A/N I apologise for the late update my internet has decided to take the day off.

This may not be the confrontation you all were hoping for but don't worry, it'll get here.

Enjoy!

Bellatrix anxiously paced the foyer in Malfoy Manor, her footsteps echoing in the large room. She hadn't wanted to leave Hermione's side but knew if she didn't she would be sent back to Azkaban. That was not a place she ever wanted to see again. She briefly wondered if her Lord would let her destroy it before her thoughts turned back to her lion. She paced faster, muttering to herself and tugging at her hair. She couldn't stand the thought that her actions had caused her witch so much pain. Biting her lip until she tasted blood, Bellatrix resisted the urge to scream. Her magic lashed out, breaking whatever objects it crashed into.

Narcissa observed her older sister quietly. Bellatrix had been pacing since she had reported the mission's success to the Dark Lord and informed him of what happened to Hermione. He had not been pleased, but it was not directed at his followers. They had followed the Dark Lord's instructions and he would not lash out at them in anger. Bellatrix, on the other hand, had thrown hexes at anyone trying to even pass through the room. The Death Eaters knew to avoid her sister when she was like this. Narcissa watched as cracks spread up some of the walls and vases fell and shattered. It was time to put a stop to this.

"Bella. She'll be okay. Tonks won't let anything happen to her. Dumbledore doesn't know she's on our side. You know Madame Pomfrey is the best mediwitch Hogwarts has ever seen. Even St. Mungo's wants her," Narcissa soothed, trying to calm her frantic sister. She had never seen Bella so distraught over anything. It worried Narcissa. Bellatrix was unstable at the best of times when Hermione wasn't around. Worrying over the young lion would only make things worse.

"I know, Cissy. I know. But it's all my fault. If I hadn't provoked Potter this wouldn't have happened," Bellatrix hissed, still pacing furiously.

"You had no idea Potter would react the way he did. Hermione is strong. You said yourself she handled it better than most people would've," Narcissa said, gently placing her hands on Bella's shoulders to stop her pacing.

"It doesn't matter. I should've played it safe where Hermione was concerned. I should've moved her out of the way and let it hit me. I should've done something."

"Look at me, Bella. You are not at fault for this. Hermione will not blame you. She loves you, Bella. You both did what you had to for the mission to be a success. She'll be okay."

"I'm scared, Cissy," Bellatrix said, her eyes shining with tears and fear.

"I know."

Narcissa hugged Bellatrix, feeling the shaking shoulders of her sister as she cried. She wanted to cry too, but that would not help Bella. She could not offer more than sisterly comfort. But she would give her sister whatever she could because deep down, she was terrified and this was the only way she could hide it. She feared for her sister who had lost so much just to keep her family safe. She feared for her husband who always put her needs first. She feared for her son who she knew had a role to play in the war. And she feared for Hermione who had been caught in the middle and forced to decide.

"Bella. It's Ammy," Narcissa whispered, watching as the bird flew in through the open window. Bellatrix raced over to the bird and Narcissa was glad for its gentle temperament. Her sister could be quite frightening when she was in such a frantic state. Everyone avoided the foyer for the hours Bella had been pacing, not wanting to earn a hex or three. Narcissa knew Bella would never hurt her, even in her maddened states she never had.

"She's awake," Bellatrix breathed, looking at Narcissa. Her eyes were gleaming with hope and joy and love at knowing her lion was okay. The tears hadn't stopped, merely changed from anguished to happy.

"That's great news," Narcissa said, feeling a weight lift from her chest.

"I must inform the Dark Lord. Will you respond for me?"

"You know I will, Bella."

Kissing her sister on the cheek, Bellatrix strode to find her Lord. He would want to know Hermione was not too badly harmed. She couldn't keep a smile off her face as she rejoiced in the knowledge that her lion was going to be coming home to her soon. She only hoped Hermione would be as happy to see her.

Hermione stared at Dumbledore, her face impassive as she listened to him recount the events of the past night. He said that Bellatrix had been the one to curse her but Hermione had not forgotten what really happened and she could see in his head he knew Harry was the one to do it. She bit back her anger at the fact that Dumbledore was letting everyone believe Bella had cursed her. As if she would ever intentionally harm her! Dumbledore was lying to her to try to keep her with the Order but Hermione had already decided.

