Author's note: I have kept you waiting long enough for the next chapter and I apologise. I sat down today with the sole intention of writing at least one update for this story and so chapter 17 was born. This second instalment isn't going to last as long as the first one (which reached 40 chapters). I am aiming for twenty before bringing this one to a close and then somehow, somewhere I am going to have to find the plot and time to write the third instalment. Enjoy seventeen! ~Cissy

Chapter 17

Aurora

The sun climbed out from behind the horizon and caressed the Scottish Highlands with its golden rays. In the distance a bird sang a lonely morning song. The sound was weak but it was enough to rouse her from her sleep. Andromeda's eyes fluttered open and she sat up with a jolt when she didn't immediately recognise her surroundings. Slowly the memories from the previous night came flooding back into her mind. Severus Snape. He was their ally. He had brought them here. They were no longer alone.

"Hi."

Her head snapped around when she recognised her daughter's voice. Tonks sat in the arm chair next to the bed, a smile lingering around her lips. "I was about to wake you. For a moment I thought you were going to sleep the day away."

"What time is it?" Andromeda asked as she slipped out of bed. Her feet made contact with the cold floor and she shivered. She grabbed her wand from the bedside table and summoned her clothes.

"Just after nine," Tonks answered and grinned when she saw her mother's horrified look. "You must have needed the sleep, mum. I can't remember the last time you had any more than two hours sleep at night, if you even slept at all. You can't expect your body to keep going like that. Sooner or later you'll collapse." She studied her mother's face. "How do you feel?"

"Twenty years younger," Andromeda grinned as she buttoned up her robes and tied her hair in a ponytail. She let her wand slide through her fingers and looked at it. The images from the previous night became sharper and she turned to look at her daughter. "The Elder Wand is at Hogwarts,"

"In Dumbledore's tomb, yes," Tonks answered. "But you can't claim it unless you have disarmed Draco first. We don't even know if the wand still answers to him or whether it changed allegiance since then."

"We have to get to him," Andromeda said and her words left no room for argument. The look on her face hardened as she turned away from the small mirror and met her daughter's gaze. "I don't care what Snape did to him, I wand that lad and I want him now. We're going to end this."

"He's in the living room talking to Rosmerta," Tonks said and followed her mother out of the sleeping quarters into the living area. Severus Snape stood in the middle of the room and Andromeda felt how his appearance suddenly took her breath away. It was just a split second but in that moment she knew how people felt when they looked at her. She had known it, of course, but to feel what they felt filled her with sadness. People often mistook her for Bellatrix and the fear and anger in their eyes was something she had gotten used to. Her hand instinctively shot down to her wand but she released her grip when she remembered why he was here. If he picked up on her sudden hesitation he didn't show it and she was grateful.

She folded her arms across her chest. "We need Draco."

"He's in class."

"I don't care if he's on the bloody moon!" Andromeda countered. "I can't wait for him to finish his Potions essay, Severus. Sooner or later I am going to have to get my hands on that wand and I'd rather get it over with, if it's not too much of an inconvenience for you."

"Severus sent a message to Bellatrix and Hermione that Narcissa was imprisoned near the castle," Rosmerta said in an attempt to divert the sudden tension in the room. Andromeda and Severus were both skilled but both possessed the quality that their emotions could fill a room with magic within seconds. The level of magic lingering between them was palpable. "By the end of morning Bellatrix and Hermione will know Narcissa was last seen in this area."

"Why?" Andromeda asked. "The less they know about us, the better."

"If I don't tell them you're in the area, they're going to know I've been helping you out. There is no other way you could have gotten inside the castle," Severus explained. "Once they know you're inside, they'll know someone helped you. I don't want them to think that someone is me when you still need my help."

Andromeda swallowed. "Very well."

Severus' eyes hardened. "I'll get Draco. Meet me in the Great Hall in half an hour."

He turned on his heel and disappeared, black cloak billowing behind him. Once he was gone Andromeda turned to her daughter. "Didn't he say that he was going to keep Narcissa in one of the dungeons?"

"Yes. Why?"

"I want to see her."

"Mum, do you really think that's a good idea?" Tonks asked and went to take her mother's arm but Andromeda pulled away.

"I have to."

