I had a few exams this week and a few quizzes, so I couldn't update earlier and then Spring Break happened so, you know. Hope this makes up for it.
Fighting Monsters
Chapter Eight: Darkness
"Our deepest fear, is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure..."
—Marianne Williamson
A powerful voice spoke, sending chills down her spine as she looked at the shadowy figure. "I chose you for a reason…Do you know why I chose you, Miss Granger?"
Hermione frowned, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. "I don't really care,"
"You're smart—brilliant even," He replied swiftly, amusement flickering in those dark eyes instead of the expected anger. "I chose you, because I know you'll do the right thing,"
She shrunk back, flinching as a hand squeezed her shoulder tightly. "…by any means necessary,"
"—Hermione!" A rough shout, followed by a large hand softly shaking her shoulder, roused her from her dream.
The bookworm shoved the warm hand away, taking in a gasp of air. "Bloody hell, Ronald!" She berated, wiping away the sweat dripping off her forehead; trying to calm her pounding heartbeat.
Ron frowned, standing as he eyed her with worry. "I've been calling your name for minutes, but you wouldn't wake up," He licked his dry lips. "…your eyes were flickering underneath your lids,"
"It was just a bad dream," Hermione whispered, rubbing her eyes as she sat up on the cot.
Harry's voice from the wooden table startled her. "What was your dream about?" She didn't realize everyone was in the tent.
"…I don't remember," Hermione spoke, avoiding the concerned gaze she could feel on her from Bella across the room. "When are we planning on going to Hogwarts?"
Harry crossed his arms, sighing. "We were waiting on you, actually. Just need to take down the tent and the wards, then we're ready to go,"
Hermione nodded as she asked. "How are we going to get inside? We can't just walk through the front door,"
"We'll go through Hogsmeade," Bella suggested with a shrug, eyeing her nails. "…I've done it plenty of times during the school year, shouldn't be hard."
Ron smirked, crossing his arms as he glanced at the dark-haired witch. "Finally, her devious nature is going to come in handy,"
"Bite me," Bella growled, but lacked her cold malice, so it came out teasingly. "I know for sure the beloved golden trio, has sneaked in and out of Hogwarts; probably just as much as I have," She raised a curious brow when Ron cleared his throat nervously.
Harry clapped his hands together before his friend could respond. "Right then, it's settled, let's get moving so we can get there before the sun rises,"
Hermione stood slowly, snatching her wand as she prepared to help. "…I'll help Bella with the wards then," She muttered as she caught a glimpse of the witch slipping through the flaps.
"Keep an eye on it, will you?" Harry called out over his shoulder. "…the cup," He motioned to her bag where the supposed Horcrux remained.
Hermione nodded, giving him a tight-lipped smile. "I'm on it," She turned her back on him swiftly, gripping her wand tightly as she whispered a spell to remove the protection charms.
Bellatrix let out a sigh, leaning against a snow-covered tree; taking in the slight burn the cold gave her. "Can't believe I'm saying this, but, I actually can't wait to get back to that forsaken school,"
Hermione hummed, lost in thought as she finished removing the charms on her side. "…we'll be strong in numbers there, but it doesn't make sense for us to go aside from destroying the cup. There are still more Horcruxes out there,"
"…while you were sleeping, Harry had another vision of your uncle," Bella spoke, gaining the bookworms attention. "…he knows…that we have the cup—" She said slowly, preparing for the girl to freak out.
The half-blood gaped, outraged. "What? He can't keep letting him in like that!"
"He knows, but it's not his fault he can't control it," Bella hurried. "But the good news is, he's afraid, and Harry believes there could be another Horcrux at the school."
Hermione frowned. "Really?"
"And if we're there, then Riddle will follow," Bella confirmed. "…and he'll bring the last Horcrux to us willingly. The school might become a battle field, but, it's not like we haven't been training for something like this since first year,"
Just as the bookworm was about to go into another rant, a shout startled them. "Expelliarmus!" Hermione sucked in her breath as her wand was tossed towards the attacker.
"Look what we've got here, Oliver," A large man with a long, ragged, black beard grinned. "Harry Potter's partner in crime, the genius behind what makes the golden trio so golden,"
The man, Oliver, stepped forward to aim his wand at Bella's neck. "Don't move," He said softly, his young voice earning a growl from the Black. "…where's Potter?"
"Right here," Hermione swallowed as Harry and Ron stepped from behind the tent; wands drawn.
