For the next three days Bellatrix was kept bound to her hospital bed as Madame Pomfrey tried her upmost hardest to heal the broken ribs the witch had gained from her own wand. The cursed spell had left its mark, though Pomfrey had insisted to her almost impossible patient that it would soon fade away to nothing but a faint silver line. Though a mere broken rib or two was the least of her worries and Bellatrix Lestrange was easily the worst visitor to the ward the poor nurse had ever had.
Day one Bellatrix tried her damned hardest to set her bed on fire with wandless magic, but little did she know of the alert enchantment she set off when the first few flames started to eat away at the white bedsheets.
Day two screams of anger echoed down the corridors of Hogwarts as the dark witch demanded to be set free. The pain in her ribs had now spread down one side of her body, bruising blossoming like purple flowers along white flesh. No longer were students being treated within the hospital walls and a temporary ward had been set up closely to the Great Hall. Bellatrix was not only a danger to herself but to everyone else around her. Every measure was taken to prevent an outburst from happening again.
Day three Narcissa Malfoy came to visit. Hermione watched from behind a stone pillar outside the doors, waiting, hoping for any sign that something good would come from a sister to sister talk. Suddenly a boom filled the room, followed by screams and swear words of every kind. Teachers came flooding in from every direction, their wands raised as the hospital doors flung open, flashes filling the air above. It took three hours to settle Bellatrix. Narcissa never came to see Hermione after.
Never one to be put off, Hermione had tried and failed several times to visit the dark haired witch. Dumbledore, on the other hand, asked for Bellatrix to be given the space she deserved.
X-X-X
"But, maybe if I just took along some books for her, or -"
"Miss Granger, you know better than I what Madame Lestrange can be like. Don't you think, for now that is, that some distance between the two of you will allow Bellatrix to adjust? Besides, this is for her own safety. I know you think we are keeping her caged like some sort of animal, but those ribs will not heal on their own."
True, Bellatrix never could heal herself. All those cuts and bruises and it was always me that had to make them better.
With two big brown eyes Hermione watched her favourite professor glide from one window to the other. Outside the sunshine had be devoured by darkness, rain hammering itself against the glass panel of the office that student and master now found themselves in. Ever since Bellatrix had arrived at Hogwarts everything was dark, cold and full of black. It was as the earth could feel the rage burning inside the castle walls, everything shifted and spun into the madness Bellatrix dragged along with her.
"For now you must keep your distance, let Bellatrix come to terms with what has happened and most importantly, you need to let those wounds heal. You're lucky it wasn't you who came to blows with that curse, it was magic like I have never seen before. It was.. alive in so many ways." Dumbledore paused, his gaze cast out towards to Forbidden Forest as rain clouds consumed the tops of every fir tree in sight. Something flashed across those famously kind blue eyes and Hermione couldn't help but to open her mouth once more.
"It's because she saw me, isn't it? It's because she wanted to kill me." The leather books in the witches hands felt clammy, the fingers that held them in place tightened their grip. She had seen the hatred in Bellatrix's eyes that night she walked through the office door. It was nothing but raw hell fire that sprung forth and took its vengeance. "This is all my fault." Hermione sighed, bending down to pick up her school bag that lay to rest at her feet, today was not the day to be asking for Bellatrix Lestrange's forgiveness.
"Now, now Miss Granger, do you truly believe that you would be standing here today if Bellatrix wished to kill you?" A faint chuckle filled the void as the headmaster headed towards the large ornate chair tucked firmly behind his desk. There was something about Albus Dumbledore, an air of clarity, that soothed you so much you felt as if nothing could ever harm you again. Hermione trusted in the actions he took, after all, he had given her the gift of loving another person in a way she never thought possible. "You know as well as I do that Bellatrix holds powers in her that no one else could dream of. You have seen what she has held within her for so many years.. yes, I think if she wanted you dead you would be. That magic was full of emotion, raw and powerful, I don't think Madame Lestrange knew what to do with it when she saw you standing there, and as a result everything around us fell victim to her, but not you Hermione. Never you. Now I think it best you return back to the Common Room and rest."
