Hey peeps, really sorry about this horrible wait :L I've had this written for a while now, but I didn't honestly have the balls to post it for all to see. It's sort of like the next turning point in the story, and I wasn't too sure if it was too much in the wrong direction, or if it made much sense, but hopefully you'll still like it (fingers crossed)

As I'm sure you're all very aware, my grammer sucks ass, and the spelling is just down right cringe worthy, but again, hopefully it's not too distracting from the story :L

p.s. I'll be posting another chapter after this one, that will be only a couple of hundred words long. It was part of this chapter, but in the end, I didn't think it fitted in too well with it, so I decided to make it it's own chapter, but once you read it it, you'll see why, lol ;P

I know I havent been good with replying to all your reviews, but trust me when I say they are really motivating and a great help and support to the story! Once the story is finally finished, I'll probably post a huge Author's note as a chapter, which will have messages and big thanks to all the reviewers :)

Compliments are loved, advise is taken seriously and thoughtfully, nasty flames receive a simple and nice, 'fuck you' :) just so we're clear on that, lol :D (I don't send them the 'fuck you'... I just think it ^.^)

Love you's all, thanks for sticking to the story! Madame Dee! xxx

Chapter 26

Hermione yawned tiredly as she woke up. Blinking her eyes open, she realised that she was still inside Minnie's room. She hadn't wanted to be on her own last night after everything that had happened. Especially seeing how Voldemort looked so much like Tom Riddle again, but just wasn't the same. Minnie was the only person that was still the same, only older.

She sat up suddenly when a thought occured to her. What had happened to Remus?

"You're awake." Hermione looked over at Minnie who was sat on a plush armchair next to her, reading a book. "It's okay, it's only two in the afternoon."

Hermione's eyes widened. "Seriously?" She wasn't a morning person, but she wasn't that big of a late sleeper normally either. Must have been the whole time travelling thing and everything that had went on before and after that had made her so exhausted. But that didn't matter, she felt refreshed.

"After what happened last time I tried to wake you up before you were ready, I thought it best just to leave you." Minnie smirked at her over her glasses.

Hermione gave her a small chuckle and smile. Just then, there was firm knock on the door. Neither of the women bid them enter, but the person came in anyway, just like they'd expected.

And of course, in came Lucius Malfoy.

Hermione rolled her eyes at the glare he sent her. "The Dark Lord wants you in the library as soon as your ready. Meaning now."

Hermione's eyebrows rose at the haughty expression he wore, as if he expected her to just stand up and go with him.

"Very well, Lucius. Inform Tom, that I shall be with him shortly." Hermione smiled sweetly at him as she rested her back against the bed's headboard.

Hermione tried not to laugh when the Malfoy's nostrils flared in anger. She could almost say the exact same speech she knew was about to leave his lips.

"You dare-"

"Oh please," Hermione sighed tiredly and waved her hand unexpectedly, knocking Malfoy back out the room and warding him from entering again. "Stupid, albino ferret."

Minerva pursed her lips, trying to appear dissaproving, when she really wanted to laugh. However, someonehad to be the voice of reason. "Hermione, this isn't Abraxes and Tom you're dealing with anymore. We have just lost the war and they are being very generous with us right now."

Hermione sighed again, and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "I know. Meaning I need to get my arse out of bed and go see the lovely snake."

Hermione got herself out of bed and used a little wandless magic to transform her dress into something comfortable. She didn't know where her wand was, and doubted she'd be trusted with it for a while. Now, at least, she was dressed in a pair of navy jogging bottoms and a simple, white vest top. Minnie lent her a bobble to shove her hair up into a messy bun. Next, she turned her horrible heals into a pair of trainers. Much better.

Hermione turned to see Minerva giving her a pitiful look. Hermione tried to smile reassuringly, probably failing miserably. She still hadn't really dealt with the situation yet. Yes, she cried and cried, and cried some more. But she was done with it. She was back here now, and so she just has to get on with it. Tom Riddle wasn't Voldemort. She had to keep her emotions in check.

"I'll be fine." Turning, she left out the door, happy to see that Lucius didn't bother with waiting on her.

Minnie waited till Hermione was out of the door before muttering to herself, "give him hell, Hermione."

Hermione easily found the library in only a matter of minutes, thanks to all the short cuts she took.

She stopped though, just outside the doorway. What was she supposed to do when she went inside exactly? Sit down quietly? Stand and wait to be acknowledged?

Bow?

Not a chance in her little hell! Her pride would not allow it. She had somewhat gotten over everything that had happened last night. Not that she was over Tom by any means, but she had accepted the fact that the idiot that was in this time was too scared to just let things happen and mess with time.

