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: Though I have edited this more than once I am sure there are still mistakes. This is unbetaed and all mistakes are mine.
Hermione's POV
I smile at Minerva as she hands me a tumbler of scotch and sits next to me on the couch. Taking a sip of the liquid I stare into the comforting flames of the fireplace.
Glancing over at Minerva I catch her watching me.
"What?" I ask quietly.
"Nothing, dear." She replies in barely more than a whisper. "How are you feeling about tomorrow?"
Tucking my feet beneath me I begin to pick at my jeans. I think about the pain I've seen in Bellatrix's eyes. The crazed fear she has displayed and calmness washes over me.
"Relieved."
"Do you believe she has a chance?"
I nod my head. "Do you?"
I gaze into emerald orbs and discover a conflict rising there. Unsaid words cling to the edges of her irises. Reaching out I take Minerva's hand in mine.
"Do you?" I repeat.
"Yes," Minerva whispers. She nods her head a few times before turning her attention to the fireplace.
The flames illuminate the thoughts in Minerva's eyes. They caress her skin and highlight her cheekbones. I detect tears building a liquid barrier and clinging to her lashes.
"Hey," I say quietly as I set my drink on the table. Sliding closer to Minerva I squeeze her hand. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she replies clearing her throat.
"Don't lie to me."
Minerva turns to face me. I take a shaky breath as her finger trails across the faint mark that remains on my neck.
I take her hand and move it from my neck. I kiss the soft skin on the back of it. "Talk to me, Minerva."
"I can't."
"Why?"
"I can't, my dear"
"I don't understand."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize. I just don't see why you can't talk to me."
She turns me away from me and runs a finger beneath her eyes.
I slide my arm around Minerva's back and pull her into me. I link my fingers together on her shoulder and rest my chin on her head.
"Stop." Minerva pushes my arm away with a shaky hand.
"Minerva, what…"
"I'm sorry. Please, I need you to stop."
I move away from Minerva. "I was just trying to help."
"I know, my love." Minerva closes her eyes and places her fingers over her lips.
"You're scaring me."
"Give me a moment."
Minerva's shoulders quake and she presses her eyes together tighter.
I bite my lip debating whether or not I should comfort Minerva before returning to her side and pulling her into me.
She struggles against me pushing on my arms; yet, she clutches to the cloth of my shirt pulling my arms into her at the same time. When I manage to coax her into resting her head on my shoulder she lets go of my shirt and slides her hand up my arm causing me to tighten my grip.
Minerva remains tense in my arms. Her body doesn't shake, and she is silent. Her tears wet my sleeve.
I tell her that whatever is bothering her will be okay. I whisper hopeful promises of happier times and unexplored adventures we have yet to create. The words float in the air between us not quite entering her as if attempting to protect her from an uncertain future.
Minerva begins to mold her body against mine as she takes sharp, deep breaths.
Cautiously I break the silence, "Minerva?"
She squeezes my arm, but doesn't respond.
"You can tell me anything. You know that right?"
"Not this," She whispers hoarsely.
"Why not?"
"Because it would change everything."
"What do you mean?"
She doesn't answer but melts further into me. I pull Minerva as tightly as I can into my body. One hand trails through her hair, while my other arm remains firmly around her.
The silence that follows blankets us with a loving caress. It keeps us calm with its sweet touches and forces away the murmuring of the night.
Minerva sighs against my neck and her breath flutters cautiously against my skin.
I lean back against the arm rest and gaze into the embers that liter the fireplace grate. In the distance a voice faintly whispers the truth. Squeezing Minerva tightly I resign to the fact that after tonight nothing will ever be the same.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The quill scratches the parchment as I sign my name on the document that will magically bind any information revealed in the trial from being unleashed into the outside world. The press have already eagerly assembled in the lobby of the Ministry.
Scanning the dungeon I note how the differences in opinions of the audience are divided between sides of the room.
However, I observe one exception. Harry is sitting to Ron's left on the 'Releasing Bellatrix from Azkaban' side of the room. This is per request of Shacklebolt who pulled us aside yesterday and reinforced how crucial it is for the people attending the trial to see the Golden Trio seated together to create a sense of safety.
