Okay, I wanted to have this up by Friday because I have stuff to do this week. This was a bit harder to write because it was focused on just the trio after Ron's leaving, and it felt like there was a lot of nothing going on, so I needed to add something. Then I remembered someone asking for flashbacks, and bam…everything flowed after that. I forgot the name of the reviewer who asked for flashbacks, but, thanks!

Darkshadow-lord: Thanks!

Surreal's Stiletto: Thanks, I love writing it!

Mangafreak11: Thanks!

Guest: I won't abandon it, I like writing it too much.

Guest: I was inspired to write a story based off Turn Time, yes. I liked the idea of them all being in school together, and Hermione being more powerful than people give her credit for. Also, a Bellamione fic where Bellatrix isn't hardened by her prejudices yet. I appreciate the support!

InsanityRunsInMyBlood: Thanks, I'm trying to make sure Bella is still Bella while also making her more human.

Salonzo12: Thanks!

Hope you guys like this chapter, thanks for the love!

Fighting Monsters

Chapter Five: The Golden Trio, Plus-one

Part Two: Alone Together

"The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing."

—John Powell

Harry stepped out the tent to look out at the bright sky, and ocean before him. It had only been a few hours since Ron left, but it felt like more. And to say it isn't awkward, would be a lie. Harry is trying to keep the harmony, but both witches are often lost in thought. Hermione is stuck on the absence of the redhead, and Harry has a sinking suspicion that Bellatrix is still hurting over the choice Hermione had made.

They couldn't go on like this. He needed them to help him find the Horcruxes. There was no way he could do it by himself.

With a heavy sigh, he removed any trace of them residing in the woods and walked over to Bellatrix. "…" He remained mute, standing beside her, as they watched Hermione tie a piece of cloth to a tree.

She may be trying to leave a trail for Ron to follow, if he ever comes back to his senses.

Harry waited for her to slowly walk on his other side, before he took both of their hands and apparated them to a large stony mountain side. The sickness from abruptly moving from one area to another, didn't phase him as much as it usually did; not when there was so much guilt piling up from the way he yelled at his best friend.

He should have taken it easy on Ron, it wasn't his fault. The locket was controlling his emotions, and influencing him.

"…salvio hexia," He heard Bellatrix mumble under her breath as she walked around to ward their new hiding spot. "Protego Totalum," She said, moving around other parts of the rock.

Harry silently thanked her, glancing over at Hermione who had found a seat on the stone in solitude. He caught a glimpse of her fighting back tears when they landed, she was still emotional.

With a glance at Bellatrix, who was making sure they stayed protected, he carefully approached the bookworm. They didn't exchange words, but their eyes locked for a moment and understanding passed over. At that moment he knew she didn't blame him for the decision she had to make; she would stand by her choice, even if it hurt like hell now.

"…" Harry sat down beside her, their shoulders brushing as they silently starred into the slowly darkening sky; the sound of Bellatrix setting up camp filled the empty void.

"I'm going to head inside," Harry whispered after minutes of sitting on the ground. "Come with me?" He asked, offering his hand to the bushy-haired girl. "It's dark out,"

Hermione shook her head, watching as he shoved his hands into his pocket. "You go ahead, I just need some air, but I'll be in soon," She sighed as he continued to stare, inquisitive. "…I'm fine, I promise,"

"Okay," Harry gave her one more look before he walked inside the tent Bellatrix had set up.

The brown-haired boy let out a delighted sigh as the warmth from inside reached him. He made a move to remove his jacket before he frowned, catching Bellatrix jump as she nearly bumped into him on her way out.

"Where are you going?" He asked, dropping his hands as he decided to leave his coat on.

Bellatrix shifted, a flush rising over her face, as she cautiously pulled out the radio Ron had been carrying all day from behind her back. "…I was going to give it to her," She shrugged, looking at the object that had soft music playing from it. "She might want something that reminds her of him, to keep him close until he returns," She trailed off with a huff, looking away from the kind expression the boy was giving her.

She didn't like the fact that suppressed feelings were rising back again about Ron, but she accepted Hermione's choice. And she promised she would be there for her when her friends couldn't. she was just glad Harry was around when she couldn't face her fears.

"…give me," Harry mumbled after a moment, a soft smile reaching his lips as another surprisingly wonderful part of Bellatrix made its appearance. "She needs some time to think, and space to breathe," He said as he gently placed the radio on the wooden table before them.

Bellatrix snorted, crossing her arms as she eyed the radio. "Yeah, I think we could all use a break right now," She bit her lower lip, tapping her foot to the beat as a familiar song played. "…O Children—"

"I love this song," Harry finished, gaining a tentative smile from the witch. "They played it at the Yule Ball, gosh was that an awful night," He thought back to how the twins weren't his exact first choice before he snorted. "Didn't you go with—"

Bella nodded with a groan. "Lestrange, yes, my parents set the whole thing up. Thought it would be great to become acquainted with my future husband…bet they never would have imagined I'd skip out on the wedding, and join the boy who lived to defeat the dark lord."

Harry smiled, fixing his glasses. "I can't say anyone expected it, but I'm glad you're here regardless," He paused, enjoying the relaxing feeling the sound of the song gave him as he swayed. "I never did get to dance to this song," He said suggestively.

"No…" Bellatrix gave him her hardest glare, backing away as he reached out for her arms. "Potter, just because we bonded a few hours ago does not mean—stop!"

