A few of you asked about my update schedule. I don't really have a set time or day for when I post new chapters, some days I'll be in a good mood and will post early. So, if I'm in a good mood I'll post on Wednesday and if not, I'll try having something up by Friday night.
You never know with me, so, just check weekly.
Bechloe: You only had to wait a few days, and sorry for making you cry in the library…but I'm happy my story could touch you so emotionally.
BlackSwordsWoman: Update info is above.
Lynettecullen: *shrugs*
Guest: I didn't mean to end here, but I had to be up early, so I was like whatever…But I really wanted to end with another flashback.
Mandy: I've been asking myself the same question.
Cc: Haha, the schedule info is above.
Guest: Yeah, it's on AO3.
Guest: As much as I love all of those things, I can't be bribed! But here's another chapter, it has nothing, no relation, to the pancakes you bribed me with.
Guest: You need a flashback from their 3rd year? …keep reading.
Guest: My schedule is above, and I didn't intend to leave a cliffhanger…it just sort of, happened.
Mangafreak11: Yeah, it sucks, and I appreciate the support.
Darkshadow-lord: The smart ones are always oblivious with this type of stuff.
Next Chapter will be all in Bella's perspective.
Fighting Monsters
Chapter Six: At Sea
"There is an ocean of silence between us…and I am drowning in it."
—Ranata Suzuki
"Bellatrix," Ron surprised her as he looked towards the witch, his expression kind. "Are you coming?"
Hermione wondered when the redhead and Bella had gotten to such a point where they could be civil. Their friendship wasn't as developed as Bella and Harry, but, it was manageable.
It was very mature on Bella's part as well.
"You guys go ahead, I'm going to check the charms and put up some new wards," The dark-haired witch said, shrugging as she gave them a lopsided smile that caused Hermione's stomach to flutter.
Harry grinned, before thanking her, as he slipped into the tent behind them. Ron gave her a nod while Hermione hesitated. Something didn't feel right, the witch seemed like she was contemplating something. There was a look in her eyes, but when Hermione tried to meet her gaze Bella turned her back.
She didn't expect the sharp pain at being brushed aside so easily. She knew Bella was still angry with her, and she wanted to give her space, but they would have to talk eventually. What about, Hermione didn't know.
So, the witch wanted to pursue her…but what was she supposed to do with that information? They were already submerged in a wizarding war that her uncle, of all people, created; there was too much going on to think about romance. And even if they did have time, Hermione isn't sure how she feels about Bella.
Sure, they've become great friends, and she loves being around her, and her brain sort of stops working when Bella's in her proximity, but she's also been the cause of her suffering. Bellatrix had always tortured, teased, and belittled her at every chance she had during their years at Hogwarts. She claims to have began pursuing her their 3rd year but Hermione begs to differ.
She would have noticed.
Right?
"…you need a new wand, don't you?" She heard Ron ask Harry as she walked inside the tent, giving up on trying to get Bella's attention; if the witch wanted space then she could have it.
Hermione wouldn't chase after her.
"I've got one here," The redhead pulled a wand from his bag, handing it to Harry before he glances Hermione's way as she sat at the wooden table across from them. "…uhm, it's nothing special but I reckon it'll do. Stole it from a snatcher,"
Harry grinned, grateful, as he twirled it between his fingers before pointing it as the dim fire inside a jar. "Engorgio," He said with ease.
A high-powered flame exploded from the glass, shooting up. Hermione jumped back, preparing to dim the flame when Harry shouted a quick reducing spell.
"Harry!" She berated, groaning as the boys laughed effortlessly.
He cleared his throat, adjusting his glasses as he tried to hide his amusement. "Apologizes, just wanted to test it out,"
"…either way," Hermione rose from the bench, it was time to get back to what they were here for. "We need to talk,"
Ron sighed, nodding his head, as he met her gaze with soft eyes. "Yeah, all right,"
Light brown orbs narrowed. "…I want to go and see Xenophilius Lovegood," Hermione said, pulling out a book she had been looking into the night Bella walked out.
Work always managed to distract her from her thoughts.
"Sorry?" Harry frowned, confused, as he stood from the old cot.
Hermione held up the book, walking closer to the brown-haired boy. "See this? It's a letter Dumbledore wrote to Grindelwald." She pointed her finger towards the bottom of the paragraph. "Look at the signature. It's the mark again,"
Harry frowns, examining the letter as he leans over her shoulder.
"It keeps cropping up," She moved to sit down on the low steps leading to the wooden table in the makeshift den. "Here. In Beedle the Bard. In the graveyard in Godric's Hollow—what?" She stopped when he looked at her in realization.
Harry licked his lips as Hermione rose to approach him once more. "It was there too,"
"Where?" Hermione frowned.
"Outside Gregorovitch's wand shop," Harry mumbled, thinking back to the memory he obtained from Riddle. "It was on the alley wall,"
Ron spoke, joining the conversation as the wheels began turning in his mind. "What does it mean?"
"…Harry," Hermione began, glancing at the book before meeting his eyes. "…you don't have a clue where the next Horcrux is. Neither do I—"
"He's your uncle," Ron said, holding his hands up when Hermione glared at him; they still hadn't spoken about her family tree, and how the redhead felt about it. "I didn't mean…I just—you know him better than anyone. Is there any place that means something to him?"
Harry looked over at her, curious. He didn't want to ask her about Riddle because he thought it would be a sensitive subject, but he had wanted to ask. Maybe her closeness to him could help them on their search.
He just didn't want to use her just to gain something.
He wouldn't be like Riddle.
"If I knew anything I'd tell you," Hermione looked at Ron as she said this, she needed to make sure that he knew she was loyal to her friends; loyal to their mission.
Ron nodded, he wasn't questioning where her loyalties lie. "I know, and I'm not doubting you. But maybe, you're overlooking something? Your father was close with him, maybe he has something hidden at a place they used to visit all the time," He suggested carefully.
Hermione shook her head. "I was young when my uncle was around, the only person who would know something is my father," She paused when the duo looked at her expectantly. "…no."