Releasing a breath, she walked in. She knew where he'd sit. At the little table they'd always sat at.

Heading straight for that direction, Hermione spotted him sitting against the the back of the chair with one leg folded over the other. One hand held the book up, whilst the other rested on his lap. Dressed in a white shirt rolled up at the sleeves, and black trousers.

Hermione kept her posture confident and walked over and took the seat opposite him. She folded her arms over the table and lent agaist them so her chin was rested. "You called?" She made sure to look straight at him.

Voldemort sighed and put his book down to look at her. "Clearly."

Hemione rolled her eyes.

Voldemort stared at her disapprovingly, whilst part of him was happy that she was getting her spark back. Part of him.

"I'm sure you're curious to know why I sent Lucius up to get you." He cocked his head ever so slightly.

Small talk? Really? Hermione's eyebrows rose, a bit amused at his formal behaviour. Well, his more formal than usual formal behaviour. "Clearly."

Voldemort smirked to himself mentally. He already saw what she was planning on doing. She wanted to make things difficult. Oh well, he would play the ever evil dark lord and see how well she fared.

"Funny," he drawled. "I called you here to discuss what you will be doing now that you are back with us."

Hermione's eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

"I have decided that Hogwarts would make quite the fine headquarters. You will be staying in a room that will be made attached to the library. During your stay, you will be put to work sorting out the entire Hogwarts library, including some other books I'm having brought here." He kept his gaze on her, waiting for her to disagree in any way.

Hermione knew she was being caged. And he was doing it so she wouldn't complain too much, hence why he was giving her a job that involved a shit load of books.

"The death eater's know not to touch you if they see you, but I can't guarantee they wont talk down to you. As is expected with your unfortunate birth."

Ha! There it was. That flare in her eyes he recognised from the time that Dolohov had dared disregard werewolves. Which he now knew the reason for. Lupin had proved to be very useful in distracting Hermione from himself. He should probably praise Severus and his duelling skills next time he saw him.

Hermione bit her tongue. Hard. He was trying to provoke a reaction out of her. And he was doing a damned good job at it, but she would be decent and retain some composure. She wasn't going to be the immature one here.

"How long do you honestly think that will last? I'm hardly a slow worker. It should only take me about a month to complete. At the most."

That was a bit a flaw in the plan, but in the end, it gave him up to a month to have to worry about that. He saw how she grit her teeth to keep in her anger and retorts.

"We will cross that bridge later." He sighed and stood up. "Meanwhile, one of the house elves will bring you some food in a couple of minutes. I still have to deal with some of the prisoners. Apparently your lovely red headed bunch have been causing quite the stir."

Hermione's eyes widened, and she felt herself suddenly hit with a tonne of guilt. How could she have possibly forgotten about them? She'd been so caught up in her own problems that she'd totally forgot that everyone here was still fresh out of the war and laced with sadness and hurt. This wasn't like her at all.

Voldemort watched as Hermione slowly sat up in he chair, a distant look in her eyes. Just before he was about to snap her out of it, her eyes suddenly came back to life. They had a sad look about them, and another thing that had him slightly worried. Determination.

"Let me see them."

"No."

"Yes!"

"NO!"

"Let me see my friends!"

"McGonagall is only a few minutes away."

Hermione's hair was beginning to stand on end. He was really trying to make her boil over. "You let me see my friends, Riddle, or I'll-"

"You'll what?" Voldemort asked back haughtily. His eye had twitched slightly at the mention of his second name, but he didn't bother to act upon it. Crucio-ing the girl would get him to nowhere and fast. Plus, that image of Hermione didn't sit well with him.

Hermione's retort caught in her throat. What could she do to him? She was hardly in a position to be doing anything...

However, who said anything about not using a little blackmail?

Voldemort smirked triumphantly at her, thinking he'd won over her in that argument. Although, it took a lot of effort not to loose that smirk when one identical to his appeared on Hermione's face. Including the wicked glint in her eyes.

"You let me see my friends, or I'll give all your deatheaters a recorded memory of the time you helped me bake a cake. That will include the chocolate butter icing fight."

Now he growled at her. What gave her the right to threaten him with that of all things? That was definitely something he didn't want them seeing! How could he retain his dark lord persona if they saw him like that? They would question him, AND his relationship with Hermione.

How very... Slytherin!

He wondered if she knew that she would just be setting herself up for more heartbreak? Maybe this was the reminder she needed. To be reminded what world it was she was in now, and the circumstances everyone was in.

"Very well."

Hermione released a long breath as Voldemort lead her down to the deepest part of the dungeons. From here she could hear a person shouting horrible things at someone else. What was worse was that she recognised the voices.