Harry laughed quietly as he caught her arms before pulling her closer, feet spinning them around. "You know, I think you enjoy my company way more than you'd like to admit,"

"Please," Bellatrix couldn't stop the soft smile rising to her face as she found herself dancing along. "I can barely tolerate you," The insult fell short as she ran out of fake insults, and instead swayed with the music filling the tent.

Hey, little train, wait for me

I was held in chains but now I'm free

Harry grinned as he spun the witch with ease before pulling her back to him. Their eyes met as they followed the beat of the music, each wearing identical expressions of peace. They may not be dancing with the ones they truly wanted around their arms, but at this moment they felt free from everything going on around them.

From the war, the death eaters chasing them, their missing redheaded friend who, even Bellatrix, had learned to keep dear to her heart. She still couldn't stand him, but sometimes friendships were like that. And she didn't have any other friends to relate it to, so she could only assume she and Ron each had mutual respect; she would even dare to say she valued him as a friend.

So, when she didn't see his red locks, or hear him mutter something sarcastic, the following morning after he disappeared; a sense of fear washed over her. Fear of what she was feeling, and fear of his safety. Maybe it was the way Molly had taken her in and treated her as family that made her feel inclined to protect him. All she knew was that she missed threatening to hex him, and glaring at him whenever her annoyed her.

Would it be insane if she thought of him as her annoying little brother who whines whenever he doesn't get what he wants? The ones you want to hate, swear you do, but are quick to defend them when others threaten to harm them.

"…" Bellatrix felt Harry pull away, his smile lessening as the tent flaps sounded behind them.

She moved out of his arms as her black eyes caught Hermione entering, eyes hard. "…didn't think you two could stand to be in the same room, let alone dance together," She snarked as she pulled the locket from her neck; giving Bella a raised eyebrow, silently questioning her.

Harry shrugged when Bellatrix remained mute, watching her take a seat on the bench away from them, before scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "Uhm, we have our moments,"

"Obviously," Hermione huffed, handing Harry the locket with a sigh. "…I think my uncle may have sent Ron some hints on my family tree through this Horcrux. That's how he found out who I really am," She said, crossing her arms as she watches his eyes widen.

Harry gaped. "He's the one who outed you?"

Hermione shrugged. "He must have thought if he told you two the truth, you'd leave me which would force you to travel alone; he's trying to tear us apart."

"…and he almost succeeded." Harry growled, clutching the locket tightly. "We have to destroy this, sooner than later,"

"I agree," Hermione nodded. "Let's get some sleep, and think on it more tomorrow. We can't stay in one place for long,"

Harry nodded, he was about to call it quits before he glanced over at Bellatrix. "…Bella," He said, not aware of the frown Hermione wore as he used the witches nickname. "Do you have any ideas of where we should go?"

Bella shook her head after a moment, surprised he had even asked her for her input. "N-no, not now, but I'll let you know when I do," She promised.

"Good," Harry smiled softly before he turned towards his bed, sheepishly moving away from the clear tension oozing from the two girls.

Bella swallowed as Hermione continued to stare before rising from the table, and turning her back to get some rest for the long day they would have tomorrow. She could feel the cold glare behind her as she plopped down on the dingy bed.

She knew they would need to have a confrontation, but she couldn't do it right now. Unbelievably, she needed some space from her favorite bookworm.

It was for the best.

Hogwarts, 1991

Platform 9 3/4

"Do you have everything, Bellatrix?" A smooth, yet demanding, voice asked from behind the small child.

A girl, in her first year, with thick unruly black locks nodded with a bored look on her face. "Yes, mum," She sighed, wanting to snap at her mother for asking her the same questions repeatedly but she knew better than to anger the older woman.

"You're so lucky Bella," A pout came across a young, blonde, girls bright pink face; eyes filled with excitement for her older sister. "I can't wait to go to Hogwarts like you! I bet you're going to be the most popular person in Slytherin,"

There family had Slytherin in their blood, there was no other house they could belong in without being a disgrace to the Black name.

Andromeda, the middle child, who resembled a younger looking Bellatrix with shorter, more controlled hair, snorted. "Please, she'll be the most popular person for wreaking havoc," She snarked, gaining a glare from Narcissa as she clutched onto her mother's leg.

Andy knew her older sister would give the professors a run for their money. Her sister was already a terror at home; exploding things while she worked on potions, and spells, and sneaking out of the house when she's supposed to have lessons with their father.

He always made sure to teach his daughters about what they should expect once they get to class. Each of them is assigned several books their father expected them to read before he quizzes them on the information. It isn't that Bellatrix didn't understand the material, she was brilliant, it's just that she didn't have the patience for classrooms; sitting in one spot for long wasn't her thing.

So, often time Bellatrix would skip her lessons to walk around their large garden or take some time to look up at the sky. But their father never disciplined her, Bellatrix was his favorite.

It also helped that she always had the assignment ready despite missing the lesson.

Her mother, that was another story.

"Bite me," Bellatrix growled towards Andy, eyes flashing with that familiar light of irritation.

Druella snapped her fingers, causing Andy to straighten up automatically; Bella resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Enough, we're sending Bella off today," She placed a chilling hand on her eldest daughter's shoulder, smiling, although, it was more of a threatening sneer. "…don't cause too much trouble, Bellatrix. Your education is important, and remember, don't give me a reason to come down here,"

Bellatrix gnawed at her lip as her mother tightened her grip on her shoulder. "Understood," She all but snatched her shoulder away; she gave Cissy a quick hug, even entertained the awkward one from Andy, before leaving without giving her mother another glance.