"Professor. Do not lie to me. I remember what happened very clearly. You are not doing yourself any favors by lying to everyone. Harry cast the curse, not Bellatrix," Hermione growled, no longer able to listen to his lies. Her hands were fists in the blankets and she slowly relaxed them, opting instead to twist her ring, no longer glamoured. Her magic had given up the glamour and she would have to spell it back. She didn't want to, though. She liked this version better. Hermione felt her friends-and enemies-looking at her in surprise.

"That is a very interesting ring, Hermione. May I ask how you got it?"

"I would prefer to be called Ms. le Fay, And not that it's any of your business, but it's a family heirloom," she responded coldly. She was trying to keep her anger in check but Dumbledore made it so hard.

"I'm sorry, Hermione. I didn't mean to. I was just so angry. I wasn't thinking," Harry said, trying to convey how sorry he was.

"Bullshit, Harry. You meant it. You may not have meant it for me but that didn't stop you."

"Hermione, I-"

"No. Get out. All of you," she snarled, glaring at Harry and Dumbledore. She didn't want to hurt her allies but she needed them gone before she lost control.

"I believe we should give Ms. le Fay some time alone to process what has happened. She is clearly in a state of shock," Dumbledore said, trying to save face by convincing everyone Hermione was remembering incorrectly. He had no idea that three-fifths of the people he was ushering out were not on Harry's side, but Hermione's.

As soon as the door to the infirmary closed, Hermione chucked her pillow across the room, watching in satisfaction as it hit the wall with an audible thud before falling to the ground. It didn't do much, but it was better than nothing. Charming her pillow to come back to her, Hermione threw it repeatedly against the wall before growing bored and spelling it to tear itself apart. She felt significantly better as she watched the feathers drift to the floor. She couldn't wait for summer.

Ginny entered the infirmary cautiously, slightly terrified of the brunette. She had been so angry before. Ginny had felt the change in pressure around them and marveled at just how powerful Hermione was, even recovering. She was relieved to see the older witch much calmer as pillow feathers drifted to the floor.

"This came for you. I take it the pillow wasn't to your liking?" she asked, trying to get a laugh from Hermione. She hated seeing the normally calm girl so emotional but couldn't blame her. Dumbledore was an arse for trying to tell Hermione Bellatrix had cursed her.

"I found it to be rather irritating," Hermione responded with a slight smile, taking the letter from Ginny.

"I suppose destroying it was the proper way to go, then."

"It was the only solution I saw at the time," Hermione said, turning her attention to the letter.

Dearest lion,

We are so glad you are awake. My sister has been frantic. No one would approach her for fear of being hexed. She is informing the Dark Lord that you are awake, so I am writing this letter in her stead. You have succeeded in your mission and will earn your Mark upon your return to the Manor. My sister is proud of you, I can tell. She said you handled the curse Potter threw at you better than most would have on their first time. But you are no ordinary witch, that much is certain. Your magic will need time to recover back to its normal state but you will not be unable to use it. My sister was unsure of the physical damage but you may have some scarring. Dark magic tends to do that, as I'm sure you know.

We eagerly await your return home, my sister in particular. Be safe, Hermione. We love you.

N

"Ginny, can you gather everyone? I have an announcement to make."

"Sure, Hermione. Everyone is outside. Do you want Harry, Ron, and Dumbledore, too?"

"They'll find out sooner or later, may as well get this over with."

Ginny walked to the giant doors as Hermione quickly hid the note under her blanket. She could feel trembling in her muscles, still weak from the after-effects of the curse. She would have to be careful not to overexert herself. It would do her no good to pass out from exhaustion. She sipped her water as Ginny led everyone back to her. She had not expected them all to wait outside for her but found she didn't mind.

"I am glad you have regained your senses, Hermione," Dumbledore spoke, presuming to know what she was going to say.

"I have appointed Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy as my guardians," she stated, not letting Dumbledore's words affect her.

