved from this darkness.

It was only hours ago that Hermione Granger lost her life as Bellatrix Lestrange cast a curse so powerful it had almost torn Dumbledore's office in half. Thank Merlin that the headmaster had been at the ready, his wand still drawn as Hermione revealed her true self to Bellatrix. As green filled the room Albus lifted a shield up from the ground, shielding himself, Narcissa and Hermione from the spell erupting from Bellatrix's raven clawed wand.

Screams that Hermione had never heard before vibrated her in ears as Dumbledore's magical defence took the force of the curse laced with dark magic. Even when the young Gryffindor fell to her knees, hands pressing tightly against her ears, she could still hear them. She could hear Bellatrix, her cries close to those of a wounded animal and it made Hermione's heart ache.

Everything was green and red.

Red? Yes, her left hand was covered in blood. A cut, behind her ear. Bellatrix's curse had bounced off the shield and nicked Hermione's skin. Cursed magic left scars.

Another bang filled the room and then the trembling came to a stand still.

Wait, who is that on the floor? No, no, not Bellatrix!

She was on the floor. A mass of black that wasn't moving, but she was breathing.. right? The rebounding curse had shot backwards, hitting Bellatrix along the left side of her body. Now she lay motionless along the floor. Once again the screams started but this time they came from Hermione and quickly became sobs as the protective shield around her dissolved away. Narcissa was the first one up from the dusty rubble around her ankles, rushing to aid her eldest sister, the material of her silk dress torn at the ends.

Hermione's whole aching body pleaded with her to stop as she arose from the ground and stumbled behind Narcissa in a desperate attempt to help in any way she possibly could. Each little trip of her feet took her closer and closer, black becoming darker and darker as she took in the form of Bellatrix Lestrange lying peacefully on the ground.

"B-Bella?"

"She's alive." Narcissa breathed, her wand and body crouched protectively over her sibling. "She's injured.. left ribs, two of them, broken.. bad bruising.. but alive. She'll be alright."

A sob of relief parted Hermione's lips as she threw herself down the other side of Narcissa, her eyes drifting upwards towards Bellatrix's beautiful face. The bloodied left hand reached forwards to brush away a black curl that had floated over the unconscious witches face. There was a cut on her full lips and a bruise blossoming along her forehead. Hermione had forgotten how divine the heiress of the Black Family was when her eyes were closed to the world and the torment of her dark soul could no longer trouble her. Hermione was so lost in that breathtaking face that she barely heard Dumbledore behind herself and Narcissa, his gentle cough parting them both from different thoughts.

"Perhaps it would be best if we took Madame Lestrange to the Hospital Wing, she will be in safe hands with Madame Pomfrey who I have no doubt will be able to work her magic on Bellatrix's wounds." Blue eyes turned towards Hermione. "And we should get that cut seen to Miss Granger, it wouldn't do good to leave it unattended. Come now, let's get you both on the mend."

It was only hours ago that Hermione Granger lost her life. And she would do it all over again just to see Bellatrix once more.

The movements of the bed became louder as the stone below each leg started to chip away. The panic to be set free started to spread across Bellatrix's face. There was only thing that could help her now.

"My wand, Mudblood, where is it?!"

"I-I think that Professor Dumbledore has it."

"He took my wand?!" A dragon spread its wings within Bellatrix's chest and roared its fiery roar. Her body threw itself back and forth, side to side, the bindings around her wrists and ankles were started to cause ugly red welts along deathly pale skin. "How dare - that half dead fucking - I'll kill him along with you Mudblood!"

"Please, stop Bellatrix! You're bound with magic, it tightens the more you move!" Once more Hermione's hand shot out and grasped at a shaking shoulder.

"Don't you dare come near me! Liar! Liar! Filth!"

This time Bellatrix's threats would not stop the lioness. Fingers tightened around that perfectly curved shoulder and forced it back down onto the bed below. She was a Gryffindor. Strong and brave, and she knew Bellatrix better than anyone else in this world could possibly dare to imagine.

Disgust filled Bellatrix's eyes as they flew open to Hermione's unwanted hand upon the expensive black material of her dress. Did the girl just touch her? The sadistic animal within begged to be set free from its cage, its devilish fangs chewing at the bars that kept it locked away. Just one bite and the girl would be dead! Yes, blood everywhere. Such filthy blood from a filthy little girl. She had to know her place after everything she had put Bellatrix through. Bellatrix would never forgive and never forget.

"HOW DARE YOU TOUCH ME, YOU DIRTY LITTLE CUN-"

"NO! STOP THIS, IT WASN'T MY FAULT! I TRIED TO COME BACK!"