The young witch turned to walk onto the train when she knocked into someone. Bellatrix growled, a threat to hex the person on the tip of her tongue, before her black orbs met soft brown. The twelve-year-old swallowed down the retort, feeling heat rise to her cheeks before she shoved her hands behind her back; she teased her fingers, not knowing what to do with her hands.

"My, apologizes," A light, well refined, voice spoke. "I didn't see you there,"

Bellatrix shrugged, feigning indifference as she eyed the girl in front of her. "…it's fine," She mumbled, taking in uncontrollable, frizzy, locks. "Bellatrix Black," The witch spoke, head held high, as she waited for the other girl to respond.

Her family always told her to be proud of her family name.

"Hermione Granger," The girl replied, amusement in her eyes as she watched Bellatrix try to be something she's not. "…it's my first year at Hogwarts," She began.

Bellatrix felt the familiar tightening around her arm as Druella pulled her aside, snarling down at Granger. "Come on Bellatrix, you don't want to be late now," She turned her nose up at Hermione. "Run along now,"

Hermione made a face as realization dawned on her. "…it was nice meeting you, Bellatrix," She barely made eye contact with Bellatrix, before she turned on her heel to get on the train.

"What did I tell you about associating with filth?" Her mother barked into her ear, grip so tight on her arm Bella thought it might fall off. "I don't want you talking to her, in fact…I want you to make it your responsibility to make her life, along with the other mudbloods at this school, miserable. Understand? We are superior, they don't belong here,"

Bellatrix nodded, sighing as her arm was released.

She was taught to hate muggles, and muggleborns. Could spot them from a mile away. But Granger, she seemed different for some reason; and it compelled Bella to uncover her secrets. Who was Hermione Granger?

She would make it her job to find out.

"Hermione! Bella!" Bellatrix heard a thump, followed by Harry screaming excitedly as he stumbled out of the tent. "Look!"

Bella had been double checking their wards while Hermione sat a fare distance away on the stone floor with a book in her lap. They woke around the same time but still haven't spoken more than a 'good morning' or a polite nod in each other's direction.

"What is it?" Bella curiously asked, stepping closer to the duo expectantly; anything was better than sitting in one place with no leads.

"Hermione, you were right, snitches have flesh memories," Harry began, walking carefully over the cratered stone floor. "But I didn't catch the first snitch with my hand, I almost swallowed it," He concluded, handing the golden snitch over to the bookworm.

Bellatrix scoffed, muttering under her breath so no one could hear. "…that's all?"

"I open at the close," Hermione read aloud, grazing her fingertips over the snitch.

Harry nodded eagerly. "What does that mean?"

"I don't know," She confessed, pausing before she held her book up. "I found something as well."

Bellatrix made a face, aggravated, why hadn't she told her she found something? They had been sitting outside in a tense silence for over thirty bloody minutes.

"At first, I thought it was an eye, but now I don't think it is," Hermione began, opening the book to a page; Bella held down her emotions to lean forward to see. "Somebody drew this symbol in the book, inked it in,"

Dark eyes took in the triangle drawn into the blank page. Inside, there was a circle, and a straight line sketched through the middle.

Harry hummed. "Luna's dad was wearing that at Bill and Fluer's wedding,"

"Why would someone draw it in a children's book," Hermione mumbled, trailing off as she lost herself in thought.

Harry glanced at Bella, clearing his throat as she gave him a reassuring nod. "…I've been thinking…I want to go to Godric's Hollow." He declared, clapping his hands together. "It's where I was born, it's where my parents died—"

"Which is exactly why he'll expect you to go," Hermione sighed, closing the book softly. "…because it means something to you,"

Harry gave Bella a pleading look, she snapped out of her daydream to clear her throat; causing Hermione to give her a look. "I think it's worth a shot, I mean, we aren't doing much here. And from what I've learned, it's an important place to Riddle as well; so maybe he's hiding something there?"

Hermione eyed the duo, sighing, she loathed their new friendship; it was new, strange, and unnatural. "It's too dangerous," She mumbled, looking at Harry in fear of giving in to Bella's dark alluring eyes. "…but even I've been thinking," She trailed off as she stood up from the stone, and began walking towards the tent. "We'll have to go there eventually,"

Harry threw his arms up in victory while the bookworms back was turned, earning a low five from Bella. She wasn't excited for the same reasons. He wanted to find something to give them a jump start on their journey, and maybe even be somewhere close to home for Christmas, while Bella just wanted some new scenery.

She was sick of seeing these bloody rocks.

Hermione glared at them as she turned back around, suspicious. "…it could be possible, for something else to be hidden there,"

"Like what?" Harry asked, calming down as the trio looked at each other.

Hermione licked her chapped lips. "The sword," She said before continuing to walk. "If Dumbledore only wanted you to have it, without it falling into the Ministries hand, where would be a better place to hide it than the birth place of the founder of Gryffindor?"

Bella nodded, assuming everything was confirmed. "I'll take the tent down," She mumbled after a thick silence, it seemed like the duo needed have a quick heart to heart before their suicide mission.

Harry let out a breath, watching the witch walk away, a feeling of nostalgia washing over him suddenly. "Hermione," He began, trailing off when he couldn't think of anything else to say.

"…you and Bella?" Hermione asked, uncharacteristically grim, as she brushed away stray strands of hair out of her friend's face.

