A/N Alright, this chapter is pretty busy. There are certainly things happening, that's for sure.
Ivory: I would've responded in the last chapter but there was no A/N because I wanted to get the update out before my shift at work started. So, addressing the formal language, Since they're all well educated, I feel like they would have pretty formal language, but I also feel like they would speak formally in a sort of mocking way. In part, it's probably also because I've been writing essays for school and the formal language just sticks with me. Anyway, dialogue is difficult for me so thank you for letting me know so I can look out for that.
Did you know Niantic is supposedly developing a Harry Potter AR game? I'm excited.
I find it hard to say enjoy because of what happens but I hope you do regardless.
Hermione sat in the Three Broomsticks, watching the Hogwarts students chatter and eat. She was in a corner, hood masking most of her features so she wouldn't draw too much attention to herself. She was waiting for Harry and Ron to enter before implementing her plan. They had to see her there so they could make the connection. She wasn't sure they would, there was no telling if they remembered 'seeing' her purchase the necklace. Either way, they would know she was here and that alone should be enough to make them suspicious. Her plan was simple, really. Draco told her the perfect student to use to 'deliver' the necklace. It would never make it to Dumbledore but that was the point. Hermione pressed further into the shadows as the two boys entered, not wanting to be seen immediately. With a flick of her wand, she silently drew Katie Bell's attention, though the student couldn't explain why. Her friend accompanied her, not entirely sure why, either. The two students sat opposite Hermione, vague confusion on their faces.
"I need a favor from you, Katie. This is for Dumbledore but I can't get it to him. Can you deliver it for me? It's very important," Hermione said. Neither girl would remember the exact exchange, instead, they would think they were placed under an Imperius curse. Hermione slid the carefully wrapped necklace across the table to Katie, watching the confusion change to curiosity.
"Of course," Katie said robotically, reaching for the package. She tucked it into her robes and Hermione waved her hand dismissively, watching as the two witches exited the building. She could feel Harry and Ron's eyes on her, the suspicious glares were obvious and she smiled. It was almost too easy to manipulate the two boys. In a few moments, Katie would put the necklace on and be 'cursed,' but the actual effects would wear off quickly. Soon enough, the two boys left the restaurant, followed discretely by Hermione, when a piercing scream broke through the air. The two ran in the direction of the scream, wands drawn. Hermione rolled her eyes, circling around so she would be in Harry and Ron's line of sight. Katie fell to the ground just before she arrived and Hermione pulled her hood back, allowing a deep frown to adorn her face. She caught Harry and Ron's eyes, the two boys moving toward her and she quickly turned on the spot and Apparated. She was done there, Katie's friend would tell everyone it was meant for Dumbledore.
Narcissa, Andromeda, and Bellatrix looked up as Hermione plopped on the couch next to Bellatrix, leaning satisfactorily against the dark witch. Bellatrix's arms automatically wrapped around the lithe waist, pulling her close. They had been waiting for Hermione to return, reestablishing their connection. It was a rocky start but they had settled into a comfortable pattern of conversation. Hermione smiled at Narcissa and Andromeda, placing her hands on Bellatrix's.
"I take it you were successful?" Narcissa asked, arching an eyebrow. She wouldn't admit it but she had been worried for the young witch's safety while at Hogsmeade. Hermione nodded once, giving Narcissa a reassuring smile.
"We never doubted you, Hermione," Andromeda said, smiling at the interaction of Bellatrix and Hermione. Tonks was back at the Ministry and Andromeda wanted to spend the day with her sisters.
"I know. But I also know you were worried for my safety. Everything went smoothly. Just as I planned."
"Let us hope it always turns out that way," Bellatrix said, resting her chin on Hermione's shoulder. Hermione closed her eyes, listening to the three sisters' conversation as she relaxed against her witch. They would be attacking the bridge later today and Hermione wanted to be well rested for the coming destruction. The sisters kept their conversation quiet, not wanting to disturb Hermione's rest. They talked about the past and the future, what they had missed while they had been apart. Bellatrix placed a soft kiss on Hermione's cheek once she had fallen asleep, moving so that the young witch was laying against her front, careful not to jostle Hermione too much. Once she was comfortable again, she turned to her sisters, noticing the adoring smiles on their faces.
