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.

This is my longest chapter so far ! It seems suiting considering the fact that this is my returning chapter.
_

Hermione's POV

My eyes wander over the open room: wooden floors, a fire place, a lofted space, and a quick check reveals a decent sized bathroom. I turn to Richard, the landlord, and smile. "I'll take it."

"I hoped you would."

I was nervous as I stood on the sidewalk waiting for Richard so I could view the flat. However, when I was approached by a kind, older man my nerves were erased.

"If you would join me in my flat we can go over paperwork and make final negotiations. I'll make tea." He smiles sweetly at me.

I follow him down to the bottom floor and into his home. As I sit at the table I pull the newspaper closer to me as Richard places the kettle on the stove for tea. I feel my eyebrows shoot toward my hairline as I recognize the newspaper to be today's issue of the Daily Prophet.

"Now Hermione, the first issue I wanted to address with you is the means of payment."

My eyes are taking in all of the magical gadgets I had not observed at first. I note that Richard has turned to face me, "Why didn't you bother to hide your possessions?"

"There aren't many Hermione Grangers in the wizarding world, love."

I feel my jaw drop. The first time I was recognized I thought it was just a random thing. But since then it has happened more and more frequently and I'm not sure how I feel about it.

Richard chuckles, "Still not used to your fame I see. I'm sure you will be soon; your face has been in the paper almost every day since You Know Who fell."

"I guess I should start reading the Daily Prophet more often. What was this about means of payment?"

"You can pay in wizarding money if you would like. I know what a pain it is to go into Gringotts every time you need an exchange."

I don't say anything, but I wonder if I am still allowed in Gringotts since the incident at the Lestrange vault. I haven't needed to withdraw money yet, but I will soon.

Richard waves his wand and the cups fly toward us as the kettle leaves the stovetop. Another wave and a plate of biscuits appear.

"Biscuit?"

"Yes, please." I smile at him knowing that my decision to live in this building is a good one.

**
I find myself standing in the doorway to Bellatrix's room with Dromeda's words ringing in my head. 'Take what you want dear. I'm sure Bellatrix would rather have you hold onto her things then having me put them in boxes.' Dromeda left with a departing sigh and I have been standing here for the past ten minutes debating whether or not I want to enter the room.

It's been three weeks since I last visited Bellatrix in Azkaban. I haven't heard from her, but I know she has means of communicating with me if she chooses to do so.

I have already sent my belongings to my flat. I shift my weight off my hip. It still bothers me after the stunning. I know it hasn't had long to heal, but I have a feeling the pain of that day will be with me for years to come.

Taking a deep breath I walk over to the dresser and open the top drawer. I peer into it at the scarce contents. I pull out a photo of Teddy, Bellatrix, and I. We are sitting on the floor in the living room while Teddy happily plays with a toy. Bellatrix and I are deep in conversation, but she is wearing a breathtaking smile. I find myself softly smiling at the image before me and I slip the item into the pocket of my robe.

I noticed that pick picture did not contain moving figures. That must have been the day that Andromeda decided to start using Ted's old camera. In the past few weeks she has become quite the photographer.

As I pull out the books the scent of them wafts over me. There are two on the Black family history, as well as one on the aftermath of Voldemort after the first war. There is one on transfiguration, and a few more on various other magical concepts. Bellatrix must have brought them with her the night we visited the Black Manor.

I open the next drawer to find a few cloaks and dresses that Bellatrix had borrowed from Andromeda. Picking up one robe that I am certain is Bellatrix's I hold it to my face and imagine that faint traces of her scent still linger on it. Shrinking the robe down I place it in my pocket.

There is a knock on the front door. "Hermione, dear could you get that? I'm in the middle of feeding Teddy," Andromeda says from the other room.

"Sure."

I quickly descend the stairs as the knocking becomes more rapid. I open the door and am surprised by who I discover on the doorstep. "Hello, Narcissa."