She left her daughter and Rosmerta in the middle of the living room and stepped out into the dimly lit corridor. She uttered a soft "Lumos" under her breath and the silver glow of her wand illuminated her path. The sound of her footsteps echoed off the walls as she walked and carried on for minutes. After what felt like walking in the dark for miles, Andromeda reached a single wooden door. The small window as covered with bars and she rose to the tip of her toes to peer inside.

By the silver glow of her wand she discovered Narcissa lying on a dirty old mattress, a black blanket draped around her slender frame. A bowl of water and an empty plate stood in the corner. The only light falling into the room came from her wand and she noticed Narcissa's eyes were wide open. Her sister wasn't asleep, like she had guessed at first.

Narcissa sat up when she saw her sister standing at the other side of the door. The blanket pooled at her feet. "What do you want?"

"To tell you that I've found the Elder Wand," Andromeda answered. "I'm going to end this, Narcissa. It's over."

"It will never be over," Narcissa chuckled softly.

Andromeda felt the sadness wash over her. She felt sad that this had happened to Narcissa and Bellatrix. The darkness had swallowed them up. They were lost. "It is going to end, Narcissa." Her voice was soft, laced with unexpected tears. "I'm going to do whatever it takes to make this come to an end. I promise you, this will stop."

"You're going to die," Narcissa whispered softly. The hint of amusement in her voice was slightly disturbing. "You're going to die trying."

"That's a risk I'll have to take," Andromeda answered. "Unlike you, I am not afraid to die."

Narcissa was quick. Andromeda barely had time to blink by the time her sister had jumped to her feet and ran towards the door. She clawed at Andromeda's face through the bars but missed when the brunette stepped back. In the silver gloom of her wand she could see the craziness in her eyes. Narcissa's skin was paper thin, almost see-through. Her hair was a tangled mess. Her nails were broken and black, like she'd been scraping across the cell floor. For a moment Andromeda was reminded of the picture of Bellatrix in the Daily Prophet all those years ago, when she escaped Azkaban. She had appeared unhinged and crazy. Narcissa looked just as delirious now.

"You're never going to get her back," Narcissa chuckled. The sing song voice was childish, mocking Andromeda's grief. "You have lost her forever, Andy. Poor little Hermione is never coming back to you."

Andromeda's eyes darkened. "And you're never going back to her."

"NO!" Narcissa screamed. "We will over power you! You will never be stronger than we are!"

"I already am."

Andromeda turned around and started walking back down the darkened corridor. Behind her she could hear Narcissa scream and shout in her little cell. The banging of her fists echoed off the walls, accompanying the sound of her footsteps as she walked away from her sister. Bellatrix and Narcissa were prisoners and even if Narcissa would ever be freed from this cell, she would never be free. They were hostages of darkness, trapped within its twisted mind. They were never going to get out. This prison sentence was for life.

~()~

"There has been news from Hogwarts!"

The warrior staggered into the dining room and tripped over his own feet. He left behind a muddy trail and Hermione turned around, frowning as she observed the dirt across the floor. She flicked her fingers and the invisible magic lifted the warrior back to his feet. He briefly met her gaze before looking away. He did not have the bravery to look her in the eye and bowed his head in submission.

Bellatrix, who had been leaning against the table, looked up. "What is this news you speak of?"

"Young master Draco informed me that the resistance has imprisoned his mother and she is being kept in Hogsmeade," the warrior said. "She was last seen late last night."

Hermione almost dropped the crystal goblet she'd been holding and her hazel eyes narrowed. "Hogsmeade was destroyed. Andromeda wouldn't be so stupid as to go back to a place where they cannot hide." Her eyes found Bellatrix. "What the hell are they doing in the Highlands?"

Bellatrix slowly started pacing the room. "They have nothing else. Gregorovitch is dead. The village is destroyed. They have nowhere left to run. The world around them has fallen apart." Suddenly she stopped and dark eyes snapped up. "Unless they have found what they were looking for."

"The Elder Wand?" Hermione asked. "You think she's found it."

"I don't know," Bellatrix answered. "Gregorovitch couldn't tell us who possessed it last so I doubt he was able to tell her." She heaved a sigh. "They have found something near the castle. They can't get inside but I don't want to think about them roaming the fields around it." Her black eyes snapped back up at the warrior. "Gather your men and send them to Hogwarts. Await further orders."

