I was going to post this last night but my roommates, and I wanted to catch up on our show, and then my stupid computer was restarting. Then I had three classes today, still have to read this chapter for class tomorrow, so I'm sorry if there are a few mistakes in this chapter.
Darkshadow-lord: It will be a mixture of both, you'll learn more next chapter.
Fangirlingaf: Thanks, about the muggle-born fix, and I like the idea about the pet-name for Bella. I don't know if they're at that point right now though…keep reading and you'll see what I mean.
Guest: The best I can do now is a few flashbacks of their first year, I want to finish this story first.
Katie Mcgranth: I got a good nickname suggestion from a review, thanks!
I won't answer review questions unless they are written on the previous chapter updated, it's difficult to read every review to determine which one is recent. So, if you have questions, ask them on recently uploaded chapters.
Hope you like this chapter!
Fighting Monsters
Chapter Four: The Golden Trio, Plus-one
Part One: The Storm
Do nothing secretly; for Time sees and hears all things, and discloses all.
– Sophocles
"Obliviate," The disapproving, and slightly amused, tone in his voice caused her to shift nervously on the couch. "Really?" Her father raised an eyebrow, arms crossed, as he observed his daughter.
Hermione shifted, hands tucked under her thighs as her father scowled her. "…I didn't know what else to do," She confessed, refusing to meet his gaze. "He'll hurt you—"
Keith laughed. "Hermione, I'm his brother, he knows where to find me even if I hide. And he won't hurt me, or you, unless you get in his way," He paused, looking her over. "How would this little plan of yours have worked, hmm?" He was curious.
"I would have wiped your memories, only until we defeated Riddle," She began, feeling like a child who broke a vase and had gotten caught. "Then do a spell to change your appearances, and move you out to Australia, pretend you two are on holiday," She confessed.
Her father smiled softly, wistful. "I wish we could just take a break like that, but it's futile. I'm not going into hiding when my daughter and wife are in danger," He dropped his arms, looking towards the kitchen where his wife remained. "…where are you going? Tom will be after you if you're helping Harry."
On some level he wanted to deny that she be involved with the boy, but knew it was the better option. If she didn't help Harry, then Tom would surely bring Hermione to his side.
And he wouldn't forgive himself if he didn't protect her from that outcome.
"I can't tell you where I'm going," Hermione confessed. "We have to keep Harry's whereabouts a secret,"
Keith sighed, he knew this day would come; just didn't think his daughter would be involved in the war. "Okay, you're an adult, you can make your own choices. But please stay safe, your uncle will do anything to gain the upper hand. That includes driving a wedge between you and your friends,"
"What do you mean?" She frowned.
Her father toyed with his red locks. "…let's just say, you better tell your friends the truth about who you are before he does."
"…I will," In truth, she had been trying to tell them all week, but it never seemed like the right time. "What about you and mum?"
Keith grinned. "Australia seems lovely. I don't want to leave you alone, but you have friends and magic to protect you, your mother doesn't. And Tom has already threatened to hurt her in the past, so I must keep her safe; and since you won't come with us, it's the next best thing."
"Will you be okay?" She asked, worried.
He nodded. "It's been a while, but I think I can manage," He said, plucking his old wand out of his pocket. "Like riding a bike, right?" The tall man asked, raising a brow.
Hermione jumped into her father's arms, holding tight. She didn't want to leave them, but there was no other choice. Her father didn't want to fight in the war, she couldn't leave her mother unprotected, and she couldn't abandon Harry. She just hoped her uncle wouldn't find them.
"Give him hell," She heard her father whisper into her thick locks.
Hermione laughed, nodding into his neck. "I plan to."
Harry looked around the tiny closet he spent a majority of his childhood in with a small sense of nostalgia. It had been a horrid living experience, but he couldn't help but miss it. Not living here, but living in such a simple time when his only worry was not getting sorted into Slytherin and fighting ogres.
The sound of a motorcycle of some sort caught his attention. He slowly closed the closet, and swiftly walked past the empty halls once filled with furniture, with his wand in hand. He pulled the creaky wooden door open with a yank.
His soft green eyes immediately trailed skyward to meet the giant's eyes, he grinned. "Hello Harry," Hagrid greeted, smiling down at the now matured child he had come to love as a close friend.
A flash of red hair reached his eyes as Ron pulled him into a quick hug before he could greet Hagrid. He mumbled a happy greeting, pulling away to hug Hermione as she popped up behind the redhead.
"You're looking fit," Hagrid supplied.
Harry barely had time to move out of the way as Mad-Eye shoved his way through, groaning. "Yes, he's absolutely gorgeous. Now let's get him inside before someone murders him."
"Evening," Harry heard someone call from behind, as he followed Mad-Eye to the spacious living room next door.
A soft smile graces his lips as he takes in the familiar faces. It wasn't the best circumstances for a reunion, but it was great to see everyone in the same room.
"Kingsley," Harry frowns, catching the large man's eye, confused. "I thought you were taking care of the prime minister?"
Kingsley shakes his head, laying his large hands on the boy's shoulders with a grin. "You, are much more important." Harry can't help the smile that breaks through.
He meets a few more people after that, Bill Weasley and the familiar face of Fleur wrapped on his arm, and the twins. A few jokes, about Bill taking his steak on the raw side due to his encounter with Greyback, are talked about before Mad-Eye gathers their attention.
Back to business.
"Alright enough of the cozy catch up, we have to get out of here soon." He began, gaining a solid head nod from Harry. "Potter, you're under aged. Meaning, you still have the trace on you,"
Harry frowned. "What's a trace?"
"If you so much as sneeze, the ministry will know who wipes your nose," He began. "The point is, we have to use those means of transport the trace can't detect. We'll all go in pairs, that way if anyone is out there waiting for us…and I reckon there will be," Harry was so caught up in Mad-Eye's explanation, he didn't see Hermione slowly approaching him from behind.
"They won't know which Harry Potter is the real one," Mad-Eye concluded.
Harry's eyebrows raised, outrage slowly beginning to sink in. "Real one?"
