AN: hey guys, I don't really know how I feel about this one. It's been a pretty shit week and I think it shows Hathaway. Sorry for any mistakes. Thanks to everyone who reviewed followed and favourited! Hope you all enjoy! R&R :)
Puffy, hazel eyes opened slowly. With no tears left to cry Hermione stood. She hadn't bothered to find out where she was until now. Looking around she noticed the red and gold banners hanging on the walls, several smashed windows and a dying fire. The common room. What am I doing here? The witch could hear distant noises, sounding like shouts and cheers. Before now she hadn't bothered to pay attention to anything, now things were starting to awaken. Her senses returning and a throbbing pain in her head increasing. At first she linked it to the amount of crying she had done but soon she noticed the pain was more intense at one particular point. Carefully she traced her fingers across her temple and down towards her eye, feeling the sticky and warm substance under her fingers. Blood...
'There you are.' The voice of Ron Weasley alerted the stumped brunette and she knew then that she was back. Back to where exactly was still foreign but she was back in her lifetime.
Risking a glance behind her Hermione's eyes widened.
'Ron?'
'Well... Yeah. Come on, we have to get back.'
The red headed boy held his hand out to the brunette with a smile. Hermione stood frozen, her eyes desperately trying to digest what she was seeing. She was in the Gryffindor common room with Ronald Weasley. Ronald Weasley covered in dirt and dust. Ronald Weasley with several cuts and bruises. Ronald Weasley the 18 year old.
The brunette stared open-mouthed as Ron led her through the damaged castle. It looks so much like... It can't be. Hermione remained silent. Everyone assumed she was dealing with the situation when in fact it was just shock. Harry, Ginny, Ron, Neville, Luna they were all there and all young. Ministry officials were scurrying about left, right and centre rounding people up. Lord Voldemort's body lay in the corner of the Great Hall. Hazel eyes scanned everywhere, desperately seeking wild, dark curls.
The brunette was deaf to those around her, happily chatting and celebrating. Things were different and she couldn't help but wonder how much she changed by going back. People who should have died were stood with her, perfectly healthy apart from minor battle wounds. Tonks was conversing with Kingsley, holding a baby Teddy who had arrived moments earlier with Andromeda. The metamorphmagus' hair wasn't its usual bright pink but a dull grey, her eyes red from crying. Sadly not everyone had made it through second time around. Fred was stood with his twin and the other Weasley's, smiling as usual. Harry squeezed little Teddy's hand, telling him that one day he would have loads of stories about his amazing father to tell him.
Hermione smiled sadly at the scene before her eyes locked with Andromeda's, the older witch had a knowing twinkle similar to Dumbledore's and Hermione couldn't help but smile.
The brunette stepped away from the commotion for a second. Her eyes still scanning the area, searching for her love. Her heart was screaming for the dark witch. Walking through the gaping hole where the entrance of the castle used to be Hermione noticed a small gathering of people arguing. The shouts attracted the attention of the others who ended up at the brunette's side.
Hermione swallowed audibly. Her heart pounding frantically. She was there. Alive. Real. Tears sprang to her eyes as she took in the sight of Bellatrix. She had several cuts that needed tending to and like everyone else she was covered in dust and dirt. Still, the brunette couldn't deny her beauty. She looked breathtaking even then. The group moved closer to the fuss trying to figure out what was going on.
An Auror had his wand trained on the dark beauty, insisting she was to be taken to Azkaban. Minerva McGonagall had her wand against the Auror's head.
Instantly those around the brunette started to protest.
'She's evil!'
'McG must be imperiused!'
Hermione just stared. Her eyes locked on the dark orbs of Bellatrix. A familiar feeling shot through her, igniting her very being as an unspoken connection formed. Goosebumps broke out on her skin as she shivered lightly, a grin forming on her features.
'Enough!' The booming voice of Kingsley Shacklebolt rang through the group of shouting and jeering people.
'She is innocent and I suggest you all stop before you do something you regret.'
