Bellatrix's bottom lip pouted, knowing the truth that was in Hermione's words. Bellatrix was about to speak up, but before she could, a noise made both of their heads turn. It was Ron, running down the hill, eyes set on Bellatrix, with Harry following. Hermione watched as Ron completely ignored whatever Harry was saying – probably trying to slow him down – and marched his way towards the two women. After this disastrous battle, the only fuel he had was anger. Hermione stood up, ready to stop Ron from making a rash decision. Bellatrix forgot about the pain that she felt, as she was blood thirsty and she laughed at the thought of Ron actually trying to battle her.
'You bloody, disgusting, heartless, black souled, foul –' the words came pouring out of his mouth, wand pointed directly at Bella. He marched forth, not stopping. It was clear to Harry that Ron was about to reach his point with Bellatrix, and she would hurt him. As much as he would like to hurt her as well, he knew he better not as she is an angry, powerful witch with a lot on her side – or, had, a lot on her side. He grabbed Ron's shirt, and tried to pull him back but Ron violently shook him off.
"Ron! Stop! You're acting –' Tears welled up in Hermione's eyes as she shouted at him, realizing she was again, defending Bellatrix. Ron shot her a look of pure anger, but worst of all, hurt.
Bella had a smile that grew with every second that went by. She lifted her wand and shot out a spell that sent Ron flying backwards into Harry. Ron scurried for his wand, now lost in a mess of mud, and shot a spell back at her, but she blocked it. Spells were being spat out of each other's wands in anger, grunts becoming louder. Hermione glanced behind her, only to see that they started to gather an audience. She hurried up, grabbing onto Harry for support, and hugging him one last time, as she knew she would be gone for a very long time.
'I'm sorry.' She whispered, kissed Harry on the cheek then turned to Bellatrix. By this time, the crowd started to run towards the fight, wands in their hands, battle ready. The rest of Voldemort's army had already left for their own safety, and Bellatrix was the last on the grounds of Hogwarts. Teachers, students, even the animals of the students were charging down, ready to take Bellatrix and all the wicked things she's done.
Wrapped in anger and fury, Bella had become oblivious towards where she was and how much danger she was in. Ron was an easy fight, no challenge there whatsoever, but her against 300+? Hermione knew she had to break the trance Bella was in.
'Bella, we have to leave, now!' Her voice became stressed. She panicked as Bellatrix ignored her warning.
'NOW, BELLATRIX.'
Bellatrix shot Ron one last spell, again, making him fall to the ground, losing grip of his wand. Curls in her face, Bellatrix squinted and saw the crowd emerging down the hills. Nothing fazed her anymore. Her soul was long lost, and now all she knew was to survive. Spells were now being fired at her, Bella growing tired of blocking them, Hermione had to help and finally Bellatrix disapparated with Hermione attached to her arm.
A light grunt came from Hermione as she fell to her feet, ground not stable enough for a sudden appearance. Bellatrix continued to walk forwards, liking the idea of Hermione at her feet again, and didn't bother to help her up. Hermione slowly lifted herself to see where she was.
Another forest.
As a child forests were enchanting and magical. She had so much to learn about and her imagination didn't run short. Now, Hermione grew tired of the same appearance each forest held, mysterious dark trees lining her vision, muddy forest floors and secrets. It all grew dull quickly. She craved to see a house where she was able to sleep in, safely without the worry that someone was going to attack her, or even just the freedom of knowing that no one was angry with her. But, in the end, she knew that was impossible and she decided not to dwell on the past, and to focus on what was going on around her.
Bellatrix had found herself a seat upon a rotting log, dressed in moss. Her dead eyes bore themselves into Hermione's, deep in thought. Hermione grew uncomfortable, not knowing what to do with herself.
'What is it about you?' Bella's raspy voice made Hermione jump a little. Hermione noticed that she hadn't heard her voice in a long time, and now that she heard it again, she felt a little more at home. That angered her.
'What is it about you, should be the question.' Hermione said, brows making a confused V.
Bellatrix appeared insulted, as if, there was nothing special about her at all?
'You are a wicked, evil witch who has destroyed so much of what I loved and you are exactly what Ron said you were, heartless.' Hermione paused for a moment.
'But..'
Bellatrix was intrigued.
'Go on.' She spoke, seductively.
'I'm always drawn to you.'