As I make my way over to Harry and Ron I catch Neville's eye. He is seated on the opposite side of the room with his grandmother. I wave at him weakly and he responds with a hurt smile. That smile runs a blade vertically down my chest and abdomen gutting me and spilling my guilt soaked intestines onto the floor. The knowledge that Neville is aware of my hopes for this trial when Bellatrix is the reason he grew up without his parents lingers like dulled razors between us.
Taking a seat between Minerva and Harry on the bench I watch the Weasley's enter the courtroom. Mrs. and Mr. Weasley wave at Ron, Harry and I as they attempt to find seats close to us. Bill, Charlie, Ginny, George, and Percy follow their parents. I watch them glance at me with sympathy and wonder just how much Mrs. Weasley told them and how much she knows.
I sense Minerva's eyes roaming the contours of my face: searching. Without removing my eyes from the entrance I seek out her hand with my own. She places them between us, hidden from view, before squeezing my hand lightly and letting go. She rests her hand next to mine on the bench. Close enough to feel the heat of her skin but far enough away not to touch. The warmth curls around my heart in a reassuring embrace.
The Malfoys enter the courtroom. To my surprise Narcissa nods at me in acknowledgement. I softly smile at her before turning my attention to Ron who has leaned forward to talk to me.
As soon as our eyes meet I can detect his worry. Silently he mouths 'How you holding up?'
A weak smile curls the corner of my lips and I shrug.
The delectate words being exchanged between attendants muffle as the Wizengamot files into the front of the dungeon. Shacklebolt is last to take his seat behind the podium.
"Today," Shacklebolt says with a stern voice capturing everyone's attention, "we are to decide the fate of the notorious Death Eater, Bellatrix Lestrange. But before we can decide on what her sentence will be we will hear the testimonies of the few that have spoken to Madame Lestrange since the fall of the Dark Lord."
As he finishes the doors to the courtroom burst open. All eyes snap down as Bellatrix is dragged into the courtroom by two dementors. Their clammy, bony hands protrude from beneath their robes and clutch Bellatrix's bare arms. A chill blankets the room. I focus on the heat still radiating from Minerva's hand. Bellatrix is placed in a chair in the center of the room. Chains slither around her wrists and ankles. I can see them pinch her fragile skin before they stop moving.
Bellatrix is sitting regally in the chair: a haunting sneer is placed firmly on her face. Her eyes survey the surrounding crowd and the sneer turns into a manic grin.
The dementors are dismissed. Once they have exited the room I note the slight slump in Bellatrix's shoulders and the falter of her haughty demeanor.
She continues to watch the room, but with more caution and a softer expression. Still that sneer refuses to leave her lips.
Her eyes skim over me: never stopping and I crave her attention. I need her to acknowledge my presence to speak with me silently.
I turn my attention to her wrists. To the chains biting at her flesh. The pain bubbles like a finely brewed potion inside of me on the verge of boiling, yet waiting for the moment when the potion maker looks away to do so.
I can't sense Bellatrix's eyes on me. I know she continues to skip over me. The red marks on her skin are darkening. They are angry and taunt me. Dare me to do something to gain the attention of the one person in the room that would dare ignore me in this situation.
I stand. I can hear Minerva and Ron whisper my name in a unison question.
"Minister," I say in and overconfident tone.
"Miss Granger?" Shacklebolt asks kindly but I can sense the warning in his voice. Bellatrix's future is teetering on a fine line and one wrong move from me could leave a grave negative impact on the outcome.
"I would like to request, on the behalf of Madame Lestrange, that the chains be removed. She poses no threat to the Wizengamot or the audience." Bellatrix gazes straight ahead refusing to acknowledge me. A silent scream shreds the lining of my throat; threatening to burst through the muscle and tissue of my neck and project throughout the room.