The words of the acting minister shocked most people. Only 3 seemed unfazed by the proclamation. Andromeda Tonks smiled at her sister before glancing at the frozen brunette, taking in the sight of the beaming girl. Minerva McGonagall sighed happily as she stepped away from the Auror who looked torn.
Bellatrix felt her world freeze. She was there, she was alive. Dark eyes roamed the form of the brunette, taking in her bushy hair, bloodied face and finally her smile. The dark witch felt a surge of electricity as their eyes locked. Her own smile forming as the commotion surrounding them died down. Without taking her eyes from the hazel ones ahead the dark witch began walking forward. Her smile growing with every step until she was within touching distance of the girl.
Ignoring the gasps and looks of horror on the faces around her the dark witch reached out and tenderly stroked the brunette's cheek.
'I suppose now is the time I... What was it? Rock your world?' She smirked.
'You already have.' The brunette beamed as she leaned in towards Bellatrix.
Her beam became a frown in an instant as something got in the way of her and her love, forcefully pulling her away from the dark witch. Spinning around she saw Ronald Weasley with his arm around her waist, holding her against himself with his wand aimed at Bella.
'What do you think you're doing!?' He yelled.
'You're a murdering psychotic hag!'
Everyone's eyes were focused on the dark witch as her eyes darkened, a low growl escaping her.
'Get away from her.' Bellatrix's voice was low, her eyes boring into the red headed boy who visibly paled. His arm going slack from its position on Hermione's waist.
The brunette turned to face the petrified looking boy, a deathly glare on her features.
'If it wasn't for Bellatrix, Ronald, we would surely be dead!' She exclaimed.
'I-I'm sorry 'Mione... I just got jealous. She was touching you.'
'Oh Ron...' Hermione sighed sadly. This was something she didn't want to have to relive. Breaking Ron's heart certainly wasn't easy and she was going to be on bad terms with him for months if this time was anything like the one she knew.
'There's nothing between us. There never can be.'
The red head looked confused, his brow furrowed as he stared blankly at the brunette.
'Why?'
'Because she's not yours Weasel.' The dark witch growled as she stepped closer to her love.
'Why do you care!?' The ginger spat.
Bellatrix smirked, her attention turning fully to the brunette girl she loved with all of her heart. She slid an arm around the brunette's waist, her free hand coming up to gently cup her cheek as she closed the space between them. Lips colliding in a searing kiss. Both witches tried to pour every feeling they could into the kiss, their tongues melted against each other, hands clinging frantically. Scared to let go, scared of losing each other again.
The dark witch reluctantly pulled away. Her lips still touched those belonging to Hermione as she spoke.
'Something like that?'
The brunette chuckled softly as her hands slipped into raven curls.
'Exactly like that.' She muttered before pressing her lips against Bella's again.
This time the women broke apart after an awkward cough roused them. Harry stood to the side, hands in his pockets as he eyed the two witches curiously.
'What the fuck is going on?' He asked causing the surrounding group to laugh and smile.
'I'll fill you in Potter. These two need a moment.' Minerva McGonagall spoke before smiling knowingly at the two witches who were still in an intimate embrace.
The two lovers walked in silence, hands clasped. Hermione followed where the dark witch led. Not caring where they went as long as they were together. She didn't even notice when the dark witch turned into a deserted classroom.
'Its you.' The dark witch whispered. 'It's really you.' She smiled briefly before her lips were once again pressed against the brunette's.
'I love you Bella.' Tears began to form in hazel eyes once again, only to be brushed away by slender fingers.
'I love you too. We have so much to talk about H.'
'I know. For one I don't understand why we ended up here.'
The dark witch laughed.
'Yeah we're not married yet, clearly. You're young and I'm not dead. Or head Auror for that matter.'
'I thought we'd return to then.'
'Maybe, fate decided to stop punishing us and give us more time together.'
Hermione didn't respond. She merely smiled at the dark witch lovingly.
'I have something for you.' The dark witch stated. With a flick of her wand she conjured a penesieve. Causing the brunette's smile to falter.