"What?" she asked, looking between her almost-twin and near opposite.
"You're just so different when you're around her. It's sweet," Andromeda said. The changes in her older sister still took some getting used to but for the most part, it was an easy adjustment. Bellatrix's nature had always been protective but was usually overshadowed by her instability. Hermione balanced her perfectly and the real Bellatrix was able to come through.
"She's my soulmate," Bellatrix muttered, smoothing Hermione's bushy hair. She loved seeing Hermione asleep. When she was awake she was always tense, worried about the future. When she was asleep, she was relaxed, expression content and unconcerned with everything she was tasked with. Bellatrix imagined it would be too much for anyone else but Hermione was special, in more ways than one. Turning her head back to her sisters, she listened as they discussed the healing techniques they had learned over the years.
Hermione's sleep was disturbed by the gentle shaking of her shoulder, voices coming into focus. Rubbing her eyes, she yawned, looking to the three witches in the room. They were still immersed in conversation and Hermione felt Bellatrix's hand slide back to her waist.
"Is it time?" she mumbled, blinking the remaining sleep from her eyes.
"Yes. We have to get ready," Bellatrix said, urging Hermione up and standing with her directing her next words to her sisters, "Will you be meeting us at the island?"
"Yes, and we will be waiting there until everyone returns. Go, prepare. We'll see you later," Narcissa said, shooing the soulmates from the room. Hermione and Bellatrix ambled to their room, donning the signature dark attire of Death Eaters.
"Are you nervous?" Bellatrix asked, Hermione's mask in her hands.
"A little. Is that bad?" Hermione rubbed her thumbs over the planes of Bellatrix's mask, placing it on the dark witch's face. It secured magically and only her eyes were visible.
"Not at all. This is your first mission with everyone. You are a leader, and as such you are partly responsible for their safety. It is natural to feel fear, use it. I'll be with you the whole time," Bellatrix assured, placing a palm on Hermione's cheek before placing her mask firmly on the young witch's face. Bellatrix extended her arm, Apparating them once Hermione had firmly gripped it.
The entryway of Hermione's island home was filled with Death Eaters, eagerly waiting for the two Lieutenants. They were ready for destruction but would play by the rules. They would harm no Muggle and in the event anything happened, they were prepared to Obliviate any witnesses. They would Apparate in pairs, protecting their partner and serving as an extra pair of eyes. There were five pairs, including Hermione and Bellatrix. The Carrows, Lucius and Greyback, Yaxley and Dolohov, and Crabbe and Goyle Seniors. The group looked menacing in their dark clothes and eerie masks, waiting for the Lieutenants to give the order to begin. Hermione and Bellatrix stood in front of the group, facing the other Death Eaters. Narcissa and Andromeda stood to the side, surveying the group.
Are you ready, love? Bellatrix asked, using their connection. Hermione gave a slight nod, taking Bellatrix's arm and they Apparated, followed by the Death Eaters.
Ten clouds of black smoke weaved through the air under the Muggle bridge, targeting the supporting pillars while the Carrows pulled away from the group to sever some of the suspension cables. They remained in the darker parts of the sky, blending into the night seamlessly. They had chosen a time when there would likely be few Muggles on the bridge to reduce the chances of killing any of them. Hermione and Bellatrix wove around each other, shooting destructive spells rapidly, making quick work of the thick concrete pillars. They were on the third one when they heard a warning shout from Lucius. Turning, Hermione could see the forms of the Order members engaging the Death Eaters in battle. They shouldn't have arrived so quickly, or at all, really. The Lieutenants veered sharply, doubling back to enter the fray.
