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

Entering the kitchen I send a small smile in Tonks' direction. "Morning," I whisper. She smiles sleepily in return and motions toward the fresh batch of coffee on the counter. Quietly I make my way across the room not wanting to wake anybody. As I pour the coffee I gaze into the darkness outside. Nothing is visible, nothing is clear; yet, all it takes is a light to chase away the darkness and everything seems less frightening. Everything seems simpler during the day, because in the light you can see what it is you need, and you want.

Joining Tonks at the table I grab the Daily Prophet from next to her. Opening it up I turn to the Classifieds section. "I'm thinking about getting my own place," I inform her quietly.

"You don't have to. You're welcome here as long as you want."

"I know, but I should have my own place. It's not that I'm not grateful for everything, but I have a steady income now, and I think it would be good for me to have a place of my own." I glance over the newspaper at her. She appears to be thinking. When Tonks finally notices my gaze she sends me a small smile.

"Yeah it would be. You're welcome here whenever."

"I know."

"We should probably go." I glance at the clock on the wall, and nod in agreement.

We leave the house without much noise and walk until the spells preventing us from apparating are no longer in effect. At the same time we turn on the spot and the world around us disappears.

Opening my eyes I am standing in the lobby at the Ministry of Magic. I turn to Tonks who is still at my side. "Oh. Don't wait for me tonight I'll be home late."

Tonks focuses her attention on me. "All right. Big case?"

"Yeah, something like that." She shrugs and calls out to Shacklebolt, before disappearing into the crowd after him.

xx
Sighing, I glance across the room once more at Harry and Ron. They are laughing about something one of them has said as they pass a miniature quaffle back and forth. It has been two weeks since I started working at the Auror Department and we have not said a word to each other. Every once in a while I do, however, catch Ron looking my way.

As I take a deep breath I stand up. The walk toward the two is in slow motion. I can feel my legs quivering beneath me threatening to collapse.

I stop in front of the two and clear my throat. Ron immediately gives me his attention, but it takes Harry a few seconds longer. "Hey guys, I was wondering if you wanted to get lunch at the Leaky Cauldron."

"Sure," Ron says with a shrug. He smiles goofily at me and the weight on my chest easies slightly.

One glance at Harry makes it increase again. "No, I don't think I will."

"Oh, okay," I say trying to keep my voice level. I don't want Harry to know how much his answer has affected me. "Maybe next time."

"Yeah, maybe," He says: he refuses to look at me.

"Let's go," Ron suddenly states. The expression on his face lets me know he understands how I am feeling. He links my arm with his and leads me out of the office.

xx
Ron and I dodge inside the Leaky Cauldron in a fit of laughter. We just ran down the street, knocking people aside, to avoid the Daily Prophet reporter and photographer who were chasing us down the sidewalk with questions on our rumored relationship.

We take a seat at a table and shout out drink requests to Tom. Once our drinks are in our possession I glance up at Ron. "How have you been, Ron?"

"Okay. How 'bout you?"

"I'm good. Life's been a little hectic, you know?"

"Yeah I do."

Silence falls over us. I stare at my glass until I finally work up the courage to say what I have to say. "I'm sorry, Ron."

He looks up at me and smiles shyly, "I am too, 'Mione."

I frown, "Why are you sorry? I was horrible to you. You should hate me."

"I should have stood up for you after you had been stunned. I heard everything Harry said to you, because I was standing outside the door, and I didn't once call him out on it."

I sigh and grab his hand, "Why do you make everything seem so easy? You forgiving me shouldn't be this simple. We should be yelling and blaming each other for all of our problems."

He shrugs, "I dunno. I guess if the situation was reversed I know you would be just as understanding."

Smiling at him I squeeze his hand, "I've missed you, Ron."

"I've missed you too, 'Mione. The food is here! I'm starving!"

I roll my eyes at him and silently watch him as we eat.

"Do you think Harry will ever forgive me?"

Ron stops shoving his face full of food for a moment to think. "Yeah," He replies as he swallows. "You know Harry, he thinks in the moment, and at the moment he's hurt, but eventually he'll come around. Not all guys can mature as wonderfully as me, 'Mione."

I roll my eyes at him. "You wish, Ronald. So tell me about the Donahue case. What do you have so far?"

**
Briskly I walk across the Hogwarts grounds toward the castle. A few students are still lingering on the grounds before it is time to eat. The streaks of scarlet on the quiddtich pitch inform me that Gryffindor is working as hard as usual to insure that the house gets the Quiddtich Cup.

