AN: Revised

Immoral Light

"The sun is so clear, but you're still dark..."

"Hermione, what is wrong?"

They was at it again. She wondered how long she could go without being asked what was wrong with her. Ever since that night she had been a walking zombie. Just picturing Bellatrix's body in her arms again...

"Hermione..."

"Guys, I'm fine." she said looking around the table. They had arranged a meeting, partly because of the upcoming battle and because of her off behavior.

"Ms. Granger, when you were captured you could have been influenced by Bellatrix Lestrange." She heard Snape say. Just him mentioning her name makes her flinch. "You have to be ready for the upcoming battle."

Hermione closed her eyes, going back to a familiar day.

"You have to be ready Hermione."

"I know, I'm ready."

"No, you're not, I want to teach you something." She whispered.

"What is it?" I say putting my pants on.

"The Killing Curse."

"Ms. Granger, you will be facing Bellatrix again."

No…she would not be facing Bellatrix again. She knew that, but they were still in the dark… "I need some air." Hermione whispered. She got up and slowly walked to the door. The images of Bellatrix lifeless body kept relaying in her mind. The beginning of her journey with Bellatrix scratched the back of her mind before her vision went black.

"What do we have here." Bellatrix spoke, her lips forming an evil grin. "Filthy Mudblood." Her eyes lay on the young witch before her, her wand ready.

Hermione was shaking, she was all alone. Harry was fighting his own battle and Ron and Ginny was busy battling Lucius Malfoy. They had been ambushed, no one had predicted the attack, and now she was face to face with one of the most menacing witches in the world. She had to be brave, especially if she wanted to stay alive. The time was now.

"Stupef..."

"Crucio!"

She was to quick... Hermione instantly fell to her knees. The pain was to much for her to bare, she tried to get up but to no avail. She silently fell into darkness.

"You're pathetic." Bellatrix icy voice sounded. She turn her focus away from the unconscious girl and unto Ginny and Ron Weasley, who was fighting hard to beat Lucius Malfoy.

Ginny was knocked down by a curse, she was fighting hard to get up but her light was fading. Lucius wanted to finish her off but couldn't, he was in his own battle with the two mother.

Dodging a curse from an unknown source Bellatrix managed to come face to face with the young wizard. "Time to die!"

Ron eyes widened as the dark witch raised her wand. "Avada Ka..."

"Crucio!"

She was brought to her knees. Her head whipped around, trying to find the culprit.

Hermione was barely standing, but managed to pull off the curse.

"How many times do I have to tell you, you have to mean it!" The dark witch growled getting up.

Ron made a move but was easily defeated, being thrown back, crashing onto the ground.

"Crucio!" She screeched, walking toward Hermione. "You're coming with me." With that she apparated...

Her eyes met burgundy and gold. It wasn't until she felt cold hands did she realize what had happen.

She jumped up, looking around. "Bellatrix."

"Don't worry Hermione, it's just me, its Harry. Bellatrix isn't here. She can't hurt you, you're safe now."

Hermione shook her head. "What happen?"

"You fainted." He stated.

She tried to get up, but was gently pushed down by Minerva. "Lie down." She touched Hermione's arm but soon regretted it. What was this feeling?

She felt it too. "I'm fine, I'll be in my room." She got up staggering a bit, she headed to her room, hoping that it all was a dream but when she reached under her pillow she realized all of this...all the pain...was real.

The locket twirled in her hands. "I need you."

"You know you and I are a lot alike."

"I am nothing like you, you are a monster."

Bellatrix chuckled, shaking her head. "Tell me, when you used the Cruciatus how did it feel?"

Hermione tried to break her gaze, but Bellatrix eyes seem to hold on to her soul.

Hermione laid back, clutching the locket.

"I miss you, I miss...us."

"The dark lord wishes to see you dead." Bellatrix told Hermione as she slid a plate of food to her.

Hermione had went two days without eating, she really didn't want to give in but she was so weak. Within seconds she lunged for the plate, gulping down her food.

"Slow down, you'll get yourself sick."

Hermione looked up seeing Bellatrix evil smirk. She didn't want Bellatrix to get the best of her.

"Bellatrix!"

Lucius Malfoy stood at the door.

"What is it Lucius?" Bellatrix asked coldly.

"The Dark Lord calls for you." He answered, walking towards them.

Bellatrix hesitated. "I'll be back." With that she departed.

Hermione began eating. Careful not to bring her food back up.

"Eat up, you'll need your energy." He said with an evil grin. Shrugging off his cloak.

Lucius took out his wand, casting the silencing charm. He bent down, now face to face with the younger witch. "Such filth." He sneered as his hands cupped her cheek.

"Hermione."

