Story: When Everything Changed

Summary: Something inside begins to protest her actions causing Bellatrix to question herself and those around her. How will her world as she knows it be affected? BL/HG

Rated: M

Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns everything. I am merely borrowing the characters to play my own little game with them.

A/N 1: Italics are a flashback. Also ** before a new paragraph after a break indicates a scene change. While xx means skipping further into that scene. I just wanted to clarify. Please let me know if these symbols aren't showing up.

A/N 2: Though I have edited this more than once I am sure there are still mistakes. This is unbetaed and all mistakes are mine.

A/N 3: Not the original. Revised and Reposted.
_

Hermione's POV

"Hermione?" My head is pounding and every muscle in my body screams in protest as I shift my body slightly. "Hermione?" I let out a groan and crack my eyes open. Someone is leaning over me, but they are blurred by sleep. "Hermione, can you hear me?"

Blinking a few times some of the fog lifts from my vision. Dark brown eyes filled with concern are gazing down at me. I lift my arm which is heavy with fatigue and place a shaky hand on soft skin. "Bella?" I ask. My voice is thick and croaky, and my tongue feels much too large for my mouth. I hear a sigh of relief and stroke her cheek with my thumb. She places her warm hand over mine. Squeezing my eyes shut and then re-opening them my surroundings come into focus.

Bellatrix is paler than usual. I cannot suppress my shock as Bellatrix leans into me and carefully pulls me into a hug. Her arms are strong, yet gentle, and soothing. I slide my arms around her and the feel of her toned back muscles excites me contrary to the situation. I tighten my grip on her. Bella's warm breath tickles my ear as she whispers, "Don't ever do that again. You scared me!"

Despite the significance of this moment I let out a weak chuckle and squeeze the woman in my arms as I ignore my body's constant pleas to stop. "Why Bella, you should be careful; for a moment there it almost seemed like you care."

She pulls away from me and raises an eyebrow in question. She examines me and I struggle to keep a straight face. Her eyes begin to twinkle. "Only about you, but don't tell anyone," she says in a hushed tone as she winks at me. This small gesture sends shivers down my spine. A dazzling smile appears on her face and she shifts so that she is laying next to me with her head propped up in her hand.

I send her a huge grin and reply, "I won't." I attempt to turn on my side so that we are facing each other but a searing pain fills every inch of my body. I bite my bottom lip so hard I can taste the metallic flavor of blood in my mouth as I try to hold back screams of pain.

"What's wrong?" I shake my head as tears form in my eyes. I can't stop myself from writhing in agony as the torture refuses to stop."I'm going to get Dromeda," Bella says with alarm. My senses are becoming clouded and it is getting harder and harder to focus on anything besides the intense burning running through me. "Plus Potter and the Weasleys will be happy to see you." I can tell she is trying to convince herself that whatever is happening to me at the moment is not serious.

"No." I manage to choke out. Bella freezes at the end of the bed and looks over her shoulder at me. Sweat is forming on my skin and I am struggling to breathe as my lungs continue to burn. Letting out a groan I try to continue. "Don't…don't get them…not… not yet…I," She nods and leaves before I can finish.

I can feel the bile rising in my throat as I battle to stay conscious. Leaning over the side of the bed I empty the contents of my stomach. Laying back down the pain continues to rage inside of me and blackness is creeping around the corners of my vision. Feeling tired on top of everything I close my eyes.

**
There is liquid in my mouth and I can't breathe. I begin to choke on it as I try to spit it out. In the distance a voice says, "It's okay. Swallow it and you'll feel better." The tone of the voice has a calming effect on me and I do as it says. There is a tingling in my limbs that is overriding the pain.

Opening my eyes I gaze into chocolate orbs. It takes me a moment to realize that I'm not staring into Bellatrix's eyes, but Dromeda's. My eyes dart around the room and land on Bellatrix who is standing in a far corner of the room with her arms crossed tightly in front of her chest. All of the friendliness that was there earlier has left her. Bella's expression is unreadable. I try to send messages to her with my eyes but she is lost in her own world. One that nobody else can see. "What happened?" My throat is sore. Dromeda places a finger on my lips.

"Drink this first." I gratefully take the glass of water and gulp it down. "Not so quickly dear." I listen to Dromeda and find that the water is much more relieving when I don't drink it so fast. I hand her back the glass, "Better?"