"The request will be taken into consideration as the trial progresses. Please be seated, Miss Granger." Shacklebolt states before continuing. "Madame Lestrange, you have been in the past charged with willingly participating as a Death Eater in the torture of Frank and Alice Longbottom by use of the Cruciatus Curse. Today the charges against you are: the murder of Sirius Black, whose name has been cleared, the torture of Miss Hermione Granger, and holding captive Griphook the Goblin, Miss Luna Lovegood, Mr. Garrick Ollivander, Mr. Harry Potter, and Mr. Ronald Weasley; along murdering 13 plus other wizard and witches and countless other tortures during Voldemort's reign. How do you plead?"
"Guilty," She states. Her voice challenges the room, yet wavers with a fragility that has yet to be seen by the majority of the audience from Bellatrix Lestrange. "On all accounts but one."
"Which is?" One of the Wizengamot members asks.
"The torture of Hermione Granger."
Rapid whispering breaks out on one side of the room.
"Miss Granger, would you care to be the first witness?" Shacklebolt asks before banging his gavel to ensure silence.
"It would be my pleasure." I respond. I stand and make my way down to the center of the court room where a stool has appeared next to Bellatrix. As I do Shacklebolt's voice rings over the room.
"What you are about to see are the memories of Hermione Jean Granger on the night she, Mr. Weasley, and Mr. Potter were brought to the Malfoy Manor. After this memory is revealed the Wizengamot has the right to question Miss Granger about the events of that night. This is the procedure that will be used for all memories involved in this hearing."
Shacklebolt flicks his wand and a pensive appears in front of him. I glance over at Bellatrix who remains facing forward. I note her hand shaking on the arm of the chair. I restrain myself from reaching out and grabbing it. Having already revealed a favorable leaning toward Bellatrix with the request of the removal of her chains I believe it would be unwise of me.
Shacklebolt waves his hand over the pensive and the memory rises from the bowl and begins to play as if it is a muggle film on a projector. It is in a third person perspective and I watch the struggle in eyes of the memory Bellatrix.
When the memory is finished the room remains silent.
"Miss Granger," Shacklebolt's voice cracks through the air. "When you were in the Malfoy Manor did you feel as if your life was in danger when in the hands of Madame Lestrange?"
"At first I did," I reply. "Before I realized that Bellatrix had no intention of harming me. After that I trusted her to get me out of the situation safely."
"And your faith never wavered?" A mousy looking witch in the back asks. "Not even when she instructed Greyback to dispose of you?"
"It did. However, I didn't have many other options. In the moment of chaos when Bellatrix grabbed me, as you saw, Bellatrix reassured me of her actions, and I knew my only chance of surviving was to trust her."
"But in the end she threw you under a falling chandelier," A wizard on my left states.
"I realize it appears so in the memory, but Madame Lestrange actually tried to take me with her when she lunged out of the way."
"Then why remain under the chandelier?" The same wizard asks.
"She had just saved my life. I returned the favor by not allowing the other Death Eaters to discover she had aided in our escape."
The process continues. I watch along with the audience as memories of Bellatrix and I spending time together when she was in hiding, the day she saved Teddy, the day we spent time in Minerva's quarters together, and her time in Azkaban is revealed. The last being the day she strangled me.
In the moment her hands went around my throat gasps rang through the courtroom. The memory ended with Minerva blasting Bellatrix into the wall and leading me out of the cell.
"Miss Granger, what would you like the outcome of this trail to be?" Asks a long faced witch to my right.
"I would like Madam Lestrange to be reintegrated into society," I state as I glance at Bellatrix; who's focus has not wavered from the front of the room during my entire testimony. I watch the gulp of air she takes move down her throat.
"I'm sorry. Could you repeat the question?" I ask when I realize I've lost focus.
"Why do you feel this is best for Madame Lestrange?"
"Because I believed she's changed. And she deserves a second chance."
The murmur of the crowd hammer nails into my ears.
"Silence," Shacklebolt says. "Thank you, Ms. Granger. I believe that is all unless there are any more questions."
When no one speaks I stand up hoping to catch Bellatrix's attention. I pause for a moment when I hear the rustling of her of the thin cloth she is draped in.