"Granger," she responds haughtily. "I need to speak with Andromeda."

"Sure let me get her. Wait here." I close the door in her face and race up the stairs. It isn't a common occurrence that Narcissa Malfoy leaves the Malfoy Manor. Especially not to have a friendly visit with her estranged sister. So what is she doing here?

"Um, Dromeda?"

"Yes?" She responds while placing a finger against her lips. I notice that Teddy is fast asleep in her arms.

"You have a visitor."

"Who is it dear?"

"Narcissa."

I watch the color drain from Dromeda's face. Her eyes become distant for a moment before she stands up and places Teddy in his crib.

"Do you know what she wants?"

"No."

Dromeda nods and I follow her out of the room. I stop at the bottom of the staircase not wanting to intrude, but at the same time not wanting to leave Andromeda alone with Narcissa. This is the second Black sister reunion I have been present for and I wonder if it will go as well as the first one.

Dromeda opens the door with a blank expression on her face. I watch for a flicker of emotion when she first sees her sister, but find nothing.

"Narcissa."

"Andromeda." I can feel the silence pressing down on them from my position on the stairs. The world outside has just become eerily quiet as if it is waiting for the outcome of this meeting. "Are you going to invite me in?"

Andromeda doesn't bother responding and steps aside so her sister can enter. In the brief moment that the two are standing side by side I see how different Narcissa's appearance is compared to either of her sisters. There is a touch of silver in her blonde locks that spiral down her back. Her facial structure is fragile compared to the strong, elegant features of the other Black sisters. Yet she is still oddly attractive, and I am reminded of Bellatrix when our eyes lock for a moment.

"What do you need, Narcissa?" I am taken aback by Dromeda's unusually harsh tone.

"Now, now Andromeda; is that the proper way to greet your sister?" I can see the disdain seeping from Narcissa as she looks around the room.

Dromeda crosses her arms over her chest and remains silent.

Narcissa suddenly whips around to face her sister. "Why didn't you tell me about Bellatrix?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb with me. I know you were hiding her. She was found right outside your house!"

"Does your husband know where you are right now, Cissy?" Dromeda's bitter emphasis on Narcissa's nickname causes a chill to run through me.

"I can go where I please. Why didn't you tell me Bellatrix was alive?" Narcissa is manically pacing the kitchen and sending accusing glares at Andromeda.

"Why are you so concerned all of a sudden?" Dromeda asks with an air of ignorance that allows me to finally see the family resemblance.

"I've always cared. Bellatrix is my sister!"

I move from my spot on the stairwell into the kitchen where my presence is known. "She didn't want anyone to know, Narcissa."

She spins to face me and I can detect the sorrow in her eyes. "You knew! You filthy Mudblood, you aren't worthy of Bellatrix's presence let alone knowing anything about her. I suggest you keep yourself out of things that have nothing to do with you."

"Out!" Andromeda shouts and Teddy begins to cry.

"How dare you tre…"

"Get out of my house, Narcissa! You cannot come into my home and act like you run the place. Leave!" Andromeda's whips out her wand and points at Narcissa's chest. "Go."

Despite the wand pointed at her chest Narcissa's eyes keep darting to the staircase. "Is that Teddy? Can I see him?" Desperation flashes across her face followed quickly by sadness.

I can tell Andromeda saw it as she sighs and her wand wavers. She glances at me before returning her attention to her sister. "I'd rather Tonks be here to make that decision."

"I can come back," Narcissa offers quickly.

Dropping her wand and looking at the floor Andromeda says, "I'm expecting her to be back around five. You can stay if you'd like."

"Thank you," Narcissa says in barely more than a whisper.

**
"Hermione!" I glance over my shoulder to find Ron walking in my direction. I abruptly stop causing the ministry worker behind me to let out a stream of curses as they almost crash into me. When he reaches me I smile at him as he automatically grabs the stack of parchment out of my arms.