"Lucius, tell everyone to get out! Bella and I will hold them off until everyone is gone! We'll be right behind you!" Hermione shouted, flinging spells at the Order members as Lucius relayed the message. She engaged two Order members in battle, using wandless and wordless spells to distract them. Bellatrix was in a similar situation and the two witches watched as the Death Eaters began Disapparating one by one. The last one had just gone when Bellatrix caught sight of a spell aimed at Hermione's back out of the corner of her eye. Sending powerful hexes at her opponents, she rushed to Hermione. She didn't know what the spell was but she would not let it hit her. Hermione turned to Bellatrix right as she intercepted the spell, taking it on her side. She hadn't even known a spell was coming at her until just now but there was no way she would have had time to defend herself. She had been too focused on holding the Order members back. Hermione watched as Bellatrix's side split open, the dark witch losing hold of her smoke form.
"BELLA!" Hermione screamed, a pulse of magic leaving her in a wave, slamming into the Order members as she moved to catch the witch. Her hand met only air. She felt nothing but sheer panic as Bellatrix approached the surface of the water. Hermione was a black streak behind her, magic pouring out of her and into the air around her as she caught up to the unconscious witch. The Order members had recovered from the magic that had hit them but they were slightly disoriented by the haze of magic still in the air. Hermione wrapped her hand around Bellatrix's ankle, using her grip to secure Bellatrix before Apparating them to her island home. They landed in the entryway with a thud, the breath knocked out of Hermione but she was too focused on Bellatrix. Was this how it had been when she was the one struck by the spell?
"CISSA!" Hermione desperately bellowed, voice breaking as she tried to stop the bleeding. There was so much blood, too much. Bellatrix's pallor was unhealthily pale, not her usual healthy ivory. Narcissa and Andromeda were already at her side, one tending to Bellatrix and one trying to move Hermione away. She clung desperately to her soulmate, hot tears streaming down her face as her magic poured into the room and the body of her soulmate. The other Death Eaters had retreated from the room as soon as Hermione had appeared, the pressure too much. Hands pulled on her shoulders and Hermione felt her grip loosening, hands slick with blood. Andromeda knelt at Bellatrix's other side, trying to assess the damage. Hermione's grip gave way and she was being dragged across the room, fighting every step of the way.
"No!" she shouted repeatedly, trying to break the surprisingly strong grip of Narcissa so she could rush back to Bellatrix's side.
"Hermione, I need you over here so Andy can run the diagnostic. Pull your magic in and you can stay, otherwise, you have to leave. She'll be okay, I promise. Just let us do our job," Narcissa said, fighting against the desperate yanking of Hermione as she tried to break her grip. Narcissa pulled the girl closer, trying to give what comfort she could. Hermione's voice was raw, words leaving in sobs as she struggled to get back to Bellatrix. Narcissa was worried, she hadn't seen much but she knew it was serious. Hermione's soulmate bond would pull her to Bellatrix and her magic was still unstable, pouring into the room. It was oppressive and the air shimmered slightly at the amount of it.
"Hermione, pull your magic back or Bellatrix will bleed out on your floor in front of you," Narcissa said sharply, using her firm tone. It was the only way Hermione would listen, she was too distraught to listen to anything else. She hadn't wanted to resort to this but she would do what she had to. Hermione stopped pulling against Narcissa, trying to get a handle on her breathing. She wouldn't be the reason Bellatrix died, couldn't be. Narcissa loosened her grip on Hermione, gently embracing her. She made soothing noises in Hermione's ear, trying to help the young witch calm down enough to gather her magic.
"It's all my fault," she sobbed, turning into the blonde witch, magic dispersing, the pressure in the room easing significantly. Narcissa held Hermione in a firm hug, looking at her sisters. Andromeda met her eyes and nodded gently, eyes filled with tears at Hermione's distress. Narcissa breathed a sigh of relief, Bellatrix would be fine.
"No, Hermione. I don't know what happened but I know it wasn't your fault," Narcissa whispered, stroking Hermione's hair softly.
"I didn't see it coming, wasn't paying enough attention and she-" Hermione stopped mid-sentence, unable to finish as a sob left her. Narcissa shushed her quietly, rocking her slightly. The repetitive motion soothed her and she somewhat resumed her normal breathing, an occasional sob breaking through.
