Hey guys!
It may have come to your attention that the fic has a new cover (Who else loved the references? It took me a whole day to get over the excitement lol), and if you want to check it out in its full-scale beauty, I'll leave the link for you guys. Alex, you're a gem. Thank you again. deviantart aheesher / art / Lucky - 914691287
AlsethGosia, hahahah that's great! I'm having the time of my life writing denial-mode-Bella putting her mind to work on wild theories. So, can I keep coming out of the blue? AWESOME! Here I am with a new chapter XD And don't worry, you're not the only one who started to like Roddie. I'm growing fond of him, too. Fingers crossed you'll like this chapter as well.
AncientUrn, \o/ Thank you for keeping up!
Things are coming along. Once more thanks for the company, guys. It certainly makes for a whole new experience writing like this.
Chapter XIII - Felix Felicis
Felix Felicis, the luck potion, it enhances the magical energy inside a person to attract - from the outside world - what they want or need most, knowingly or otherwise. Nothing is impossible for those who drink it. Not even going 41 years to the past with a time-turner that didn't have magical capacity to send someone so far back.
Something attracted Hermione Granger to that year. Something she wanted or needed it. And Dumbledore had acted on his theory about what it could be...
I thought she needed closure. He remembered her fervorous dedication to prove that blood had no consequence to magical capabilities.
She spent most of her life trying to prove her worth to people whose opinion shouldn't matter to her. Consciously, she knew that what they thought of her blood and heritage wasn't important. She told herself, and everyone else, that it was about the betterment of society. But deep down... She just wanted to prove to everyone that she wasn't anything less than any of those purebloods. It was in the way she always traced the scar on her arm as she paused on her writings... How she seemed affected whenever she heard anti-muggleborn speeches on the radio or read about it on the papers. Their bigotry got to her. Her research was supposed to bring closure, so she could leave it all behind.
She had wanted to convince the 'pure-blood faction' that they should let go of past prejudices and accept changes. Instead, she saw first-person how prejudice doesn't have a reason.
In the end, her research and experiments proved what she already knew, to people who agreed with her. It was new, and revolutionary, but it did nothing to stop the blood-purists, who refused to accept that they were wrong in their beliefs. They undermined her work, calling it fake - a tentative to overwrite true wizarding history - with a small (yet ever growing) number of traditional wizarding families joining their side. No one likes to think that inaction in the face of evil encourages the spreading of its foul influence, it makes them feel responsible, and for that - Hermione found out the hard way - she is equal parts loved and hated.
Of course, her students loved her. She was engaging, encouraging, and overall, a fair authority figure they could admire. But outside Hogwarts halls, people resented the fact that she was teaching their kids her points of view. Minerva received, every year, complaint letters from concerned parents all but demanding to take Hermione's subject from Hogwarts curriculum. Every year, convincing the board that her subject was necessary got harder, despite the good impacts it already had in their society.
Fear of change, and of the unknown, got people wishing things could go back to the way it was at Hogwarts. Hermione thought that she was going slow, but really, for a society stuck hundreds of years with a culture that didn't discuss muggles outside the ministry, it was spooky for parents to hear their children talking about their strange society with naturality. And after she helped a muggle settle in... Well, people feared for the statute of secrecy.
Year after year, the purist faction discussed the matter of her 'influence on the youth, that would finish destroying the already degraded society'. It was a constant fight she tackled with her head raised high, focusing on the positive side of things. Her work was true, constantly discussed, and well renowned in the right circles. No one could take it away from her, as much as they tried. And the kids were learning from history, she was doing her part.
She had everything, but a part of her was still restless. There was an unexplainable emptiness inside, which made her go after something new to learn constantly. She had to keep herself occupied... Denying that she felt affected by their prejudice.
Dumbledore gave her the task to bring Bellatrix to their side, because he believed it would help the woman appease - once and for all - the side of her that needed to prove herself. If Hermione managed to convince the most fanatical Death Eater that she was wrong, it would be two birds with one stone. They would deprive Voldemort from his most powerful follower, and Hermione would find the peace she was after.
He thought he had all figured it out... This is why one should take decisions after being completely well informed.