"I believe you're familiar with this particular brew," Mad-Eye said with a smirk, popping the cap open with practiced ease.
"No," Hermione anxiously looked over at her friend as he refused. "Absolutely not."
Hermione shrugged. "…told you he'd take it well,"
"Everyone here is of age, and have agreed to take the risks," Mad-Eye confirmed, as if it made Harry feel the slightest bit better. "All right Granger, as discussed,"
Hermione moved into action before her friend could catch on, plucking a few strands of brown hair from his head with a yank. "Ow, blimey, Hermione," Harry growled, rubbing the area, as he glared at her.
Mad-Eye allowed Hermione to place the hair into the potion, before he let it settle. "For those of you who haven't taken Polyjuice potion before, be warned, it tastes like goblin piss," He huffed, passing the first does off to the twins.
Harry anxiously watched, stricken, as everyone took the potion; slowly morphing into exact versions of himself. "Wow, we're identical," The twins joked, looking at each other with a grin.
"Not yet you're not," Mad-Eye said, dropping a pile of clothes off in the middle of the room for everyone to change.
Harry, along with everyone else in the room, pulled the new clothes on. He shoved the burgundy tee over his head, before shrugging a simple grey jack over his shoulders. It was terrifying, risking everyone's life just to get him to safety.
And seeing a dozen versions of himself, each one happening to say something crude about their new form, didn't make him feel any better.
"Harry, your eyesight really is awful," Hermione, his so called best friend, said as she squinted before placing the round frames on.
Mad-Eye began once more when he saw most of them were dressed. "Everyone grab a broom with whoever you're paired up with, and stay close. As for Harry—"
"Yes?" A dozen imposters asked innocently, aside from the twins who wore amused smirks.
"The real one, where the bloody hell are you?" Mad-Eye huffed, nodding as the real one stepped forward with his hand raised. "You'll ride with Hagrid."
Harry turned to the giant with a grin as he spoke, looking down at him. "I brought you here all those years ago, it seems only fitting, that, I be the one to take you away,"
"Yes, yes," Mad-Eye groaned, cancelling out any words Harry had for Hagrid. "It's all very touching, now let's go!"
"Help me with the dishes," Molly said, slapping the witches hand away as she reached for another chocolate cookie stacked in the living room on the table. "You've had enough, Bellatrix." The older witch said sternly, her motherly authority caused the younger to bristle.
Bella groaned childishly. "Fine," She said, waiting for the women to turn her back to snuggle another delicious snack into her hoodie pocket.
Molly glared at her, holding her wand up innocently. "I saw that," She began to berate, contemplating how to punish her for her actions; if it were the twins she would send a harmless jinx their way, but Bella wasn't her own, so it wasn't her place to act as a mother.
And she secretly feared the Slytherin would retaliate.
She had been more than a little shocked, and confused, when Hermione showed up with the dark-haired witch in tow, asking if it was all right for Bella to stay with them. Molly had a dozen reasons to refuse, but when Hermione explained the situation with her parents Molly couldn't find it in her to kick her out. Bella had nowhere else to go.
So, she's been staying at the Burrow for the last few weeks. Most of the time she spent the day trailing after Hermione like, in Molly's opinion, a lovesick puppy. Everyone noticed how they seemed to grow closer out of nowhere. Molly never even heard Hermione mention the witch if not to give a snarky remark. But now, they were inseparable.
She asked Harry and Ron about the new development but received shrugs, they were just as confused as she was. Ron seemed more hurt than anything, which made her hurt for him. It seemed he had finally realized his true feelings for the bookworm, but he could never get her alone. Molly would watch her son confidently stroll into a room to speak with Hermione, before freezing as he caught sight of dark orbs, turning around, and losing his nerve.
"What do they even do together?" Molly found herself asking, watching the two witches sit beside each other outside; they were leaning against a tree as Hermione read a book aloud, and Bella played around with a new spell, bored. "…I only see them sitting like this,"
Ginny shrugged, a soft blush on her face as she looked away; Andy had given her the gist of it. "…uhm, don't know, they're just really good friends now. They just talk about girl stuff," She huffed, the blush leaving her face as aggravation hit. "Whenever I walk around the corner they stop talking, and it's not just me. They do it to everyone, like they're hiding something,"
Molly watched her daughter shrug before turning back to the girls who were still relaxing outside. "…we all have secrets, maybe they'll share when they're ready." She said with a sigh before getting back to cooking.
When Hermione, and Harry, had to leave to take care of family masters, Molly watched as Bellatrix sulked around for the remainder of the week; like a child who had gotten their toy taken away. She kept reassuring her that Hermione would be back in a few days with rest of the order, but it didn't cheer her up much; if it was possible to cheer the witch up at all.
It lasted a few days until Molly caught her daughter engaged in a quidditch match with the eldest Black and her sons. She had never seen Bellatrix smile so much without Hermione present. She took notice of the friendship blooming between Ginny, and Bellatrix as well.
"She's not so bad," Ginny shrugged one morning. "We both like quidditch, it's all we talk about, but, it's enough," Molly took her word for it, handing her daughter fudge cookies to hand out. "Oh, Bella loves these, can I take a few more?" Molly didn't mention the slip of the nickname, handing her daughter more before she made a mental note to make more later in the week.
All hell broke loose when Bella started getting close to the twins. Molly had to separate them, she should have seen it coming weeks ago; three of the most notorious pranksters, all under the same roof. A recipe for disaster.
Fred shrugged, hair sticking up while ash, from a fire the three started accidentally during a prank, sat on his face. "It's your fault, mum, you know you can't turn you back on us, let alone a Black,"
Molly was about to scowl at her son for referring to the Black's as if they were not to be trusted before Bella nodded, agreeing. "He's right, we're scrappy," She spoke with an amused spark in her eyes, earning a laugh from the twins.
The house grew quiet when it was time for Fred and George to leave. Bella hung around with Ginny sometimes, but when even quidditch became boring she locked herself in the room with a book or her wand. Molly would catch her dueling alone for hours, powerful spell after another barreling into useless tree bark.