Harry let out a loose laugh, shaking his head. "She's actually great company to keep. I would have noticed if it hadn't been for all the hexes thrown my way, and getting knocked off my broom constantly," He said with a small shrug. "…but we're not as close as you two," He said, watching her expression closely.

Hermione dropped her hand. "Come on," She avoided the question, turning her back to him as she walked towards the tent that was halfway down.

Harry groaned, they couldn't keep ignoring the elephant in the room. Eventually there would be a huge blow up, and he wanted to be somewhere far away when it happened.

Hogwarts, 1994

A week after the Yule Ball

Bellatrix pulled out her wand, twirling it between her fingers as she caught the familiar backside of Granger wandering down an empty hallway. The bookworm had showed everyone, especially Bella, how much she had grown into a fine young woman at the Ball with the barbarian wrapped around her arm. Bella herself had gone with Lestrange, and it wasn't as terrible as she thought it would be. They both had a strong interest in quidditch, and teasing first years, so for most of the Ball they sent hexes to their unsuspecting victims.

Bella's idea of a perfect date.

The night was cut short when she saw Hermione storm off after, awkwardly, berating Ron about his behavior. Bellatrix would have laughed, had it not been for the tears falling down the witch's face. But she could only blame herself, Bellatrix didn't know why Hermione gave Ron the time of day. All he did was hurt her, even she could see that she deserved better.

Like you?

Bellatrix shook her head for thinking such thoughts. She hated Hermione, the girl wasn't worthy of anything; a mudblood, and a blood traitor, they were a perfect match.

"…" Bellatrix growled, sending a hex towards the unsuspecting girl, ignoring the pain in her heart at the thought of seeing Hermione run after Ron.

She only felt a little bit better as Granger fell to the floor, groaning. Bellatrix snickered, kicking away one of the books that had fallen due to Granger losing her grip on them during the hit. The Slytherin twirled her wand around, gleefully, as she thought about others spells she could use to make the witch squirm.

Before she could raise her wand, a quick flash of movement, too fast for her to see, struck as Hermione retaliated. Bellatrix froze, laughter falling, as she saw the anger in those brown orbs; it had been building up and was now being released for her eyes only.

This was new.

Bellatrix, despite the slight fear filling her, couldn't help but be thrilled. This was a new, and exciting, side of Hermione that she wanted to explore. She had made it her goal since their first year to discover it, but after a few years of teasing the seemingly spineless witch Bellatrix had given up. She thought, maybe she had been wrong about their being more to Hermione.

But now, she's thinking she'd been right all along.

"…" Hermione sent a fierce stinging jinx Bellatrix's way, too fast to block.

Bellatrix yelped as it struck her in the face, a tingling sensation overcoming her as she curled into herself pathetically. Despite being bested by a muggleborn, of all people, she couldn't help but feel delighted.

Hermione's gasp broke her away from her train of thought. "Oh, my, I'm so sorry!" She stumbled as she crawled over to check on her rival, worried brown orbs looking down at her with sorrow. "Are you—"

"…" Bellatrix growled, blushing at seeing the power the witch possessed; and her desire to explore it. "If you tell anyone what happened, I'll end you. Do you understand?" She asked, after she had climbed on top of a nervous Hermione.

"Y-yes," Hermione nodded, swallowing as their noses brushed.

They would be in a compromising position, had it not been for the curved wand pointed at her throat.

"…" Bellatrix shoved the witch one more time, face hot, before she swiftly stood up and speed-walked out of the hall.

She released a heavy sigh as she turned the corner, leaning against the wall to catch her breath.

"This girl is going to kill me," Bella whispered, licking her lips as she tried to fight away her blush.

She had caught a glimpse of Hermione's power, and she wanted more.

She would have more.

Bella lets out a sigh as she leaves Harry to place wards around their new resting spot as the darkness envelopes them. She finds herself slapping the tent flaps open with aggravation, a snarl on her lips. Going to Godric's Hollow had to be, the absolute, worst, plan they had ever had.

Bella knew from the start, when they landed in the snowy town filled with Christmas carols, that it'd be a nightmare. First, they visited Harry's parents' graves, and the house where they were killed; Bellatrix felt like she was intruding on a special moment between close friends, so she left to scope out the rest of the house. She knew she and Harry had become close friends over their time in the wilderness, but she didn't think she needed to be there now.

So, she let the old lady, Bathilda Bagshot, lead Harry and Hermione around while she wandered downstairs. She found a book with an interview by Rita Skeeter, eyeing it, bored, before she tossed it aside once more. The light on her curved wand guided her through the broken-down house, her lips curling as a grotesque smell reached her lips.

Bella covered her mouth, groaning, as she heard rather than saw dozens of flies taking up a darkened room. There was a loud thump upstairs followed by Hermione's shout, before she could look further into the dark room; but from her conclusions, she assumes it was a dead body.

Her guess was proved right when she ran upstairs, just in time to see Hermione shoot a stunning spell at Riddle's snake. It must have been disguised as the women, and the cadaver Nagini used had once been below before the beast had taken control of it.

She barely had time to blink before Hermione reached out for her as they apparated away. When they landed in another forest Bellatrix wanted to punch something, a hex wouldn't do, she needed to physically hurt something; she felt like they were going in circles.

But the constant yelling from Hermione snapped her out of her moment long enough to heal Harry's wound from the snake attack. She let Hermione set the tent up before she placed the boy inside to rest for a while. The dark-haired witch left Hermione to sit by his side while she placed the protection wards back over their area.