"Yeah."

"You had me worried there for a second sweetie. You passed out; well you gave us both a scare." Dromeda's eyes wander to Bella and mine follow. She is still lost in thought. Dromeda sighs. I notice her glance on me but I am too focused on Bellatrix to care. "Bella?" She calls out to her sister softly.

Bellatrix lightly shakes her head and then looks up at us. I lock eyes with her. I want to take her in my arms and tell her everything will be alright. She seems so lost: so confused.

She crosses the room, crouches down next to the bed, and sends me a small smile. "Do you enjoy giving me heart attacks?"

"Of course I do. Why else would I put myself through the pain?" I slide my hand from beneath the blanket and rest it on hers. She intertwines our fingers. "What's on your mind?"

She shakes her head. "You need to rest. You will have visitors later. I'm afraid that I might have worried the others when I rushed downstairs to find Dromeda." I glace around the room for her younger sister and note that Dromeda has slipped out of the room and closed the door behind herself without us realizing it.

Bellatrix stands up and walks toward the door. "Bella?"

She stops with her hand on the door knob ad turns to me. "Yeah?"

"Will you stay with me?" I suddenly feel shy and exposed. She crawls up the bed, and I can't help but glance down the front of her dress at smooth porcelain skin with darkness between two plentiful curves. I can see the top of her bra. I try to gain control of my breathing and as I shift my legs I can feel the rapidly growing wetness between them. I can't take my eyes away from the sight. I want to run my fingers down her exposed neck and trace the contours of the fabric containing perfect breasts.

Bellatrix clears her throat self-consciously. I am dragged back into the present. Red has made its way on to Bellatrix's cheeks and I know I've been caught staring. However she doesn't say any more about what just happened. Instead she gets under the blankets and looks at me with uncertainty.

I slide closer to her and rest my head on her chest and place an arm over her stomach. Her arms snake around me blocking out the world around us. Closing my eyes I pondered what just happened between us and if it will ever be acknowledged. I can sense that the air has shifted: everything has changed again.

**
"She's upstairs," I hear Dromeda say. "It is nice of you to stop by."

I hear footsteps on the stairs and set my book down. My body protests as I pull myself up to lean against the headboard. Briefly I wonder where Bellatrix is. I haven't seen her all day.

There is a knock on the door, "Come in." I smile as Professor McGonagall enters the room. She closes the door behind herself. "Hey Professor."

"Hello, Hermione."

As she crosses the room I attempt to move over so she can sit on the edge of the bed. I can't hide the grimace that passes over my face. I suppress a squeal as I find myself being lifted off the bed and moved by an invisible force.

My eyes lock with Professor McGonagall's; she isn't bothering to hide her amusement at my surprise.

"I could've moved myself."

"Of course you could have dear." She perches on the edge of the bed and watches me. "I came as soon as I heard."

"Thank you, " I smile at her. The affection in her eyes is overwhelming.

"What were you thinking?"

"Bellatrix…"

"Bellatrix can take care of herself."

"She would have done the same thing for me."

"I have no doubt she would have, but Bellatrix does not want you hurt on her behalf. Especially when it could have been prevented." I nod.

She sighs and places her hand on my cheek. Her thumb caresses the skin beneath it. I meet her eyes and place my hand over hers. A small smile flutters onto my lips as my eyes close. Professor McGonagall's touch is comforting and loving. I feel guilty for putting myself at risk.

"I don't think Bellatrix would be able to live with herself if something happened to you because of her." I open my eyes to look at Professor McGonagall and am shocked by what I see. There are unshed tears glistening in her eyes and her expression of fear and love is heartbreaking. I can hear her silent whisper, I don't want to lose you.

"I'm not going anywhere," I kiss the palm of her hand. "I promise."

She smiles at me before looking away. A faint blush covers her cheeks.

"Thank you." I say.

"For what?" She asks as she takes her and back and discreetly wipes the tears from her eyes.

"Everything. You are an amazing friend, and I hope I can return the favor."

"I don't know what I would do if I lost you."

"I do. You would go on like nothing has changed, because you are Minerva McGonagall, and you are a strong woman who does not let life hold you back."

"This is different."