Sudden silence came for a mere second before the sounds of heightened breathing slipped into the void. Both female's started to feel the effects of adrenaline as it raced through their veins, like a drug addicted finally taking a hit of what they craved the most. The world around them became numb, slipping away to nothingness as violent onyx eyes burnt through brown. For the first time since she had awoken Bellatrix stopped pulling at her invisible chains.

"What? You left, this was all just some stupid game for you, wasn't it? Dumbledore sending along his favourite pet to do his bidding. Or perhaps you're a sick little girl who likes bedding the bad guys. Was it good enough for you, Mudblood?"

Hermione cleared her throat and released her fingers. She could feel how the witches body had become tense, but at least she was listening. "I tried so hard. As soon as I came back to my time I pleaded with Dumbledore to send me back to you.. but he claimed it was too dangerous, that time itself had already been altered too much, and if I tried to change any more that I could hurt myself, or you, along the way." Hermione's big brown eyes flicked quickly over Bellatrix's emotionless face. God, she was so perfect that it was borderline painful to be around someone filled with such glamour and beauty.

She waited for the screaming, the thrashing and threats of death if the crazed witch was not released in that very moment, but they never came. Instead Bellarix started to laugh, throwing her head back against the pillow. Each chuckle grew deeper and darker till they turned into a demonic cackle.

Hermione couldn't help but take a step back as the follower of Voldemort flung herself forward towards the girl once more, bed rattling and bindings tightening. "How long has it taken you to come up with such a wicked little lie, Mudblood?" Bellatrix's eyes burned with pleasure as she took in how the girl flinched each time her worthless blood was insulted. "Have you been rehearsing since you got back all those mere weeks ago, or are you repeating what Dumbledore has told you? Did you truly think that you could've changed me, I'm Bellatrix fucking Black you stupid little girl! You failed your fucking mission!"

She's just upset, that's all. Her whole world has been changed in the space of a few hours.. let her vent Hermione, you'll be just fine. She's bound to the bed, she cannot hurt you in Hogwarts. Just tell her the truth. Let her be angry. Remember what she did for you in her youth. Hermione tried to focus on her breathing, she wouldn't show fear in front of the woman with whom she had shared a bed with.

"I'm still true and loyal to My Lord! He will rise above you all, you'll all be put into your places.. even you, Muddy. Maybe my Lord will let me keep you alive for just a little longer so I can play with you. You'd like that, wouldn't you? The things I would do to you, the pain I would cause!" Bellatrix wiggled about with childish excitement as violent thoughts filled her mind. There would always be something deeply twisted within her, calling out to be set free and take its rightful place at its mistress' side. "And then - oh, Muddy you're going to love this one! I'll - "

"Shut up!"

"I beg -"

"I said shut up! Shut up, shut up, shut the fuck up!" The lioness finally found her bite, her regal head rising itself from the shadows to take on the hissing serpent lain on the bed. Hermione Granger would not be walked over, never again! Throughout her whole childhood it seemed as if everyone had something negative to say towards her. As a child she was too bossy when she wanted to do things her own way, as a teenager they claimed that there must've been something wrong with her if she chose studying over boys, but maybe that was all down to the blood that pounded throughout her body? Who would ever want a Mudblood? Slytherin students had made her life hell because of it and Bellatrix Lestrange was not going to be one of them.

"I know that all of this has hurt you Bellatrix, it's hurt me too! Yes, I went back in time to do what Dumbledore asked me to do.. but it wasn't just to aid the Wizarding world, it was for your sister too!" Bellatrix's eyes changed, if only for a second, at the mention of her youngest sister. They seemed to soften before returning back to stone. Bellatrix Lestrange was a real life Medusa, serpentine queen and killer.

"Mrs. Malfoy couldn't bare the thought of losing you, she thought if I could go back and try to talk to you, give you some sort of hidden mention towards the future that you would create, that it would change your mind." Hermione could feel herself shaking and a lump growing in her throat. Breathe, don't let her see you cry. You're a Gryffindor girl after all.

"My sister has always been a naive little brat." Bellatrix spat, her attention no longer on the girl stood next to her. With one last heave of her body she managed to sit herself up against the warped iron headboard. Her eyes darted below and above as she scanned the area for any sign of her wand. Lyra's story would not pull her in, she would set herself free of these bindings and kill the girl.

"Your sister loves you deeply, she would do anything for you." Hermione stated as she reached for a chair tucked along the side of the opposite bed from Bellatrix's. Its feet squeaked along the floor as she pulled it towards her hip and sat down in front of the dark haired witch who's own eyes contiuned to scan the hospital wing.