It was a few hours later when Harry stepped outside to ask Hermione where his wand was. Bellatrix barely restrained a snort as she watched the witch remove the broken wand from underneath a blanket she was obviously hiding it under. Bella amusedly watched Harry let out a heavy sigh, controlling his emotions, before he demanded she lend him hers; also taking the locket.

He gave her a clear dismissal, telling her to get inside to stay warm while he stood watch. Bella was getting tired as well, from the healing and putting up wards, so she stomped her way inside the tent. She should have seen it coming, really. She knows how she gets when she's tired, she's quicker to snap at people than usual.

"…someone's in a mood," Hermione snarked, eyeing the witch from where she sat at the wood table; the book Dumbledore left her out in front.

It had been the closest thing to a full sentence the witch had spoken to her since Ron's disappearance.

Bella rolled her eyes. "I'm not the one brooding over a git who barely knew I existed for half of my life," She snapped, turning to plop down on the sorry excuse for a bed when an arm caught her wrist.

"What's wrong with you?" Hermione growled, anger, and confusion, flashing through her brown eyes.

Bella snatched her arm away as if it burned, gaining a hurt look from the brown-haired witch. "What's wrong with me, eh? I'm not the one who's been sulking around for days, just because that idiot has decided to do us all a favor and get out of our way—"

Hermione frowned, interrupting the witch with ease. "Don't talk about him like that, he's my best friend,"

"Doesn't seem like it to me," Bella huffed, backing away to pace angrily. "No, the pain, from his disappearance, that you have is suited for a lover—"

"You're mad," Hermione scoffed, albeit taking a small step back. "R-ron and I are just friends! I miss him because he's a good friend, and I want him to be safe…he's a better friend than you!" She accused.

Bellatrix froze, pausing from her pacing to snap around to face the witch with the stealth of a snake. "He's a better friend than me? How did you draw that drastic conclusion?"

Hermione crossed her arms. "What happened to, I'll be there for you? You haven't spoken more than five words to me since Ron left," She shook her head. "The whole point of you coming with us was so you could stand by me if my friends betrayed me—"

"Harry didn't betray you," Bella said, receiving an eyeroll from the other girl. "…you already have one friend, so I didn't feel the need to step in; wanted to give you your space. And when I did try to comfort you, you chased after Ron like it was your fault for his appalling behavior,"

"…he's my friend," Hermione said once more, but to Bella it seemed like she was trying to convince herself.

Bella shook her head. "I didn't see friendship that night, I saw heartache," She whispered, turning to head for the exit before the witch called out to her again.

"So, what if it was?" Hermione growled. "He cares about me, we're best friends,"

"…if he cared about you, he would have accepted you despite who you're related to," Bella confirmed, turning to face the heated witch.

Hermione laughed, harsh. "Please, you teased me for years until you found out I was a half-blood. Don't be such a hypocrite," She hissed.

"I accepted you as a muggle-born, despite the hexes, and name calling, I respected you for your high intelligence, and envied you for your friendships," Bella growled, face growing hot with fury; how dare Hermione accuse her of being on the same level as Ron. "And yes, I did decide to act differently towards you once I realized your blood status, but, it's only because I was a coward in the past, and finding out who you were gave me the strength to do what I've really wanted,"

Bella licked her lips. "You give me courage, and I don't feel any differently about you just because you're the dark lord's niece; I could give two shits about your uncle," Hermione smirked slightly, shaking her head at the vulgar language. "You make me brave, and I wanted to be brave for you but when I saw you chase after him…it hurt, and when I'm hurt I tend to avoid things; so, I've kept my distance," She admitted.

"Why do you even care?" Hermione whispered, looking at her with confused eyes. "What does it matter to you, if I have feelings for him?"

Bellatrix felt her heartache; hadn't she made herself clear? "Because I've seen you cry at the Yule Ball due to his ignorance, because I watched him ignore you for years when you tried to get his attention, because he stuffed his tongue down Lavender's throat when you helped him keep his spot on the quidditch team, because you deserve better—"

"I deserve better?" Hermione questioned, scoffing as she watched Bellatrix nod her head sternly. "And what, is that going to be you?" She joked, gesturing to the witch with an eyebrow raised.

Bella remained mute for a few seconds before shrugging. "Would that be such a bad thing?" She asked, confident, as she made eye contact with Hermione.

She was sick of being a coward.

Hermione gaped. "W-what, you're joking," She tried to laugh it off, but couldn't.

"I'm not," Bella shook her head. "I've been trying to pursue you since our third year, but I've only just gathered my nerve this year. And before you ask, it's not because you're a half-blood, it's because I've learned more about you. More than I could have learned from keeping you at a distance,"

"I'm not perfect, I've teased you for years, but, we've also become great friends; I'd go as far to call you one of my best," Bella sighed, taking a small step back. "…and I want to pursue a relationship with you because you're one of the few people I trust; you've protected my sister from myself, you're going against your own uncle to protect the world, and you have a sympathy towards muggles that you've seemed to share with me,"

"…you're brilliant, and I just want to you to be a part of my life…to be more," The dark-haired witch looked away, she didn't want to see how the girl was reacting. "But if you don't want that, it's fine too. I'll be satisfied to just have your friendship,"

Black eyes looked up to connected with conflicted brown orbs. "But don't expect me to act like I'm happy you're settling for him, because you do deserve better…even if it's not me," With that, she turned to exit the tent.

"Bellatrix—" Hermione began, taking a hesitant step forward.