But this particularly recent memory of her last day on her future made him rethink everything. He just hoped that despite his precipitation, things played out the way he planned it.
After all, if Hermione's desire was to find the one who 'fits her perfectly', the Luck effect of the potion might have sent her here to find what she wants... And what she wants might not align with what this world needs.
He watched with some interest as Hermione massaged her temples after another gruesome bout of Legilimency vs Occlusion. Her barriers were getting stronger, soon he wouldn't be able to enter her mind if she didn't give an opening.
"I don't think I can take any more of this today, Headmaster. My head is about to kill me."
"That tends to happen when one practices occlumency against a skilled legilimens for three hours straight."
She smiled at him, but then pinched her eyes in pain, going back to massaging her head. "Go to Madam Pomfrey, ask for some of those headache potions, it will help."
She winced "I think I will."
"And Hermione..."
"Yes, sir?"
"Good work today. A few more of these lessons and you can consider your mind impenetrable..."
"A few more of these and I'll probably not even have a brain to use." She joked on her way out.
She really doesn't know. He smiled wistfully at her back. The only reason why it hurt so much was because her barriers were extremely hard to breakthrough. She struggled to keep her defenses up when he forced past it, and when he managed to find the hidden memories, she would direct him towards things she wanted him to see in them. She knows immediately how to follow him inside her mind, and it wasn't something a person did on just two days of training. Long hours or not.
He was relieved that the one who sought her out for help was Andromeda. That girl would keep Hermione focused on what she was fighting for in this world. The less time Hermione wasted thinking of ways to explain why the dark arts are acceptable, the less she would stray from her path.
Bellatrix is a distraction Hermione should stay away for now.
- Ma,
Do you know what happened to Aunt Hermione? She's missing. Headmaster McGonnagal announced that there's no news she could give about her but asked us not to worry.
How can we not worry, ma? She didn't go to Uncle Ron's wedding; she didn't show for Gabrielle's party that Fleur organized at the Weasleys this year. If she really wanted to avoid Uncle Ron like everyone was saying, she would come to Hogwarts after summer, wouldn't she? I think that something bad happened to her!
Victoria doesn't know anything, either. She's writing to ask her parents, too.
Do you know anything? Please, if you do write to me about it? I want to know too...
About me... Well, it's just the first day. I didn't have time to go exploring yet, but I heard about a secret passage called 'three-taps-wall', Vic and I are going to explore it as soon as we're free to roam about.
Don't worry about me, I'm fine. I love you! Please, write soon.
Your favourite grandson,
Teddy Lupin.
So, Hermione is missing, and no one cared to tell her about it. Of course, they wouldn't, it just served to solidify what she always suspected: They liked her, but not enough to keep in contact. It was merely for the sake of Nyphadora's son, but they would never see her as a part of the family.
She never felt like she belonged with them, either. Her family... her real family was gone. Ted, Dora...
Her eyes lost its focus as she lost herself to a recent memory...
That train waiting to take her grandson to Hogwarts was a sight she dreaded ever since she held that baby in her arms, after her daughter- Funny how something that once brought immense joy can also be the cause of incredible heartache.
It was his second year, but it didn't get easier for Andromeda to leave him at that platform... Even knowing that her friends would be watching over him as he walked through those halls and explored those grounds with his new friends.
The selfish part of her thought about moving away to a country that would allow her to teach him at home - she equally loved and resented Hermione for making her subject mandatory in all schools - but no matter how painful it would be for her to watch him leave again; she couldn't deny him the wonder of Hogwarts. The place where most of her happy memories took place. Where her daughter lived incredible adventures of her own and found her vocation. Where he could strengthen those new friendships and find his own path.
Not to mention that leaving Great Britain would mean leaving his godfather's big, loving family. These people filled the empty space Teddy would have in his heart if she were to raise him alone, but Andie never felt much connected to them due to all the hurt Bellatrix caused. That's something she would forever be associated with, no matter how much they claimed otherwise.
They hated Bella and rejoiced in her death. She couldn't bring herself to share their happiness. Not even after-
Holding back tears, she held him close to her in a long, long hug he sure wanted to get out of, and whispered in his ear "You will write to me about everything you find interesting in that castle, ok? Do not let me out of your adventures, you hear? I want to know everything."