X-X-X
After several days Hermione had finally had enough. The waiting was torture. Every day she paced, watched the clocks in all classes she attended, counted down every minute and second of the day as it slipped away without one word from her teachers, for they all ignored her constant requests to see the devilish witch who had stolen her heart those many months ago.
"I want to see her!"
"Miss Granger, I don't think that this -"
"No! I've done what you all asked me to, have I not? I have the right to see her! I don't care if she doesn't want me anywhere near her or that she doesn't even want to look at me, I owe her an explanation."
"Perhaps, on this occasion Dumbledore, we could permit Hermione the chance to see my sister?"
"Out of the question Madame Malfoy, your sister has caused nothing by mayhem since she arrived at this school. I will not put Hermione in such danger. Dumbledore, see reason, this is all madness!" This time McGonagall's furious voice jumped into the dispute.
Still Hermione paced, though this time she had got as far as the hospital wing doors. Only moment before her hand had been wrapped around one of the large handles, though they seemed to lock tight at her touch. The alarms sounded and once more teachers came rushing. No one was permitted to go in or out of the ward without supervision and of late students had taken an interest on trying to discover what was being hidden away behind those large oak doors. Little did they know what could've awaited them on the other side.
A sudden warmth took Hermione by surprise, her startled eyes flicking up to those of Narcissa Malfoy's whose fingers had gently wrapped themselves around the young Gryffindors wrist. "Breathe." She whispered. "You'll be just fine." The regal smile that spread itself across her pureblood face sent waves of relief through Hermione's very soul. Ever since her return back to the real world it had been Narcissa who wrote to Hermione or updated her with how Bellatrix was faring. Most of the time there was little to say for Bellatrix refused to speak, or when she did it ended up with violent outbursts. But Narcissa had her sister back and it was all thanks to Hermione. "Now, I think we all need to come to some sort of arrangement."
"Did I not make myself clear?" McGonagall snapped, her eyes flicking wildly between Dumbledore and Narcissa. "I'm sorry to let everyone down but I must think of my student. Bellatrix has been nothing but unstable, she almost blew Poppy into a million tiny pieces!"
"I understand your concerns Minerva." Dumbledore's eyes had half closed and he stood perfectly still between the three females, though his head turned briefly to the Head of Gryffindor House. He regarded her thoughts more than any other of his staff members, but she knew little of what had truly happened between Hermione and Bellatrix. Upon Hermione's return Professor McGonagall had been been told of the true meaning her top student vanished suddenly for two weeks, though Dumbledore kept it brief and to the point, but having Bellatrix stay at Hogwarts whilst she healed had unnerved everyone. 'But I do believe -"
"Oh, please tell me that this is some sort of joke? You cannot be serious Albus! Hermione should be protected, kept away from that wild woman, not thrown into that room like she's nothing more than a chunk of meat! I refuse to allow this to happen. Never in all my years have I -"
Anger had been brewing away silently in the pit of Hermione's stomach for days now. Every hour being kept from Bellatrix only added to the torture of not knowing if the black haired beauty was getting better or worse. Part of her started to understand how her school sweetheart felt when the darkness started to take over all that was good in the world.. Hermione needed an outlet and her teachers were finally giving her one. Narcissa's soothing whispers blurred into an annoying hum, McGonagall's concerns turned into spiteful hatred that started to chew away at Hermione's ear and for Merlin's sake why wasn't Dumbledore doing more?!
You have a voice, use it Hermione! Be brave for Bella. Do this for her.
"BE QUIET!"
All at once three pairs of eyes came to settled on Hermione. The girl was trembling from head to toe in a way that neither one of them had seen before. The once quiet and humble star student had finally found her voice in the world. It took all of Narcissa's might not to crack a smile as she watched some of that Black attitude shine through Hermione. Bellatrix had left her mark behind on the girl in the best ways, if only everyone else could see that.