"Shouldn't you be getting some practice in?" Molly subtly asked, watching her son sulk on the couch. "You leave tonight,"
Ron huffed. "I don't need her help," He mumbled under his breath. "I don't even know why she's practicing, it isn't like she'll be with us in the field. Hermione was just being nice, letting her stay here," She watched as her son abruptly stood up. "She'll be out of our hair soon," He said before heading for the stairs, done with the conversation.
Molly didn't mention how she didn't mind having the witch around like she thought she would, but kept quiet.
"Saw what—" Bella trailed off, pulling her wand out with amazing speed as a rumbling noise sounded from outside.
Before Molly could tell her not to go anywhere, the dark-haired witch, along with Ginny, were running through the door as more rumbles sounded in the night.
Bella groaned, disappointed. "It's just you," She said as Harry and Hagrid approached them, soaking from a stream they had landed in.
"Hagrid!" Molly exclaimed, running towards him confused. "What happened? Where are the others?"
Harry frowned. "Is no one else back?"
"We knew it was going to happen, we had to give you your best chance," Hagrid informed the chosen one.
Molly nodded shakily, trying to show her support but couldn't stop worrying about her own sons. "O-oh, well, I'm glad you two made it back,"
Bella tuned everyone out, ignoring the conversation between Molly and Hagrid, and the longing looks Harry and Ginny gave each other. She looked around, anxiously, waiting for any sign of light brown eyes.
She leaped up, expectant, as another duo landed. Only to deflated when she saw one of the twins with their ear shot off. Bella moved out of the way as Harry helped carry the injured man inside with Moly and Ginny on his heels. The dark-haired witch remained outside, watchful, as she heard them fuss over the boy.
There was a loud shout from inside, but she barely took notice as the only familiar face she cared about came into view. She locked eyes with impressive light brown orbs, her breath catching. Before she could take a step forward, Remus jumped in front of her with his wand raised to Kingsley.
"What," He began, out of breath. "…were the last words Dumbledore spoke to us before his death?"
Bella kept her eyes locked on Hermione as the idiots quizzed each other. "That Harry is the best hope we have, trust." Remus nodded, lowering his wand but not completely. "What gave you away?" Kingsley asked Harry.
Bella didn't hear or care about his response as she approached the witch she had been thinking about all week. "…you're not dead," She said impassively, wanting to kick herself for not saying how relieved she was for it; a lot of people didn't understand her mannerism or what she tried to convey through her snappish, and crude words.
"Yeah, I'm not dead," Hermione replied, smiling as she pulled the witch into a hug.
Bella allowed herself to grin back, hiding her expression through very convenient thick locks. She was glad Hermione understood her gestures enough to understand what she really meant to say was, "I'm glad you're okay".
"I can't believe you left me with these people for two weeks," Bella scoffed, shoving the witch away with a snarl.
"I missed you," Is what she really wanted to say but it would have to do for now.
Hermione laughed, honest, and pure as she nodded with a sheepish grin. "…I'm sorry, I…" She paused, struggling to convey how much she missed her too in Bellatrix's hidden language. "…if it makes you feel any better, I was dying of boredom without your meaningful conversations to leave me wondering about life," She teased.
Before she could respond, Hermione was pulled into an embrace by Ron. "You made it," He sighed, relief flooding his voice.
"So did you. Thank goodness," Bella heard the witch reply, making her groan before she turned on her heal to stand a nice distance away.
Hermione frowned, pulling away from the hug to see the witch gone. She caught a glimpse of Bella moving to stand beside Ginny near the front door. The bookworm bit her lower lip, not having time to dwell as Harry ran over to them to join the embrace.
Ginny nudged the oldest of the Black sisters with her shoulder. "They do it to everyone," She began as Bella turned her gaze to her. "No matter how many people they let in, we'll never be a part of the golden trio. They'll keep things from us, isolate you, not on purpose, it's just how it's always been; they learned to be like that, wary of who they trust."
Bella bit her tongue, a strange emotion flicking though her.
"Come on," Ginny pulled her along. "Let's help George,"
Bella gave a final glance towards the trio, as they continued to embrace each other, before she turned her back to follow the youngest Weasley. With her back turned, she was unware of the soft eyes following her back inside.
"Why is she even here," Ron groaned, watching the witch toss more hors d'oeuvres into her mouth. "Her sister helped kill Dumbledore, she can't be trusted," He huffed angrily, crossing his arms.
Harry sighed, running his fingers through his hair, as he explained it for the dozenth time. "She can't go home because of her parents, and the school isn't safe for her." He crossed his arms. "Just because Narcissa was bad doesn't mean Bellatrix is, and Andy, she's definitely not part of this; they deserve the benefit of the doubt."
Ron frowned harder as he watched Bellatrix whisper something to Hermione, causing the bookworm to laugh honestly. "…still don't like it," He confessed, sitting up straight as he watched the dark-haired witch share her food with his best friend. "Since when did they get so close, anyway? I thought they hated each other,"
"I couldn't tell you," Harry shrugged, looking around the wedding as everyone danced and chatted. "…I'm going to go mingle, try not to glare a hole into Bellatrix's head," He supplied, earning a huff from his best friend before he walked off; mind turning over with thoughts of Riddle.
"What did he drop off?" Harry barely heard Bellatrix ask Hermione as he walked past them with a quick wave.
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
"The minister of magic," Bella rolled her eyes. "What did he have to give you guys?"
The bookworm hummed, taking a sip from her drink as she mumbled. "Dumbledore left us three some small gifts out of his will," She spoke, looking around, unaware of the dark eyes taking in her form in her red dress. "We think it will help us find more—hey, my eyes are up here!" She hissed, face staining red as she slapped her friend's arm.
Bella snickered. "What?" She asked, shoving her hands into the pockets of her own black strapless dress; she would wear one of her corsets, but she wanted to mix things up tonight.