The air is cool and crisp as pink and red begin to leak into the sky. It is refreshing to be at Hogwarts. Reminding me of the old days and filling me with a sense of nostalgia. Even when things were hard back then, life was really simple for us. Well at least for me and Ron, but not so much for Harry.

The thought of my friends brings a pain to my chest. Harry and I were always so close. I never thought there would be a time when we weren't on speaking terms. Ron and I, well, I always considered the two of us falling out a possibility, but look at us now. I truly believe after lunch today we are closer than ever. Being out of Hogwarts has forced the three of us to really look at each other and now that we see each other the possibilities for what we can do together or alone are unlimited.

I will never deny it was an odd friendship. We were all so different, but that appears to be what made it work. At least for a while.

I can't help but hope one day Harry and I might be able to be friends again, but the voice in the back of my head reminds me as long as I stay by Bellatrix's side there is no chance that will happen. And Ron will probably chose Harry when we are all in the same room. This won't stop me. I will not abandon Bellatrix.

Opening the heavy wooden doors of Hogwarts I step into the entrance hall. I recognize a few nameless faces. There is a flash of red hair and I catch a glimpse of Ginny before she disappears. Sadness again overwhelms me and I make my way to the headmistress' office with a heavy heart.

Reaching the gargoyle I mumble the password and it moves aside. The spiral stairs ascend impossibly slow, and it feels as if everything is suddenly moving in slow motion.

I knock on the door and a familiar voice says, "Come in." Hesitantly I enter; rethinking whether I should face Minerva when I am in such a bad mood yet again. "Hermione," she states warmly when she catches sight of me.

The next thing I know I am enveloped in a warm hug. Her embrace is tight and reassuring.

"How are you my dear?" Her voice is soft in my ear.

"Better than usual, actually. How are you?"

"Wonderful. Not to be rude, but you don't appear to be in a better mood." I rest my head on her shoulder and let the safety of her embrace wash over me. I wish I could do this with Bellatrix.

"I had lunch with Ron today."

"Was he a git?"

"No, he was really sweet. We're on better terms, but Harry didn't join us."

"He's a stubborn young lad. He'll come around."

"That's what Ron said. Sort of."

"I have no doubt Mr. Weasley occasionally says the right thing." I pull far enough away from her to attempt to decipher her tone. I'm not certain whether or not she is being hostile toward Ron or merely a wise ass. When I see the sparkle in her emerald eyes I know she means no harm and smile widely at her.

She clears her throat and pulls away from me. "Your supplies are in the other room."

I sigh, "Thanks. I should've started weeks ago."

"You've been busy, it is understandable, and I doubt Bellatrix will fault you for it. As long as you don't give up before you've started you're fine. Let me show you where everything is." I follow Minerva through the circular office back into her private living space. The living room is decorated in deep, warm earth tones, and has the same circular shape as the outer office.

Stacks of books and rolls of parchment are spread out over the coffee table. My mind flashes back to when I saw Bella in Minerva's living quarters after the Battle at Hogwarts. Returning to the present I am stunned by what is laying out for my use, "I didn't realize there was so much."

"I, I believe it is said as, pulled a few strings." I roll my eyes and smile at Minerva.

"Thank you."

"It was no problem. If you will excuse me I need to make my way down to the Great Hall. If there is anything you need feel free to call Kreacher. I believe you have everything that I can provide you with," She glances around the room. "Ah, right." Walking over to a picture frame resting net to the lamp on the side table she says quietly, "Albus."

Almost instantly Professor Dumbledore appears in the frame. "Yes my dear?"

"Hermione is here." His piercing blue eyes turn to me.

"Miss. Granger how nice to see you!"

"Professor," I nod my head at him.

"Minerva has informed me of your interests, and I am more than willing to assist you in any way that I can."

"Thank you, Professor."

"Not a problem, not a problem at all." He smiles one of his twinkling smiles at me and then disappears briefly before returning with a puffy arm chair that I have seen in another portrait around the castle.

Minerva squeezes my shoulder before wordlessly leaving the room. Looking at the copious amount of paper sitting in front of me and sigh. This is going to take a while.

xx
At least four hours have gone by and I have barely made an indent in my research material. My eyes burn from lack of sleep and I suppress a yawn. Minerva has not returned.

"You know she is skeptical of Bellatrix my dear?" Dumbledore's quiet voice causes me to jump as it penetrates the silence.

"What?" My voice is rough with sleep.

"Minerva is not completely convinced that Bellatrix has changed. She has spent many nights wondering if she has done the right thing."

"Then why is she helping me? Why did she help Bella in the first place?"

Dumbledore settles back in his chair and observes me over his glasses. "The thing is dear, I believe Minerva could not turn Bellatrix away even if she had wanted to. Some people say she comes across as stern and cold, but both you and I know Minerva cares deeply about her students.