The large man laughed. "We've found the gold mine, Olie!" He jammed his wand into Hermione's neck, earning a death stare from a captured Bella. "The dark lord will be pleased,"
"…Harry," Ron spoke after having a moment too think. "Let's go,"
Hermione gaped. "W-what?" She stumbled, just as perplexed as the dark-haired witch.
What was Ron thinking?
The older snatcher who held his wand to Hermione's neck laughed. "Woo, trying to save yourself I see! But I'm afraid that's not how this works, boy. I'm a greedy man, I'll be taking all four of you into custody,"
"We have to leave!" Ron exclaimed, eyes flickering back and forth between the snatchers. "She can take care of herself, Harry, we both know who she's related to."
Bella growled. "You idiot," How dare he use that as justification.
"You would just abandon me? I thought we were friends!" Hermione shouted, anger and confusion causing her magic to pull at the chains confining it.
I told you they could never accept you…not for who you really are, who you're destined to be.
Hermione shook her head, trying to silence the voice calling out to her in the void. They were her friends, this all had to be some misunderstanding.
"Harry," Hermione managed to call out, voice scratchy. "Please," Was all she could get out, begging it not to be true.
They wouldn't use her like this, they wouldn't just throw her to the wolves after years of friendship.
"Ron and I have been thinking," Harry confessed. "…we've always discussed a theory where one of us would get captured…this is bigger than you, you've known this the moment you left with me."
Hermione shook her head, tears threatening to fall. "H-harry—"
"I have bigger things to worry about than you right now," He confessed, twisting the knife in her back. "…I'm sorry,"
Without a moment of hesitation, Ron gripped Harry's arm as he apparated to Hogsmeade. The sound of Harry's cold gaze and Ron's determine stare struck her hard.
Hermione felt her knees buckle as the force of their betrayal weighed her down. She was too weak to fight off the call of darkness as it tempted her magic.
Let us show you how strong you can become.
"Dammit," The larger man snarled, shoving Hermione to the ground in anger. "Now we have a useless know it all and a traitorous Black,"
Bellatrix growled, eyes darkening from the accusation and from watching Hermione fall apart. "Traitor? My family is loyal to the dark lord, I was only sent here as a spy to get close to Potter; but you lot had to ruin it!" She bluffed, trying to find a way out of this mess the duo left them in.
Maybe if they thought she was with the dark lord they would let her go, and then when they got to Riddle he could take care of the rest.
Oliver swallowed, hand shaking as he slowly moved his wand away. "…the dark lord is using the Black Manor for the cause, and he has spoken highly of this one—err, Miss Bellatrix," He corrected, dropping his wand, and taking a step back. "Jack—"
"Either way," Jack mumbled, looking away from the freed witch. "…what are we going to do with this one?" He sneered, eyeing the slumped over bookworm lustfully. "Suppose I could always have some fun with—"
Bellatrix spat. "No!" She held her cold glare, refusing to let him lay a hand on Hermione. "…she's useful, you idiot. Her and Potter are close, she might know important information; let the dark lord decide her fate," She whispered.
Riddle was her uncle, Bella knew for sure that he would protect Hermione. They just needed to reach him or find a way to escape these two idiots.
"…fine," Jack sighed, nudging Hermione's limp form to rise with the heel of his boot; Bellatrix prickled. "Get up then, mudblood,"
Bella tried to lock eyes with Hermione, but she had a faraway gaze. The bookworm rose, but her arms hung at her side as if her mind wasn't connected to her body.
The eldest Black could sense something was wrong.
"Oy," Oliver gently gripped Hermione's arm, as if sensing the tension in the air as he prepared to apparate. "…we're off then,"
Black Manor, 1993
During Holiday
Bellatrix teased the edges of the book she had been reading on advanced charms. "…dad?" She began, catching his dark eyes from across the table.
"Hmm?" He hummed, picking up his glass of red wine to sip.
Bella hesitated, a flush rising to her cheeks. "…h-how do I court someone?"
"Psh!" Her father chocked on his wine, dropping his glass to cough the liquid back up. "W-what, why would you? Has that Lestrange boy—"
Bella shook her head, glad her sisters weren't here to see her fumble. "N-no, it's not for me, it's for a friend!" She lied with ease, sinking back into the wooden chair.
It was one of those free afternoons where their father would offer them the opportunity to learn new skills or spend the day however they pleased. Narcissa had chosen to go dress shopping with their mother, and Andy decided on using the time to catch up on her reading in the garden. Bella was the only one who wanted to improve her magic; she also wanted to spend some time with her father.