"Your father could know something," Harry said softly, the time for beating around the bush was done.
They had a war to win, and they had to investigate all their leads.
"My father is probably in Australia by now with my mum," Hermione ranted, running a hand through her thick locks; she couldn't believe them. "He went into hiding because my uncle has threatened to hurt my mum in the past, and I don't want to put them in anymore danger—"
Harry shook his head. "Riddle cares about your father, he wouldn't harm him unless it was a last resort. There are still a few more Horcruxes out there but when the numbers start shortening, he'll start trying to stop us in other ways. Talking to Ron is child's-play compared to what he can do to your family, Hermione,"
He implored her, eyes soft as he tried to get her to understand. "We should see your father, find out if he knows something before your uncle gets to him…you know what he's capable of,"
"…what about Luna's father," Hermione began, holding the book up again. "It could mean something!"
She didn't want to put her family in any more danger.
Harry shook his head. "Lovegood isn't going anywhere, but your parents…they could know something important." He took a step closer to her, sheepish. "…I know we're asking you a lot, we have not right to ask this of you, but your father could know something. He may not know it consciously, but his memories could shed some light,"
"And you'd get to see your parents!" Ron supplied, not helping her feel any better. "A-and, I know they'd want to see you…know you're safe, yeah?" He continued when Harry gave him a look.
Hermione sighed, she didn't like it. "…what if he doesn't know anything? We would have wasted our time,"
"Hermione, your father was Riddle's brother," Harry stepped close enough, so he could grab onto her shoulders. "If he didn't know anything, then Riddle wouldn't be threatening to harm him. He may know where a Horcrux is, or a clue, he could know what that symbol means," He gestured to the book in her hand.
He implored her once more, desperate. "Please,"
"…" Hermione gnawed on her lower lip.
Harry was her best friend, and he wouldn't ask her this lightly. On some level she knew he was right, what did they have to lose? If anything, they were gaining something. Riddle was planning to contact her father anyway, for what, she wasn't sure, but she wasn't looking forward to it. Maybe they could beat him to it, they could find out what he knows, if anything, and find the last of the Horcruxes before it was too late.
"…fine," She said softly, still unsure.
But they had to try all their leads, and she just happened to have the best one now. She's surprised Harry hadn't asked her the first second he found out about her family.
Harry nodded, offering her a soft thank you. He didn't smile, it wasn't a conquest. His friend's family wasn't a tool they could use to get to where they needed; they were people, and he didn't want to put them in danger. Which is why they had to get to them before Riddle.
"I'll go tell Bella," Harry muttered, making his way outside while he gave Ron and Hermione a moment.
The redhead shoved his hands into his pocket, clearing his throat. "…sorry, I know it wasn't my place to suggest we go see your family. Especially when I accused you of being on his side—"
"My uncle," Hermione got out, eyeing him. "…the dark lord is my uncle. But you're still here, still speaking with me,"
Ron frowned. "Should I not be?"
"You were pretty clear on how you felt about me being related to him before," She rolled her eyes.
Bellatrix may have taunted her for years, but at least she didn't turn her back on her when she learned about her family. She stayed, and he didn't.
Ron lowered his eyes, ashamed. "…it was me speaking, the locket was controlling my emotions—"
"It doesn't control you," Hermione snapped. "It just feeds on your insecurities and heightens your emotions. You were in control of your actions, so don't you dare blame that Horcrux on saying what you've always wanted to,"
The redhead shook his head, agitated. "It wouldn't have happened if your uncle hadn't have told me—"
"Don't blame my uncle for telling you the truth," Hermione snapped, eyes so fierce he flinched back. "I should be thanking him, now I know how you really feel."
Ron shivered, there was energy, a dark one, emanating from the witch. "…why are you defending him?" He trailed off, keeping an eye on the bookworm even as Harry ran inside with a shout.
"She's gone!" His eyes were wide, hair a mess, as he breathed heavily.
Ron watched as Hermione's dark gaze turned cold, fear making its appearance, as she slowly turned to him. "W-what? Who?" She knew who, she just didn't want to believe it.
She promised she would stay.
"Bella, I've looked all over," Harry licked his lips. "She left, I saw marks on the ground, she apparated away."
Ron finally looked away from the witch. "How long ago?"
"Had to be just a few minutes after we left her," Harry shrugged, running a hand through his hair. "…do you know where she could have gone?"
Hermione shook her head, she couldn't think. "I don't…she can't go anywhere, her family is looking for her, and Hogwarts isn't safe." She dropped the book they had been examining, missing the way her friend's eyes widened as it landed to the floor. "W-we have to look for her, maybe she went back to the Burrow? Or maybe she was taken—"
"She wasn't taken, she left on her own free will," Harry whispered, he had never seen her so frazzled.
Hermione snapped, unaware of the lights flickering around them. "We have to look for her! She wouldn't just leave,"
Bella wouldn't leave her, couldn't have, she's the only one who understands. Knows how to control the pull of darkness while coming out somewhat whole.
"Maybe she just needed some space, Hermione," Harry said softly, avoiding the reason she may need that space in the first place. "Ron came back, and I'm sure Bella will as well; when she's ready,"
Hermione shook her head, why did it feel like she couldn't breathe. "Ron had a gift from Dumbledore to lead him back, Bella doesn't. She's all alone,"
She's all alone, that's how she must have felt when Hermione had ignored her.
"Mione," Ron began, voice soft as he looked at the rapidly flickering lights. "…you need to control your magic,"
Hermione took a heavy breath, closing her eyes. "Harry…what do we do?" Her voice cracked.
"We can't just stop our mission because she isn't here, this is bigger than that," Harry said as softly as possible; he could almost feel her uncontrolled magic in the air. "This is Bellatrix Black we're talking about, she can hold her own,"
He had no idea Bella's disappearance could affect the bookworm this way. And he thought Ron's leaving had caused a rift. But it was nothing compared to this.