Minerva was standing in her doorway looking concern.

Hermione sat up, tucking away the locket. "Minerva, you scared me."

She closed the door and sat beside her pupil. "What happen?"

Hermione looked up. "What?"

"Tell me exactly what happen."

"Min-."

"You lost apart of you back there, something happen...I want you to know that I'm here for you. You can trust me." She said, placing a hand on the others shoulder.

There it was again...

"I know, I just...I need some time to process everything." Hermione assured her.

Minerva nodded. "I understand." She said, getting up. "I'll leave you be, get some rest Hermione."

That night was both a curse and a blessing.

Hermione laid back, thankful that her mentor was gone. She had a mission to do now that Bellatrix was dead. She just didn't think she could do it without her.

"I need you..." She whispered, getting up. She quickly checks outside her door, all clear. Locking her door and putting on her cloak, she apparated.

So cold...

She arrived at the grave-sight. Even now, she can't help but shed tears. She was the one who finally took her body to its resting place. No one had known about Bellatrix death but Voldemort and his followers.

How could a woman, viewed by the world as a monster, sacrifice herself to save a muggle-born?

"I wish I could see you again, I wish...I wish things were different. I can't do this without you. I can't!"

"What are we going to do with Hermione?" Harry asked. He was worried about his best friend. Things were changing and he didn't want to loose her.

"Just give her time." Molly said, laying a hand on his shoulder.

"We may have to sit her out..."

"No, that won't be necessary. I have faith that she is going to pull through, her loyalty lies with us. She will be ready for the battle." Minerva said. She her doubts herself but she knew her student.

She had to admit; lately Hermione has been a little off. She knew something had happen to her, something so horrible... She didn't want to pressure Hermione but...

"She's gone!"

Eyes whipped toward Ron, who was running down the stairs. "Hermione, he door was locked, when I finally got in...She was gone!"

The tears finally stopped, as she cuddled in her cloak. It was getting late, she figured she would head back. Getting up she slowly smiled.

"I'll see you soon, my love." She began to walk down the dirt trail. It was only when she step foot out the gate way did she get a strange feeling. Her mark began to burn, something it hadn't done since that night. Gripping her wand she scan the area, slowly walking through the cemetery.

Maybe she was being paranoid but she felt like she was being watched. She searched for what felt like hours but in the end she came up short. She decided to chalk it up to paranoia and head home.

As soon as she step foot in the door she was greeted with a bear hug by Ron. "Merlin, where have you been?"

"Ron, I'm fine." She said as he finally let go. "I'm sorry to worry you guys, I took a little walk."

"You should have told someone before running off, Hermione." Minerva said, her eyes searching the younger which. "But, I'm glad you are safe and sound." She gave her a small smile.

"I know, and I'm sorry. I'm fine guys really I am, I did a lot of thinking while I was out." She lied, she had to. She couldn't keep acting like something was wrong. "What about we all have dinner?"

Hours later they all sat at the dinner table. Talking about things from quid-ditch to the careers.

Hermione actually smiled that night, she laughed at Ron's jokes and seem to be slowly coming back...

"I was thinking of going down a local shop tomorrow, take our minds off of a lot of things." Ginny suggested. "What do you say Hermione?"

"That would actually be great." She smiled at the younger girl.

"I'll take you two tomorrow, never can be to sure." Molly said.

"Mom, no." Ginny said giving her mom a look.

"What do you mean no, I'm not hip enough?" Her mother asked looking at the two.

Hermione suppressed a laugh while Ginny buried her face.

"I think you're hip Mrs. Weasley, very hip." Harry joined in with a laugh.

Hermione shook her head smiling that is until she felt a familiar pain up her arm. She tried to let it pass but the pain was to sharp.

"Hermione dear, are you ok?" Molly asked concerned.

"I'm fine, I uhh...just need a little air, excuse me." With that she got up and walked outside. The cool air hit her face as she leaned on the wall.

She heard a ruffle in the nearby bushes. She quickly locked focus on the area, slowly advancing toward it. "Who's there?"

No response.

"Hermione, everything ok?"

She turned around. "Harry...I thought I saw something."

Harry eyes focus on the direction she was pointing at. "I'll take a look..." He trailed off, now seeing a small black owl fly out the bush and onto a nearby ledge. Harry grinned. "Just an owl."

Hermione let out a sigh. "Im going to head up and get some much needed rest." She smiled.

"Ok, sleep well Hermione." He said, giving her a small hug.

"You too." With that she went in, eager to get some rest. Saying goodnight to everyone she went upstairs.

As she laid down, she couldn't help but smile, even though silent tears came down. This felt familiar to her. Family, love...happiness. It's a constant struggle between what she had to do and what she wanted to do...