"You don't have to carry those, Ron."

He shrugs. "I don't mind."

"Thank you. So what's up?"

"Kingsley is looking for you. I think he said he would be in his office if I saw you."

"Okay thanks. I should probably go see what he wants. Do you want to get coffee sometime this week?"

"Sure. How 'bout tomorrow."

"Sounds great!" I know I shouldn't but I lean in and place a kiss on Ron's cheek.

Red flares against his pale skin. "Where should I put these?"

"On my desk." I turn around and shout over my shoulder, "You're the best," as I head toward Shacklebolt office.

Reaching my destination I step into the outer office and his secretary confirms the minister is in.

I knock on the door and enter when I am granted permission. Warily I take a seat in front of Shacklebolt.

I don't approve of the way he is torturing Bellatrix by bringing people she cares about to Azkaban. I don't know what he is playing at, but every time I have to leave her I know I'm not the only one that is torn apart.

"How can I help you, Minister?"

A flick of his wand and the door is closed. "I heard from Tonks that Narcissa visited Andromeda last week."

"She did."

"Do you think she would be willing to escort Bellatrix back to her cell once or twice?"

"I don't know if that's wise, Kingsley. Honestly, I'm not sure where Narcissa stands in all of this."

He nods. "I had a feeling that was the case. That's why you'll be accompanying her to Azkaban if she agrees."

"Okay. When are you asking her?"

"Actually that's what I wanted to talk to you about. I was thinking you could ask her so people don't get suspicious that I am visiting the Malfoys. Just in case Rita Skeeter is lurking somewhere. I've heard she's looking for a new story."

"I really can't stand that woman."

Shacklebolt chuckles. "I don't think anyone can."

"Will I be going alone or will someone be joining me?"

"If you want someone to go with you they can. Do you have a particular person in mind?"

I think for a moment. My automatic thought is Andromeda, but I haven't been able to judge how she feels about Narcissa at this point. Ron's temper is too quick, and Harry is still refusing to speak to me. As far as I know Tonks isn't keen on her aunt at the moment.

"Possibly Minerva." I say.

"I'll contact both women and let you know what is happening by the end of the day."

"All right. Have an nice day, Kingsley." I leave his office no more enlightened about what he is doing.

**
As our surroundings come back into sight the Black Manor looms ahead of us. My hand is tightly linked with Minerva's. I glance at her and discover she is watching me. Smiling softly I wonder what she is thinking in this moment.

"So I was thinking," I say quietly not wanting to startle her, "That if you have a free night sometime in the next couple of weeks you could come over to my flat for dinner."

"That sounds nice," She replies. Her tone is distant and I find it odd. I don't think I've ever talked to Minerva and not had her full attention.

I squeeze her hand and it is as if she is finally seeing me. "Everything okay?"

"Yes, of course. Sorry dear. Dinner sounds lovely." She smiles at me, but there is still an emotion lingering in her eyes that I can't quite grasp.

"Do you know if Narcissa comes here often?" I ask as I pull Minerva forward. I reach for the gate and feel her tug on my hand.

"Don't touch the gate there are blood wards. Did Bellatrix not tell you last time you were here?"

I grab the gate and open it. "She did," I say with a small smile.

"I see. No, I don't know if Narcissa is here often. It does seem rather odd that she requested we meet her here, does it not?"

"That's what I was thinking." Minerva's hand is warm against mine and it is reluctantly that I let it go. However, I know that Minerva would hex me if she was caught being anything other than professional.

The front doors swing open before we even reach the steps. Narcissa is standing with her arms crossed; behind her the grand entrance hall is illuminated by candles. It gives the dark building an even eerier feel.

"Headmistress. Miss Granger," She nods respectfully at us. "I was wondering who's magic I detected in the wards." Her piercing eyes fall on me and I force myself to stay where I am though my brain is screaming to take a large step back and run. It is clear that Narcissa learned many of her manors from Bellatrix, and though she appears weak she can be intimidating if she tries.