"See, you're such a hypocrite," Bella went to open her mouth, but Hermione beat her to it. "You get furious with me when I keep things from you concerning Harry, Ron and I, but when I actually do try to tell you something, you ignore me!"
Bell snorted, glancing down quickly before letting her eyes come back up. "Wasn't ignoring you, I was just focusing my attention on a different area,"
"You're so, so—ugh," Hermione huffed, face set a flame as she tried not to stomp her foot. "Maybe I should give my company to someone who will appreciate it," She threatened.
The other witch rolled her eyes, catching a thin wrist in her warm palms. "Hermione, wait," She ran a hand through her hair, stopping when she remembered she had her wild curls pinned up. "…I didn't mean to upset you," When the bushy haired teen continued to look away, Bella sighed. "I'll stop, I can talk without adding my special flare to it,"
"…no, I'm sorry, I was overacting," Hermione declared, looking over at the witch who had quickly become one of her closest friends.
Friendship was familiar, she could do it without worrying about innuendos. But when Bella treated her this way, the way someone does when they're interested in another, it causes her mind to fog up. And when her mind is fogged, she may as well be blind. It isn't that she doesn't like, or is flattered by the flirting, she's just frightened where it will lead.
And who will get hurt in the end.
Bella nodded. "No, you're right, what were you saying about the old man's will?"
Hermione went to scold her when all the lights cut off, and a bright blue ball appeared in the center of the tent as everyone backed away. Bella already had her wand in hand, prepared, as she subconsciously stepped in front of the brown-haired witch.
"The ministry has fallen," An eerie, monotone, voice filtered through the silence. "They are coming, they are coming," It kept repeating, like a broken record.
Hermione twitched in her spot, swallowing, and watched the blue energy vanish. There was a moment of peace, where her eyes locked with striking black, before the room exploded with death eaters and spells.
"Come on," Hermione grabbed Bella, yanking her away; the Slytherin would spend hours fighting if she could, giving the death eaters a run for their money.
Bellatrix fumbled to follow, shooting spells over Hermione's shoulder as they shoved their way through the crowd. The dark witch knew who Hermione was looking for, it didn't take a genius to see the golden trio struggle to group back together; they were always stronger when united.
Ron was the first one they managed to bump into, they waited, watching, as Harry tried to reach Ginny. His attempts were thwarted by Remus, who shoved him roughly and demanded he leave while he still could.
Hermione breathed out a breath of relief, grouping everyone together before apparating out of the battle zone.
The students barely had time for nausea to sit in, as they jumped right onto the sidewalk before a bus could hit them. They leaned against the railing of the underground train station, gasping for breath.
Ron startled when he saw the black-haired witch. "What is she doing here!"
"Now's not the time," Hermione demanded, grabbing Bella's arm to drag her along before the witch could snap at the redhead. "We have to get off this street,"
Harry followed, dodging the crowd of muggles here and there. "Where are we?"
"Shaftesbury Avenue," Hermione supplied. "I used to come here all the time with mum and dad for the theater…I don't know why that thought just came to mind," Bella snorted beside her. "This way," She said, ignoring the amused witch, and leading them to a dark alley. "We need to change,"
Before Ron could question how, Hermione opened a dark brown bag and began pulling clothes out. She handed the boys a pair of jeans, and a shirt, before giving Bella something similar. The fact that the witch prepared a scenario where Bella might be joining them did something to the dark-haired girls stomach.
And her clothes were all black, she's smitten.
"Undetectable extension charmer," Bella breathed before Hermione could explain, she nodded. "That's amazing," She was a little upset she hadn't thought of it.
So many things she could have snuck to class.
Hermione ducked her head at the compliment, shrugging, flustered. "…hurry, we shouldn't stay here too long,"
Riddle growled, slamming himself into his seat at the empty round table. "He escaped again," He shook his head, looking around the dark room in thought. "…he would get no where without my niece. She's brilliant, he wouldn't survive an hour without her," Tom smirked.
He had warned her to stay out of his way. She had chosen her side, and by helping Harry…she was getting in his way. And even if he wanted to contact her, it seemed she got rid of the mirror and the other gifts he gave her.
Tom sighed, leaning his face into the palm of his hand. "…she must have found out I was using it to track her," He couldn't help but chuckle. "She's smart, and strong, but her secrets will be her downfall."
He wouldn't go after his brother, not yet. Right now, he would find a way to split up the golden trio for good. Then, when Potter was all alone, he would strike.
"I think it's time the world finds out who you really are," Tom thought to himself, rising as he prepared to put his plans in action. "My niece,"
Bella groaned, trying to ignore the glaring redhead sitting across to her by Harry. "What about the people at the wedding?" Hermione asked from beside her, placing a reassuring hand on Bella's thigh to restrain her from hexing Ron.
"It's too dangerous, they're after me, it wouldn't do anyone any good," Harry sighed, looking around the restaurant.
A waitress approached them, headphones on, as she lazily plucked out her notepad and pen. "What can I get you four?"
"…cappuccino," Hermione supplied after an awkward silence filled the table, with Ron glaring at an aggravated Bella.
The server nodded, looking at the other three. "Uhh, what she said," Ron looked away from the witch long enough to give his answer.
"Same," Harry said, resting his chin on top of his laced fingers.
Bella sighed, tapping her foot on the floor in thought. "I'll take a cheeseburger, and a chocolate milkshake." She concluded, perking up with childish excitement to add. "And French fries!"
The waitress nodded awkwardly, never seeing someone so excited for food at a place like this. But she took the order and spun on her heel.
Bella growled when she noticed them all staring at her, she crossed her arms. "What?"
"You've had a cheeseburger before?" Hermione leaned closer on her arms, eyebrow raised. "But aren't you like, anti-muggle everything?" Wonder, excitement, and hope passing through her.
The eldest Black huffed her cheeks out, looking anywhere but at Hermione. "…I mean, you've talked about how good they are so when you left to go home, Ginny and I went to try it. And—"
"And…" Hermione drawled, unaware of the strange looks the two boys were giving them; but she was too entranced by the mystery that was Bellatrix Black.