Harry placed a hand on her shoulder, eyes softening as the bookworm fell into his arms. "…she'll be fine,"
He just hoped Hermione would be.
Hogwarts, 1994
Third Year
"You're insufferable,"
Harry frowned, he could tell the voice was coming from Hermione who appeared to be arguing with someone, so early in the morning, from the way she spat the words out. He paused on his way down the stairs leading towards the great hall, listening.
"…just like your master," He heard her trail off in what sounded like a huff.
A soft cackling laugh, sending chills down his spine, was the response. "Beatrice is an angel, her name means the bringer of joy,"
The quick, snarky, reply let him know it was Bellatrix. Which didn't surprise him. When it came to Hermione, she only got into arguments with a select few; Ron, Lestrange, and Bellatrix. Lately, the dark-haired witch had become a larger thorn in his friend's side than usual.
Suddenly, the witch had begun to go out of her way to tease the bookworm. It seemed like at every turn, the Slytherin was there to challenge her. And of course, Hermione would rise to it.
Harry had to admit, it had become music to his ears. It was far better than Hermione and Ron fighting.
And more entertaining.
"More like bringer of havoc," Hermione snapped, he caught a glimpse of her petting Crookshanks on his head as he walked further down the steps.
Harry watched as Bellatrix huffed, leaning down to pick up her purebred Scottish Fold; a soft smile gracing her lips as Beatrice purred lovingly at her. "She was playing, don't catch a fit just because your cat—"
"She was clawing at her tail!" Hermione growled, face flushed with aggravation.
Bellatrix gaped, outraged. "That's how she plays!"
Harry couldn't help but laugh, clearing his throat when he was met with the threatening gaze of a furious Black. He always seemed to gain this reaction whenever he interrupted their small spats.
It seemed like Bellatrix wanted to taunt Hermione without any interjections.
"Harry," Hermione looked relieved, a smile gracing her lips as he finished walking down the steps.
He breezed past Bellatrix, shuddering at the thick tension surrounding them. "Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt, but I was on my way to look for Ron." He paused, unsure as he began to speak. "…what's going on here?"
"None of your business, Potter," Bellatrix snapped, causing him to swallow at the intense glare; to his surprise, Hermione only rolled her eyes as if she were bored. "…but, if you must know, Granger is in a mood because her cat can't handle a little rough play-time—"
Hermione scoffed, hugging her feline to her chest. "Your cat is barbaric! I don't want her anywhere near my Crookshanks,"
"…fine with me," Harry watched the witch reply, but it seemed like she hesitated for a moment. "I don't want your stupid cat near mine anyway," Her voice was cold, and it was only then, did Hermione flinch back, watching Bellatrix walk away.
He could see the regret filling her eyes. Harry watched, intrigued, as Hermione stepped forward. For a moment he thought she would run after Bellatrix, but then red hair broke her trance.
"Hey guys," Ron called out, blocking the view of the fuming witch who was halfway across the hall. "What's going on, I thought we were meeting in the great hall?" He frowned, shoving his hands into his pockets.
Harry broke the silence, chuckling. "Crookshanks got into a fight with Beatrice,"
"Again?" Ron's eyes widened, snorting. "Those two are just like their owners,"
Hermione snapped her attention to the boy, frowning. "And what exactly does that mean?" She was too busy focusing her anger on Ron, that she let Crookshanks jump out of her arms.
He always like to run around by himself, Hermione trusted him to return when it was time to be fed so she didn't worry.
Ron stuttered, face red, as he tried to come up with an answer. "I-I don't know—what's gotten up your pants this morning?" It was too early for them to be getting into a fight; and he didn't even know what caused it.
"Ugh, forget it," Hermione twirled on her heel dramatically, and stormed away; Harry suspected she would go back to her dorm and vent to Ginny about what was really bothering her.
And he was sure he would hear about how bad of a fool Ron was, and how cruel Bellatrix had been, when she caught up with him later in the day.
Ron shook his head. "What is her problem? Did I say something? I know I say a lot of things, but, this time it wasn't me…right?"
"She was just in a mood because she and Bellatrix were arguing earlier," Harry supplied, turning as they slowly began walking towards the dining hall.
His friend huffed. "…unbelievable,"
"What?" Harry asked, turning to see where the redhead's gaze was.
Ron snorted, gesturing to the two cats pressed against each other outside on the grass. "Their cats can get along, but they can't,"
Harry looked through the window, taking in the sight of Hermione's bushy haired cat leaning into Bellatrix's black-haired menace. A soft smile graced his lips as he watched Beatrice clean Crookshanks orange fur with her tongue.
"Guess I was wrong," Ron said, breaking him out of his trance.
Harry frowned. "What?"
"Guess they aren't like their owners," Ron shrugged.
Harry turned back to the peaceful cats as his friend spoke from behind him.
"…they can get along,"
"Hermione," Harry whispered, clutching his wand in his hand. "We have to leave; your parents are the main priority right now."
Ron stood beside him, looking away as Hermione looked off into the dark. "…what if she comes back? We won't be here, we could miss her—"
"She's smart, she'll find us," Harry confirmed, he had faith in Bella. "And when she finds her way back to us, I'll yell at her with you for being so daft to think she doesn't belong with us. Come on,"
Hermione looked once more, walking backwards when she couldn't see the witch. "…okay," She sighed, grabbing his hand blindly; not looking away from the forest, hopeful.
Maybe she just took a walk, she knew how much Bella loved going for late walks in the night.
"Hermione," Harry softly nudged her. "…you have to take us there,"
She nodded, chancing one more look; when darkness greeted her, she sighed. "Okay."
Hermione apparated them away, the feeling of dread overpowering the jolt in her stomach from moving through space and time so suddenly. She didn't open her eyes until she felt Harry release her hand. She hoped, foolishly, that when she opened her eyes she'd be back at Hogwarts. Hermione wished she could go back to when things were simple.
When she only had to worry about Bellatrix hexing her or studying for her exams. Now it all seems so foolish, her past worries.