"Ah, yes, of course," He sighed, rubbing his eyes tiredly. "Well, when I wanted to court your mother I had to first let her know I was interested. So, I sent her some flowers, and cute love notes,"
Bella made a face. "Love notes? I—my friend, isn't into lovey stuff like that, and I doubt the person she's attracted to will either,"
"It doesn't have to be flowers or notes," Her father shrugged. "Just, something the other person is interested in…like maybe a favorite book signed by the author?"
Bella's eyes widened. "What else," She made a note to keep that idea locked up for later.
"Just let them know what your intentions are beforehand, I suppose," He nodded. "I don't have any other tips, since your mother and I were already promised. So, my only job was to keep her happy,"
Bella leaned her face into her palm. "…I see,"
"But you're already promised to Lestrange, so you shouldn't worry yourself with these small details," Her father eyed her carefully. "Bellatrix. You're already promised to another, you can't engage someone else…you know this, yes?"
Bella nodded, resisting the urge to throw a fit. "I know my responsibility. I will marry Lestrange when the time is right,"
Her father spoke after a moment, hesitant. "…you're not married, yet. So, if there is anyone you want to get involved with then you better do so now; but you must understand, they are only temporary until it is time for you to wed—"
"There's no one else," Bellatrix said quickly, looking away from the concerned gaze her father gave.
If she couldn't have Hermione fully, then what was the point of having her at all?
"Here we go," Jack huffed out, looking around the empty living room within the Black Manor. "…where's the dark lord?" He asked, glancing at Oliver who held a tight but gentle hold on Hemione's arm.
Oliver shrugged, flushed with the sudden eyes on him. "I just became a snatcher two weeks ago, how'd I know where the dark lord would be?"
"Right then," Jack nodded his head towards Bellatrix as she watched them carefully. "This is your Manor, could you alert someone, so we can get our reward?" He rose a challenging brow.
"…Fosly," Bellatrix spoke, voice hard, as she kept her eyes on the eldest snatcher.
Bella snorted when Oliver jumped at the cracking sound of a house elf appearing before the eldest Black's feet.
"Go tell Cissy it's rude to keep her guest waiting," Bellatrix paused. "…and bring down mother and father as well," She added, watching the elf bow before popping off again. "Satisfied?"
Jack rolled his eyes. "I'd be more satisfied if the dark lord himself were here to sort this all out,"
"I'm afraid he couldn't be here tonight," Bella couldn't stop the smile from rising as she watched her sister proceed down the long spiral stairs to greet them. "Nice seeing you again, Bella,"
Bellatrix nodded before frowning. "…Cissy, where are mother and father?"
The youngest waved her hand lazily as she reached them. "They set off to take care of some things for the dark lord in his absence." Blue eyes froze, panicking as they caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a captured Hermione. "…w-what?" She looked at her sister, confused.
"We caught her in the woods, but Potter got away, her best friend left her for dead," Jack snipped. "…thought your sister was with them but we already know where the Black's loyalty lies. I must admit, you've done a great job tricking her into believing that you'd actually help them,"
Cissy sighed nervously. "…you should let her go, and give her wand back as well—"
"Are you mental?" Jack grunted, furious as he looked the young girl over. "Why would I want to do that?"
Cissy swallowed. "Trust me, she's important to the dark lord…and when he returns, I doubt he'll be kind to the person who mistreats her,"
Hermione snapped out of her daze as she felt her magic pull towards the surface as another dark force tempted her.
"…let me go," She whispered, voice broken as she allowed her magic to come out to play with the dark force surrounding her.
It felt good to let it go for once.
Jack laughed. "I'm not letting her go, she's my capture, and I want my reward!"
"And you will get one," Bellatrix jumped at the voice, the touch of a freezing cold hand on her shoulder startled her. "Pleasure seeing you again, Bellatrix," Riddle spoke, pure kindness coming from his voice.
Bellatrix nodded, trying to stop her voice from trembling as she responded. "…pleasure is all mine," She hoped he didn't catch the way she avoided calling him 'her lord'.
"Beautiful, and polite, she's a keeper," Riddle winked at Hermione, laughing at the obvious blush rising to her face. "You can release her," He gestured to Oliver who quickly obeyed, not before handing Hermione her wand back.
Jack lowered his head. "My lord, I found her with Potter…but he escaped,"
"And how," Riddle spoke slowly, anger shining clear in his eyes. "…did you allow that to happen?"
Hermione gazed at her uncle, watchful of Nagini who slide towards her curiously. "Harry and Ron abandoned me when the snatchers showed up." She confessed, furious.