Glancing over my shoulder all I can see is the back of the chair.
"Good luck, Bella." I whisper before returning to my seat.
Minerva is called to testify next.
I observe the two women as Minerva's memories flicker before the crowd. Minerva sits regally on the stool somehow still managing to look elegant. Bellatrix turns her head to look at Minerva, who ignores her. I can see longing in Bellatrix's eyes, but for what I am uncertain. She returns her focus to the front of the room.
My attention is pulled to Minerva's memories as I watch her discover where Bellatrix hit me. I see the fury mirrored on Minerva's face as she watches her own memory.
The air in the room is heavy.
The remainder of Minerva's memories seem to stretch on. Each more painful than the next as we are forced to watch Bellatrix descend into madness, Minerva be gnawed on by fury, and me crushed by the weight of it all.
I turn my head and close my eyes unable to watch. I sense Harry shift next to me.
Opening my eyes I find him watching me. His eyes are stormy and unreadable. I bite my lip and then break our connection.
I listen to the Wizengamot question Minerva. Her tone is steady and confident. It wraps itself around me in a blanket of reassurance.
"Professor McGonagall," Shacklebolt says. "You have had the opportunity to work closely with Bellatrix over the past year. In your opinion should Bellatrix be reintegrated into society?"
Minerva turns her head and her eyes meet mine.
"Yes," She states.
A chill coils up my spine and I can sense the heaviness of the air lifting off my chest. However, my heart clenches unpleasantly.
"Thank you. That is all." Shacklebolt states.
Minerva sits next to me. I place my hand on the bench next to her. She clasps her hands in her lap. My stomach feels as if it has just had an unfortunate encounter with a bludger.
I observe as Tonks, Andromeda, Ron, Narcissa, Mrs. Weasley, and the aurors that watched Bellatrix outside of Azkaban are called up individually. My leg bounces and I bite my nails as I listen.
Minerva gently places her hand on my knee after ten minutes to stop the bouncing. I wonder if her hand was even there because as soon as my brain and body get the chance process what is happening the gentle weight on my leg was gone.
"Madame Lestrange," Shacklebolt says after Jones takes his seat, "Do you have anything you wish to say before we vote."
"No."
"All right. All in favor of Madame Lestrange returning to Azkaban," Shacklebolt announces.
I bite my lip.
I flinch when Harry takes my hand in his own, before relaxing. The familiar warmth of his touch soothes the edges of my nerves. I lean into him. I've missed this.
The Wizengamot members in favor of Bellatrix's return to Azkaban raise their hands. Shacklebolt holds up his wand and the number 48 forms itself in the air for everyone to see. This is the number of hands raised.
I squeeze Harry's hand tighter. I can feel my lungs freely expand in my chest.
"Harry, this means…"
"All in favor of Madame Lestrange's reintegration into society."
The hands go up and the number 52 rockets into the air.
I let out a breathy laugh. "She's free," I whisper into roars of anger and relief.
"Silence!" says Shacklebolt. His voice rings out over the dungeon.
"Congratulations, Madame Lestrange. It has been predetermined that you will spend two years in the Muggle world without any contact with Wizarding community and wandless. You will be monitored by aurors, not only to make sure you are fully carrying out your punishment, but for your own safety. After you have completed your two years you are allowed back into our world. It has been demanded for the next ten years after that you remain wandless as the Wizarding community readjusts itself to your presence among them. After you have proven yourself a stable, vital member of our community you will be allowed to have a wand. In the period of time you are wandless in our world you are to be accompanied by a witch or wizard at all times to ensure your safety. The amount of time involved in your sentence is subject to change depending on your behavior."
Shacklebolt announces that the trial is over and asks Jones and Harry to escort Bellatrix back to his office. He asks, Minerva, Tonks, Andromeda, Narcissa, and I to follow him.
Everyone else has agreed to meet at Andromeda's for dinner.
We pass Jones and Harry while they guard the door to the minister's office as we enter. When I pass Harry I reach out and squeeze his hand. Our eyes meet and he sends a small smile my way.