Brown locks bounced each time Hermione trembled and her hands squeezed so tightly into fists she could feel nails digging in to palms of her hands. But it didn't matter, nothing matter right now apart from getting through that damned door to see the girl, the woman, she had fallen so deeply in love with. Love? Yes, I loved her then and I love her still. I don't care if they cannot see that.. I'm getting into that door whether they like it or not!
"Are you done?" She didn't mean to snap her jaws with such aggression towards her favourite teachers and there was no doubt in Hermione's mind that she would apologise later on for acting out, but if Bellatrix had taught her anything in life it was to stand up for herself and take charge. Hermione wanted Bellatrix and no one was going to stop her.
"Miss Granger…"
"No! You've all had something to say about Bellatrix but have you stopped to think about what she wants? You've tied her to a bed like she's some sort of rabid creature! You've kept her here against her will and locked the doors to the world behind her. Wouldn't any of you start to feel a little crazy?" Once more the lioness rose from her slumber with a growl of frustration. "You all think you know what's best for her, but no one knows her like I do! Bellatrix's isn't a bad person, bad things have just happened to her and I saw her trying to change all of that when I was sent back. She's not a monster. Trust me when I say I know what I'm doing. Please, please just let me see her. I need to see her. Please."
X-X-X
After several minutes of arguing back and forth, mostly between herself and Professor McGonagall, it was decided that the doors to the Hospital wing would be open to Hermione, as long as Bellatrix didn't rip her apart on arrival. The air around Hermione rippled as the wards began to lower at the touch of Dumbledore's hand against the wooden panels that parted them from the injured Black heiress inside. The excitement and unknowing was all too much, and after days of waiting Hermione could no longer take anymore, she squeezed between Narcissa and Dumbledore and threw the doors wide open.
Once more her heart took flight at the sight of midnight curls and pale moonlight skin. Bellatrix Lestrange was part goddess part panther and those nightshade eyes of hers could capture any soul she wanted, she need only ask for it. Hermione had never been interested in girls before, there wasn't even a hint of ever being attracted to the same sex, but there was something about Bellatrix that she just couldn't resist. The woman drove her crazy. There was no other witch or wizard alive in this world that could ever match such beauty and breeding. The Black's held themselves with the upmost respect, but there was an air about Bellatrix Lestrange that made her different from everyone else. Hermione had fallen victim to that as soon as their eyes had met across the Great Hall all those years ago.
Bellatrix had been placed into a different bed on the opposite side of the ward after setting her last one aflame but the view that came with her new surroundings was enough to take anyones breath away. The rolling mountains and hilly passages of the grounds stretched for miles in every direction in a sea of greens, browns and greys. Rain still poured from the sky above and the threat of thunder rumbled in the distance. For a split second Hermione almost forgot who she was here for till the squeak of bedsprings snapped her right back into the room and the reality she finally had to face.
Brown met Black.
"I told Dumbledore and my sister that you were not permitted to be anywhere near me." The snake hissed her warning as onyx locks turned against a white pillow to face her prey.
"Well, I asked for different."
"Well get out, Mudblood."
I'm not letting you win this one Bellatrix.
A small smile crept along the corner of Hermione's mouth as she allowed her eyes to run the length of Bellatrix's body. Her once tight and over the top black dress had started to crinkle from days of lying in the same position. The laces holding the material together were loose and the corset always wrapped so tightly around her waist had been taken away completely to allow her ribs to heal. Hermione had remembered when Bellatrix started to take a fancy to her corsets in school and for once it was something that Mother Black had approved of. Further up a flat stomach, a milk white chest that rose and fell with each graceful breath Bellatrix took. Hatred filled eyes would've stolen away Hermione's longing gaze if it were not for the shining silver jewellery nestled between two pert breasts. The very sight of it caused the young witch to choke back a sob. A raven skull on a black cord. Bellatrix had kept her gift all these years later and still wore it close to her heart.
"Are you as thick as you look? I said get out or I'll give you something to cry over!"
Focus Hermione.
Focus.
"No. I'm not going anywhere." Shaking her head Hermione took the last few steps forward and closed the gap between herself and the deadly witch pinned to the bed. It wasn't till she got closer that the red marks wrapped around Bellatrix's wrists could be seen. Her daily struggle with invisible bindings were starting to take its toll against her pale skin. It look far worse than the last time they had been together. "That looks sore." Hermione mentioned with a nod.