"Uh, pardon me asking my lord, but," Jack's voice caused Riddle to look away from his niece. "…why, why are you giving her free reign?" Cissy sighed, grateful the snatcher wasn't dumb enough to call Hermione a mudblood in front of Riddle; she didn't want another Lestrange incident to happen. "Isn't she a traitor?"
Riddle laughed, smiling when he heard a snort from his niece; she found this amusing as well. "Come, I have everyone gathered in the dining room. We can all speak there, clear everything up," He motioned for the snatchers to go first, holding the teenagers back. "…did they harm you?"
Hermione shook her head, smiling down at Nagini as she nudged her free hand. "Of course not, Bella wouldn't allow it," She gestured to the witch, grateful of the way she handled the situation with ease.
"I see," Riddle smiled at Bella again before pulling Hermione in close. "Well, I supposed you two must be famished. Sit by my side and eat while we have a meeting with the council,"
Bellatrix froze. "…council?"
Riddle grinned. "Why, my council of most trusted death eaters of course!"
"It's her own fault," Ron whispered, crossing his arms as he eyed the strange painting.
Harry sighed. "…it was for the best, I had to think about the bigger picture. Right now, defeating the dark lord is our main priority." He licked his dry lips. "We can deal with traitors later,"
Ron nodded in agreement. "How about—"
Their conversation was halted by the painting opening to reveal an ecstatic Neville. "I knew you'd come! I told them all, Harry Potter would never abandon Hogwarts!"
Harry let out a breath. "Neville," He grinned. "You look…"
"Like hell? I reckon, but this is nothing, Seamus is worse," The dirt covered man looked behind the chosen one, smiling. "Ron! H—" He froze, doing a double take. "Where's Hermione?"
Harry swallowed, looking away as he grunted. "…she's with the dark lord, I assume,"
"What!" Neville exclaimed, fear causing his face to turn white. "What happened, was she taken by snatchers? Did you try to save her?"
Ron snorted. "No use saving someone who doesn't want saving,"
"What the bloody hell does that mean?" Neville demanded, narrowing his eyes at the duo.
"We were cornered by snatchers on our way to Hogsmeade. Harry and I planned on apparating, but Hermione and Bellatrix turned on us," Ron explained, crossing his arms angrily. "They aimed their wands at us and demanded we turn ourselves in. We tried to talk it through but if we stayed any longer then death eaters would have showed up,"
Neville laughed. "Are you serious? This is Hermione we're talking about! She would never do this, we've know her for years, she's not that kind of person; she's our friend!"
"Yeah, well, Dumbledore thought Snape was his friend and look how that turned out!" Ron huffed, face red with emotion.
Neville flinched as if he were slapped. "…Harry, you can't believe this? You know her better than anybody,"
"…" Harry cleared his throat, swallowing his emotions as he shrugged impassively. "We had a Horcrux with us, we found it hidden in one of Riddle's childhood places. Hermione helped us find it—"
Neville sighed, thrilled. "See, why would she help you—"
"But we don't have it anymore," Harry said, watching his friends face fall. "…she must have taken it during the night because we don't have it."
Ron shook his head. "She's probably already given it to him by now,"
"She must be under a spell!" Neville denied. "…why—why would Hermione even help him? She's a muggle-born,"
Ron snorted. "That's what she wants you to think," Harry closed his eyes, he could feel soft confused eyes on him.
Neville stepped back. "W-what does he mean?"
Harry took a breath, opening his eyes to gaze apathetically at Neville as he spoke; voice loud, no tremble or stutter. "Hermione isn't a muggle-born, she's a half blood, and her father is Tom Riddle's brother,"
Neville shook his head, in denial.
"The dark lord is her uncle," Harry confessed.
Greyback was the one to break the tense silence, voice booming. "Alright, what is happening?" He asked, glaring daggers at Hermione as she took a hefty bite into her turkey leg.
Riddle had invited them to sit at the council meeting, allowing the duo to eat while the older witches and wizards spoke on the upcoming battle. Hermione sat on his right while Bellatrix resided on his left next to her sister.
Bellatrix was too on edge to eat, on guard just in case Riddle had something planned. She knew he wouldn't let anything happen to Hermione, but he would only protect them if they pledged their allegiance. And there was no way Hermione would do that, right?
Sure, Harry and Ron had abandoned them, but they had no choice. Stopping Riddle was the main priority, and Harry knew Riddle had a soft spot for Hermione and wouldn't harm her. Now they just had to destroy the cup, so they can lead Riddle to Hogwarts, then they'd be free.