"We'll talk," I say to him. My lips curl at the edges. Tugged up by the relief of his return to my life. That it is real and not just imaged due to the stress of the trial.
Stepping into the office I discover Andromeda has Bellatrix locked in an embrace. After a few seconds Bellatrix attempts to pry her sister off of her. When she does Andromeda is replaced by Narcissa. Narcissa is much easier to remove from Bellatrix than Dromeda was. Tonks gives her aunt a quick hug.
Bellatrix won't meet my eye.
I note her glancing at Minerva cautiously. The longing still lingering in her dark orbs. Now that I can see it closely I can decipher the need of acknowledgement and approval from Minerva that leaves Bellatrix mute.
I turn to Minerva who is standing in the corner of the room. When her emerald eyes find mine I try to silently plead with her to acknowledge Bellatrix. I can see her responding defiance, but finally she sighs and approaches Bellatrix.
"Minerva, I'm so…" Bellatrix tries to say.
"Good luck, Bellatrix." Minerva replies sharply. Her tone warns Bellatrix that this is not the time that not everything is right now that she is free. I can hear this in Minerva's unspoken words and I know the only other person that might be able to is Bellatrix. To everyone this is Professor McGonagall being Professor McGonagall.
Minerva pulls Bellatrix into a brief hug.
She comes and stands next to me. I tug on the sleeve of Minerva's robe in thanks. Her hand brushes against mine.
Bellatrix still won't look at me and the silence in the room is stiff and full of questions.
"Are you ready, Bellatrix?" Shacklebolt asks as he enters his office. Harry and Jones accompany him in.
"Yes."
"Good. The ministry has secured you a place to live, a muggle job, a bank account, and muggle money for the first week in order to purchase food. Jones and I will escort you there. There is already and auror set up at their post near your flat to keep an eye on you."
"Okay," Bellatrix responds quietly. Her eyes have remained on the floor.
"Have you said your goodbyes?" Shacklebolt asks.
Bellatrix nods.
Shacklebolt crosses the room and grabs the floo powder from the mantle.
"Bellatrix, you first." He says. "It's been set up so all you have to say is 'my flat.' Wouldn't want you to have secret visitors now would we? We know how your friends and family are about abiding the law," Shacklebolt says lightheartedly.
Bellatrix steps into the fire and shard of glass tears along my heart before slashing my lungs.
"Bella," I call out.
She looks up. Our eyes meet and I can feel tears gathering on my eyelashes. She didn't hug me. I didn't say goodbye. She will be gone for two years.
Sadness curls her lips into a small smile. Her eyes mirror the thoughts running through my mind.
I smile back at her.
"My flat." Bellatrix disappears.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"I can't forgive her, but I miss you. I still want to be your friend," Harry says as he helps me float tables into the yard at Dromeda's.
"Okay." I respond. My mind is still lingering on Bellatrix's face. It repeatedly caresses the sad smile she gave me before she left.
"Hermione watch out!" Harry yells. He jumps aside as a table I'm moving flies in his direction. Snapping back to focus I guide it away from him.
"Sorry. Hey do you know if Minerva is here?"
"So that's it?" Hurt laces Harry's voice.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm trying to talk to you and you're done with me. I thought this was important."
I sigh. "I'm sorry, Harry. It is important." I set the table down. "It really is. I'm just distracted by the ruling."
"But it was good. Bellatrix is free."
"I know. I'm just being selfish."
"What do you mean?" He asks.
"I was just hoping this would mean I would get to spend time with her." I say. I bite my lip and face the gentle breeze that brushes my hair back as it passes.
"Oh."
"I've missed you too," I say.
"You shouldn't have. I was a real git."
"I know."
"Ouch," Harry says. His playful tone makes me smile.
"It's the truth."
"I know. I think I saw Professor McGonagall in the kitchen helping Dromeda." He informs me.
"Thanks."
"No problem, 'Mione."
I pull Harry into a hug. We stumble a little and laugh. Kissing him on the cheek I let him know I'm going to find Minerva.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"You don't seem as thrilled as everyone else, dear" Minerva says.