"May we come in?" Minerva asks politely, yet, there is a hint of warning in her tone.

Narcissa flinches when she hears it. Not visibly, but I detect it. I try not to smile at the power Minerva still holds over Narcissa.

"Please follow me." My eyes roam the semi-familiar walls. My heart skips a beat with each portrait of Bellatrix I see. The younger version of herself seems so much more at ease, however, when she turns to look at us I can see the haunted expression in her eyes.

I wonder what Bellatrix is thinking now. Is she scared? Has she gone numb? I wish she would contact me like she did Minerva. Though my every thought is no longer plagued by her I find my mind wandering to her every night before I fall asleep. If I close my eyes I can almost feel her protective arms around my waist and warm breath against my neck. If I think long enough I can feel the ghost of her lips brushing against mine. This is followed by a familiar ache in my heart, such as, the one I am experiencing now.

We follow Narcissa into the drawing room. The my eyes dart to the chandelier in the room and around the open space; it feels unused, and reminds me of the night at the Malfoy Manor.

"You wished to speak to me?" Narcissa says as she motions for us to sit in chairs across from her.

"Uh, yes," I say. I feel ungraceful in her presence and unworthy of her time, due to the air of superiority that surrounds her. "Recently the Minister has been allowing Bellatrix to leave her cell…"

"Why?" Narcissa snaps.

"I'm not sure," I reply weakly. I can feel the weight of Narcissa's anger pressing down around us.

She turns her attention to Minerva with questions in her eyes. Her anger quickly dissipates and is replaced with respect as she looks upon the Headmistress.

"Unfortunately, no one knows what the Minister is doing, Narcissa."

"How long has it been going on for?"

"At this point about two months."

Narcissa nods and stares down at her clasped hands. When her eyes meet mine again they are less hostile, and I am reminded of the woman I saw at Andromeda's. Narcissa has the same enigmatic quality as Bellatrix. At points when I look at Narcissa I see a lost puppy, but other times a venomous serpent. I wonder what she is thinking, and what she is clearly struggling with. Out of all the Black sisters Narcissa always appeared to me to be the one most likely to waver in her opinions of life.

I find myself wanting to help her with her internal struggle.

"The mister is allowing people from Bellatrix's life to take her back to her cell. I've been, Andromeda, Tonks, Professor McGonagall, and even Molly Weasley have been to Azkaban to see Bellatrix."

"When was the last time you saw her?"

"A month and a half ago." The amount of time feels like a lifetime as it leaves my lips.

"And you Headmistress?"

"A week ago."

"Would you like to bring Bellatrix back to her cell?" I ask gently.

"Yes." She says automatically. She is not looking at me and I try to catch her eye without avail.

"The next time he asks me to go you will join me. Is that all right with you?"

"Yes," Her voice is weak and she nods her head more than once.

"This has to remain confidential, Narcissa. No one can know."

"I understand." Her quiet demeanor is making me nervous. It is more frightening than when she is aggressive because, like when I am with Bellatrix, the silence screams of her pain.

"Minerva," I turn to the women at my side. "I hate to ask, but may I have a moment alone with Narcissa?"

"Of course. I believe I saw Mr. Malfoy lingering on the stairs when I came in. I'll go harass him while I wait." I roll my eyes at her and she smiles back at me.

Once Narcissa and I are alone I allow the silence to overwhelm me: listening intently for what the quiet will reveal.

"Is there something more, Miss Granger?"

"Andromeda has quite a kind heart. Bellatrix is a little more confusing. You see, I know what a loving person she is, but she is so secretive. A trick I have learned with Bellatrix is often her silence is the clue to what she is trying to say. I, however, am not sure where you stand in all of this."

"I'm not positive I know what you mean."