"…" Bellatrix glanced at Hermione as she ate her food peacefully, she had no worries.
But she had been acting a little strange since their arrival. Bella knew the powerful wizards dark magic was tempting Hermione, but instead of blocking it…she was embracing it?
"Yes, please," Snape called out, eyes narrowed at the bookworm; as if she were ruining everything. "Please explain why Miss Granger is at this meeting?" He glanced at Bellatrix as well before looking away.
He must have assumed she was already on their side due to her family ties.
"Ah, yes," Riddle smiled, looking at the bookworm once before turning back to the room. "Miss Granger is not who she claims to be," He rose from his seat, pure excitement shining through his devious orbs. "Her father, or should I call him my pathetic little brother—"
Hermione reached out for a napkin to wipe her face as the room filled with gasps of shock.
Bellatrix gaped, outraged. How dare he out her like that, without her permission!
"What?" Snape whispered, eyes wide in surprise and…fear?
Greyback roared. "Please explain, my lord! This doesn't make any sense,"
Jack nodded fiercely next to a stunned Oliver. "Of course, it doesn't! She's been tied to Potter's hip since they were children! She's just a mudbloo—" He finished with a squeak as Nagini charged forward with rapid speed, not even Bellatrix could have seen her coming on a good day.
"Nagini stop," Hermione called out, bored.
Bellatrix, along with everyone else in the room, gasped when the snake came to an immediate halt; giving everyone proof of Hermione's connection to the dark lord.
Riddle sneered, eyeing Jack with fury. "You're lucky my niece is showing you mercy, or you'd be dead."
"I'll take care of him later," Hermione confirmed coldly, earning a laugh of delight from Riddle and a shiver from Bellatrix.
What was going on?
Snape spoke once his shock wore off. "…forgive me for being a bit skeptical, my lord," His eyes never left Hermione's cold brown ones.
"Hmm," Riddle hummed. "Do you not believe that Hermione is of royal blood, a true decedent from Salazar Slytherin himself?"
Snape shook his head. "That much is obvious by the way Nagini obeyed her…what I'm doubting, is her…loyalty," He drew the words out in the same dreadful way Bellatrix used to hate during his lectures.
"He's right," Greyback agreed. "She's been Potter's friend for years; how do we know she isn't just playing us? Learning our battle strategy and secrets?" Bella swallowed, preparing to draw her wand on Hermione's signal.
But Hermione surprised her when she pulled out her charmed bag and placed it on the table. Riddle, along with everyone else, watched as she took a few seconds to pull out what she was looking for.
"I believe, this, is proof enough," Hermione pulled out the Horcrux cup she found in her family vault. "I believe…this belongs to you?" She asked, offering the golden cup to her astonished uncle.
Riddle breathed out a relieved sigh, his magic calling out to him. "…no, you hold on to it. I trust you," He smiled before snarling at the others. "My niece has brought me a gift she retrieved from Potter, who stole from me. None of you could do this for me. This, may have saved my life,"
Bella shook her head, trying to make sense of all of this.
Why did Hermione give Riddle the cup, it was the one thing they had going for them! Without it, everything falls apart.
"Hermione will be leading us to Potter tomorrow night," Riddle spoke, looking over everyone in the room. "She will be my second in command, and I expect you all to honor my nieces wishes and to show her respect," He dared them to come forward to deny his request. "The floor is yours," He politely sat down, gesturing to the room full of wary death eaters and terrified Black sisters.
Hermione stood tall, supplying the crowd with a charming grin. "Right then, Harry is heading for Hogwarts in search of the last Horcrux," Bella clenched her fists as the bookworm betrayed her friends. "I think our best bet is to gather our strongest forces and find a way inside; we overpower them in numbers and strength,"
Snape sighed. "How are we going to get inside, there is a powerful charm protecting the castle," It was condescending, he was stating an issue they needed to address.
"Leave that to us, Severus," Riddle waved it off with ease. "I have come prepared for that problem,"
Hermione nodded when Snape backed down. "Like the dark lord said, we will leave tomorrow night, so gather your best men and prepare to meet us on the front line before sunset," She grinned. "…it's time we put an end to this, no?"
"That should be all," Hermione paused, feeling Nagini's dark magic tease her as the snake slithered around her feet. "…one more thing. Jack?" She called out to the snatcher who had managed to stand from his seat, Oliver by his side.
Jack glanced in her direction. "Wha—"
Bellatrix slammed her feet into the floor as a dark purple source of pure dark magic flowed from Hermione's wand; aiming for the snatcher who had committed slander. His body slammed across the room, colliding with the solid wall as cracks sounded from his bones breaking upon impact.