He nodded in her chest, then protested due to the nature of the hug "Graaan" she held on, until he resigned to his embarrassment and let her hug him for as long as she wanted.
Perhaps one day he would understand why her goodbye hugs lasted too long. Why she constantly told him how much she loved him. Why she acted as though every moment with him would be her last...
One day he would understand how much his mother's death broke her. How much she feared for his life. How tired she is of losing the people she loved...
Until he grew up and understood her pain, he'd always struggle in her arms, as if her affection suffocated him more than in the literal sense. "Ma! I'm going to miss the train!"
Sure enough, they were calling the students on the platform to go on board at once.
She let go of him with a watery smile. He kissed her cheeks and forehead, that kind gesture and his gentle smile served only to make her heart ache even more. "Don't cry, ma... I'll be back home for Christmas!"
Not wanting to look like a fool, and ruin her little boy's happy moment, she smiled at him and kissed his forehead. She did a good job, swallowing the lump in her throat and ignoring the tight grip an invisible hand had in her heart. "Be a good boy, ok?"
"I always am." He winked as he boarded on the train.
He looked so much like his grandfather when he did that...
"I love you!"
"I love you, too!" He waved at her through the window until he was out of sight...
She waited for that first letter with batted breath. A huge part of her always expected the worst... The last thing she thought it would happen was for her to end up worrying about someone who wasn't her Teddy.
Loud knocks on her door got her out of her reverie. She was thankful for the distraction, because she really had no idea what to tell her grandson. How to say that he was a part of that family, while she was an outsider with no real insight to what goes on in their lives apart from the obvious?
The sight of the blonde woman in her doorstep gave pause to her depressed thoughts. It's like she was summoned by the thought of family. "Narcisa..."
"Hello, Andromeda..." She seemed unsure, as if her decision to visit was a spur of the moment thing she was regretting now. Andie wondered what could have brought her younger sister to her home. "May I come in?"
Such formalities. She smiled sardonically. Like I was the one to turn my back on her...
"Of course." She opened the door wider for her sister to pass through, taking a second too long to close it, as if expecting her to change her mind and bolt out of there.
Narcisa didn't run, though. Instead, she watched her modest living room with interest. The faded-grey sofa, the long coffee table filled with Knick knacks, the tv cabinet with Teddy's ps2, and the remote control to the big television hanging on the wall... Narcisa looked at those as if they were oddities, that reaction to the muggle things in her house was a sudden reminder of how different their lives were. A rich pure-blood in a muggle-like residence, Narcisa was standing out like a nail on wood.
She must want something... But what could she possibly want from me? Is Draco in trouble? Does she need me to vouch for them again? As far as she knew, Lucius' was out of commission regarding any political affair, but his family fortune was intact, as was his business trading dark artifacts. Draco still had a chance to win his seat in the wizengamot after being proved that he was coerced into action, and Harry's claim that Narcisa saved his life. Andie's confirmation that Narcisa's beliefs weren't as aligned to her husband's was just to guarantee that her nephew wouldn't lose the future he had been prepared for all his life. Even though she did agree with him to some extent. Blood purity was law in our home, after all. "Feel free to sit, wherever." Her tone wasn't cold, she would never manage to be that harsh with her sister, but it was far from friendly and welcoming. In fact, she sounded business-like.
So out of character that Narcisa also looked at her as if she was an alien sight.
Andromeda, herself, sat on Ted's favourite recliner. Waiting. Watching as Narcisa's face changed from the statue-like mask of slight disdain to guilt-stricken, to reluctant, then to one of someone trying to regain their composure. It cycled on and on...
"I..." When she turned to face her older sister again, she looked even less sure of herself. As if whatever led her to Andromeda didn't make sense. But after opening and closing her mouth a dozen times, she gathered courage to say: "I'm divorcing Lucius." She fiddled with her family's necklace. Their family's necklace. Andie didn't leave that cursed house before taking her one and only possession with her.
Of all things... Andromeda let out all the air she had in her lungs in a long sigh. She was surprised her sister finally realized that Lucius Malfoy was a power-hungry, egocentric, selfish little coward who couldn't care about anything that wasn't piles of gold in his vaults. Oh, and good social standing.