"How?"

"Let me run a few diagnostic tests on you."

"Dromeda, already has. She is talking good care of me."

"I have no doubt she is, but it can't hurt to have a second opinion." I roll my eyes at her.

"If it will make you feel better you can." I watch her wave her wand. With each spell a different color smoke rises over my chest. "Well doctor, what is your verdict?"

"You need to rest. It's going to be a slow healing process."

"I'll be fine."

"Three should have killed you, Hermione!"

"You were hit by four and you're fine."

"I was lucky."

"I won't ever forget that night."

"I didn't realize..."

"That I was on the astronomy tower taking my OWL? I spent the rest of the year worrying that you wouldn't make it."

"I'm sorry, Hermione"

"I would have rather seen it, Professor, than have heard about it."

"Minerva, please call me Minerva. We've been through enough by now dear that you should feel comfortable addressing me by my name."

"Okay." I smile at her.

"I should go." She kisses me on the forehead and stands.

I manage to grab her wrist, "Please stay, Minerva."

"You need to…"

"I know, but I haven't even had the chance to discuss Burgess' latest article with you."

She smiles at me and I grin back at her. "Well I suppose I could stay for a little while longer. It was such a preposterous article."

**
"Come back home, Hermione." Ron is sitting on the edge of the bed while I am propped up against the headboard of the bed. I was hesitant to let him in by himself, but felt I owed it to him.

"That's not a wise choice, and you know it."

"I can try harder. I'll be a better boyfriend. Give me a second chance, please." His words are piercing my heart like a dagger. I want nothing more than to do as he asks, but I can't.

"This isn't about you, Ronald. It took me a while, but I've come to realize it's always been about me." He nods, but refuses to look at me.

"I miss you. You're my best friend."

"Please look at me," He complies, "I miss you too, but this is for the best."

"How can you say that? You left and now you are sharing a room with a deranged serial killer."

"Please don't go there."

"No! I need to know what you see in her. I know she is why you left me. Don't try to deny it."

"It's none of your business," I say the anger is evident in my voice. Harry was the first to come in and see me. I had to sit through his hour rant about how horrible Bellatrix is and how he refuses to believe I would protect her.

"I just don't want to see you get into something you can't get out of." I can hear the concern in his voice. What he doesn't know is that I am already in over my head. It all started back at the Malfoy's and ever since I have been captured by the enigma known as Bellatrix Lestrange.

If I wanted out of our friendship I know Bellatrix would let me go without a protest. However, we are becoming closer and the more I learn about Bellatrix the more I information I crave. Parallel with this knowledge; my feelings for Bellatrix are continuing to grow and there is nothing I can do to stop them. I wouldn't want to.

"I don't believe that. I think you want me back, and you are prepared to turn me against Bellatrix to do so." I don't believe a single word that is coming out of my mouth, but I want to fight. I have had it with not being able to make my own decisions. I am done being trapped inside the image of the girl I used to be. I know what I want and I know who I need. And Ron: he's just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"You know that's not true. Hermione, I just…"

I sigh knowing that I shouldn't have tried to pick a fight with him, "Care. Yeah I know. You know you really make it impossible for me to hate you."

"Why would you want to?" He asks genuinely confused.

"It would make life easier. I know you don't see it but Bellatrix has changed. All day all you guys have done is grill me about what I could possibly see in her. I can't explain it. I'm just…"

"In love with her." I am shocked.

"How did you know that?"

"You jumped in front of 3 stunning spells for her, and when you talk about Bellatrix I can see it in your eyes. It's really not that hard to see 'Mione. From what I've seen the only people that haven't realized what is going on are Harry and Bellatrix."

"It's not that obvious."

"The only thing more obvious than how you feel about Bellatrix is…"

When it is evident that he has decided not to finish his comment I ask, "What?"

"Nothing. I think I'll leave you to figure it out for yourself." He gets up and walks out of the room.

I call after him but he ignores me. Finally I call out, "Can you send Tonks up if she is home?"

"I will." I roll my eyes in frustration. He can be such a git sometimes.

I hear footsteps approaching the door and push what Ron said out of my mind. I will have plenty of time to figure out what he was referring to later. I have a feeling I won't be allowed to get out of bed for a very long time.