"…" She opened her eyes, greeted with the view overlooking the bay of Australia opposed to black, observant, eyes. "We're in Coffs Harbour, my father should be on his boat. Come on," She muttered, swallowing her conflicting emotions long enough to walk down the hill.
She made sure to land them on the plains, hidden by hills, so no muggles could see them. Ron and Harry trailed behind her, looking around as they approached the board walk leading to anchored boats.
"Which boat is his?" Harry asked, smiling softly at the older woman passing them. "…we should get out of sight,"
Hermione nodded, barely listening to him as she caught up to the familiar white boat. "This is us," She said, looking to see if anyone was watching before she climbed into the boat.
"Never knew your parents were into boats," Ron whispered, trailing behind Harry as he jumped aboard.
Harry shrugged, taking in the modern boat. "Are they inside?"
"Mum might be at the house, but dad should be here," Hermione pulled out her wand, carefully walking down the steps leading to the bottom of the boat.
She heard, rather than saw, a spell shoot towards her. "Stupefy!"
"Reducto!" Hermione thwarted the spell with ease, child's-play. "It's just me, dad," She said before he could throw another spell her way.
She didn't want to fight anymore.
Wendell let out a heavy breath, a wide smile gracing his rugged features as he ran towards her. "Hermione, blimey, didn't expect to see you anytime soon!" He mumbled into her hair as he lifted her from the ground.
"What's wrong dear?" Hermione heard someone say from the bedroom. "…Hermione!" She knew it was her mother when her sweet lemon scent washed over her, Wendell pulled away to give them space. "You're filthy, and you look so skinny, have you been eating?" Her mother ranted, pawing at her daughter's red face.
Hermione sighed, face hot as her friends snickered. "I'm fine mum, really,"
"…we'll talk later," Her mother whispered, she always knew when something was wrong with her daughter. "But how about you introduce us to your friends, hmm? We've heard stories about you boys, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," She held her hand out to Harry first. "Monica Granger,"
Harry smiled kindly. "Harry Potter, and this is Ron,"
"I know who he is," Monica snarked, ignoring Hermione as she gave her an exhausted look. "I've heard the stories—"
Wendell clapped his hands together, happy to diffuse the tension. "So, why are you three here? I can only assume it has something to do with my brother, I just hope he hasn't done anything drastic enough to make you come seek us,"
Hermione crossed her arms. "…we've found one of his Horcruxes and destroyed it, but we're at a loss at where the others are," She licked her dry lips. "If we can get them all, we can stop him,"
"Which is why we need your help," Harry finished. "You're his brother, I was hoping you might know of any areas Riddle enjoyed. Somewhere he might have hidden a Horcrux, or maybe he asked you to hold onto something?" His eyes were hopeful.
Wendell ran a hand through his red locks. "…Tom, before he was defeated during the first war, he gave me a few things to lock away in our vault. It's protected under my real name, Riddle, and only family can get into it," He glanced over at his daughter. "Hermione would be able to open it,"
"But how could we sneak into the ministry?" Harry frowned. "…and nobody knows who Hermione really is."
Wendell shook his head. "No, the vault isn't at the ministry." The trio frowned, leaning forward, confused. "Tom's never trusted that stuff, it's locked away at one of the Manors belonging to our family…well, the Slytherin side of our family. But Hermione would still be able to access it, it's guarded by blood magic,"
Harry moved closer. "Where is the Manor?"
"It's located in The Fens of Eastern England," Wendell told them, smiling softly at the memory of nights at the Manor with his brother. "Slytherin Manor, named after—"
"Salazar Slytherin," Hermione finished, closing her eyes with a groan. "My great ancestor, of course it's there."
Ron swallowed, whispering to himself. "We have to go to that lunatics Manor?" He paused. "…which is technically Hermione's inheritance?"
"Well there's still Tom and I, but yes, it will belong to her once we are gone," Wendell confirmed. "I have only been there a few times before Hermione was born. Tom would come to visit me, and we'd go to the Manor and just talk." He cleared his throat. "Tom, and I each share a vault at the Manor. Hermione will have access to it, I made sure of it,"
Her father shook his head. "I doubt my brother would have it locked off from you,"
"It's settled then, we have to check the vault," Harry finished. "There must be something in there."
Wendell bit his lip. "I don't know if you kids should go there, it's the one place my brother may be. You'd be walking right into his hands,"
Hermione shook her head. "I don't think he'd expect anyone to go there, and the wards stop people who aren't blood related from going inside—"
"So, you'd be the only one who could get in," Harry frowned. "…if something happened, we wouldn't be able to reach you. He's right, it's too dangerous,"
Hermione frowned. "I'll do it."
Ron shook his head. "Mione, you don't have to—"
"It'll be fine, the wards won't alert my uncle if I go in because I am blood related," She explained, licking her lips as her mind began to run. "As long as I find what we need, we'll be out of there without any problems. You and Ron can stand guard while I'm inside,"
She sighed when everyone gave her a worried look, not convinced. "The Manor belongs to me, okay, I belong there. And if my uncle does find me there he won't hurt me, dad, you know this."
Wendell shrugged. "…there was a time I thought I knew my brother, but now isn't the time. He's unpredictable,"
"I know him better than you think, trust me," Hermione begged, she would do anything to end this war; to get things back to the way they used to be, with Bella. "…please, I've come this far, we must stop him,"
Wendell sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Let me come with you, we're stronger in numbers,"
"No, you have to protect mum," Hermione denied. "And no offense but, you haven't held a proper wand in months, that spell you threw at me couldn't knock out a fly,"
Wendell pouted. "Hey! I'll have you know, I was a great wizard during my time,"
"But you're…rusty," She said when he gave her a look. "You'd slow me down, and I'm fine on my own,"
Harry nodded silently. "She is, her magic has been getting stronger lately,"
Hermione groaned when her father looked her way, worried. "Out of nowhere?"
"Usually sparks up when she's emotional," Ron said, arms crossed, face stone cold. "Especially when she's worried about someone."