"It's time to pick a side. I know it and you know it. I've seen Bellatrix declare war against her previous choices, and I know it's been excruciating for her. I can see you doing the same thing. So if you need to talk or anything I'm here." I punctuate my long-winded statement with a shrug.

She nods before her eyes dart away from mine. The silence becomes heavy between us.

"Well I have to get back to the Ministry," I say. It's an easy excuse. In truth Minerva and I are going to lunch.

We leave the drawing room to discover Minerva talking to Draco. I didn't catch what she said, but he is rather read in the cheeks.

"Minerva, leave Draco alone," I say light heartedly. If I had a choice I would let her embarrass him forever.

The four of us exchange polite goodbyes before Minerva and I leave. I glance back once more at Narcissa before I close the front door and discover she is examining me with curiosity written across her face.

**
I can feel the tension radiating off of Narcissa even though I can't see her. As usual we have been ordered to remain under the disillusionment charm until it is time to return Bellatrix to her cell. I know that Jones is here somewhere as well. He grumbled about going to sit somewhere and wait since he can't leave until Narcissa and I do our part of the job.

I lean up against the front wall of Azkaban as I observe Bellatrix. She is sitting on the ground with her back resting against a barren tree. She has pulled her knees into herself and buried her face in her arms. The wind whips Bellatrix's hair around as she lifts her head. She gazes out at the threatening sea. My chest begins to ache at the anguish written on her face.

Reaching out I tug on Narcissa's sleeve. She moves closer to me and I tap her on the shoulder with my wand before removing the charm shielding me as well.

Quietly we approach Bellatrix. She is so lost in her own thoughts she does not turn to look at us when we reach her. Crouching down in front of her I take her hands in mine. Her eyes find mine and I smile softly at her.

"Hey Bella."

"Hermione," she whispers quietly. The distance in her voice scares me.

My eyes flutter shut as she briefly rests her hand against my cheek. When she removes it a ghost of a touch remains.

I help her up and glance over my shoulder at Narcissa. For the first time Bellatrix takes her eyes off of me and looks at her sister.

"Cissy," she says weakly.

"Hello Bellatrix." Narcissa says quietly before looking away from her sister.

"First Bella and Dromeda, and then Narcissa and Dromeda; why am I always a witness to these awkward Black sister reunions?" Narcissa smirks. Bellatrix has her head tilted in thought, but when I meet her eyes she starts laughing.

Her laughter is contagious and soon enough even Narcissa is chuckling light-heartedly.

"Well aren't you lucky," Bellatrix says after calming down.

"I am," I reply quietly and squeeze Bellatrix's hand. "It's getting cold out here."

Narcissa, Bellatrix and I walk back to Bellatrix's cell in silence.

When we reach it Narcissa turns to me. "Can I have a moment…"

"Of course." I say without letting her finish.

I watch the two enter the cell and the bars close behind them. I sit with my back propped against the wall. I hear the pleas for freedom, the manic laughter, and the terrified screams. Though I can't see the dementors at the moment I can detect their presence tugging at me. I can feel their numbing chill seeping into my bones and the disturbing memories pressing against the edge of my consciousness.

Taking a deep breath I attempt to fight the affects, but the more I try the further I feel myself slipping into the darkness. I close my eyes as memories flicker past my eyes before stopping on my parents faces: I see their blank eyes and all traces of my presence gone from my home.

A tear slides down my cheek. I remind myself of Minerva's promise, however, no matter how hard I try the images become stronger. My parents lifeless bodies take up residence in my mind.

I register that I am crying, but as the bodies of the ones I love float into my mind each one bloodied and motionless my despair grows.

There is a flash of light and I am drawn back to the present. Opening my eyes I watch the patronus force back the dementors. Narcissa crouches down beside me and rests her hand on my shoulder. "The images are terrifyingly real aren't they, Miss Granger?"

I nod as I wipe my tears away. "Thank you." I smile feebly.