The dark-haired witch felt Cissy grip her arm in fear as a dark aurora covered the bookworm. Once soft brown orbs were now dark, supplied with heavy bags. Hermione's face was impassive, no emotion, as she glanced at her wand curiously.
"Right then, that'll do," Hermione grinned, but it lacked the usual charm or elegance; it was empty. "Professor Snape—oops, apologizes. Old habits die hard I suppose," She laughed roughly.
Snape shook his head, hiding his surprise well despite his wide eyes. "It's fine."
"I know it is," Hermione spoke with the pride of a pureblood. "Take him to the prison cell, I assume you have one in here somewhere?" She glanced in Bella's direction, cold eyes showing a bit of warmth. "Right Bella?" Her voice was soft, nothing like the one she used when speaking to the others.
Bellatrix swallowed, heat rising to her face. "Yeah, it's in the basement,"
They didn't use the prison, it was just built into the house from past Black family members.
"That will be all," Hermione waved off before taking a seat beside her uncle once more.
Bellatrix hesitated by the door. She wanted to wait for Hermione, so they could talk, but she was honestly terrified; and a little aroused by the display of power. But mostly terrified.
Hermione had struck Jack with ease, with what seemed like dark magic if anything. Bellatrix had read about the dangerous affects it could have on a person's stable mind.
"I'll meet you in a few, Bella," Hermione's clear dismissal caused Bella to grind her teeth.
Aroused or not, she wasn't going to let that bookworm boss her around like she was one of the council members.
Hermione caught the furious look in Bella's eye and deflated. Her dark eyes softened, revealing light brown orbs, and a remorseful expression.
"S-sorry," Hermione flushed, trying to find a way to fix the situation. "I uhm, can I have moment alone with my uncle? I'll meet with you when I'm finished," She asked, much politer this time around.
Bella couldn't refuse when she was spoken to in such a delicate way. "…whatever," She hissed, turning around to exit when Cissy awaited her nervously.
Hermione itched to chase after the dark-haired witch but remained sitting. "…" She sighed.
"She's mad at you," Her uncle chuckled, amused. "You should fix it before we leave for Hogwarts, it isn't good to go into battle with overwhelming emotions and regret,"
Hermione nodded, not wanting to take romance advice from her sociopath uncle. "…right, I'm already on it,"
Riddle hummed, not believing at all. "Have you even begun courting her yet?"
Hermione's face lit up. "Uncle, don't we have other things to discuss than my lack of love life?"
"Lack of? No, I see the unique fire between you too; that's definitely something," He smiled. "…just tell her your intentions—"
Hermione groaned, she got enough of this talk from her mother. "Please, can we talk about what's really on your mind? Like, my father?"
Riddle sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I tried to find him but came up empty. I checked Australia and those properties in his name that he thinks I don't know about, but, nothing," He looked her way. "Do you know where he is?"
"I haven't seen him since Harry forced me to see him, so I could retrieve the cup," Hermione said truthfully. "…I'm sorry about desecrating your vault—"
Riddle frowned. "You are family, which means that vault is yours just as much as it is mine." He offered her a smile. "Potter was the one who tried to force you to turn on me; and then he turned his back on you,"
Hermione nodded, her magic teasing her as her emotions went wild. "I know, you were right about them, I'm sorry for not listening."
"I know you are, but you're here now and that's all that matters…your father can wait," Riddle confessed. "That secret weapon I must destroy the protection spell covering Hogwarts, is this," He plucked a wand from his cloak.
Hermione gasped, chocking out a laugh. "The elder wand? Incredible,"
"With this, we can tear down their defenses in no time," Riddle smiled. "Then we can end this finally…" He paused, wistful. "Your father never allowed it, but, I always planed on taking you to the vault. You deserved to know more about your ancestors and what you're capable of,"
He teased the elder wand in his hands. "…that's why I kept sending you all those books in school, to make sure you would become the best that you could. But you didn't need my help with that, just…maybe a push in the right direction."
"I'm glad you're finally on the winning side," He whispered.