"What are you doing?" Hermione asked once the warrior was gone.

"Damage control."

"But what about Xenophillius Lovegood?"

"He's dead, Hermione. Dead men don't talk. I'll have one of the Scouts search his house but I doubt we'll find anything. Andromeda is somewhere near Hogwarts and Narcissa is with her." Bellatrix's eyes reflected her anger. "I don't care if the bloody wand is lying under old Lovegood's bed. I want Narcissa back!"

Hermione watched as Bellatrix stalked out of the dining room and disappeared. Her hand slid down into her sleeve and her fingers caressed the wood of Narcissa's wand. She then followed Bellatrix and found her in one of the upstairs bedrooms. She'd changed into one of her favourite dresses and Hermione watched from the partially open doorway how the older woman laced up her corset. Their eyes met in the mirror and for the first time in months Hermione recognised some of the tenderness in Bellatrix's face. The loss of her sister had hurt her. She was aching inside.

"We'll find her," she promised as she crossed the room and kissed Bellatrix in back of her neck. "I know we will."

She flicked her wand and summoned one of her own dressed. She shivered when she felt Bellatrix's warm hands glide across her arms, slowly peeling the simple robes she was wearing away from her flesh. Her breath hitched when she felt warm lips kiss her shoulder blade. The older woman stood behind her and Hermione bit down into her bottom lip when Bellatrix's hands caressed across the swell of her breasts before exploring her stomach. The touch was sensual and kind, void of any of the dominance Bellatrix usually displayed. This was the touch of a lover.

Hermione stepped out of the robes that now lay at her feet and her eyes fluttered shut when Bellatrix's fingers followed the line of her spine and dipped down just above her buttocks. Her body arched and she instinctively rose to her tiptoes when Bellatrix's hands closed around her waist and pulled her nearer. Hermione lifted up one foot and then the other to step into the dress and Bellatrix carefully pulled the satin fabric up along her body. When she reached her shoulders she easily zipped the dress up before readjusting the lace for the corset. Slender and agile fingers tied a strong knot into the lace and her hands ghosted across Hermione's bare arms.

"You're beautiful," Bellatrix whispered into her ear, her breath so warm that it made her flesh glow. "The world will crumble at your feet."

"As it will at yours," Hermione breathed and turned around.

Their lips found each other in a searing kiss that was full of words that would forever remain unspoken. The shared the desire of lovers and the desperation of those who had been forced to part from a loved one. Hermione could taste the pain on Bellatrix's lips. When they parted they rested their forehead together and Hermione found herself drowning in the two pools of darkness before her.

"Time to go," Bellatrix whispered and kissed the corner of Hermione's mouth. "The sun rises over a new day. Let this be the day that the world comes to an end."

They made their way down into the castle's main entrance hall and Hermione opened the door. The world outside was still covered in snow and the weak winter sun reflected of the white crystal blanket. A few sets of footprints disturbed one of nature's most beautiful scenes and she felt the cold wind rob her of her breath as she stepped outside. The black of their clothes was a sharp contrast against the serene white of their surroundings. She searched Bellatrix's hand and took into her own. Slowly her eyes closed and they vanished, leaving only their footprints in the snow behind.

~()~

Andromeda's heart was pounding in her chest as she made her way through the abandoned corridors of Hogwarts castle. She didn't know what awaited her around the next corner. This castle wasn't like the one she used to know. Every corner knew shadows. The tension continued to grow and she became more and more aware of Tonks and Rosmerta behind her. When they reached what had once been the Entrance Hall she found that a large stone sculpture of the Three Cores had been erected in the middle of it. She resisted blowing it to pieces, using the anger it stirred in her stomach to keep her focused instead.

"Up here," she said softly and started walking towards the Great Hall. The doors had been replaced. These ones were made out of metal and she expected them to be noisy when they opened but she heard nothing. The Great Hall itself was unrecognisable. The magical ceiling was gone. Instead the roof was made out of black marble. Candles and torches illuminated the room. The windows were covered with bars and blocked out most of the natural sunlight. Although it was daytime outside, it felt like night time in here.