"She's going to be okay. We'll take care of it. We just need you to stay over here so we can work. Can you do that?" Narcissa whispered. She felt Hermione nod and removed her arms, pressing a kiss to Hermione's cheek as she joined Andromeda at Bellatrix's side. The bleeding had stopped but the wound wasn't closing properly.
"We need potions. I'll get them from the storeroom. You stay and try to close the wound, everything I tried didn't work," Andromeda whispered, Disapparating to retrieve the necessary potions. Narcissa drew her wand, positioning it over her sister as she assessed the damage. Murmuring quietly, she tried a variety of spells before she managed to close the long gash as Andromeda appeared back at her side. The sisters glanced at Hermione, watching as the young witch paced furiously across the room. The behavior was reminiscent of Bellatrix and the sisters shared a glance.
"Blood-Replenishing Potions and a Calming Draught for Hermione," Andromeda whispered, holding up the bottles.
"She won't take it. Even if she did it wouldn't do anything, the bond would negate its effects. Just leave her be, for now, as long as she isn't pushing magic out she'll be fine. She needs to release her energy somehow and I'd rather her pace than anything else," Narcissa whispered as Andromeda kneeled on the other side of Bellatrix, gently coaxing the potions down the unconscious woman's throat. The two witches were relieved when some of Bellatrix's color returned, assessing for any further damage. Lucius had told her of the Order's impromptu appearance and she knew Hermione and her sister would ensure the safety of the Death Eaters as they escaped. She had worried about the two witches and when she saw them appear in the house, dread had firmly settled in her stomach.
Andromeda worked to restore Bellatrix alongside Narcissa, the two working efficiently. She occasionally glanced at Hermione, worry furrowing her brows. Hermione chewed her lip as she aimlessly paced from wall to wall, fingers tapping restlessly. She could feel faint traces of Hermione's magic entering the room again but continued to work. There was no further damage, just the single gash running from her hip to the middle of her ribcage. Narcissa had managed to close it while she was gone. Neither witch knew if it would scar, both being pure healers but Hermione had poured magic into Bellatrix in an attempt to do something. They weren't sure of the effects of soulmate magic on the healing process.
Hermione anxiously paced the room as Andromeda and Narcissa worked on healing Bellatrix. She had chewed her lip so thoroughly it was bleeding but she didn't stop, didn't change her stride, just pacing, sending glances in Bellatrix's direction every now and then. She couldn't help but feel at fault for her soulmate's injury. If she had paid more attention, if she had reacted faster, if she had done anything but let Bellatrix take the spell. Hermione's tears had dried but if she were capable of any more they would still be streaming down her face. She felt her magic flaring out, trying to reach Bellatrix's and her hold on it slipped. She couldn't restrain it anymore, she was exhausted. Narcissa carefully approached Hermione, letting Andromeda finish healing Bellatrix. She pulled the girl to a stop with a hand around her wrist, embracing the girl.
"She's okay, Hermione. She just needs some rest. I don't know how long it will be until she wakes up but she will. We can't move her too far yet, so we're putting her in a room here. You should get some rest."
"Not until she wakes up."
Narcissa sighed, knowing it was useless to argue with the young witch. With an arm around Hermione's shoulders, she guided the young witch back to Bellatrix's side as Andromeda levitated the dark witch. The two sisters led the way to a room in Hermione's house, decorated darkly. The curtains were thick and black, blocking out all the light and the bedding matched. The furniture was a deep brown, nearly black but not quite. Andromeda moved Bellatrix onto the bed, pulling the covers over the witch. Hermione dragged the chair from the desk next to the bed, sitting in it and staring at Bellatrix unblinkingly.
"Call us if you need anything, Hermione. Lucius is briefing the Dark Lord as much as he can for you," Narcissa whispered. Hermione nodded, not taking her gaze off her soulmate. Andromeda and Narcissa shared a worried glance, exiting the room and silently closing the door.