Tonks' head appears around the doorframe. When she sees me she smiles. "Hey!"

"Hi," I send her a small smile still slightly distracted. She enters the room and sits cross legged at the end of the bed.

"How are you feeling?"

"Better than before," I reply.

"If it makes you feel better I was arguing with Bellatrix about when you could leave the room. I said tomorrow. She says that it's way too soon that you just woke up today. I told her that you are old enough to make your own choices. My mom is pushing for the day after tomorrow so that you have time to rest. You're lucky it's not actually up to Bellatrix or you would be in here for the rest of your life." I chuckle quietly.

"If it makes the decision any easier I would prefer today."

"Which won't happen." I stick my tongue out at her. "I brought you something." She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a book. I look down at it and smile. "I knew you wanted to read it so I stopped by a Muggle bookstore on the way home and picked it up."

"Thanks." I take it from her and set the book next to me. "So tell me what is going on in the outside world?"

"Not much. We are still pretty busy trying to round up the last of the Death Eaters…" She stops. I know her mind has wandered to the same place mine has.

"Tonks, what is going to happen to Bellatrix?"

"I don't know, but don't worry about it. That's not your problem; it's Bellatrix's."

"Does anybody know that she is here?"

"No, but I have a feeling we aren't going to be able to keep it a secret much longer. Not with Harry knowing. Once the Ministry receives word that Bellatrix Lestrange is here they will have the place surrounded."

"Is there somebody that can talk Harry out of turning her in?"

"I don't know. All I know is that we will have a few days to figure things out, because Harry will want to kill her on his own. We both know that won't happen. Bellatrix is too clever to let that happen."

I nod. "Why are you helping her? I know you don't like her."

Tonks sighs, "She's family Hermione, and despite the impression I give off, I don't mind her. Besides I know what it is like to lose the ones you love, and I don't want that to happen to my mom, or to you."

There is a knock on the door. Bellatrix walks into the room. "Sorry, I just need to grab something."

"It's fine," Tonks said. "I have to go feed Teddy." Tonks places a kiss on my forehead and leaves.

I throw the covers off of myself. "What are you doing?" Bellatrix asks without looking at me. She is digging through a drawer with her back to me.

"Getting up." She whips around.

"No you are not."

"Yes I am." I put my feet on the floor and stand. The room begins to spin.

Bellatrix rushes over to me and grabs my arm to steady me. "Careful."

I look at her. She seems tired and upset. "Stay in here with me." Her expression becomes unsure. "Please." She nods and helps me back into bed. She crosses the room and closes the door before sitting next to me on the bed. I yank at the covers from beneath her and she gets under them. "Tonks said that the Ministry is looking for Death Eaters."

"I know."

"Harry will tell them where you are, Bella."

"I know."

"What are you going to do?"

"Leave."

I was expecting this but it doesn't make the truth any easier. "I…"

"I can't put my family in danger, Hermione, so don't try to talk me out of this."

"I won't. I want to go with you."

"What?" Bellatrix says loudly.

"No, you're staying here."

"You can't tell me what and what not to do, Bellatrix."

When her eyes return to me I am shocked to see tears within them."What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"You can talk to me."

"Don't do this." I rest my hand on her arm.

"Don't do what?"

"I…you…" She starts to shake her head as tears trickle down her cheeks. I try to pull her into me but she protests.

"Bella." She begins to rack with sobs. I wrap an arm around her and she finally gives in allowing me to hold her in my arms. Her tears soak my shirt and she grasps on to me with desperation.

I whisper words of comfort without registering what I am saying. I'm scared. I have never seen Bellatrix cry. She has always been unbreakable, but now she is in my arms. I don't know whether this is good or bad. She could be opening up to me or this could be the end. I know not to ask her what is wrong.

I alternate between running my fingers through her hair and rubbing her back. In the end I settle on taking her hand in mine. I've never been good at comforting people, but I would never want Bellatrix to turn to anyone else.

She begins to calm down. Lifting her head she looks at me shyly and my heart melts. She opens her mouth to speak but doesn't get the chance, because I have brought my lips to her's, and she is kissing me back as we cling to each other with need. She tastes of tears and something uniquely Bellatrix.

She pulls away from me and I can sense her shut down. I lay there knowing there is nothing I can do.