"Stop…it just, hurts, to see you so depressed about him when…" Bella trailed off, shaking her head, as she held her hand out to stop the witch from approaching. "…I need some space, you owe me that,"

Bella left without looking to see her reaction, brushing away tears, as she walked into the comforting dark. Fresh air filled her lungs as she took deep breathes to calm herself down. She grabbed her wand out to act as a flashlight and jumped when she saw Harry a few feet away from her.

"Bloody hell," Bellatrix growled, holding a hand to her rapidly beating heart. "We need to get you a bell round your neck, why are you stalking around like a death eater?"

Harry swallowed, gesturing to the bright light coming from their left. "…look,"

"A Patronus?" Bella gasped, watching as the bright blue doe looked towards them before walking further into the darkest part of the woods.

Harry grabbed her arm. "Come on,"

She barely had a choice as they followed the creature a few meters ahead, where it took them to a frozen lake. The Patronus then morphed into a singular ball of light, resting above the lake just a few feet away from them.

"Lumos," Harry whispered, lighting the darkness as he poked the frozen surface with his feet; testing it. "…stay here, if something happens, protect Hermione,"

Bellatrix rolled her eyes as he played the hero card. "If something happens, I've got your back, now, get on with it," She waved her hand around, bored. "Chosen one duties I suppose?" A shrug, before she gave him a gentle push.

Harry smiled softly before slowly making a move to step on the ice. It crackled, dangerously, as he took small steps forward to get a closer look at the light. Bella frowned, interested, as the blue hue delved into the thick ice and disappeared from her sight.

She watched as he kneeled to wipe away the frosted layer covering the ice to catch a glimpse of what was below. Harry gasped, standing up so quickly Bellatrix worried he might fall backwards.

"Accio sword," She raised her brows as she heard him cast the spell, pointing his wand to the frozen ground beneath his feet; had he found the bloody thing? "…defendo," She heard after a few seconds of silence.

Bellatrix watched silently as the ice cracked away slowly, forming an opening. She barely had time to cover her eyes as he began to disrobe as he prepared to dive underneath to obtain the sword.

That was too much of Potter she was willing to see.

It wasn't until she heard a splash, did she uncover her eyes to see the tip of his hair go underwater. She eyed Hermione's wand where Harry had left it by the edge of the opening and sighed. Hermione was the last thing she needed to think about. Maybe Ron had the right idea, leaving. Bellatrix assumed the trio would be better off without her; most of the time she felt she didn't belong. Like she was intruding on a journey she never should have been a part of.

Before she could think about it any longer, a quick movement underneath the ice caught her attention. A shadow, in the shape of Harry's form, was jerking around wildly; as if he were being attacked.

"Idiot," Bellatrix growled, gaining a solid footing on the ice as she began to walk forward; uneasiness washing over her as she listened to Harry kick at the ice as he tried to escape.

Hermione would kill her if she let the boy die.

Not that she cared what she thought.

"He's a stubborn one, isn't he?" A familiar, sheepish, voice called out from behind her. "…he'd probably die without us, huh?"

Bellatrix wasn't surprised, the trio always seemed to show up whenever one of their kind was in danger. "…suppose he would," She told Ron, looking him over before she nodded to the opening. "Come on then,"

"Right, I'll get the sword, and you get Harry," He said, placing his wand to the ground before diving in.

Bella did the same, but not before casting a heating spell, and jumped into the icy water. She powered through the liquid to swim towards the terrifyingly limp boy. She managed to grab his feet before she swam back to the surface where Ron had just gotten to.

"I've got him," Ron said through heavy breathes, pulling his friend by his feet to drag him the rest of the way. "…here," He made his way back over to Bellatrix, offering his hand.

The dark-haired-witch sighed, taking the offered hand as he pulled her up with ease. "…thanks," She mumbled, snatching her wand from the ground.

"Bella, are you mental?" She heard Harry begin as he pulled his glasses back on. "…you—what," He trailed off, looking towards Bellatrix with a confused expression.

She shrugged, brushing away her damp locks. "Seems like we're both mental enough to save your pathetic life," Bella couldn't help but grin as Ron laughed at her response. "…but he did help me save you,"

"I saw the Patronus," Ron said. "Thought it was yours,"

Harry proceeded to redressing as he spoke. "Mines a stag,"

"Right, yeah," Ron awkwardly motioned to his head with the sword in hand. "Antlers,"

Bellatrix rolled her eyes, but it was all in good cheer. In all honesty, she thought she would be more put off with the redhead returning. But, she was relieved. He was safe, with his friends, where he belonged. The trio would be united once more, stronger, and then, they wouldn't need her.

She was wasting her time here, that's what she had begun to realize.

She didn't belong.

"Alright," Bella looked up when she heard Harry speak, watching him place the locket on a solid rock. "Go ahead then," He said, since Ron was the only one with the sword, it appeared, he would be the one to destroy it.

Ron shook his head. "That thing affects me more than it affects you and Hermione,"

"All the better reason to destroy it," Harry nodded, fixing the locket once more before he looked up to face his friend.

Ron swallowed, backing away slowly. "No, I can't,"

"Then why are you here?" Harry demanded. "Why did you come back?" Bella shifted in her spot as a tense silence filled the air, Harry sighed. "Look, we have to get rid of this before it can do anymore damage. Now, when it opens it will speak to each of us. I don't know what's in there, but it will put up a fight," He backed away, motioning to Ron once more.