Bella shrugged. "It wasn't terrible, and I'm still alive so, there's that,"
Hermione could stop herself from poking her side, earning a glare from the other. "You missed me," She dared to say. "…and wanted something that reminded you of me, that's so—"
"Don't say it—"
"Cute," Hermione ended with a smug grin.
Harry had tuned out the conversation, which honestly felt like he was in a twilight zone, so he took to looking around while Ron watched in horror. Harry's eyes narrowed as two men in blue shirts walked in and headed straight for the counter. He frowned as one of them slowly pulled something from his pocket.
"Down!" Harry shouted, causing everyone to duck to the floor as a bright white flash filled the room. "Stupefy!" He commanded, pointing his wand at one of the men once he gained his footing.
Bella grinned, twirling her wand before looking over the table, to throw a powerful, silent, stunning spell she had been working on, the man's way. She cackled as he fell back with a silent scream, falling to the floor in a loud bang.
Too caught up in enjoying his torment, she didn't notice the other man beginning to strike. It isn't until Hermione jumps up to blast him with a powerful spell, laced with bright red flames, does she gape. Her knees almost buckle at the power oozing from the witch.
"Wow," Ron breaks the silence, looking over the fallen table top; swallowing towards Bellatrix. "…glad she's on our side,"
Hermione sighed, out of aggravation or relief she isn't sure. They hadn't seen the sudden burst of energy leave her wand, just the brutal spell Bella landed on the poor soul.
Harry nodded, having just risen from his hiding place. Just a few seconds later, the waitress came out before coming to a halt; shocked.
"Leave," Bella snarled, groaning a few seconds later as the girl disappeared. "Ugh, I should have asked for my milkshake first!" She stomped her foot childishly.
Harry dusted himself off, walking past the strange Black sister. "Lock the door, and get the lights," He ordered.
Ron pulled out his gift from Dumbledore, consuming all light with ease, while Hermione closed all the blinds and locked the doors swiftly.
"Your spell knocked him out cold," Ron snorted, approaching the one Harry claimed to be on the astronomy tower the night Dumbledore died. "…surprised he isn't dead," He admitted, gulping as Bellatrix pouted as if she were upset it wasn't the outcome.
Hermione crossed her arms. "We can't kill them, they'll know we were here," And it was wrong.
"It's better we wipe their memories," Harry supplied from behind, eyes hard.
"You're the boss," Ron nodded, stepping away to graze his finger across Hermione's face where blood stained her white cheeks. "Hermione," He whispered her name lightly, unaware of the boiling Bellatrix standing beside Harry. "…you're the best at spells," The redhead finished, stepping away to eye the man coldly.
Hermione gave him a strange look before shaking it off, and walking towards the man with her wand ready. "…obliviate," She spoke sternly.
Narcissa swallowed, dread washing over her as the oldest Lestrange brother approached her. "Where the hell is she?" He demanded, voice calm yet hard, and powerful.
"I-I don't know," She found herself backed into a corner, literally, in an empty room within Malfoy Manor. "Mother and father called for her to return but no one has heard from her! Even Andy has gone missing," Narcissa shivered as the older man shook his head, biting his lip in thought. "…if I knew where she was I'd tell you." She lied.
She would never betray Bellatrix, or even Andy, they were her sisters and they needed to protect one another. Just like how Bella tried to warn her not to get involved with Riddle and his cause. Ever since she assisted in the death of her headmaster, she's been having nightmares, and seeing dark shadows in the light. She feared she was going mad with stress, or guilt for what she had done.
More demons were following her every day, and they continued to grow the more she helped Riddle.
Lestrange chuckled, coldly. "You know, I gave up a lot to protect you. Because I thought your sister was going to marry my little brother, but now the girl is missing! And my parents are here to bless the wedding, everyone is ready, so," He held his hands together, breathing in slowly, as he tried to keep calm. "…if you have any clues to where she could be, tell me now."
Narcissa stumbled, shaking her head in denial. "N-no, we haven't spoken in ages. I was too busy trying to get Dumbledore, I didn't have time for my sisters anymore; I don't know what's going on in their lives." She lied easily, making sure to block out her thoughts just in case he tried to pry for more answers.
She didn't tell him how she noticed the looks Andy and Tonks gave each other. Or how his muggle family would be the best place for Andy to hide out in a time likes this. And she didn't think it was wise to mention the longing looks Bella gave the Gryffindor bookworm, and how Hermione's impulsive lioness courage, and compassion, may sway her to let Bella stay with her.
Just didn't seem worth mentioning.
"…" Before he could retort, a chilling amount of energy filled the room as Riddle waltzed in with Nagini at his side.
Riddle held his hand up, smiling. "Leave her be,"
"I need answers about her sister, she is to marry my brother soon, but it appears she has gone missing," Lestrange said, looking the blonde over once more before turning to the dark lord. "You can see how it may be, frustrating." He huffed out, crossing his arms with a frown; eyeing the snake as it hissed towards him.
Tom waved his hand lazily, not a care in the world despite the pending war and missing Potter. "Bellatrix is with Potter and friends," He said, watching Narcissa's expression carefully; her eyes widened. "…it has appeared, she has chosen to follow the boy, or…has chosen to follow her other impulses." His eyebrows raised, amused, as he thought back to the way the witches argued in front of him like an old married couple.
"Are you kidding me?" Lestrange growled, losing his chill as rage built within. "She's following Potter, the blood traitor, and that mud—"
Narcissa jumped back, a silent scream leaving her mouth. It all happened so fast. Just as Lestrange was about to finish his sentence, the youngest Black caught something shift in Riddle's mood. The darkening of his eyes, fury, and the low fighting motion Nagini made with a hiss.
She watched, terrified, as Riddle sent a crucio his way. It wasn't any normal unforgivable spell, she noticed, as the man fell to the floor with a scream, body still feeling the spell's shocks long after it was over. Narcissa swallowed, watching Riddle twirl his wand lazily, and she realized with horror, that it was still going on. The man was letting out silent screams now, almost foaming from the mouth, as his body arched in strange ways; eyes nearly bulging out of his head.