"They have a past. I remember the day that Minerva entered my office and informed me that young Ms. Black had shown up in her office the previous night claiming to need help in Transfiguration, but really wanting a friend. The concern in Minerva's eyes was overwhelming. She could see that Bellatrix was struggling with many things. Minerva took Bellatrix under her care and protection. She saw so much in Bellatrix, just as she sees so much in you. But then something happened. Minerva has never talked much about it. All I can deduce is Bellatrix started pulling away from her and changing until one day the friendship the two had been building no longer existed.

"Minerva is very careful about who she lets in. Even back then, but there was something in Bellatrix that had her convinced she was doing the right thing. And no matter what she says it is obvious the Minerva has never stopped caring for Bellatrix, I believe almost as a daughter, even when she had to face her in battle. Those moments though, when she had to face the young woman that she had tried to help, tore her apart.

"So you see she couldn't say no to Bellatrix when Madame Lestrange turned up in her office. She wanted to see the best in Bellatrix even when her mind was screaming in protest."

"But why try to help Bellatrix now? "

"Because she has strong faith in your judgment of character, Miss Granger. If you believe this is the right thing to do then she will help you to the best of her abilities."

The door opens and I glance over my shoulder. Minerva enters the room looking exhausted. "How is the research going?" She asks.

"Okay," I reply quietly. I remove the litter of notes I have been taking from beside me, and pat the newly exposed cushion of the sofa.

She takes a seat and I quickly stand, moving to the cupboard that I know holds the liquor. I place ice in the glass and then poor the scotch. Returning to the sofa I pass her the tumbler. "Thank you," She says in hushed tones. Minerva leans back into the sofa and I sit, copying her actions.

"I think I will give you two some privacy. Call me if you need any more help, Hermione." Dumbledore disappears before I can reply.

"Have you found anything useful?"

"A few things. Professor Dumbledore was a great help."

"Yes, I find he tends to be. At least for now."

"What do you mean?"

"Eventually he will no longer be able to keep up with current events, and he will only be able to give advice based on what he knew when he was alive. An essence of him is the only thing that remains in that portrait."

"He seems pretty insightful to me."

"That is a quality I don't believe will ever fade." I smile at her.

We sit in silence as the stress of the day seeps out of our tense muscles and filters out of the room.

"Bellatrix thinks she deserves to be in Azkaban," I blurt out. The thought has been nagging me all night. What if she really wants to be there? What if what I am trying to do will only make things worse for her?

"But you don't, however, if Bellatrix was any other prisoner you would…"

"If she were any other prisoner she might be given a second chance."

"In a way she has been given her second chance, Hermione."

"If that is true then why is she back in Azkaban? She has done nothing wrong. In fact she has only been trying to make up for what she has done!"

"Very few people know that."

"So why call it a second chance?" I can feel my anger and frustration rising. I know Bellatrix doesn't deserve to be in Azkaban even if she herself doesn't. "She has already punished herself more than Azkaban ever will," My voice is barely more than a whisper.

"I know," Minerva says just as quietly.

Yawning I bring my legs up to my chest, cross my arms around them, and rest my head on my knees.

"You can stay here tonight if you want to." A faint smile dances across my lips at Minerva's offer. "How do you know that Bellatrix has really changed?"

"I just do."

She smiles, "Long ago I might have had the same answer. I have letters I have to write, unfortunately, so I will leave you to your books."

"Here." I grab a stack of blank parchment, a quill, and book for her to use as a flat surface. "You can do that here."

"I don't want to bother you."

"You won't. Besides you need to relax."

She smiles at me before I return to pouring over the book I had set down.

**
Clocking out I decide to stop in the research archives again and gather new material. Sighing I step in the elevator and I think about the amount of time that has passed with no actions other than research. It's been almost two months since I last saw Bellatrix. A hollow ache has begun to throb inside of me. Making its presence within me stronger every day.

Entering the silent room, I find it completely deserted other than the clerk. I send him a small wave and then move to the familiar space in the back of the room. I skim the books and parchments taking a few things off the shelves.

As I flip through the parchment a passage jumps out at me. I re-read it a few times not wanting to fill myself with false hope.

I rush to the front desk and sign it out. I practically run into the front lobby and slide as I apparate out of the building.

**
Frantically I knock on the office door. The door opens and I am face to face with Minerva. I wave the parchment in my hand in her face as I attempt to catch my breath. I ran all the way here from Hogsmeade.

"Goodness. Come in Hermione."

"I found," I wave the parchment again. Clutching my side I try to continue, "Might work… need to…Dumbledo…you."