As a teenager Bellarix was naturally beautiful, but as an adult there was something even more breathing taking about her. Cheek bones that Hermione had once kissed become more visible and defined, a sharp jawline had developed over time and curls that cascaded down her chest had become thicker and longer. Her petite nose turned up higher than ever before as she spoke to those she deemed below her. The witch filled up the whole room with an aura of mystery and beauty. Bellatrix Lestrange had become the woman she had claimed she had always wanted to be and it took Hermione's breath away.

"Look, Bella -"

"Don't call me that! You lost that right long ago." White fangs flashed underneath a snarl as Lestrange's attention flicked back towards Hermione. Rose water invaded her nose once more. "And did I say you could sit besides me? Your filthy smell is going to make me heave. Get out!"

"I'm not leaving. I'm not leaving till you understand!" Hermione jumped up from her chair as Bellatrix went to insult her once more. The bound witch had to listen, she needed to know the truth. "I know I hurt you in more ways than one and I know what I did was wrong. I'm so sorry for everything Bellatrix, please believe that! But also believe me when I say… when I say… I…" The words became lodged in her throat. It was then everything hit her, not only did she was Bellatrix to hear the truth but she wanted to hear it herself.

Blood red lips curled into a wicked smirk as Bellatrix watched Lyra, watched Hermione, choke on her pathetic little speech. "Aw, poor Mudbaby. Cat got your tongue? Or perhaps you're not as good as a liar as you'd like to think you are. Now, get out before I take a knife to your tiny little neck."

The invisible rattling chains snapped Hermione back into reality as Bellatrix shifted herself once more in an attempted to get comfortable on the thin hospital sheets. "No," Shaking thick curls back her from face the little lioness took a step forward and all but closed the gap between herself and Bellatrix. She could feel the hatred radiating from the elder witch. Everything was Black, Black, Black. Everything was Bellatrix. All consuming and Hermione would never be able to get enough.

"It was wrong and I would do it all over again."

Hermione heard the sharp intake of air Bellatrix stole from between them, her chest rising and then suddenly falling. It was moments like this that Hermione remembered the most when they both shared a quiet connection in the past. There was a vulnerability to Bellatrix Black that was one of the purest sights Hermione had ever been blessed with, and it was moments like that she was determined to get back once more. Hermione Granger would show the world that Bellatrix was more than just a brain washed follower of Lord Voldemort.

"I meant what I said in that letter, I love you. I think I loved you from the moment you first told me to leave you alone and I loved you even more so when you pushed me away to protected me from Rodolphus. You showed me who you could truly be Bella, and I don't think I will ever find anyone else in this world who could ever shine a light next you. Life has been so cruel to you.. I was only t-trying to help." Hermione's eyes blinked as hot tears rapidly built and threatened to spill. She refused to cry in a moment where she was meant to be the strong one. "Leaving you was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. And I'm so sorry Bellatrix. I just wanted you to know that I will always be grateful for what you did for me, for allowing be the closest I've ever been to someone before. We had a connection and I know you felt it too."

Fingertips rubbed at the corners of Hermione's eyes, brushing the last of the salty tears from thick lashes. When they finally stopped burning her attention turned back towards Bellatrix, who had gone deathly silent, only to be greeted with the back of the witches head. It was clear to see she had nothing to say in return to Hermione's declaration and that this conversation was over.

"Alright, alright. I'll leave you alone." There was a moment of shuffling as Hermione moved the chair back to its original place, but her eyes never once left the thick black curls spread out along the pillow. "Please just try to rest and try not to struggle too much. Dumbledore said you wouldn't get into too much trouble for what happened, I'm sure he will have a plan for you and I know your sister wants to see you. I'll be back soon, I promise you.. I'll try make everything better Bella, I owe you that. Is that fine with you? Bella." Hermione frowned, tucked a curl behind her ear and leant closer to the bed. "Bellatrix?"

All at once the young witches heart soared. Bellatrix lay peacefully with her head turned towards the wall, both eyes gently closed as her breathing became even for the first time all day. The powerfully raw magic and constant struggling had finally taken its toll and the exhausted witch could no longer give all of her rage to the trembling little girl stood at the side of the bed. No doubt there would be a long road ahead that had questions along the way that needed answering, but for now Bellatrix couldn't care less. It was sleep she desired the most.

One last smile tugged at Hermione's mouth as she pressed a fleeting kiss on Bellatrix's head, careful not to wake the dark sleeping beauty below. The familiar smell of pine and expensive dark fruit perfume invaded the young witches senses. It was as if she was finally coming home. Bellatrix's skin was still soft and as cold as porcelain as before and Hermione knew she would never be able to get enough of it.

"It'll all get better soon, just you wait and see. I'm not going to lose you again. Sleep well and I'll be back before you know it."

For the first time in years Bellatrix slept without nightmares, the haunting screams silently waiting in the back of her mind.