I am propped up against the tree by the woods staring at the mixture of pink, gold, and purple in the sky. I feel the weight shift in my glass as I swirl the scotch around in it.
Glancing up at Minerva I smile softly at her and pat the ground next to me.
"I'm afraid I can no longer sit on the ground if I want to get back up. Old age does that."
"We can go somewhere else," I reply in a hushed tone. "I was just enjoying the quiet before George and Ron start the fireworks."
Minerva pulls her wand out of her robes and flicks her wrist. Two emerald green Victorian armchairs appear beneath the tree.
"Not as appealing as the ones Albus used to make, but they will have to do."
"They suit you." I reply as I stand up.
Taking the left chair I hold my glass out to Minerva. "Want some?"
"Well since you're offering I suppose I can't say no," She responds before taking a sip.
"What are you doing out here?" I ask.
"Looking for you."
"How romantic," I say.
Minerva doesn't respond. Instead she takes another sip of my scotch before handing it back to me.
"I had no idea you felt that way about me, my dear." She finally responds.
"What? I…no…I…" Fire is liking my cheeks. I lean my face against to cool wooden frame of the chair for a moment as I try to compose myself.
Minerva chuckles quietly.
I glance over at her to find a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
"I'm just teasing you, Hermione. You should have seen how flustered you were."
"You're the worst," I say and nudge Minerva's arm.
She tangles my fingers with hers before I have the chance to pull away.
"Perhaps I am."
"Don't say that." I whisper.
"Bellatrix will be all right, Hermione."
"I know," I say.
"Then what's upsetting you?" Minerva asks.
"I guess I was hoping that when this trial was over everything would be over and Bellatrix could start again."
"Surely you understand why that's not happening."
"I do."
"Hey, Hermione!" Ron calls from the door.
"Yes, Ronald?" I reply.
"Don't call me that anymore. You're not my girlfriend anymore."
"What is with everyone tonight and romance," I mumble to myself. Minerva chuckles.
I peer around the back of the chair at Ron.
"What is it?"
"We're going to have a quidditch match at Mum and Dad's tomorrow. You in?"
"You know I don't like flying."
"Please, we need one more person," He whines.
"You should do it. It will be fun," Minerva says.
"Sure. Why not." I reply.
"Thanks, 'Mione. You're the best!"
"You better remember that." I say.
"I will!"
He reenters the house and I can hear him yelling to Harry that I'm going to join. I roll my eyes.
"You know Bellatrix will be back sooner than you know." Minerva says as she squeezes my hand.
"Yeah, I guess."
"And when she comes back she will have the chance to start over. To prove herself to the community. And you will have a chance to start over. The two of you that is."
Staring at the majestic sky I focus on Minerva's hand in mine. How soft her skin is. How her warmth spreads up my arm. The way the lines of our palms are pressed tightly together connecting our life lines.
"Maybe we will," I say.
Minerva's touch is safe. It charges at my demons with a sword drawn and unrelenting stamina . I don't want to let go of her and return to the house.
Maybe in a few minutes.
Maybe I can start over with Bellatrix.
Maybe one day life will start making sense again.
I squeeze Minerva's hand and close my eyes.
A/N: Hey guys! I'm back. Sorry it took so long; life has been crazy. In a good way. But I'm excited to be working on this again. I just wanted you to tell you not to fear the lack of Bellamione that will inevitably occur in this story since Hermione and Bella are going to be separated for two years without contact. The good news is in this story that will only be two chapters. I plan on showing snippets of their lives during that time period, which hopefully will bring some lightheartedness to the story. Especially with Bella trying to figure out how to live in the muggle world. I hope to have my next chapter out soon but the end of the semester is rapidly approaching so I can make no promises.
A/N 2: I know that this story appears to be diverging from Bellamione relationship wise on Hermione's end at the moment. This is a Bellamione story and that will be the final relationship outcome. You just have to stick with me. Sometimes my other ships like to cameo in my stories, but I will get back on track!