Hermione blinked her tears away. "…yes, well, I should," She motioned lamely to the door, making a move to stand. "…I have to deal with Bella,"
"Of course," He smiled. "I'm proud of you, I always knew you'd make the right choice." Riddle paused as he thought. "…actually, I want you to meet me in the garden tomorrow morning. I have a few things to show you before we take on Hogwarts,"
"Okay," Hermione nodded, plucking the cup from the table, before she looked up at him. "Do you want to hold onto it for now? I know how important it is,"
"…no, you hold on to it," He said after a few minutes of thinking. "I trust you,"
Hermione smiled, waving awkwardly as she reached the door. "Goodnight then,"
"Yes, have a wonderful night my niece," Riddle said, petting Nagini as he took in the sight of the elder wand in his hand; power flowing.
Hermione let out a sigh when she exited the room. "…" She glanced at the golden cup once more before shoving it back into the bag it had come from.
Time to see Bella.
"She's a lunatic!" Cissy hissed, shoving her sister away as she paced in her bedroom.
Bella sighed, plopping down on the bed. "I don't know what you mean, she's always been this intense," She thought back to the first time Hermione hexed her or when she punched Lestrange.
"Yes, but it was never like this!" Cissy whispered. "I don't even recognize her anymore…"
The eldest snorted. "You've never known her to begin with."
The blond-haired girl turned around to glare at her. "And you have? Can you honestly say that is the same bookworm you've teased for years?"
"People change," Bella shrugged.
"Not like this," Cissy spat, backing away as she thought back to the way Hermione acted. "…she tossed that snatcher aside with such ease. She didn't…didn't even blink an eye when his bones cracked," She whispered, not noticing the way Bella closed her eyes. "For that moment, her face was so impassive but there was so much anger surrounding her,"
Cissy swallowed, looking at her oldest sister with worry. "…she looked just like him,"
Bella looked away. "Cissy, don't worry about any of this, okay? It doesn't involve you—"
"You're my sister, of course it does," The blond-haired girl growled. "And you're interested in her!"
Bella flushed, rubbing her eyes. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"She's dangerous! And I don't want you getting hurt," Her sister confessed. "…her magic is out of control because of the emotional stress she's been through, and I don't want you to be around when she does something she regrets."
Bella looked at the tearful blue eyes. "What do you expect me to do? I care about her, okay, and I'm not going anywhere." She scoffed. "Like I could ever leave, our whole family is invested in this; we're in this until the end. I'm not leaving her," Her eyes were fierce.
"I thought you wanted to be an Auror?" Cissy frowned. "How are you going to do that when you get involved with all of this? I'm not telling you to abandon her, I'm just warning you to keep your distance."
Bellatrix grabbed the door knob blindly. "I appreciate the concern, but, I can take care of myself."
She left the room before her sister could call out to her.
"Hey—" Hermione's voice called out from behind her. "…there you are,"
Bella smiled softly. "…yeah, I was just talking to Cissy. How did it go with your uncle?"
Hermione's crossed her arms. "It was fine, but he wants to speak with me tomorrow morning." She reached out to grab Bella's arm when she moved to walk past he. "Hey, I'm sorry for brushing you off in there…my magic is a little out of control,"
"I noticed," Bella muttered, gesturing to a guest room. "What are you going to do?"
Hermione shrugged, closing the door behind her. "I don't know."
"…are you really going to help Riddle break into Hogwarts?"
Hermione licked her lips. "He doesn't really need my help—"
"You gave him the Horcrux!" Bellatrix hissed, slapping the bookworm on the shoulder angrily. "You gave him the one thing that was going to help win the war, and you betrayed Harry—"
The half blood scoffed. "I betrayed him? Did you forget how he abandoned us out there? I would expect that from Ron maybe, but, not him…"
Bella shook her head. "He was just being rational, but I don't think he plan on you giving the Horcrux to your uncle."
"Look, maybe this was their plan the whole time!" Hermione exclaimed. "Maybe Ron was just playing me when he said he accepted me for who I am, and maybe he got Harry to question my loyalty."
"So, you stab them in the back?" Bella sighed. "I've known Harry for months, he really doesn't seem like the type of person…maybe they have a plan?"
Hermione crossed her arms. "Some plan…"
"I'm worried about you, okay?" Bella whispered. "You looked a lot like your uncle in there when you tossed that snatcher to the wall,"
Hermione whispered, looking down at her feet. "Is that such a bad thing?" She licked her lips when Bella made a look. "…you're the only one who's been with me for everything, Bella. I can't deal with you turning your back on me either, so, please,"
"…I never said I was going to leave you, we're in this together." Bellatrix confirmed, dark eyes soft as she met brown. "I will stand with you, no matter what you decide, I just want you to be sure this is what you want."
Hermione stepped closer, her cool breath passing across the other witch's lips. "I'm sure…"
"…good," Bella cleared her throat, stepping towards the closed door with ease. "I'll see you out there?"