"…one," Ron began, eyeing the locket as it whispered quietly to itself.

Harry nodded. "Two,"

"Three," Bellatrix finished, just in time for Harry to speak in Parseltongue as Ron held the sword up.

A strong amount of dark magic exploded from the locket, the force pushing the trio off the ground. Bella swallowed, crawling backwards as a large dark creature sprang forth. She watched as it spoke to Ron, she couldn't hear what it was saying but she could imagine what was running through his mind; the self-doubt, and fear, was already beginning to overpower her.

All her fears, of becoming the cold woman that was her mother, to being consumed with all the dark thoughts that filtered through her mind daily, began to pour out. The fear, that she could never, despite how hard she tried, avoid the dark side that tempted her since her childhood.

She wanted to be better, Hermione was teaching her, but with the locket whispering things in her ear; her fear increased. Doubt rose, and she thought, maybe, it could never happen.

"Ron!" Harry's voice, a light in her darkness, brought her out of it. "Kill it!"

Bellatrix shook her head, struggling to rise to her feet as she moved closer to Ron. During the explosion, they had all been knocked meters away from each other. Ron to her right, and Harry on her far left.

I have seen your dreams, Ronald Weasley. I have seen your fears.

Bella shuddered at the eerie voice, fear freezing her as she tried to move closer.

Least loved by the girl who prefers your friend.

Bella flinched as Harry was pushed back when he tried to interfere. Ron sat, frozen, as the darkness swirled to present him with his worst nightmares. A gasp left her own mouth as an image of herself, along with Hermione, and Harry, by her sides, made its appearance.

"Shit," Bella swallowed, the redhead wasn't the only one with fears.

"We were better without you," The mock Harry said, face pale. "Happier, without you,"

Hermione frowned, the locket made her appear colder than usual. "Who could love you? Opposed to Bellatrix Black, heir to the House of Black. Who are you, compared to her?"

"Ron!" Bellatrix didn't know where her voice came from, but she screamed over the loud darkness to get the boys attention. "Ron, it's lying! None of it's true!"

Hermione wasn't sulking around because of her, she didn't cry each night for Bella, and she wasn't listening to a radio that reminded her of Bella every day. She would never be what Hermione needed her to be, but Ron could.

And maybe she could accept that.

Whatever made Hermione happy.

"Your mother confessed, she would have preferred me as a son," False Harry spoke.

"What woman would take you?" Hermione raised an eyebrow.

Bellatrix shook her head as her impostor growled. "You, are, nothing, compared to me,"

There was a pause where Bella, and Hermione's, impostor turned towards each other; their intent was clear. Just as they began to step closer, Ron let out a fierce roar; holding the sword high over his head as he ran through their darkness.

Bella heard a sharp, clang, before the darkness evaporated. A thick silence taking over them, the void filled with the trio catching their breathes. It felt like the life was coming back to them after being taken away.

"Just think," Ron spoke, a few feet away from them as he sat on his knees. "…only a few more to go,"

Bella couldn't help but snort.

Hogwarts, 1993

Prior to the Time Turner

"Oh, look who's here," The snarky voice of Rabastan Lestrange called out, crossing his arms as the golden trio approached them. "Come to see the show?"

Bellatrix rolled her eyes, leaning against the stone wall as the black-haired boy taunted Granger. "…leave it be," She whispered, Hermione didn't seem like she was in the mood for his nonsense.

Buckbeak, one of Hagrid's beats, were about to be executed. Bellatrix had wandered over to pay her respects, she admired strange beasts. On her way over, Rabastan decided to tag along for the ride, but, his decision to watch was entirely more beastly.

He assumed, just because she said yes to be his date to the Yule Ball next year, that they were on friendly terms. But they weren't, she only did it to shut her mother up.

"You foul, loathsome, evil, little cockroach!" Hermione growled, rising her wand as if she were going to strike the boy, her eyes shifting to Bellatrix who had her eyebrows raised in surprise.

She had never seen the witch this, flushed, and furious.

"Hermione, no!" Ron's squeaky, undeveloped, voice called out from behind her. "He's not worth it,"

Bellatrix scoffed as Lestrange flinched away, cowering like a foul. "…seriously?" She muttered under her breath, twirling her wand as she contemplated, before concluding to leave the black-haired boy to fight his own battle.

He'd have to learn someday.

The bookworm eventually lowered her wand, just like Bellatrix thought.

Lestrange slowly opened his eyes, glancing to Bella as he probably prepared to make an excuse for his shaking figure movements before. When Hermione turned her back to them, Lestrange laughed as he leaned forward to nudge Bellatrix to join in.

Before he could graze her, Hermione snapped back around to land a solid punch to his face. Lestrange let out a yelp, falling to the ground pathetically, looking up, for help. Bellatrix was too shocked to offer a hand, let alone breath. Her heart had never beat so fast.

Hermione's glare was hard, face flush, as her thick locks blew in the wind. There was a look of pure hatred coming out of her normally soft eyes, power oozed from her.

Bella felt herself swoon.

"Come on," Lestrange pulled her out of her daze, lifting himself off the ground with a groan. "Let's go, Bella,"

The dark-haired witch nodded weakly, swallowing as Hermione's hard gaze followed Lestrange as he left. Their eyes met for a mere moment, and Bellatrix swore she saw them soften before Hermione looked away to her shocked friends.

Was it her, or did Hermione's hair look less frizzy than usual?