Monica gave the trio a saddened look. "Did something happen?"
"No—"
"Bella—"
Hermione and Harry said simultaneously. Resulting in a flushed bookworm glaring at a confused chosen one.
"Who's Bella?" Her mother asked, taking in the sudden change in her daughter's behavior. "…Bellatrix?" Monica tried the familiar name on her tongue, she knew it was correct when three sets of eyes went wide.
Ron seemed downright outraged, causing much amusement for her, while Harry was rightfully curious. Hermione seemed like she wanted to jump into the ocean and never emerge.
"You've talked about her to your mum?" Ron growled, furious.
Hermione shook her head, ignoring him. "Wh-what, how do you know who she is?"
"You talk about her all the time dear," Monica swore she saw Hermione's knees buckle, her face couldn't get any redder. "How she always tries to best you in school, the hexes, snobbish pureblood attitude, stormy black devious eyes, and thick curly hair that, despite its unruliness, smells pleasantly like a rain storm—"
Hermione balked. "I never said that last one!"
She didn't remember telling her mother anything about the witch. Sure, she's talked about school, which includes her rival, but she didn't mention her all the time.
Right?
"You talk in your sleep, honey," Monica eased, softly running her hand through her daughter's hair. "But never mind, what happened to her?"
Harry shook his head, amused, as Hermione moved her mother's fingers from her hair. "She was traveling with us, but she left a few hours ago,"
"Why was she traveling with you? I thought you hated her?" Monica asked.
Hermione growled. "I don't hate her." She lowered her voice when stunned eyes reached her gaze. "…she found out Riddle is my uncle, and was actually really supportive about it so we became pretty close friends,"
"…too close," Ron whispered to himself.
Harry, not seeming to have heard, smiled genuinely. "I didn't think so at first, but, Bella is a good friend. But she left without warning,"
"Do you know why?" Wendell asked.
Hermione lied. "No,"
"…okay then," Monica eased over the conversation, she'd speak with her daughter later. "You three know where you're going, but you'll need some rest. I'll take you to the house, you can all wash up, and get a home cooked meal. I promise I won't keep you too long,"
Harry couldn't disagree, he was exhausted. "Okay, we can leave early in the morning,"
"Finally, some real food," Ron groaned, rubbing his stomach with a frown.
Wendell chuckled, wrapping an arm around his daughter. "Come on, you can help your mother in the kitchen, and then we can talk more,"
"Okay," Hermione mumbled, eyes weighing her down.
All this talk about Bella was making her exhausted.
Even when the witch wasn't in her presence she still managed to get under her skin.
She had missed the feeling.
London, 1994
Summer before 4th Year
"Ugh!" Monica watched, amused, as her daughter plopped down into her seat. "I loathe her mum, I truly do,"
Her mother raised a brow, she knew where this story was going. "What'd Bellatrix do this time? Send a…what's it called again, a hex? Did she hex you?" She crossed her arms, leaning against the sink in the kitchen. "No, school doesn't start until a month. What could she have done?"
Hermione leaned her face into her palm. "She sent me a letter,"
"How rude of her," Monica teased, laughing as the fifteen-year-old glared at her. "What was in the letter, dare I ask?"
The bookworm huffed, crossing her arms as she replied. "She wrote about these advanced potions books she started reading to prepare for class. Even went as far to send me a copy," She gestured to the heavy advanced book on the table with a snarl.
"…I'm confused," Monica shook her head, wiping her wet hands into the towel on the counter. "She sent you an advanced book to help you get ahead of your studies. What's wrong with that?"
It seemed like a nice gesture to Monica. Sweet even, everyone knew how much Hermione loved books.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Bellatrix is vindictive, she sent this to me, so I know she's more prepared for classes than me. She's trying to best me before school has even began."
"I really think she was just being nice, honey," Monica teased.
But her daughter wasn't listening, stuck in her own delusions of what the book could mean. "The nerve of her, sending me this…"
Monica shook her head, turning her back to continue cooking dinner.
She didn't see what the problem was. The Bellatrix she had heard of in the past had been crude, and unforgiving. But this Bellatrix, she was kind, and considerate.
Despite what Hermione thought, Bellatrix had changed. Monica didn't know when, or what caused it, but something had shifted in their relationship.
She just hoped one day Hermione could see it too.
"Are you going to tell me what's wrong?" Hermione resisted the urge to roll her eyes as her mother spoke from behind her. "You've been acting differently; does it have something to do with Bellatrix leaving?"
Hermione shrugged, leaning against the sink as she watched Harry speak to her father in the living room. "…she chose to leave," She said, looking away from her mother's gaze.
Monica sighed, sitting down at the kitchen table. "Hermione Jean Granger," The bookworm shuddered, looking at her mother as she used her full name. "Talk to me, please. You're scaring me, I've never seen you so shut off and distant. Did you and Bellatrix get into another one of your fights?"
Hermione ran a hand through her thick hair, it was still wet from her shower. "…mum, it's complicated, I don't want to talk about it,"
"If you don't talk to someone, it's going to eat at you," Her mother whispered, she was never one to let something go so easily. "And I'm no witch, but, from what your friends said, it's having an impact on your magic. If you keep bottling these emotions inside, eventually they will burst,"
Hermione sighed, shutting her eyes as she hesitated.
She was afraid.
"…I can't," Her voice cracked. "…if, if I say it then—it'll be real, and I'm not sure if I want that right now,"
Monica frowned, trying to understand as she rose to step closer to her daughter. "What will?"
Hermione's eyes burned as the tears tried to push through her lids. "…she left because of me,"
Monica's gaze softened, understanding that Bellatrix leaving had something to do with one of their lover's spats; it happened without her daughter noticing it had turned into that. "I'm sure it wasn't your fault—"
"She told me she wanted to be in a relationship, with me," Hermione got out, breathing heavy as the dam finally broke; weeks of keeping everything to herself. "But I brushed her aside, made her feel like she was alone, and she supported me when no one else did…she probably hates me,"
Monica wrapped her arms around her daughter, shushing her. "I've heard about the way that girl bickers with you, reminds me of how your father and I used to be at your age…that much passion, no, there is no way she could hate you. It's the opposite, I'd assume,"
"…she wanted answers I didn't have," Hermione whispered, head tucked into her mother's warm shoulder.