"Bellatrix would like to see you." She stands and straightens her cloak. Any hint of concern that was there a moment ago is gone.

"Okay. You can go find Jones and leave if you want to. What Kingsley doesn't know won't kill him."

"I think I'll stay."

"Will you be all right?" I motion toward the emptiness where the dementor's were. She nods.

Stepping into Bellatrix's cell I don't bother to close the bars behind me. As I cast a silencing spell and my eyes land on Bellatrix. She is sitting on the makeshift stone bed curled into herself. I notice she is crying and rush over to her.

I pull her into me and stroke her hair. Her arms wrap around my waist and I tighten my grip on her. I kiss her hair and promise her everything will be okay.

"Please help me, Hermione. Please. I can't. Please." Tears flow freely down my cheeks at her words, which, quickly turn into a begging mantra.

"I will. I'm going to get you out of here, Bella. I promise."

She gazes up at me with distant eyes and I lean in and kiss her softly on the lips.

Her hands are on my chest and she pushes me hard. I land on the ground and gaze up at her. "Bella, what the…"

"Get out!"

I get up and move toward her but she gets up and begins pacing. "Bellatrix, calm down. I'll figure this out. I'll…"

"You need to go."

"I don't understand."

"GET OUT!"

"Okay." I respond quietly. "I'll see you soon."

"No. Don't come back."

"Bellatrix, please don't do this." I grab her wrist and try to pull her into me, but she struggles against me.

"You need to leave. You need to forget about me."

"I can't do that." Bellatrix pushes me hard and I stumble backward into the wall.

"Go," Her voice is void of all emotions.

I nod my head and retreat from the cell.

I peer through the bars before we leave: the detachment in Bellatrix's eyes is extinguishing the light.

**
"You're different my dear. You know that right?"

Subtlety shaking my head I rub my eyes and look up from my book. "I'm sorry, what did you say Professor?"

I focus my attention on Dumbledore's portrait. The world around me is spinning slightly due to lack of sleep. I have been reading as many trial records as I can since my last visit to Azkaban.

"You are different."

"Um, thanks, I guess."

He chuckles. "Minerva has let very few people in Hermione. As far as I know it has been you, Bellatrix, and Harry. Out of the three of you though you stand out. You're special."

"I'm not sure I understand what you are trying to tell me."

"Life is very curious my dear. Remember that." I nod my head and he smiles at me before vanishing from his portrait.

I stretch before standing. My legs feel like jello as I cross the room and open the door that leads to Minerva's office.

I smile as I stand in the doorway and watch Minerva grade papers. I observe the emotions flash across her face: concentration, agreement, disagreement, and disapproval. I've heard people say she is stoic, but if they looked close enough they would see that she is actually one of the most expressive people they will ever meet. The trick is pay attention, because all of her facial cues are subtle. However, when she wants to be she can be very open.

I walk over to her and rest my hand on her shoulder. She glances up at me and the edges of her lips curl, just barely, before she returns her attention to the paper.

"How are the papers?"

"Mediocre." I can hear the disappointment in her tone.

"Do you want help grading?"

"How much do you remember about the theory of vanishing spells and their origin?"

"Enough hopefully. Do you have a sample paper or something so I know what you're looking for?"

Minerva opens her desk drawer and hands me a parchment. I unroll it turn my head to stare at her in disbelief.

"What?" She asks without looking up from the paper she is reading.

"You're using my paper as an example."

"I have to have an example, love, incase students ask. Why do you seem so surprised?"

"No reason." I say before grabbing half of the stack of papers.

I conjure a chair next to Minerva and begin to read the essays. I smile when I discover the same tricks that Harry and Ron would use to make their paper the correct length. I always wondered how they thought they could get away with that.

Little by little the graded stack becomes larger and finally an hour and a half later I am done. I blink a few times to relieve my eyes from the strain and look over at Minerva.

"Thank you for helping dear."

"You're welcome. Where would you like me to put them."