She'd rather die than to suffer this for so long, and she feared if she spoke he would direct the anger at her.
"I don't care if you're my most loyal servant. Do, not, call my niece, a mudblood. You're filth!" Riddle snarled, shocking Narcissa as she stumbled back shakily; confused. "…Nagini," He spoke, after a few moments of watching the man suffer, snarling as he released the bind. "Dinner,"
Narcissa closed her eyes, barely watching the snake strike before she heard a piercing scream; it was toe curling.
She jumped as she felt a cold hand on her shoulder. "Come with me, Narcissa,"
"…" She shakily allowed the terrifying man to guide her out of the room.
She wanted to ask questions about Hermione, to run away, but she couldn't. She was too scared. Her body was frozen, it felt like she was having an out of body experience. Watching from the outside as she was guided to the living room by the dark lord, how had it come to this?
"He won't be bothering you anymore," Tom said with a smile, as if he hadn't just tortured Lestrange in front of her. "If he was truly family to you, he would have stayed by your side despite Bellatrix switching sides."
Narcissa didn't know where her courage came from, maybe it was the soft look he was giving her as she swallowed to reply quietly. "…is that why you keep defending Hermione, even though she's on the other team, she's family?"
Tom nodded slowly. "I planned on revealing to the world who she was, but a part of me knows she doesn't want to be singled out for being related to me by everyone. So, I'm not going to do that, because I care for her like she was my own," He confessed, looking off into the distance wistfully.
Narcissa smiled softly. "I think she'd appreciate you keeping the secret, and I promise to as well," Maybe everyone was wrong about him, if he had this much remorse at the thought of outing Hermione, maybe he wasn't so bad?
"Please," She froze as Riddle scoffed, releasing her shoulder to walk towards the window. "I may not tell the world, but I'll tell her friends." But they're the world to her, Narcissa thought. "Which is exactly why I'll tell them," She didn't even notice him reading her mind. "Once she's gone, Potter won't stand a chance,"
She swallowed, backing away slowly. "B-but I thought you cared—"
"I do care," He glanced over at her, frowning. "Once they learn the truth there is no way they will stand by her. Then she'll realize they were never her friends in the first place, I'll be helping her discover the truth. Then she and Bellatrix will join us, stronger,"
Narcissa took it back, he was awful and twisted. His reasoning was mental.
"They're good together," Tom said to himself. "Your sister and my niece, they make a powerful couple, no one could beat them. Bellatrix is a skilled warrior, and Hermione is brilliant, they will rule together with me," Narcissa fought the urge to vomit as he turned to her, smiling. "I guess that means you and I are sort of like family now, hmm?"
She shook her head as he turned his back to her, arms crossed. "Now, I just have to send the message,"
"How…" Narcissa swallowed. "…how are you going to tell them? You don't even know where they are,"
Tom glared at the darkening sky. "No, but I know they have something that belongs to me. And I can use that to my advantage," He turned back to her. "I won't be here the next few days, I'll be taking care of business, but hopefully my niece will have come to her senses and can take over in my absence,"
Narcissa barely blinked before he vanished with crack, dread filling her as the echoes of Nagini eating filled the void.
"I bet you didn't expect it to be like this when you asked to stay at the Burrow," Hermione teased, exhaustion was clear through her eyes.
Bella shrugged, glancing over at a now healed Ron as he sits outside with Riddle's Horcrux around his neck; Harry somewhere near him, but not visible. "…I don't mind," She playfully bumped her shoulder with a soft grin. "I'd rather fend for my life in the wilderness than stay with my parents,"
After leaving the diner, Bellatrix suggested they go to an empty house one of her old family members lived in; 12 Grimmauld Place. When Hermione asked who the house belonged to, after replying with a few names along with Regulus Arcturus Black, she gained shocked expressions from the trio. She swore Hermione could have kissed her for solving who R.A.B was, even Ron mumbled something about her proving to be useful. But when Hermione gave her a crushing hug, she decided to let the comment slide.
They ran into some trouble with Kreacher, her families house elf, and how he spoke to Hermione with such disrespect. But after the bookworm calming her down with a hand on her shoulder, Bella huffed before demanding answers from the elf; having no problems from him thereafter. He had to listen to her because of the Black name.
When they find out Umbridge, of all people, had the locket, they plotted a plan to get into the Ministry of Magic. Bella brewed up some Polyjuice Potion, since she was an expert in the area, and then they found people to impersonate. Long story short, after being forced to watch an unfair muggle-born trial, Harry stunned Umbridge in a fit of rage to retrieve the locket before they made a daring escape.
Hermione, and her brilliant mind, managed to apparate the four of them to the Forest of Dean to hide out. Ron managed to get splinched due to the hurry, so Bella tended to his wounds; she was better at healing, despite Hermione's huffs of denial and sulking when her friends nodded sheepishly to agree with the dark-haired witch.
While they waited for Ron to heal, they tried destroying the locket but to no avail. Even Hermione's sudden burst of power couldn't break the Horcrux. They had no choice but to take turns wearing the locket, since it filled the person wearing it with rage, fear, and suspicion. Bella huffed as they made a point not to give her a turn, not wanting to see how much more intense she could get with the locket on.
They wandered the countryside after; Bellatrix had never walked so much in her life. She was hungry, tired, and if she had to listen to that dumb radio the redhead was carrying one more time…she swore she wanted to hex everyone. Hermione must have sensed her anger because occasionally, she would give her a look saying this is what you asked for or bumping her shoulder softly when Hermione caught her twitching her wand in Ron's direction.
It was difficult, but she managed to restrain herself for Hermione's sake.
Now she sees why they don't need her wearing the locket.
"And you were supposed to marry Lestrange this week," Hermione said out of nowhere, pulling Bellatrix out of her mind, as a flicker of annoyance passed through Hermione as she glared at the table. "You got lucky, leaving when you did, so you don't have to spend your life with the prat…unless, you were looking forward to it?" A look of disbelief, fear, and a hint of jealousy was painted across her face as she stared at Bellatrix for answers.