Monica ran a hand though her daughter's hair, she had assumed there had been something more between the two witches for a while now. "You don't feel the same?" She asked.
"I don't know how I feel," She confessed. "But she was so sure, and I feel awful for not noticing."
Monica shrugged. "Things like this, they sneak up on us, they come out of nowhere. And I think your answer, or lack of, snuck up on Bellatrix; and maybe she needs some time to think about how you two can move on from it—"
"Move on?" Hermione's eyes held a look of panic as she pulled away from her mother.
Her mother nodded, eyeing her daughter carefully. "…yes, if you don't feel the same way then Bellatrix will probably try to get over her feelings during your time apart and—"
"I don't want that!" Hermione groaned, pushing away her tears as fear arose.
"…but you don't know if you want to be with her either?" When Hermione nodded she sighed. "I think you should use this time apart to figure out what you do want."
Hermione covered her eyes, nodding. "…I'll try, but it's so confusing. Bella and I have always been at each other's necks, but then everything changed and suddenly she's tolerable. Then she goes from tolerable to kind, and suddenly, I enjoy the time we spend together. My stomach, flutters, and turns whenever she's around,"
"…and because she's alone, I feel alone; even though I have Harry, Ron, you, and dad…" Hermione laughed, humorless. "I miss her so much," She finished weakly.
Monica placed a comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Well, from what I've been told, Bellatrix is a force to be reckoned with, so she'll be fine on her own—"
"She shouldn't have to be alone," Hermione whispered.
Monica smiled softly, her own heart breaking at seeing her daughter in so much pain. "And when she comes back," She paused, brushing a strand away from Hermione's face. "…you can tell her how much you've missed her. Friends, or more than friends, I'm sure she'll still be happy to know,"
"…hey," Harry's voice caused her to look up, she didn't bother to hide her red eyes from him; he was her best friend. "We're ready when you are,"
Hermione took a breath, pulling away from her mother with a nod. "…"
"I still don't know how I feel about you going to Salazar Manor by yourself," Her father said, stepping in from behind Harry. "Maybe I should—"
"No," Hermione said, releasing a deep breath as she straightened her back. "You have to stay here and protect mum in case he sends someone," She licked her lip, thoughtful. "…you guys might have to move again, this time somewhere he won't expect,"
Wendell nodded. "I know a few places, I've had this planned the moment he threatened Monica's life. We have houses ready for us all over the world, they're all under different names so he won't be able to trace us. We won't stay in one place for too long,"
Hermione didn't like the idea of her parents running around the world, having to look over their shoulders, but she was glad her father had planned for this. "Everything sounds fine, and I won't need anyone to go with me. The alarms won't go off if I'm there,"
"We'll leave early in the morning then," Harry said softly.
He wanted to give her one night with her family before everything got out of control.
Monica moved forward, gesturing for the boys to follow her. "Harry, and Ron, you two can share the guest room upstairs. Follow me, I just have to get some blankets ready for the both of you,"
"That'd be great thanks," Ron smiled, stretching his arms out. "I'm bloody exhausted,"
Harry couldn't help but nod as he followed Monica and Ron upstairs. Hermione leaned back against the kitchen sink, crossing her arms as she silently listened to their footsteps.
Wendell looked at his daughter, to the dark bags under her eyes, it was like he couldn't even recognize her. "Are you sure you're emotionally ready for this? I don't know much about this Bellatrix person but, from what I can tell…she's influencing your magic—"
"It's made my magic stronger," She said quickly, folding her arms as she looks up at the white ceiling.
Her father shook his head. "You're reckless. You need to control it before you do something you regret," He gave her a sad look; he feared for her, she was acting the same way Riddle acted when he began looking into Horcruxes. "…you have to forgive yourself for whatever happened between you two or it will tear you apart,"
"…I don't want to see that happen to you," Wendell shook his head. "I can't see it happen to two people I love,"
Hermione snapped her head up, more tears rising at the thought of her father seeing Riddle inside her. "I will never be like him." She threw her arms around her father's neck, taking in his mannish scent. "I promise,"
"I believe you," Wendell whispered into her thick locks, patting her on the head.
She wasn't like him.
His daughter would do better.
"Good evening Narcissa," A voice growled, causing the young girl to jump.
Narcissa swallowed, leaning back as the youngest Lestrange approached her. "…what do you want, Rodolphus?" She eyed her sister's fiancé, she had never really like him growing up; always thought he was twisted, and deranged, like his brother.
"Is that anyway to speak to your future brother in law?" He grinned, white teeth sharp, devious. "Once Bellatrix finds her way back to me, we will seal the deal,"
Narcissa restrained her snort. "My sister doesn't want you," She didn't care much for Granger, but, she assumed she'd be a better match than him; not to mention her royal blood status, that was a plus. "Why do you think she ran away, to avoid you."
The older boy shook his head, brushing back his gel slicken hair with ease. "We are promised, she just needs some time to realize it. And when she does, we will finally be together," He smiled, surprising Narcissa with how genuine it was.
"…you really care about her, don't you?" She began, wheels turning in her head.
Rodolphus snorted. "I'd care about anyone with a body like that—" Narcissa flinched, disgusted. "Have you seen her? Everyone in our year has wanted to get with her, but she's too damn stubborn. But once we're married, she'd have no choice but to be mine." He growled, dark eyes flashing with defiance. "Let's see her try to stop me then,"
Narcissa felt bile rise to her throat. Once again, she had been wrong about the true character of a person.
"But the wedding is still on, believe it," He glanced at the clock, sighing. "Have you seen my idiot brother around?"
Narcissa froze, the sound of Nagini devouring Rabastan still in her mind. "…n-no, I haven't," She didn't want to be around, and alone, with the older boy when he found out what happened to his brother.