"Hermione, you are of age, you have no need for a guardian," Dumbledore spoke, keeping Harry and Ron from saying anything to worsen the situation.

"I was not raised in a pureblood society. I have no idea how to manage an estate. I have no knowledge of pureblood customs. I am of age, Professor, but that does not mean I should be without help."

"Why the Malfoys, though?! Lucius was just at the Ministry attacking us!" Ron shouted, his voice whiny.

"They offered. They are the elite of pureblood society and I accepted because I know they can teach me better than any other family. I hardly knew Lucius would attack us."

"So are you going to change your mind, Hermione?" Harry asked, restraining his negative feelings. He had just cursed his best friend, he could not afford to lose his temper again, not if he wanted her to stay by his side.

"I think Hermione's decision could be very beneficial to the Order. You will be staying with them, will you not?" Dumbledore spoke before Hermione could respond to Harry. He could use Hermione to get a better idea of what Voldemort was planning.

"Yes, Professor, but before you ask, I will not be a spy. They have been kind enough to allow me to stay with them and they are offering what no one else has. I will not act against them in this way."

"Hermione, this can be so good for the Order," Harry gently pushed. He understood Hermione's hesitation but it could give them the edge they needed.

"Perhaps you need time to consider, Hermione. I am sure you are still feeling out of sorts because of what happened at the Ministry." Dumbledore looked to Harry and Ron, silently commanding them not to speak. Hermione was grateful Neville, Luna, and Ginny were staying quiet. She didn't want them to expose themselves.

"I do not need to consider and I am not out of sorts. My answer is and will remain. I am not a puppet and I will not spy on the people who offered to help me. Lucius may have been there tonight, but I did not suffer any harm at his hand. I will not reveal Order secrets."

"If you are going to live with them, perhaps it is better if you were no longer part of the Order. I do not know who else may be residing with them, but we cannot afford any slip-ups. If you will not spy, then you will not be privy to Order secrets."

"I understand, Professor. I would do the same if I were in your position," Hermione lied. She would never ask her allies to spy for her. But to Dumbledore, she was not an ally, she was a pawn. Not anymore, though.

"I'm glad, Hermione. And if you do change your mind, let me know," Dumbledore said, ushering Harry and Ron out of the infirmary. He was not worried about the other three acting rashly.

"It seems the decision has been made. The path is set and it is our duty to follow," Luna whispered airily.

"I do not expect any of you to proclaim your side yet. In fact, I ask that you keep it secret for as long as you can. I need to arrange a place for you to stay should you need it and I do not want anyone to harass you. If you change your mind about following me, I will accept that."

"I'm with you, Hermione," Ginny said resolutely. She had already accepted Hermione's decision and knew there was no one more suited for her to follow.

"Hermione, I hope it's alright-I'm still with you, of course-I just-I'd like to know what happened, first. With my parents, I mean," Neville stuttered. He knew Hermione had chosen this route since their discussion before OWLs but he still had anxiety over proclaiming the dark. They had tortured his parents and he couldn't side with them until he knew more.

"I know, Neville. I won't ask you to do anything you aren't ready to. You can make your decision later, I don't mind. I will get the full story to you, and if you don't feel right standing with me, you don't have to," Hermione reassured, laying a hand on his arm to convey she understood his hesitation and did not fault him for it.

"I am with you, Hermione. The blood-caste is ready to fall. Change is upon us," Luna spoke. She had known from the beginning what Hermione would choose. She held no issue with the dark side. They wanted to bring about real change and Luna knew it was time. She could feel it in her bones.

"I didn't realize that's what they were fighting for. I'd still like to know what happened to my parents, but I'm with you, Hermione," Neville spoke. He had the suspicion the Order wasn't revealing the true intentions of their opponent, it was war, after all. He felt much more comfortable choosing Hermione knowing she was not trying to eliminate entire populations. He knew she would never do that, not when she had spoken out so harshly against those that had treated her differently because she was thought to be muggleborn. Hermione was not the type to let power change her, she was the type to change power.

"Thank you. All of you. I need to rest now, I'm feeling a bit woozy. I'll be sure to inform you of any developments that require your attention."