"Slow down and try again."

Talking a deep rattling breath I follow her instructions. "I found this in the archives. I think it might work. I wanted you and Professor Dumbledore to look at it first." She takes the piece of paper from my hand and I begin to pace. My eyes never leave Minerva as her eyes dart across the paper as she takes in the contents of the page.

"Albus."

"Right here, Minerva."

"Look at this. Do you think it could possibly work?" She flicks her wand and the empty picture frame from the other room zooms into her open hand. Dumbledore appears in it and Minerva holds up the parchment for him to read.

If I wasn't so overwhelmed with nerves and excitement I might find this sight amusing. "There is only one way to find out."

"Can't they charge me with hiding Bellatrix?"

"Not if you've already been found innocent. The Wizarding laws are much like the Muggle's laws."

"Then it looks like I need to talk to Shacklebolt."

**
"Hermione, I got your message. You want to talk?" Switching my attention from the paperwork on my desk to the tall African American man in the doorway and smile.

"Kingsley," I glance around the not so private room, which is stuffed with cubicles. I catch Tonks' eye and she smiles nervously at me. "Yeah, I do. Could we talk somewhere more private perhaps?"

"Of course," he says in a warm, booming voice. "My office." He turns and I hurry to follow him.

Once we are in his office and have exchanged pleasantries my nerves begin to rage full force. I glance around the room. The decorations are sparse, but the room is still welcoming. If I hadn't been doing what I am about to do I might enjoy the welcoming atmosphere more.

"What do you want to talk about?" I think about my newly secured position as auror. I think about the friends I used to have, and I think about the people who might get in trouble. But then I think about Bellatrix, and I think about Azkaban, and I am given strength.

"Bellatrix Lestrange." His calm expression does not falter. However, I catch a flicker of suspicion in his dark eyes.

"What about her?" His tone has lost a level of friendliness.

"I don't think she belongs in Azkaban," I put on a mask of confidence.

"What makes you think that?"

"She's changed."

"Do you have evidence of this?" I can tell with each passing minute his suspicions are being confirmed.

Taking a deep breath I prepare to tell him what I have told very few. "She saved my life, she saved Tonks' life, and she helped defeat Voldemort."

"She what?" His expression does change this time. He is skeptical.

"She saved my life at the Malfoy Manor. She pushed Tonks' out of the way of a killing curse during the Final Battle, and she made a plan with an unnamed person that lead to defeating of Lord Voldemort. I've done my research…"

"Hermione…"

"Just hear me out. I've done my research. There is this one case where the defendant was released from Azkaban because people spoke for him…"

"You helped hide Bellatrix didn't you?"

"Yes I did, but…"

"You openly admit it?" There is too much adrenaline coursing through my system to sit so I stand up and begin to pace.

"Yes I do, but according to the Wizarding law I have already been found innocent so you cannot charge me again for the same crime. Double Jeopardy."

Shacklebolt sighs. "I had my suspicions. Something about your reaction when we capture Bellatrix seemed wrong to me. "

"When you captured Bellatrix what did she do?"

"What do you mean what did she do? You saw the whole thing." I move in front of his desk.

"Just tell me, what did she do?"

"She…she handed me her wand."

"Exactly. Now are those the actions of an insane killer."

"Not the stereotypical one, but…"

"But what? Even every day citizens would attempt to fight off the Ministry if it meant they wouldn't have to go to Azkaban."

"Why are you so sure? How do you know this is not just an act?"

"I just do. You have to trust me on this…"

"I've known you for years now Hermione, and I highly respect you, but I don't think I can…"

"I have a list of people who might be willing to testify that Bellatrix is different during her trial. She still is allowed her right to trial isn't she?"

"She doesn't want one." I pause for a moment. 'She doesn't want one.' 'Bellatrix thinks she deserves to be in Azkaban.' 'You don't, however if Bellatrix was any other prisoner…'' You shouldn't be here with me.' 'She wasn't always so horrible.' 'Minerva is not completely convinced that Bellatrix has changed.'

'I think you did the right thing.'

'I'm a murderer.'

'How do you know? You see the person you want to. What if I haven't changed? What if I can't change?'

'You have changed Bella. I know you can't see it but I can, and I want to help you see it too.'

I know she has changed.

"Please just look at this." I pass him the list of names

His eyes skim them. "I can't risk their reputations Hermione. I'm sorry. Even if I was considering letting Bellatrix out of Azkaban."

"Haven't you listened to a word I've said. I have the proof; all of these people will back me up. I know they will. What if I got their agreement in writing?"