He'd lose it.
"Must be out with the dark lord then," He shrugged it off, placing his hands into his dress pants pocket. "Do you have any idea where he's gone, by the way? We haven't seen him all week,"
Narcissa shook her head, worriedly chewing on her lower lip. "No, but he said he was going to take care of something,"
"Let's hope he's finally getting rid of Potter and his sidekicks then," Lestrange quipped.
Narcissa swallowed. "…yeah,"
She hoped, for Bella's sake, that wasn't the case.
A loud crack sounded as the trio landed on the outskirts of Eastern England. Ron's groan, from stepping in a large pile of mud, sounded from behind her. She ignored him as she slowly took a step closer, narrowing her eyes at the empty field before them. The sun had just begun to rise, a reddish, orange, color greeted them in the sky.
She wondered if Bellatrix was seeing it too.
"I don't see anything," Ron spoke after a moment of starring off into the grassy fields scattered with small lakes and puddles. "Maybe your father gave us the wrong location…"
Hermione shook her head, they couldn't see it, but she could sense a protection spell cast around the area. "The Manor is being protected by a spell, hidden, it's like using Harry's cloak. We can't see it, but it's under there," She reached her hand out despite her friend's protests, swallowing. "Can't you feel the vast amount of magic, I can almost taste it."
It was calling to her.
"Hermione, wait, it could be a trap," Harry's voice sounded far away as she took a step closer to the pull. "…don't just—"
She barely heard the muffled voice of Harry shouting from the other side as she stepped through the force field with ease. Brown eyes widened, in awe, as a large mansion greeted her. The Manor was painted black, with what appeared to be green drapes hanging from inside; it was, without a doubt, a Slytherin house.
Hermione shook her head, not looking back at her friends as she walked over the mini bridge leading to the Manor. "I can't believe my father never took me here when I was a child," She muttered, grasping her wand as she reached the large black doors.
"The doors should open for you," Her father's voice rang through her head. "You will get through because of your heritage, you have his blood running though your veins. But you can't think like a courageous Gryffindor, you must be an ambitious Slytherin. Act like you belong there—no, demand it. Demand entry into the house and it shall be granted."
Hermione opened her mouth, contemplating a spell to unlock the doors, before she paused. She was an ancestor of one of the greatest Slytherin's of all time, she shouldn't have to ask for anything here.
With newfound confidence, Hermione raised her head high and straightened her back. "…open," She demanded, eyes defiant and expression cold.
She smirked as the locks sounded from the other side, disarming. The black doors slowly pried open, revealing the large living room within the Manor. Hermione stepped inside, arms behind her back as she took in the expensive furniture and paintings of past Slytherins.
"Homenum Revelio," Hermione mumbled, distracted, as she took in the picture of a young version of Riddle and her father. "…I'm alone," She contemplated, breezing past the pictures as she decided to check the bottom part of the house.
Her father told her the vault was located somewhere in the bottom part of the house alongside Riddle's other conquests. She wanted to look around more, but she didn't want to be here when her uncle returned. From the looks of it though, he hadn't been here.
As she reached a door leading to the lower section of the Manor, she made a note to visit again after the war. Maybe she could show Bella around, it would be easier than going to the Black Manor; Druella would probably kill her in her sleep.
"What am I thinking," Hermione shook her head, walking down the steps which leaded her to another floor. "…she wouldn't want to come here," She whispered to herself. "Not with me at least,"
But she wanted her to.
She wanted Bella here.
Hermione was pulled from her sorrow when she stopped in front of a large circular wall safe. There were two large flames on either side, luminating the dark room. The cool gray iron taunted her as she eyed the numbers on the tiny dial.
It seemed far too muggle of her Uncle, and Salazar, to use this to hide their treasure. Had to be some sort of trap to trick those unworthy bloodlines from delving into their most beloved objects.
"…my blood will get me inside," She whispered, echoing her father's words from earlier.
Brown eyes traveled down to the knob below the dial. Her eyes caught a sharp piece of metal peeking out from it that didn't belong. Hermione took a deep breath before reaching for it without thought and squeezing.
Tears prickled in her eyes at the sharp pain in her right palm due to the puncture. She seemed to be moving with knowledge from an epic memory. She didn't know what to do, but her body did.
Her hand automatically twisted the knob, blood leaking out. She watched, intrigued, as her blood poured to a small crack in the floor. There was a moment of silence before the bolts released, the large cellar cracking open.
"…" Hermione pulled her hand away, there was something dark inside pulling her closer.
It was the same feeling she had when she was standing in from of the barrier. The magic only intensified as she walked through the dark vault. She whispered a luminating spell to guide her inside, the smell of old books and crafts greeted her kindly. It reminded her of the library.
Not only because of the smell, but the dozens of books staked on top of each other; reaching the high ceiling. Hermione didn't have time to admire, as the object kept beckoning her closer.
Whispering things in her ear.
Come closer.
"…" Hermione narrowed her eyes, carefully reaching out to grab a golden cup which rested on top of one of the lower stacked books. "Helga Hufflepuff's Cup," She whispered in awe, feeling her magic reach out to the tangle with Riddle's dark aurora wrapped around the Horcrux.
An explosion from outside snapped her out of her trance.
It seemed like Harry and Ron grew tired of waiting and tried getting in their own way, or death eaters were on the attack. Either way, Hermione snatched the Horcrux and made her way back to the door. She regretfully left the books alone.
She'd come back for them.
"Ahh!" Hermione yelped, falling forward on the ground as an invisible force caught her leg. "What—"
"You can't escape your destiny Hermione Jean Granger." A voice came from the air.
The bookworm swallowed, a large black figure had morphed into a big ball of dark magic; latching onto her leg, preventing her escape. Hermione flinched as her magic begged to tangle with the tempting darkness. She shut her eyes, blindly reaching out to grab either the cup or her wand; she wasn't sure.
"Made for so much more, my power runs through your veins." The voice taunted her.