Everything was too quiet and Bellatrix too still. Where had her fight gone?
"I can heal them for you. I know that you don't see eye to eye with Madame Pomfrey."
"Fuck off."
"Bellatrix…"
At the mention of her name Bellatrix flung herself forward, fingers stretching themselves towards Hermione in a desperate attempt to grab at the girl's clothes or dirty flesh. It didn't matter which as long as she got hurt. The bed smashed against the wall and bounced Bellatrix's head roughly against her pillow as the struggle within told her to fight, to rip the Gryffindor filth from limb to limb and make her beg for forgiveness! "I warned you to stay the fuck away from me! I told you if I ever saw you again that I wouldn't hesitate to kill you, do you not understand anything I say you stupid little girl?!" It was moments like these when Bellatrix Lestrange revealed herself to be that damaged, insane, unstable witch everyone said she was, but Hermione saw right past it. Even when the girl flinched and jumped backwards she refused to show fear in her eyes, even when Bellatrix spat out sickening insult and cackled wickedly, Hermione refused to stand down.
"I don't know what the rest of the teachers or you sister have been telling you, they've kept me in the dark just as much as they have with you, but I want you to know the truth.. my truth."
"Your truth?" This time the laughter became trapped inside an aching ribcage as Bellatrix tried to make herself comfortable on the bed. Every time she moved pain darted across both lungs and down her spine, yet the discomfort was masked perfectly. Hermione caught the split second flash of agony as the woman of her youth settled back against the headboard, but as soon as it came it vanished. God, she's magnificent.
"You honestly expect me to believe those wicked mud covered lies that come spewing from your dirty mouth? I know what happened. Dumbledore sent his most favourite doormat back in time to try and meddle with events that had not yet happened in mine. My school years, the choices I was to make, the life I wanted… all of it was ruined by you!"
"No."
"No?"
"It wasn't like that Bella - well, yes, that was how to was meant to be, but after getting to know you everything changed." This time Hermione didn't allow the sarcastic comments to flow from that beautiful red mouth she had once kissed so many times. This time Bellatrix was going to shut up and listen to everything that Hermione had to say. "If you let me explain I will loosen your bindings so you can at least sit up. I've been reading and I think I know the spell Professor Dumbledore used. You of all people shouldn't be trapped like this. You've had too many people holding you down for long enough."
This time spiteful words never came. When Hermione rose her head she found Bellatrix staring at her through heavy eyelashes and shining black hair that had fallen over her breathing taking face. Whatever Hermione had said finally silenced the great Bellatrix Lestrange and for a moment the girl found herself melting away into the gaze they held. Seconds later Bellatrix turned her head back towards the window and Hermione found herself struggling to come back to reality.
Clearing her throat she sat on top of the bed next to Bellatrix's and her story begun.
"Yes I was sent back by Dumbledore, you've got that part correct, but your sister -"
A muffled pillow filled voice came from the bed, cutting the story teller short, but still Bellatrix refused to turn her head towards Hermione. "Narcissa came to ask your help to save her sister who had fallen from grace, blah, blah, blah, I know all of that Mudbood. Get to the point or get out."
Hermione couldn't help but scowl, her nose wrinkling as she resisted the temptation to bind Bellatrix's mouth closed for good measure. "Well if you stop interrupting me I could get there quicker! Yes your sister asked for my help and Dumbledore thought that if I managed to get information out of you that there was a chance of changing the future for the better. In my time you were becoming feared, deadly…. almost like you weren't human anymore."
The witch shifted uncomfortable on the bed, her fingers tugging at the lace pattern of the hospital sheets, if she hadn't agreed to Narcissa's pleas for help there would be no chance of Hermione sitting opposite Bellatrix as they were right now. Instead the eldest Black daughter would've become the monster everyone said she would be. "But the more I got to know you, the more you made me understand what real life was. I've been sheltered for most of mine, my parents have good jobs and a big home. As a child I never went without and when my Hogwarts letter came through I already had my whole life set out before me. But you made me want more. You taught me to be brave, to always keep my guard up and defend myself when it was needed. After awhile I forgot all about the mission, it didn't matter to me anymore when I was around you Bellatrix."