Then screams.

Hermione didn't know how she could have possible stood behind Voldemort any longer, so she ran past him, completely ignoring his angry shouts for her to come back. She even dodged his stubify when it came soring towards her. Obviously there was something down here he wasn't in any immediate rush to show her.

Hermione stopped short when she rounded the corner.

Neville Longbottom was lying down on the ground, screaming and thrashing whilst Bellatrix stood over him with her wand pointed at him. A horrible smile on her face the entire time.

They were just outside the cell.

From where she was, Hermione could see all of the Weasleys huddled together at the back, along with Luna. Kingsley was there as well, who sat next to a still wounded Remus. The pair glared fiercely at the insane witch, but were unable to do anything.

Hermione was prepared for a lot of things, just not that.

With an angry wave of her hand, Bellatrix was suddenly lifted into the air and flung hard against the stone wall. All of their shocked gazes landed on her as she continued to run forward. She didn't stop till she reached Neville's shaking form.

"Neville? Are you okay?"

"Hermione?" His eyes opened in surprise to look at her.

Hermione smiled a little at him. Yeah it's me." She bent down to help him up. He looked half starved, much to her disgust.

"Bitch!"

Hermione's head turned round to see Bellatrix glaring at her. Her nose was all bloody, and looked to be broken. Hermione smirked a little in the crazy woman's direction. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Voldemort leaning casually against the wall observing them. His arms were folded across his chest, as were his ankles.

Hermione rolled her eyes at the pair and flung Neville's arm over her shoulder and helped him back inside the cell to where everyone else was. The second she had eased him down, she felt some grab her shoulders and spin her round and into a tight embrace.

"I can't believe you're still with us. We thought you were d-d-dead!"

Hermione rocked the sobbing Ron back and forth, holding him close. "I'm here, Ron. You'll be fine."

All of the others came over and embraced the pair, all saying how happy they were to see she was still alive. At one point, Hermione's eyes locked with Remus'. Hermione sent him a look that screamed how sorry she was about everything. He nodded back at her and then gave her a small smile.

The next thing everyone knew, they were being flung to the sides, only leaving Hermione standing. The second they'd touched the ground, chains had sprung out from the wall to latch onto them and keep them from getting anywhere closer to Hermione.

Hermione looked out to the cell's entrance to see Bellatrix standing there, purely glaring at her.

Hermione smiled sweetly, whilst taking a more defensive stance. "Bella. How nice to see you."

"Shut up mudblood!" The crazy woman spat out at her. The woman's anger made Hermione smirk outwardly at her, whilst her eyes looked away and to the arrogant figure behind her.

Voldemort was leaning casually against the wall, arms folded like his ankles, watching them with a bored expression on his face.

A small scowl played on her face, before she looked back at the seething woman before her.

A small wave of the wand, and Bellatrix sorted her nose and cleaned away the blood from her face. "Finally mudblood, I can give you the lesson you deserved long ago."

Hermione just stared at her, ready for pretty much anything.

"Crucio!"

Herione went to side step it, however, it never even came in her direction. Instead she watched wide eyed as Ron suddenly started screaming and twisting on the floor, his chains scraping furiously at his skin. Hermione raised her hand to try and throw Bellatrix off, but was pulled back when she felt two strong arms wrap tight around her waist and secure her arms at her sides.

"Hello, Granger." Hermione cringed at the voice of Dolohov in her ear. "Paybacks a bitch, wouldn't you say?"

Hermione in her desperation tried furiously to get out of the crazy man's arms, but it appeared as though he'd learnt his lesson from the first time round. Next thing she knew, Lucius Malfoy, and Rodolphus joined in, and Remus's and Ginny's screams could be heard mixing with Rons.

"Let me go!" Hermione demanded, her voice now sounding desperate. Her wide eyes darted towards Voldemort who had by now conjured himself and large plush chair and was seated quite comfortably watching the 'show'.

Tears streaked down her face as she struggled, before her body eventually slumped against Dolohov. Her breathing was ragged as he chuckled at her.

The screams stopped.

"Maybe now you will finally show us some respect, Mudblood. Know your place in this world." Bellatrix cackled.

Mudblood... Know your place... Respect...

Hermione didn't have it in her to disagree with the crazy ass woman. She was born to two amazing muggles, who had came up far in the world, and had treated her with so much care. They loved how throughout primary, she had focused completely on her books and classes. They had jokingly called her Matilda on a few occasions. That day when Minerva had came to tell them about Hermione's special abilities, they'd been so happy and excited. And so very accepting. They embraced the wizarding world with such awe. When she finally got here, she'd tried her very hardest to fit in. But that one word always haunted her where ever she went. 'Mudblood'. She had been called one so many times that it just didn't effect her like it did once apon a time. But for some reason, it effected her now.