"I'm not risking it. Dromeda and Tonks can't afford for Tonks to lose her job. The Weasley's have enough problems on their hands. Minerva McGonagall? Hermione if anyone ever found out she helped free one of the most notorious mass murderers in wizarding history, parents would pull their students out of Hogwarts left and right. She will lose her position. There are too many risks."

"So that's it?"

"I'm sorry. Think about it this way. Azkaban is the safest place for Bellatrix to be. Do you know exactly how many people want her dead?"

"She doesn't deserve to be there. She was trying to fix things….she…she…"

"The answer is no." He is silent for a moment. His eyes are burning holes in me. He sighs, "I'm sorry."

"I… at least…at least let me see her. Please."

To my surprise I can see him actually considering my request. "You do know that if you were almost anyone else I would have already dismissed you. But we did work in the Order together so my answer is yes, under two conditions."

"Anything."

"You'll take aurors of my choice with you. Azkaban changes even the best of people, and nobody, absolutely nobody except for those who already know about this will find out about your visit, or what you were trying to do."

"Deal."

"Then it looks like you will be taking your first trip to Azkaban next week."

**
The screams of insanity are almost as chilling as the cold that follows in the dementor's path. Shacklebolt leads me, Tonks, and Jones toward the high security cells.

The closer we get the louder the screams become and the icy presence intensifies. Shacklebolt gestures with his hands and the dementor's float away to suck the happiness out of others. At the very end of the hall he unlocks the cell door and stands aside.

I duck into the cell and wait until the bars are closed but not locked behind me. My companions step off to the side; I believe to give us a small amount of privacy. Shacklebolt was going to have Harry and Ron come with us but I informed him that Harry and I are not on good terms, and thankfully he found two other people.

I attempt to focus on the objects in the dark cell I wait as my eye sight adjusts.

When it does I find Bellatrix curled into herself in the corner. She has not bothered to glance my direction or check to see who has entered her cell.

Carefully I approach her. I don't wanting to make her uncomfortable or scare her since I can tell she is lost in thought. I rest my hand on her thin shoulder.

When she looks up at me with black ringed eyes surprise shines through her gaunt features. "Hey, Bella," I say casually as I send her a kind smile.

"What…what are you doing here?" Her voice is hoarse. I hold out my hand and she takes it. I help her up. I can feel her shaking with effort under my fingers. Leaning into her I want to bring our lips together but she turns her head at the last second. "Don't."

I nod and brush my lips against her cool cheek instead. I back up so that I can look at her properly as we speak, but I refuse to let go of her hand.

"I am an auror now," I explain. "I've been doing research." Her eyes flicker to meet mine before leaving me again. I move my lips to her ear, "I'm going to get you out of here."

"Don't," she whispers back. "This is where I belong."

"No, it's not." I pull back from her again. I observe as she lifts a shaky hand and traces the silver chain around my neck with a finger. She takes the pendant in her hand and gazes at me. A small smile grazes my lips.

"Dromeda says that she is thinking about you and that she loves you." Bellatrix nods. I can see the confusion suddenly seeping into her features.

"Why are you being so nice to me after everything I have done?"

"As a wise friend of mine recently said, if the situation was reversed I know you would be just as understanding." My lips find her ear again. "I miss you."

"You should go." She pulls away from me. Moving further in to the corner. I take out my wand. Her eyes wander to it, but she looks unconcerned. With a flick of my wrist she is clean. She opens her mouth to say something, but chooses not to.

I wish she would stop pulling away. I wish she would let me touch her. Hold her. Take her away from here. Bellatrix has never been like that though, I can tell, and Azkaban is not going to change that fact.

This cell is cold. Colder than the ones in the front of the building. Slipping out of my traveling cloak I cautiously move closer to Bellatrix and cover her with it. "I'm going to get you out of here."

She gazes at me with pleading eyes, and I realize I have only once ever seen Bellatrix this vulnerable. I watch the debate going on inside of her before she leans into me. I wrap my arms around her, holding her closely for a moment. She pulls away so she can look at me. "I need to stay here, Hermione."

"No. No you don't." She nods. "I can't live with myself if you are trapped in here."

"This is where I belong. Life will be easier for you if you move on. I can take care of myself. You have your whole life ahead of you. I know you will be fine," As she says this she pulls me closer.

"I won't."

"You need to go," She pushes me away with force. I gaze at her with confusion and hurt, but she has turned her back to me. Sighing I turn and leave the cell.

"Where is you cloak?" I barely spare Shacklebolt a glance at his question. I am too preoccupied with being the one to close the cell door. When I do I lock eyes with Bellatrix's dark, sad ones, and I see one of the things I had been fearing the most.

Bellatrix is falling apart.