"Leave them there and I will record the grades later."

"Are you any closer to finding a new Transfiguration professor?"

"I'm hesitant to hire someone so far into the year."

"I could see what I can do and fill in every once in a while. Maybe next year it could be something more permanent."

"Though I have great faith in your capabilities, Hermione, I'm going have to decline your offer. I appreciate it, but you have so much you have yet to do, and being a Hogwarts professor tends to be a permanent decision."

"I understand."

"If you really want the job come to me in a few years and we will discuss it again."

I nod. "I've actually wanted to talk to you about something. I want to take the N.E.W.T.S., but obviously I don't have time to come back for my seventh year, and probably would not be able to make it to classes. Is there anything I can do?"

"Perhaps a tutor. I will need to talk to the Board of Governors. Normally I would insist that I be the one to tutor you, however considering the circumstances, I believe I am overbooked. Let me see what I can do and I will get back to you. My only concern is that you are taking on too many responsibilities. Are you certain this is something you want to do?"

"Positive. I really appreciate it, Minerva." I smile at her and when she smiles back at me I can feel the tension release from my shoulders.

"I'm hosting, I guess you could say, a dinner at my place next Friday with Dromeda, Tonks, and possibly Ron. I would love it if you could join us."

"I'd be delighted."

I watch Minerva ask Kreacher to get us tea before a comfortable silence falls over us. I let my eyes wander around her office. Out of the corner of my eye I notice Minerva closing her eyes as she leans back in her chair.

I squeeze her hand and she looks at me. "I can leave if you want to sleep. I would hate to overstay my welcome."

"Please stay." Is all she says before closing her eyes again. I bite my lip unable to decide if I should persuade her to go rest or if I should stay as she requested.

I let my eyes wander as I think and an object on Minerva's desk makes my heart flutter. "Could I use the mirror?"

Minerva nods and hands it to me. I hold it so she can see into it as well. "Bellatrix." I say quietly.

The image of her cell comes into focus, but we cannot see Bellatrix. "Bella?" I call out. There is a shuffling, but she does not appear in our view.

"Bellatrix?" Minerva calls.

The mirror is picked up and two black emotionless eyes appear before everything goes black.

My eyes dart to Minerva's. I can feel the panic quickly building in my chest. Her emerald eyes are worried but her demeanor is cool. I stand up knocking my chair over .

I cast out a patronus with a message to Shacklebolt to meet me in his office. I grab floo powder out of the jar on the fireplace mantle.

"Hermione wait."

I look over my shoulder at Minerva.

"Where are you going?" She asks.

"To see the Minister."

"And say what?"

"I don't know."

"Stay. I don't want you to end up doing something you'll regret."

"I can't just stand around and do nothing, Minerva!" I say angrily as I throw the powder into the fireplace and step into the green flame. "Ministry of Magic!"

xx

Barging into Shacklebolt's office I can feel my fear pulsing through my veins. The panic that settled in my chest is making it hard to breathe. I can't erase the image of those empty eyes staring back at us. Bellatrix can't be in Azkaban any longer. It's going to kill her from the inside out.

"Hermione, what's wrong?"

"Take Bellatrix out of Azkaban."

"I can't just set her free."

I reach his desk and slam my hands down on it. Getting in his face I growl out, "Find a way to get her out of there or I will."

"Is that a threat?"

I begin to pace the room. My hands are shaking and I can't hold onto a single thought. "There must be a way to get her out," I say more to myself than Shacklebolt. "She can't be in there." I force myself to focus on Shacklebolt. "There has to be a way to get her out of there, please Kingsley. She can't be in there anymore."

I struggle to focus as silence descends upon us. "There is," He finally says.

"What? What is it? What do I have to do?" I can feel the tears threatening to fall.

"Get Bellatrix to ask for her trial."

I hope you enjoyed the update. I promise to be back soon :) In fact the next update is already written.