She waited for the younger witch to elaborate on what was surely a long, long story... But the sight of those shoulders shaking - in an effort to hold on to her sobs - and grief showing on her face, got Andie moving before she could even process her actions. She didn't hesitate to close the distance between them.
For Narcisa to wear her emotions so clearly on her face, she must have been holding onto her pain for too long. Far too long.
As soon as Andromeda's arms circled Narcisa's waist, the tall woman broke down, leaning into the hug, and clinging to her older sister as if she was a lifeline. The sound of Narcisa's wailing was something Andromeda never expected to hear. She never saw Narcisa cry this much, not even when Druella forbidden her to eat chocolates forever, and Andie made a vow to let her eat in secret and never tell, to get her to calm down, and Bel-
No, she wouldn't think about that.
The calming caresses on her back was second nature, as was the kisses on her hair, and soft whispers of comfort in her ear. "Shhh, let it out, I'm here... I'm here, Cissy. I'm here for you..."
"I'm sorry..." She said "I'm so sorry, Andie. So, So sorry..."
She repeated it over, and over, and over again. Until Andromeda realized that she wasn't feeling sorry for herself. She was asking for forgiveness...
"Of course, I forgive you, Cissy. I love you... I love you, sister." She held her closer and kissed her hair again. "I forgive you. It's okay..." It's not okay... I'm sorry for forgiving so easily, Dora... I'm so sorry... But she missed her sister, and she would be lying if she said that one crack in her heart had not been healed with that honest apology.
It didn't soothe Narcisa, though. If anything, it made her sob harder. Her legs threatened to give out, and Andie struggled to guide her towards the couch where they could let their weight fall, almost literally collapsing on it.
After what felt like hours, Narcisa seemed to calm down a bit.
"What happened, Cissy? Did- Did Lucius do anything to you?" Narcisa didn't confirm nor deny, but with the way her body stiffened, Andromeda assumed the worst "I swear, if he dared... I'm going to DESTROY HIM! Teddy has a good big family watching out for him, I can spend a few years in Azkaban without worrying for his wellbeing. It's a good vacation. I'm sure that killing that smug son of a bitch will be satisfying."
Narcisa giggled... An honest, silly, little-girl kind of giggle that made Andie smile and back away to take a good look at her sister.
Gosh, how long has it been since she laughed like this? Even with her make-up messed up she managed to look pretty and graceful. Fuck you, Cissy... She smiled at her, feeling good for having at least this relationship restored. Half-restored.
"You sounded just like Bella..."
At the mention of that name, both women froze. The smile slid from Cissy's face, and Andromeda's expression showed every bit of her sorrow. Andie would never say it out loud... but she also regreted Bella's death. Which made her grief over her lost daughter even worse. She couldn't even hate the person who killed her. She was always so consumed by guilt...
Narcisa looked regretful; tears started to fall down her face again. Clearly feeling pain for both: Andie's loss, and her own.
"I'm so sorry Andie. I... She wasn't herself... She... I mean, fourteen years of Azkaban would break anyone's mind. She..."
"NO! Don't try to justify her, Cissy." I can't forgive her... I can't...
"I'm not! I'm just saying the truth... Andie, after Azkaban... She wasn't herself anymore. Not as we remembered. That monster was the only thing she cared about; her admiration became obsession. If he told her to kill me... I bet she would. And I know for sure that she still cared about me, but she wouldn't hesitate if he gave her 'a good reason'. She lived to please him..."
Like she did father...
"It already was an obsession..."
"Not like that. It was never like that, Andie... They had a daughter."
Bella? A daughter? Impossible! "She would never lay with a man!"
"Maybe it was magical ritual to impregnate his most fanatical follower? Maybe he got a vagina after his snake transformation, who knows?! Fact is... She was infatuated with him. She did have a daughter. I should know... I helped give birth."
The horrified expression didn't leave Andromeda's face. Voldemort's child... Voldemort's child... Voldemort and Bellatrix' child! "Where is she?" Her alarmed voice matched her panic.
Narcisa shrugged and shook her head, that information was a mystery for her too, it seemed. "I couldn't look at her, Andie. It was... Too much."