"Mudblood..." Hermione murmured brokenly. All the death eaters in the room smirked at her defeated posture. Dolohov let go of her finally, and watched as she slumped onto the floor, onto her knees, head down.

Voldemort watched, head cocked to the side.

Hermione's wand hand twitched ever so slightly.

"Yes. A mudblood..." Hermione's hands pressed slowly onto the ground before she pushed herself back up into a standing position. She looked around the room, eyes blank, before they settled on Bellatrix. "But that's what I am." Her eyes then left Bellatrix who was looking at her with anger and curiosity, and then strayed over to the sitting Voldemort. She give him a soft smile. "And that's what I always will be."

Next thing anyone knew, Hermione suddenly spun round and punched Dolohov square in the face. With a little bit of enforced magic, he was sent flying against the wall, where he was knocked unconscious. Lucius Malfoy sent a dark spell at her, which she avoided easily and then did the same to him as she did to Dolohov. Again she side stepped Bellatrix's crucio, and waved her hand out in front of her.

Bellatrix was ready for anything, however, she wasn't expected to be accio'd straight over to Hermione.

Hermione's hand easily found Bellatrix's throat and she used all her energy to fling her hard against the wall. The shock of the hit caused Bellatrix to loose grip of her wand for a mere second, but it was all Hermione needed to pry it out of her hands and have it poised at the mad woman's throat.

Bellatrix stared at her angrily. "What's the mudbllod gonna do? Torture me?"

Hermione considered it for a moment, before finally shrugging her shoulders. "Why would I want to do that?"

Hermione's knee suddenly lifted and hit the woman straight in the stomach knocking the wind straight out of her. "I would much rather fight like a muggle." Then a punch to the face.

Although, Hermione did finally use the wand to put the woman into a deep sleep, that she would only wake up from when Hermione permitted it. A fairly dark spell when used in certain ways, courtesy of the Black's library of course.

Then she snapped the wand in half.

She could practically feel the shock emitting from the dungeon cell. Turning her still teary face to look at her friends, she tried to send them a reasurring smile, but failed miserably. She turned her head once again to look over at the monster who had once been someone she loved, and still, in some ways ways, did love. He had stood there and watched her fight. He'd stood there and let her be held forcefully whilst her closest friends were tortured horribly.

It was a cold reminder of who he now was.

"Get rid of the chains."

She straightened her back and turned her body to fully face him.

He continued to stare at her, still seated comfortably in his chair, now with his head rested on his hand lazily.

"No."

A small growl escaped her lips, which luckily no one heard. "Yes."

Voldemort sat up in his chair straight. "I said no, Hermione. You do not give the orders here."

"I don't care," Hermione argued back at him. She took a step forward. "They are my friends, and I point blank refuse to see them chained against the walls like dogs."

Voldemort stood up from his chair and took a menacing step forward. Hermione's anger and desperation were getting the better of her, and her dissrespect of him was also beginning to anger him.

"Then you obviously need to leave, Hermione. They are my prisoners, and I'll do with them what I please."

Hermione's nostrils flared, and she felt her wand arm twitch slightly. "Fine then." She turned around and walked back into the cell and used her magic to slam the cell door shut forcefully. She found a space between Ginny and Remus and sat down in between them, ignoring how uncomfortable it was. "If that's the case, I'll stay in here with them until you do. After all... we prisoners should be treated the same. Especiallyus mudblods."

Voldemort walked furiously up to the door. "You will do no such thing! Now get out here this instant and you can go back upstairs and into your room!"

This is where Hermione lost her temper. "And just who the fuck are you to tell me what I will and will not do?"

Voldemort gritted his teeth. "I am Lord Voldemort, Granger. The new ruler of this world, and you will do as I say!"

Hermione just stared at him. He was acting like a spoilt, little boy. "Not my world."

"Crucio!"

Hermione's back arched suddenly and she felt a shocking pain run through her body. A shocked gasp escaped her lips, but she held her scream in. She had no control of her body, however, and she felt herself twist and bend at horrible angles. The pain only increased from there, and the sweat that came off of her was horrible.

She had no idea how long the pain lasted for, but when she felt it finally stop, all she could do was lay there and pant to get her breath back. Hair stuck to her forehead as she lay on her back. She could vaguely see tears falling down Ginny and Molly's faces from the corner of her eyes.

Next thing she knew, her body started to get light, and she was lifted up into the air by a pair of strong and familiar arms.

"It's time to stop living in the past, Granger. This is your present, so deal with it."

R&R