Bella stumbled, flushing, she didn't even know Hermione knew when the wedding was supposed to be. "N-no, I don't, it's why I haven't signed any wedding papers," She raised a brow as Hermione relaxed drastically. "…how'd you even know when the wedding was? Only family—"
"Andy mentioned it," Hermione shrugged, looking away as the other witch eyed her.
Bella snorted, she doubted Andy would bring it up unless Hermione asked her about it. "Sure, she did,"
Hermione frowned, about to retort but stopped as Harry walked inside with a silent Ron behind him. Bellatrix watched as Ron went to plop down on the bottom bed, she frowned; he seemed different. He was here, but not completely. She trailed her eyes down to the necklace around his neck, wary as his eyes darted back and forth; like he was contemplating something.
"Hey," Harry sighed, sitting across from the duo.
Hermione smiled softly. "How're you doing?"
Harry shrugged, leaning his face into his palm. "Fine. I've been trying to think about why Dumbledore left me the sword of Gryffindor, doesn't make any sense,"
"Yeah it does," Bell mumbled, playing with her nails, bored.
Hermione and Harry snapped their heads to her. "What?" They both exclaimed simultaneously.
"It takes in all things that make it stronger," Bella said, as if it were obvious. "…you used the sword to slay the basilisk second year, and—"
"Because of that, it's impregnated with its' venom!" Hermione caught on, eyes wide as she gaped at the witch before her.
Bella nodded dumbly. "…yes, and it's one of the rare substances that can destroy a Horcrux. It's probably why the old man left it to you in his will," She shrugged.
"You're brilliant," Hermione replied breathlessly, causing Bella to shift anxiously with the attention on her. "Why didn't I think about that?" She said to herself a few seconds later, upset.
Harry frowned, looking at the Slytherin. "Why didn't you tell us sooner, the correct answer?"
"You two keep everything to yourselves," Bella shrugged. "I didn't even know he left you the sword until now. Maybe you should tell me more things, so I can help solve these, oh so difficult, riddles."
Harry couldn't help but laugh, amused, and thrilled at the new discovery. "I think I will, we do have the two brightest witches of our age traveling with us," Bellatrix and Hermione both grinned, taking the compliment in stride as they began planning for their next move; all the pieces were falling into place.
"Now, there's only one problem of course—" Harry stopped abruptly, looking up as the lights disappeared.
There were the sound of footsteps before Bellatrix noticed the dark shadow of the redhead, she dropped her wand with a sigh. She knew this was long overdue.
"The sword was stolen," Ron answered Harry's question over the sound of rain and thunder outside. "…yeah, I'm still here," He mumbled, turning the lights back on with a flick. "But you three carry on, don't let me spoil the fun," Bella didn't like the way he kept eyeing Hermione, like it was the first time her had ever seen her; really saw her.
Harry sighed, turning over in his seat to face Ron, raising a brow. "What's wrong?"
"Wrong? Nothing is wrong," Ron shrugged. "Not according to you anyway,"
"If you've got something to say, don't be shy, spit it out." Harry declared, not in the mood for games.
Ron continued to stare at Harry. "Alright, I'll spit it out. But don't expect me to be grateful just because there's another bloody damn thing we have to find."
Bellatrix couldn't help but agree silently, she could do without the scavenger hunt Dumbledore had sent them on. It was filled with loose riddles, and dead ends.
"I thought you knew what you signed up for," Harry said.
Ron nodded. "Yeah, I thought I did to."
Harry swiftly moved to stand. "Well, I'm sorry but, I don't quite understand. What part of this isn't living up to your expectations?" He asked, walking over to stand closer to his friend. "Did you think we would be staying in a five-star hotel? Finding a Horcrux every other day, and you'd be back home with your mum by Christmas?"
Bellatrix felt the bench shift, as Hermione stood up to move closer to her bickering friends. The Slytherin remained seated, this wasn't her battle to fight in; it was a Gryffindor battle of hearts, and emotions.
She didn't have time for it, so she went back to playing with her nails.
"I just thought, after all this time, we would have actually achieved something. I thought you knew what you were doing, I thought Dumbledore would have told you something worthwhile; I thought you had a plan!" Ron exclaimed, ignoring Hermione as she approached them at the side.
Harry bit his lip, trying to control his emotions. "I told you everything Dumbledore told me, and in case you haven't noticed we've found a Horcrux already!"
Ron huffed. "Yeah, and we're as close to getting rid of it as we are to finding the others, aren't we?"
"Ron," Bella finally looked up when she heard Hermione approach the furious boy. "Please, take that off—" The oldest Black bristled as Ron shoved the bookworm away. "You wouldn't be saying any of this if you haven't been wearing it all day,"
Ron ignored her for the moment, not finished with Harry. "Do you know why I listen to the radio all day? To make sure I don't hear Ginny's name, or Fred, or George, or mum—"
"You don't think I'm not listening too? You think I don't know how this feels?" Harry asked.
Ron snapped. "You don't know how I feel, your parents are dead! You have no family,"
Bella snorted softly to herself as she watched Harry shove the redhead; this was nothing how she pictured the happy go lucky golden trio to be behind closed doors. Hermione was shouting at them to stop in the background as they continued to wrestle in the tent before Harry shoved him away.
"Fine, then go!" Harry snarled. "Go then!"
Ron turned to grab his bag, breathing heavily from the pushing. "…Ron," Hermione whispered, flinching as she watched him shove past her. "Come on don't—"
He glared at her, hard. "I don't even want to hear anything from you, all the lies you've told us,"
"W-what—" Hermione stuttered, dread washing over her as he nodded.
This couldn't be happening.
"Tom, and Wendall, Riddle sound familiar?" Hermione swallowed hard, she felt dizzy.
Bellatrix grinded her teeth together, watching as recognition of the name wash over Harry's face. "What does the dark lords brother have to do with any of this?" He asked, missing something, as he looked between his two friends.