Oh, Merlin... "...was she like... a snake?" It was a snake, wasn't it? A half-snake baby. A little snaky...
Narcisa looked as though Andie said something extremely confusing "What? No!" Then she laughed, because it's not like Andie could expect anything different from Voldemort. "It's just..." The blonde witch sobered up once she remembered how painful it was to watch the woman who looked so much like her sister, act so unlike her. It was as if someone else took possession of her body. The only thing she recognized from Bella was the soft look in her eyes that sometimes showed through that mad, vengeful glint. She was filled with hate, the embodiment of all her negative emotions, a live weapon, who knew nothing but battle; and had nothing but bad memories of her past. "How could I look at that little girl without reminding myself that she only existed because Bella was so... broken? I couldn't keep her. After she died, Lucius found a place for the child to stay that wouldn't bring attention to their... Other plans." She shook her head in distress "If I knew it... Merlin, if only I knew it..."
"Other plans? What do you mean?"
She sighed and closed her eyes "It's... why I'm divorcing Lucius, actually."
Things started making sense in her mind, and she hoped she wasn't right. "What happened, Cissy?"
"They never accepted defeat. They are planning for another war..."
"What?! Didn't the last defeat with their leader dying in battle show how weak their forces actually were? Do they really want to go against the boy-who-lived-twice?"
"Sure, they counted so much on Voldemort's invincibility that his death shook their morale. But now their mentality is 'win or die'. They refuse to live in a society that is crawling with mudbloods that are growing in number every year." She went silent for a moment then said with a very dark tone of voice "It's going to be worse, fighting people who think they have nothing to lose."
Andie always wondered what happened to the massive army they gattered... Werewolves, giants, vampires, dementors, not to mention the hundreds of dark wizards who simply wanted to destroy the ministry to create their little dictatorship. "They're gathered again?" She asked, a small trace of fear made her voice tremble.
She did not want to lose her grandson to a war. She would not.
"Yes. The highest-ranking death eaters from the last war each have control of a small unity, like... commanders, who are responsible for training troops. Each commander has a right-hand man to substitute them in case of death." With a sigh, Narcisa leaned sideways to rest her head on Andie's shoulder. A great sign that she needed support to keep talking about it. Andie circled her shoulders and pulled her close in a sideway hug.
"They have support from other countries, Andie. Any other businessmen who had faced trouble in Great Britain - thanks to corruption that favoured local entrepreneurs, in detriment to general advancement and international relations - is in this. They have financial support. In all these years, they have been traveling, recruiting, and regrouping... Promising a better future. They are playing their cards right; they dropped the anti-muggle agenda for now, at least out there. They figured that after their victory they can do as they please about the muggles and muggleborns in our country, but before... They are more focused on gathering allies that hate our ministry as much as they do." Andie could see plenty countries who would benefit from their point of view. If their blood-purist sentiment didn't bleed through, like Cissy was saying, propaganda against their outdated, hypocritical, corrupt ministry would keep the other wizarding communities from coming to help. "They are ready for another attempt... I found out that Lucius is one of these Commanders."
The power of Narcisa's glare was enough to let Andie know how much her sister despised the notion, the coffee table could have melted in its spot "Even after everything we went through... He is going to start another war. On the claim that they will set right the awful situation we live in... As if we are in the right..."
Tears started falling again in Narcisa's face, even as she faced Andromeda with a determined expression "You were always right, Andie. Always... And I'm sorry that it took one muggleborn's research to get me to realize what you meant, all those years ago..." She looked down at the pendant hanging in her chest... then up at her sister's face again "You were right... I'm so sorry for not believing in you." Strong hands griped Andie's shoulder, and squeezed as if to reinforce her words "They dictated our lives according to what they needed, Father sold Bella's soul to the devil who used until the end of her life, Mother build me up to be just like her. You just happened to be the one who refused to bend... I'm sorry for not believing. I'm so sorry..."
For years Andie waited for this moment. In her wildest dreams, she imagined her sisters begging for forgiveness as they recognized that their parents were just using them as a way to further expand their influence, and that Voldemort was a power-hungry monster with nothing in mind but destruction and a planned dictatorship.