The door closed behind them and they were swallowed up into the shadows. Andromeda's eyes adapted quickly to the darkness around them and she took in the sight of only two long benches, carved out of thick, dark wood. There were no house banners. Any memory of the old Hogwarts had been erased. The staff table was still there. The chair in the middle, where Dumbledore used to sit, had been replaced for a metal construction that was covered with the Three Cores logo.

"Charming little place," Tonks groaned. "I guess they didn't have an interior designer on speed dial."

Andromeda felt a sudden chill down her spine and grabbed her daughter's hand. "Get in the shadows. Someone's coming."

They all stepped into the darker parts of the room and Andromeda reached inside her sleeve for her wand. She drew it and aimed it at the door. This didn't have to take long. Nobody had to get hurt and nobody had to die. She forced herself to breathe slowly and focused on the steady beating of her heart.

The door to the Great Hall opened again, inviting in the light from outside. Two figures emerged and Andromeda immediately recognised Snape. He was accompanied by Draco. As the light hit his face she was reminded just how much he looked like his father. She had never liked Lucius and seeing how his son resembled him angered her. Narcissa had been desperate for a child all the way through her childhood years. She didn't talk about anything else but by the time Draco was born, she had changed.

"What is it you need to speak to me about?" Draco asked. His voice was laced with nerves.

"It is about your mother," Severus answered and from where she stood Andromeda could see how Draco's face fell. "The resistance has captured her. They have been seen near the castle. Rumour has it that they are trying to break in and lure your aunt and Hermione to their deaths."

"Aunt Bella would never let that happen!" Draco snapped. "She'd kill them before she'd let them anywhere near my mother!"

"Are you sure about that?" Andromeda asked and stepped out of the shadows with her wand drawn. Draco's hand shot down to his own wand and he glanced at Snape for reassurance. The Potion master's face was emotionless and stoic as he drew his own wand. Andromeda's eyes briefly snapped in his direction. He gave her no indication that he had changed his allegiance. She would have to trust him. It was the only way.

"How did you get in here?!" Draco shouted. "We have spells and wards! You shouldn't be in here!"

Andromeda laughed. "Spells and wards. You have the talent of a first year, Draco. Your mother and your aunt never did teach you very well, did they?" She cocked her head. "Do you really think you can defeat me? You're on your own, Draco. There's no one here to help you now."

Draco glanced at Snape, fear suddenly flickering in his eyes. Andromeda laughed again.

"Don't look at him, Draco. He changed sides before you were even born!"

"What-what do you want?" Draco stammered and his eyes widened as he watched the other two cloaked figures emerge from the shadows.

"Your wand," Andromeda answered sweetly and flicked her own. "Expelliarmus!"

Draco attempted to hold onto his wand with all his might but Andromeda's spell didn't allow him. The wand slipped from his fingers and whizzed across the room before landing in Andromeda's outstretched palm. She felt a surge of joy as well as surprise that it had been this easy and slipped the wand into her sleeve. Draco stared at her, confused about the fact she did not try to hex him in any other way but Andromeda smiled.

"Move along now, young man. There are more important things to do than look at you all day."

Draco was about to start for the door when it swung open. Andromeda's eyes snapped up when the two figures came running into the room. In a flash she recognised Hermione's dark hair and she felt herself be knocked to the ground. For a moment she thought it was Bellatrix but when she looked up she realised it was Snape. He flashed the briefest of smiles before grabbing her by her arm and yanking her to her feet. Instead of running to the main entrance door he pulled Andromeda along towards the staff table and tapped the wall three times with his wand. An invisible doorway appeared and suddenly they were standing outside.

"RUN!" he shouted. "You know where to go!"

She started running and looked over her shoulder one last time to see the green flash of light hit him in the back. Severus Snape fell face forward into the snow and the wand in his hand rolled away. Dumbledore's most trusted friend, their sudden ally, was dead. Severus Snape had given his life to protect them, to help them. He now paid the highest price. Bellatrix appeared in the open doorway behind him and stared out across the snow covered grounds. Her sister was running further and further away from her and Bellatrix knew that Andromeda was heading towards their final destination.

She sprinted after her, following the footprints in the snow. She knew that if Andromeda found what she was looking for, they would be at the beginning of the end.

Meaning of chapter title: Morning or Dawn.