Ron scoffed, looking at Hermione as if she were dirt on his white shoes. "She's his bloody niece. Her father was Wendall Riddle, the one who went missing," He spoke, nonplused as tears began to fill her eyes. "…she's not even a muggle-born, she's a—"
"Half-blood," Harry gaped, starring at Hermione as she refused to meet their eyes; she kept hers shut.
This can't be happening, is all she kept thinking repeatedly.
Harry deflated, hurt flashing through his eyes. "Hermione…" He breathed, shifting where he stood a few feet away from her. "It's true?"
"She's probably been relaying information to him," Ron snarked. "It's why we haven't gotten anywhere or why death eaters keep showing up whenever we go places. I bet she's working for him—"
Hermione snapped at that. "I am not!"
"Then why the hell didn't you tell us?" Ron yelled.
Hermione ran a hand through her thick locks. "Because I thought he was dead for half of my life!" Bella stood up slowly, wand in her hand as she eyed the boys. "My father told me he was gone after the first war, he lied because he wanted to protect me from my uncle. I didn't realize he was coming back until I started receiving strange gifts," She tried to step closer, but Ron pulled back, glaring. "…I was going to tell you guys, but you never would have trusted me—"
"You've got that right," Ron shrugged his bag on, making a move to leave before he realized Harry wasn't moving. "…didn't you hear any of that? She's the dark lord's niece—"
Harry nodded mutely, looking at Hermione who had turned to face the ground; ashamed. "I heard you," He looked back at a shocked Ron, and shrugged.
"And you're staying?" Ron asked, outraged.
"She's been my friend for years, always helping us," Harry narrowed his eyes at Ron. "Do you really think she'd be working for her uncle while also helping us destroy him? All those years must have been a ploy to lead us straight to him," He said sarcastically.
Ron huffed. "You said it yourself, Wendell was probably evil like Tom!"
"Dumbledore also told me that Wendell was kind, and didn't want any part of magic; let alone raise a child to lead a war," Harry stated boldly. "Yes, I'm hurt she didn't feel she could trust us and kept this to herself, but…I don't blame her. Pretending to be muggle-born, and getting teased, is far easier than being shamed for being related to someone so notorious." He looked over at his best friend. "She can't control who she's related to,"
Harry turned back to Ron. "…we probably wouldn't have spoken to her when we were children if we knew who she really was." He paused, smiling softly as Hermione slowly lifted her head to look at him; eyes red with tears. "But I'm glad she didn't tell us, we would have missed out getting to know her,"
"Of course, you're siding with her," Ron had enough, he yanked the locket off his neck before throwing it to the ground in a fit of rage. "You always take her side," He turned to leave once more.
Hermione, despite her raw emotions, followed him. "Ron! Ron, stop, you can't leave—"
"You know, if it weren't for you lying to me, I really thought we could have—" He trailed off with the shake of his head. "Never mind."
She tried again. "Ron, you know how much I care for you—"
"But it's not enough, is it?" Ron turned around, she saw a flash of hurt in his eyes. "I saw you two these past few weeks,"
"Ron," Hermione's voice cracked as she shook her head. "Th-that's nothing, Harry and I are just friends—"
Ron let out a hoarse laugh, disbelieving. "…I didn't mean him,"
Bellatrix felt her nostrils flare as the redhead glanced in her direction before he exited for good. The oldest Black sister dropped her wand to the table when the threat was finally gone. She always did have a stronger tolerance for Harry, she thought amusedly.
Just as she were about to comfort the witch, Hermione ran after him. "Ron, where are you going?" She called out, voice stricken, as she went into the rain. "Ron!"
Bellatrix scoffed, she couldn't believe Hermione would run after him after all the things he had said to her. It wasn't even that, but the look in her eyes when he mentioned them together; she looked panicked. Like she'd been doing something she shouldn't. And for a moment there was heartbreak in that stare, it was even in her voice as she denied her feelings for Harry and as she called out for him in the night.
It hurt Bellatrix more than she could ever admit.
How could the witch not know how she felt? She made herself pretty clear, and felt like they were getting off to a good start. But then, Hermione does this. And everything falls apart again.
"…did you know?" Harry asked her after a moment of silence.
She had a feeling he already knew the answer, so she just nodded. "Yes,"
Harry swallowed, looking out at the open tent door before he walked over the sullen witch. He hesitated for only a moment, eyeing the uncharacteristically mute Black, before he sat beside her. Before Bella knew it, there was a comforting arm wrapped around her left shoulder.
She wanted to push him away, yell, but Hermione had taken all her strength in this moment. So, she breathed out a heavy sigh before leaning her head on his shoulder.
"…tell anyone about this, and I'll hex you into next week," Bellatrix mumbled, heart not really in the threat at all.
Harry smiled softly, feeling just as exhausted as the witch was. "Deal," He supplied, knowing an empty threat when he heard one.
As the silent sound of rain pouring outside filled the room, Harry thought about Dumbledore. How certain he was that Wendell didn't have a daughter. But Harry suspected he did know, Dumbledore knew everything. He planned the will, among other things he had yet to learn. Maybe Dumbledore knew Harry wasn't ready to learn the truth yet, so he kept it from him until it came out on its own when he was mature enough to understand.
He may have planned a lot of things, but Harry was certain Dumbledore did not expect Bellatrix Black, of all people, to worm her way into the trio's group. Harry never thought it possible, but, Bellatrix had become a great asset to the team, and a damn good friend; with the way she kept Hermione's secret for so long.
If that weren't reason to trust her, he didn't know what would get it through Ron's thick head.
"What's so funny?" Bella asked, not removing her head as she felt the boy shake; she kept her eyes closed.
Harry grinned. "Just thinking about something Dumbledore told us a while back, and how much truth rings through it,"
"What'd he say?" Bella was halfway asleep, Harry could tell by the sluggish response.
He shook his head. "…nothing," He said, thinking back to what Dumbledore had said in the hospital wing.
Oh, to be young, and to feel love's keen sting.