Hermione paused but for a moment yet Bellatrix lay silent, her dark emotionless eyes fixed on the rain as it trickled down the ice cold windows.
"I wanted to protect you from Rodolphus and I knew I trod on your toes far too many times, but I thought if I hinted of what an awful husband he could be that you would change your mind. I should've kept my mouth shut and let you figure out that one on your own, you're the smartest witch I've ever met after all." With a small smile on her face Hermione shuffled forward an inch or two towards the edge of the bed and stretched out both legs, there was little she could do to stop the content sigh slipping from her mouth. For a second Hermione could've sworn she saw Bellatrix glance backwards at the sound. "Everything that happened between us.. it was real to me. And what I said in my note, it's all true. You saw something in me that I didn't and it made me fall for you like crazy. Every little touch, the looks that you gave me.. every single one of those kisses…"
This time Hermione wasn't mistaken. Bellatrix had turned herself over completely and was staring at the younger witch with such force that Hermione almost had to look away.
You felt the same way too Bellatrix, I know you did. Please don't run away from me when I've just got you back.
Out of nowhere Bellatrix huffed, her eyebrows briefly rising. Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "I can hardly run anywhere when I'm tied to this damned thing."
"Huh?"
"Your thoughts Mudblood, they're practically screaming the room down. You should learn to control them."
Hermione couldn't stop the blush spreading across both freckled cheeks even if she tried to. Of course Bellatrix had learn Occlumency in her adults years, everyone had called her the brightest witch of her Hogwarts generation for good reason. "Ah, right.. sorry. I'll have to learn how to keep them quiet. I've never really practiced."
"Maybe get your big nose out of a book once in awhile and learn something of worth."
"Yes, maybe." White teeth snagged on a rosey lip as Hermione rose from the bed and reached inside her skirt pocket. "I meant everything Bella, even if you don't want to believe it. When I was pulled from you I begged Dumbledore let me go back, but he refused. I hardly remember writing that letter or even leaving, I think I was put into some sort of trance so I couldn't fight the magic drawing me back to my time. If I had my way I would've told you the truth Bellatrix, I would've told you everything so when we met again it wouldn't be like this. I'm sorry for what I put you through. I'm sorry you got hurt.. and I'm sorry about your ribs. I know they're hurting you. If there is anything I can do to help?"
"I think you've said your piece." Pain repeatedly stabbed at every nerve along Bellatrix's side each time she tried to get herself comfortable. The ward beds were thin and itchy and the springs of the frame kept digging into her back and hips. For days she had complained about it so much that Madame Pomfrey had had enough and added three extra blankets underneath the witch, though they still gave little comfort, it was no surprise she ended up setting her first one on fire.
Narcissa's visits only agitated her further. Her sisters constant apologising about what happened was one thing, but it was her every mention of Hermione that caused the injured witch suddenly turned from quiet to violent. That name had become taboo, a curse, and Bellatrix was sick of hearing it. Broken ribs didn't stop the room from becoming alight with flashes and smoke. Yet it wasn't even a week later and here was the girl, sat only meters away, declaring that all her feelings were true and pure. And still I just cannot seem to throw her out of the room.
"Yes, yes, you're right.. I should let you rest."
Bellatrix watched as Hermione pushed herself off the bed she sat upon, her shoe schools clicking against the stone floor below, to snatch up the school bag left on a nearby table. The girl seemed to fill up the room more than ever. Her whole aura seemed to change and she was no longer the withheld little lion pup Bellatrix knew all those years ago. With a tilt of her head, hair tumbling to one side, Bellatrix studied Hermione, studied the way she walked, how her knees turned inwards, how her hair bounced gently against each shoulder every time petite hips swung. She studied each little smile, every look in those hazel brown eyes and rosey pink lips that had once spilled forth the most perfect little giggles into the Bellatrix's prefect room. It all seemed so long ago now.. Too long, you don't owe her anything. You're a Black and she's a lowly little Mudblood. Get what you need from her and leave. Forget her.