In her mind, she would gloat a bit, allowing herself to bask in the feeling of vindication...
But that was a long time ago.
Now, she couldn't even feel the slightest bit of satisfaction at hearing those words. She didn't want to be right! Being right wouldn't bring her daughter back. Wouldn't keep her grandson safe... "Please tell me that they had nothing to do with Hermione's disappearance?"
She shook her head. "They do know that she went missing though, and they will claim responsibility for it. They are getting ready to start with the terrorism. You remember how it all started on that very first war, don't you?"
First with the threats... Then the attacks... "Who is the leader, currently?"
"They are planning to break out Rodolphus for that. He was chosen to raise Delphine as his right-hand woman, due to his... relationship with Bella," Andie scoffed. As if their enmity, and constant fight to outdo one another to prove themselves to Voldemort could be called a relationship. Bella despised him! "I know what you're thinking... But aside from Bella, he was one of the few Voldemort truly trusted with his plans. And you know how purebloods are with tradition. Apparently a bond thorugh marriage is enough to legitimate him as the most appropriate to take care of Dephine."
The look on Narcisa's face made Andie sense that there was something bothering her younger sister."You regret not taking her in, don't you?"
"Now that I know what they're planing? Of course, Andie. They will literally raise a cult leader! That girl is about to fed the same..." She cut herself before she could curse again, Andie would feel much better if she let go of the proper pose once more. "Asnine arguments we were exposed to in our youth..."
But? She raised her eyebrows, trying to extract the rest of her sister's toughts. Narcisa sighed and shook her head. "It's just... I know I wouldn't be very fair to that girl. And it's not like it matters now... I'll never know where that girl is. I've officialy fell out of favor within the sacred pure-blood circle" She smiled bitterly, but when she looked at Andie, her smile got more genuine "Who would have thought, huh? The whole bunch of the Most Ancient and Noble house of Black...disgraced like this?"
Andie snorted "Father must be rolling on his grave."
"And mother? Her whole life preparing me to build my reputation and hold myself with confidence within our 'pureblood' society circles... All the tricks to gain as much importance as my 'future partner'. Only for me to divorce my 'well respected, wealthy husband' to join my 'disgraced sister' in rebelion."
The daughter of Voldemort and Bellatrix... Andromeda was still having a hard time picturing that. It was surreal. It shouldn't be possible... "What are you going to do, Cissa?"
She shrugged... "I honestly don't know, Andie... I told Lucius that if he went on with this, he would lose me. That I did not approve of his decision, and that we should stay away, that nothing good could come from a movement that went against the great majority entering our world..."
"I take it that the idiot called it a 'bluff'?"
She shook her head, a bitter smile once more graced her features. To her credit, she seemed more amused than hurt. As if she should have expected it, but couldn't quite believe it happened. "Worse. He said that he didn't care what I decided. That he was done catering to a weak woman's every whim. That if he had been more dedicated to Voldemort's cause, instead of listening to my worries, the second war could have gone better for their side. He is trying to induce Draco to follow him..."
Weak woman? WEAK WOMAN? Andie knew the lengths Narcisa went to protect her son from Voldemort... How dare Lucius put their lives in danger like this again? HOW DARE HE? "I'll KILL him!"
Narcisa's strangled sob was a sign that her efforts had been for naught "Draco is going to join him... be his right-hand man..." There was so much pain in her face, that Andie felt her own heart break. "He said... that he wanted nothing to do with me any longer. That it was best if I joined my blood-traitor side of the family, that..." She shook her head "It was all the weak Blacks were known for."
"No... Oh Merlin, No..." Wrong side or not, Draco was Narcisa's son... She would never wish this pain upon her sister. Not even on her worst enemy, would she want to inflict this heartache. "Oh sister..."
Narcisa started crying again, but this time she wasn't just being comforted... She held Andie just as tight when the older woman started crying as well.
Haven't we been through enough?!
It took a while for them to recover, years of suffering, losses, and the utmost fear of what was to come kept the sisters clinging to one another for hours...
"You... have to let the Potter boy know." Narcisa said, after they finally calmed enough to be able to speak.
She sighed deeply, not ready yet to let go of the comforting embrace. "I will..."