"Is everything all right?" Hermione asked, walking out of the tent after hearing her friend call her; Bellatrix stood by Harry's side, avoiding her gaze. "…" She bit her lower lip, thinking of something to say when Harry spoke.

"Everything is fine, more than, actually," Harry nodded, motioning to Ron who cautiously waltz over; wisely keeping his distance.

Ron grinned goofily. "Hey," Harry smiled, probably thinking Hermione would run to his arms after his long absence.

He didn't know her as well as Bella.

"You," Hermione growled, stomping her way over as she shoved him. "Complete, arsehole, Ronald Weasley!" She shouted, picking up leaves from the ground to throw at him. "You, show up here after weeks, and say, hey?" Hermione had grabbed his bag, hitting him with it as she spoke each word.

Bella sighed as a thick silence took over, filled with Ron and Hermione starring at each other before she shook her head. "Where's my wand, Harry?" She faced him.

"I don't know," Harry childishly moved away so she couldn't reach him. "I don't have it,"

Hermione huffed. "Harry Potter, you give me my wand back—"

"Why does he have your wand?" Ron frowned.

Hermione snapped back towards him. "Never mind why he's got my wand…what is that?" She asked, watching Ron hold up the destroyed locket with a grin. "You destroyed it? And how is it that you just happen to have the sword of Gryffindor?"

"It's a long story," Bella found her voice, shrugging.

Hermione glanced her way, feeling like she was getting ganged up on. She was curious to what she had missed, but was too furious at Ron, and Harry, for dropping this on her. And she didn't even want to think about what Bella had told her the other night.

"…don't think this changes anything," Hermione said, shaking her head as she prepared to walk away.

Ron scoffed. "Oh, of course not. I only destroyed a bloody Horcrux, how does this change anything?" He sighed as Hermione turned back to face him. "…look, I wanted to come back as soon as I left. Just didn't know how to find you,"

"Yeah, how did you find us?" Harry asked, stepping closer to Bella.

Ron pulled out the gift Dumbledore had given him. "With this,"

"The Deluminator?" Hermione asked, surprise washing over her.

Ron nodded. "It doesn't just turn the lights on and off," He began. "I don't know how it works or why it happened then and not any other time, because I've been wanting to come back ever since I left. But I was listening to the radio, on Christmas morning, and I heard...I heard you."

He didn't take his eyes away from the bookworm.

"You heard me on the radio?" She asked, unbelieving.

Ron shook his head. "No, I heard you coming out of my pocket. Your voice," He held up the Deluminator. "…came out of this."

"And what exactly did I say?" Hermione asked, her tone a mix between skepticism and curiosity.

She would forever be curious, despite the life or death situation she was faced with.

"My name. Just my name, Ron, like a whisper." Bellatrix gnawed on her lower lip, sighing as she looked down at her feet with a frown; hair hiding her face.

She couldn't see the soft brown eyes glancing towards her every now and then.

"So, I took it out," Ron continued, looking at the Deluminator. "…and it didn't seem different, or anything, but I was sure I'd heard you. So, I clicked it. And the light went out in my room, but another light appeared right outside the window."

Ron dazed off, looking into the sky as the memory came back to him.

"It was a ball of light, kind of pulsing, and bluish, like that light you get around a Portkey, you know?"

"Yeah," Harry and Hermione said automatically.

"I knew this was it," Ron said. "I grabbed my stuff and packed it, then I put on my rucksack and went out into the garden. The little ball of light was hovering there, waiting for me, and when I came out, it bobbed along a bit and I followed it behind the shed and then it...well, it went inside me." He shrugged.

"Sorry?" Harry asked, he couldn't have heard him right.

"It sort of, floated towards me," Ron said, explaining the movement with his index finger. "…right to my chest, and then – it just went straight through. It was here," He touched a point close to his heart, causing Hermione to soften slightly. "I could feel it, it was hot. And once it was inside me I knew what I was supposed to do, I knew it would take me where I needed to go. So, I disapparated and came out on the side of a hill. There was snow everywhere...and it was dark, I just hoped that one of you would show yourself,"

Bellatrix met Ron's gaze, swallowing. "…and you did."

"…" Bella gave him a small nod, a soft smile gracing her lips as she acknowledged him.

She had to admit, she was glad he had returned safely. And if Hermione wanted to be with him, she would accept it. She would be supportive of her choice, but it would take time. Bella needed some space, it all seemed like too much.

The silence was deafening.

"Come on," Harry spoke softly, drawing their eyes to him. "Let's go inside, warm up, we have a lot to talk about," He grinned as Ron nodded, a happy smile on his face for being reunited with his friends.

Bella swallowed, remaining still as the trio walked towards the tent. "…"

"Bellatrix," Ron called out, surprising her, as he gave her a soft, confused, look. "Are you coming?"

The dark-haired witch avoided Hermione's obvious gaze on her, nodding. "You guys go ahead, I'm going to check the charms and put up some new wards," She said with ease, giving them a reassuring smile.

Harry grinned, thanking her, before he slipped into the tent once more. Ron gave a nod in her direction, while Hermione hesitated, she tried to meet her gaze, but gave up when Bella turned her back. She didn't turn around until she heard the flaps close.

"…" She pulled out her wand, twirling it between her fingers as she walked towards the invisible shield.

She'd never be part of the golden trio.

Bella gave a final glance over her shoulder when a bright spark emerged in the tent, followed by Hermione's shout. The sound of Harry and Ron's laughter eased her worries.

"Idiots," She snorted, before apparting away.

They didn't need her here.