Hermione shook her head, arm straining as she stretched it as far as it could go. "No, I won't be like him!" She argued with what appeared to be the eerie voice of Salazar Slytherin.
A dark chuckle sent chills down her spine. "You're exactly like him, like me,"
"I'm not…" Hermione stuttered, she could feel her magic slipping.
She was trying to hold it back, to stop it from mingling with the darkness that tempted her so dangerously.
She could feel her life slipping away.
"You are," The voice continued. "Let go…embrace your darkness, child, and—"
"Expecto Patronum!" A voice shouted, causing a great amount of light to shine in the dark room.
A hiss sounded from the black figure, and suddenly the pressure on her leg was gone. She could breathe again.
Hermione crawled to her knees, huffing in deep breaths as her lungs began to catch up with her. She looked up, frowning, when instead of being greeted with Harry's stag, she caught a glimpse of a dangerous black panther Patronus on the prowl.
Brown eyes watched as the beast roared at the Dementor that had tricked her.
"I can't believe I felt for that," She whispered, watching the black figure morph into nothingness.
It seemed so real.
The sound of someone picking up the Horcrux snapped her out of it. "You're lucky I got here in time," Hermione felt chills travel down her spine, heartbeat quickening. "…you were so pale when I found you, there was barely any life there,"
Hermione swallowed, looking up as Bellatrix reached out to pull her up. "I…h-how, what are you doing here?" She wanted to be furious, to shout at her, but she was too shocked.
"You asked me to come in," Bella shrugged when she received a confused look. "Well not orally, your magic called out to me and allowed me to pass through the shield."
Hermione frowned, accepting her wand as the witch passed it to her. "Then why did the alarm go off?"
"This I assume," The dark-haired witch held up the taunting Horcrux. "Riddle must have Dementors lined up to protect things he cares about, but I could be wrong—"
"No, you're right, you're brilliant." Hermione closed her eyes, face burning, as she tried again. "I mean—it's brilliant, the Dementor trap I mean—"
"I got it," Bella smirked, causing Hermione to roll her eyes.
"You're insufferable, you know that?" Hermione asked, turning to walk up the rest of the steps.
Bella snorted. "You missed me,"
"…I did," Hermione confessed softly, glancing at the dark-haired witch as they walked upstairs to the living room.
Bella cleared her throat awkwardly, holding up the cup. "So, you've found another Horcrux. And it just so happens to be inside Salazar Slytherin's Manor, how'd that happen?"
Hermione frowned as the other witch tried to deflect the conversation. "We went to talk to my father," She nodded when Bella's eyes widened in shock. "Yeah, it was Ron's idea. He thought maybe my father knew something, because he and Riddle were so close, thought we'd overlooked something,"
"He has good instincts," Bella grinned, observing the cup as they reached the living room. "Don't tell him I said that,"
Hermione smiled, pure joy written all over her face. "Of course not, we can't let anyone know you're a decent human being,"
"Glad we understand each other," Bella grinned, holding the door open for the witch. "…are you coming, or do you plan on staying in this Manor?" She raised an amused brow.
Hermione hesitated, she could feel her magic trying to pull her back. "Yeah, it's just, a lot to take in,"
"…come on," Bella mumbled, gesturing to the open door. "You taking the cup triggered an alarm, and I'm sure Riddle will be on his way soon. And I don't think we need that right now,"
Hermione nodded, giving a final glance to the Manor.
"Ron, you can't walk through—" Harry began.
"Why can't I?" He frowned, gesturing to the invisible shield. "Bellatrix went through it, why can't we?"
Harry went to argue once more when a ripple went through the force field. He sighed in relief when Bellatrix came out with Hermione behind her.
"Thank goodness you're both all right," Harry said.
Hermione pointed to the cup the other witch was holding. "And look what we found,"
Ron's eyes widened, a grin reaching his face as he looked at the cup. "Is that—"
"A Horcrux?" Harry gasped.
Hermione nodded. "My dad was right, it was in the vault just like he said,"
"Brilliant," Harry smiled, reaching for their hands as they all grouped closer. "Come on, let's get out of here before you know who does," He said before apparating them away.
Hermione gasped as the lurching feeling in her stomach hit, groaning at the nausea. "…thought I was used to that," She whispered, rubbing her head softly.
Harry nodded beside her, looking around the woods he had sent them to. "Well it was worth it, we're one step closer,"
"Should we still go and see Lovegood?" Ron asked. "We still haven't found out what that triangle symbol means,"
Bella shrugged, eyeing the Horcrux with a bored expression. "The Deathly Hallows?"
Hermione frowned. "What?"
"That's what the symbol stands for," Bella explained.
Hermione shook her head, confused, and slightly aggravated the witch had beat her to another solved puzzle. "W-wait, how did you find out about this?"
"It's a long story," Bella sighed, head hurting at the memory.
Ron snorted, amused. "And I bet the story of how you found your way back to us is just as long?"
Bella nodded, scratching the back of her neck. "I'll tell you guys about it after I take a nap, I'm exhausted. And you can all yell at me then," She silently handed the cup to a grateful Harry. "Here, I'm going to set the tent up, so I can get some sleep,"
"You're not going to run off again, and then show up to save the day, are you?" Ron asked with his eyebrows raised.
Bella rolled her eyes. "…I won't, I promise,"
"We're happy to have you back," Harry said, smiling. "Really,"
Bella nodded, plucking out her wand with a yawn. "Whatever," She snorted, earning a laugh from the boys.
"Come on," Ron teased with a lopsided grin, arms crossed. "You missed us,"
Bella huffed, turning her back to them. "I don't know what you're talking about—"
"Just admit it," Harry smiled, nudging her with his shoulder.
Hermione smiled softly as they continued to banter back and forth.
They still had a lot to talk about, and she would yell at Bella, but for now everything felt like it was back to normal.
"Say it," Ron sung, Harry cheering on alongside him.
"Fine," Bellatrix groaned, shoving the boys away.
Hermione swallowed as black eyes met hers briefly.
"…I missed you,"