Narcisa didn't seem in a hurry to leave either, so both of them sat on the couch, holding one another, looking for strength in these trying times to come.
Now I have two letters to write... She thought, still trying to find the words to tell her grandson that he had every reason to worry and be cautious.
"I'm going to kill them all." Andie said, thinking of what she would do to every person who dared threaten her precious little boy.
Narcisa only hummed. Probably too worried about the fact that her own son might be at the end of Andie's wand some of these days.
"We'll get him away from this, Cissy. I'll... I'll get Potter to talk to him. They can get some sense into his head..."
Platitudes. None of them were sure if they believed that, but Narcisa was grateful for those kind words, nonetheless. "Can I stay here?"
"Of course. Of course, Cissy. For as long as you want."
This woman was her family, and Andie was not going to turn her back.
"She left..." Lucius' despair was real, his face showed every bit of the hurt he felt over Narcisa's departure "Why?"
As much as Draco loved his father – and he loathes to admit he could never hate the man he admired for so long – he couldn't spare him any sympathy. The way he treated his mother would lead anyone to believe they lived their whole lives in a loveless marriage. Still, he let the man mumble and offered silent 'support'. "What did I do wrong?" His father looked at him like a lost child. It wasn't the first time the young Malfoy realized how weak Lucius was.
With a colossal effort to keep his eyes fixated on that defeated face instead of doing a one eighty in his skull, he swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue. You joined a war faction without saying anything, disregarded her worries when she found out, and treated her like garbage when she tried to dissuade you. Why wouldn't she leave?! "She was weak, father." It's from her that I draw the strength to do this... "Forget about her. You have a breakout organize, don't you?"
He seemed to come to his senses at the reminder of his responsibilities. Nodding dumbly and getting up to reach for Draco's shoulder "You did the right choice, my son. Once we win this war, and re-establish our rightful position of power, your mother will realize that she was wrong, and come back to us."
I'm sorry father, but you're the one who is going to lose. And you're going to be sorry for not listening to her. "I know" His smile was forced, and tight-lipped, but it's not like Lucius would notice the difference. He was never the one who made him laugh. "But let's focus. You should get her out of your mind." It's best for everyone if you forget her. "Tell me, what part will I play?"
"The most important, my son..." He leaned forwards and pulled out a parchment with detailed instructions from his drawer. "The most important."
It was a brilliant plan; his father was nothing short of a good strategist. I only wish I could be proud of it...
After a good potion to alleviate her headache, Hermione relaxed in front of her magical fireplace to read again what she just wrote on her journal.
September, 3rd
It's official. Bellatrix' knowledge is much too advanced compared to the rest of the class. Today, I brought dozens of cursed objects for them to practice the revealing spell, and counter curses listed on the first chapter for a few minutes before the end of the class...
While my other students had to keep turning back to the book to remember the incantation and wand movement, she not only got rid of every curse wordlessly, she also seemed ready to pass out from sheer boredom. And I hate the fact that I know exactly what is like, feeling like a class isn't teaching anything I find useful anymore.
And it doesn't help that she keeps my attacks at bay as if it wasn't troublessome at all... Short of pulling out a full duel, there's no breaking her protego.
It's equally impressive, and insulting. I have to find a way to challenge that girl or risk losing her interest for good.
Thankfully I have no classes with them on thursdays. I could do with a day to come up with a plan.
Out of all the future death-eaters... Belatrix was the easiest to do the association with her future self. Those eyes got more hateful as the class progressed. By the end of it, Hermione could swear that Bellatrix was close to wanting her dead. There was such heat in her glare that Hermione could almost see Bellatrix' future self sitting in the place of her student. She had to blink a few times to disperse the image her mind conjured. It was disturbing, really. It felt like she was failing, and already seeing the result of it. A hateful woman who wanted nothing but rid the world of people like her.
"I know enough" A great sigh scaped Hermione as she watched the letters disapear, then looked up relaxing against the chair.
I can't let Voldemort reach her...
Author babbles: I never read the cursed child, but boy am I going to use it? Thank you wiki. And this was the first and last P.O.V. Draco will receive. I'm sorry guys, but it was just to let you in on his secret ;)