'Its easier to show you sweetheart. I want to do it now so we can try and live our lives as soon as possible.'
The brunette's smile faded completely as the dark witch poured the odd silvery substance. Her eyes connected with onyx, holding the contact for a moment.
'For you.' She whispered.
'No, for us.' The dark witch clutched her hand tightly before stepping back. Allowing the girl to see her memories.
The brunette stared at the scene, her heart crumbling as she did so. Ahead of her Bellatrix was sobbing uncontrollably. Her shouts were muffled by her harsh breathing.
'How could you do this to me!? You knew!'
The brunette's attention shifted to the white haired wizard. His usually sparkling blue eyes looked dull as tears spilled down his cheeks and into his beard.
'Bellatrix I truly am sorry.'
'No! Don't even say it! I trusted you with my life and love and this is how you repay me? I hate you!' She screamed as her surroundings started to twirl and transform.
The brunette wiped her tears away as the scene changed.
She was now stood in an order meeting. Bellatrix looked pale and frail, she said her piece and was silent. Ignoring Dumbledore as he tried to reach out to her.
'Please?' He whispered only for the dark witch to turn and abruptly leave. Again the surroundings started to change.
Hermione found herself in a very familiar room. It was the reception room at Black Manor. Bellatrix was sat on a small sofa with her mother. Hermione recognised Druella Black immediately. Her features identical to those of her youngest daughter, Narcissa.
'Who is it?' She asked quietly as her daughters tears began to fall.
'Her name is Hermione and she's my everything.' The dark witch's voice sounded weak and strained.
'It's a beautiful name. I'm glad you have experience love and you had a moments happiness but it cannot be Bella.'
'I know mother, I know.' The blonde witch placed a small kiss to her daughters forehead and held her tightly.
The surroundings changed only slightly. They were still in the reception room at Black Manor, the only difference being the two women. Both wore different outfits and expressions. Bellatrix looked stunning in a long white gown with lace trimming, her hair pulled back into a tidy up do.
The brunette timidly took a step forward before halting, her heart dropping. Druella held Bellatrix's left hand. She was smiling, admiring the shining wedding ring on her finger. The dark witch looked both bored and sad.
'I know it's not what you want but it's what is best my darling.' The blonde witch spoke.
'Is it?'
'It's your duty, like mine was to marry your father. Love doesn't matter Bella, not in this world. I know you love her but she's gone.' Blue eyes looked down, the happiness that shone moments ago now banished.
'Now go, try and enjoy your honeymoon.' The final word sparked an anger in the dark witch. Her face transformed into a glare which her mother received with a knowing smile. Before Hermione could see more of the curious relationship between more and daughter the scene shifted, again.
She stood from afar, watching herself. It was the battle at the department of mysteries. She watched herself as she ran, shooting spells behind her as the figure of Rodolphus Lestrange chased her.
She gasped loudly as a beam of green light hit the dark wizard in the back. Her own figure carried on running as the form of Bellatrix came into view. Her wand raised, eyes shining with unshed tears as she watched the brunette go. Hermione felt tears trickle down her face. Bellatrix killed her husband for trying to kill her. That was an alteration from the time she knew. Before the brunette could think more on it she was pulled out of the memories and landed against the warm, soft embrace of her love.
Bellatrix waited patiently for the girl to digest what she had seen.
'You knew all along.'
Dark orbs looked down at the sad features of the brunette.
'Yes.' She whispered. 'I have not forgotten you at all. How could I? I have loved you for all of your life and more.'
'You killed him.'
'I know. Not my finest moment.' Bellatrix chuckled. 'In my defence he was trying to kill the love of my life.'
The brunette smiled. 'I know and I'm grateful. I'd have done the same.' She admitted softly.
'What now?' The dark witch queried.
'Now we live.' She pressed her lips to her love's firmly before continuing.
'It would seem fate knew what it was doing all along.'
'It would seem so.' The dark witch smiled before closing the distance again and pulling the brunette into a searing kiss.