"I got these for you." A soft thud bounced through the thin wooden table at Bellatrix's side as three leather bound books now took their place next to the older witch. "One is about dark creatures from the North, one tells you how to brew potions from forbidden herb and flowers that can only be found in moors and this one.." Fingers ran gently along the last book, the pages stained yellow against the black leather. "I found it in the restricted section. It's all about the Black Family. I'm sure you know plenty about it, but I thought it would make for some good reading whilst you're stuck in here. I can always get more for you when you're done. Anyway, I'll let you rest now. And I am truly sorry Bellatrix, for everything."
Hermione turned to leave, school bag flung over her shoulder, before an impatient tut echoed off the walls. As she glanced back she found Bellatrix watching her with an unamused expression. "Forgetting something, Muddy?" When Hermione did nothing but open and close her mouth a couple of times she was gifted with a roll of black eyes. "The bindings, you said you would loosen them! And they said you were smart. I've seen a house elf with more intelligence."
"O-oh, yes! Sorry! Give me just a second." Once again Hermione reached inside her pocket but this time her wand found its balance between her slim fingers. As she fumbled Bellatrix dropped her head back into the pillow with a childish huff, waiting was one thing she was never really good at. After several moments of muttering to herself, rehearsing how to twist her wand to the motions mentioned in the books and repeating each word of the spell under her breath Hermione was finally ready.
"Just don't wiggle about too much, I haven't had the chance to practice on the real thing and I've no idea if there are any side effects."
"Side effects? What the fuck do you mean 'side effects'!?"
"Repar-"
"-Mudblood!"
"Exsolvunt!"
A silvery purple stream burst from the end of Hermione's ivy carved wand and latched itself to the invisible ropes keeping Bellatrix's hands bound to the sides of her bed. As the spell settled the purple grew deeper and darker and the red welts around both captive wrists started to loose their colour. Moments later Bellatrix was sat upright on her bed, the blood rushing from her head after a week of lying flat. Not even her ribs could stop the fleeting mentions of joy she suddenly felt. It was the slightest release, but it was one to be grateful for.
"Good, I didn't blow your hands off." Chuckling to herself Hermione placed her wand back into her pocket, shifted her school bag once more and watched Bellatrix get herself comfortable for what must've been the first time in days as she settled back against the headboard, plumping her pillow up behind. "Just don't let anyone else see you upright. I better get going before McGonagall skins me alive." Proud of herself and full of goodwill Hermione turned and walked towards to door she had been so desperate to open for the past week. That was perfect. Everything went smoothly and you didn't let your fear shine through. If only Ron and Harry could've seen me make the wife of a Death Eater go quiet!
"Hey, umm Beaufort? Granger? Mudblood? Yes, I think I'll stick to Mudblood."
"It's Hermione, but you can call me Granger. Or Beaufort till you get used to all these changes."
"Right, Granger." Bellatrix cleared her throat, snatched up a book from the side and stuck her nose so far between the pages that Hermione could no longer see her pureblood face. "Thanks for.. you know, the books and whatnot." She refused to see the stupid grin she had no doubt was plastered across the girl's naive little face. "Now bugger off before I set that bush on top of your head alight. I'm rather well versed in wandless magic, I'm sure you've heard."
"Of course. You're welcome."
"Mhm."
"Rest easy, Bella."
When the doors of the hospital wing closed firmly behind her Hermione couldn't help but let out an excited squeal underneath her breath before taking off down the corridors, a smile so wide on her face it stretched from ear to ear. Everything seemed to be settling into place. Bellatrix hadn't tore her throat out, in fact she did the complete opposite and listened to everything Hermione had to say. Still the days were early and the future unknown. Baby steps had to be taken when it came to the likes of Bellatrix Lestrange, but Hermione swore to herself that she would be there for every one of them. Besides, it wasn't all bad.
After all, she called me Granger.