Hermione, confused, nodded warily. "Of course, goodnight,"
"Night," Bella called over her shoulder before leaving the room; she leaned her back against the oak once the door closed, sighing.
She wanted to kiss Hermione, but she only wanted to do it when the darkness was controlling her actions. When they, or if, they ever got together she wanted it to be pure.
Bella could wait, all they had was time.
Hogwarts, 1995
Gryffindor Tower
Harry shook his head, leaning his face into his palm. "Ron, stop it, Hermione is our friend and we shouldn't be talking about her behind her back,"
"I'm just saying, she's hiding something," Ron huffed, kicking his feet up on the table in front of him. "She gets these packages every few weeks and never tells us what's inside them, or who they're from,"
Harry shrugged, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. "Maybe it's from her parents, or some books she preordered? Don't be so quick to assume,"
The redhead sighed. "…it's not from her parents. Whenever she gets those packages, she has this dreadful look on her face; like she's terrified,"
Harry snorted, he couldn't believe how observant the redhead was. He always assumed Ron hadn't noticed anything about the bookworm over the years. Most of the time Ron never looked up from his food or only showed interest when quidditch was brought up.
If he had been more observant in terms of listening to Hermione's feelings, then Harry knew the duo could make a relationship work.
But he doubted Ron was ready for something like that.
"Ron come on—" He began before getting cut off by the redhead.
"—but overtime her expressions have changed," Ron whispered, lowering his voice as three Gryffindor boys walked passed the room to their dorms. "…instead of being terrified, she's…excited for them."
That piped Harry's attention. "And I know they're from the same person because of the packaging." Ron scratched the back of his neck, thoughtful. "She's acting different too. Her magic is stronger than she's letting on,"
"I've noticed," Harry confessed, thinking back to the way Hermione's magic spikes when she's emotional. "…but we can't approach her about it. When she's ready to talk about it, then we will,"
He just hoped when they did it wouldn't be too late.
Hermione sighed as she watched the sunset just as the last group of troops marched forward. There was a mix of snatchers, death eaters, released prisoners, and a rowdy group of blood thirsty half breeds. She noticed Snape standing at the front line with his wand ready alongside Greyback. His eyes caught hers briefly before he looked away, choosing to take in the sight of Hogwarts past the bridge separating them.
"Are we waiting for your uncle then?" A soft voice caused a shiver to run down her spine.
Hermione swallowed, offering Bellatrix a nod as she crossed her arms. "I suppose so,"
Bella snorted. "Late to his own raid?"
"Patience Bellatrix," Riddle's voice came from behind them as he walked forward with Nagini by his side. "I was just making sure everything was taken care of,"
Hermione stepped away from a bristling Bella to approach her uncle. "I've made sure that everyone is at their post, now, we just need you to break the barrier and we can proceed."
Riddle nodded, lifting the elder wand with ease. "…this is the most powerful wand in existence," He surprised everyone when he held it out for her. "I want you to do it."
"…are you sure?" Hermione asked but took the time to grab the wand.
Her uncle smiled. "It's time you've released your true power, it has remained dormant for too long. But your magic has matured, and you must use it to its full capacity before it overwhelms you," He turned her towards the school, tightening his grip on her shoulders. "…go,"
Bella bit her tongue as she watched Hermione raise the wand with ease. The soft look in her eyes from the night before was gone and was replaced with a blank stare. She caught the subtle movement of Hermione's lips before an overwhelming amount of dark magic caused her knees to buckle.
"Yes…" Riddle hissed, overcome by the energy the young witch possessed.
Bella covered her eyes as the same purple source of raw magic escaped the elder wand Hermione held. A large explosion caused the ground to shake as the barrier protecting Hogwarts came breaking down with the flick of a wand.
Hermione let out a sigh, relishing in the feel of her magic finally being released. "…what are you waiting for? Charge!" She roared.
"You heard her!" Riddle grinned, laughing as he watched the army run forward to the bridge. "…well done," He whispered to his niece.
Hermione handed him the wand back, still basking in her new power. "…"
"Now, you know what to do," Her uncle said. "Go find Potter and bring him to me."
Hermione smiled at him. "Of course,"
Time to put an end to this.
"No, absolutely not!" Neville shook his head.
Ron rolled his eyes, watching everyone scatter around in search of the Horcrux. "We have to tell them the truth about her, she's dangerous—"
"She's your best friend! Just because she's related to some bad people, doesn't make her that way. And you shouldn't be the ones outing her either," Neville snipped. "I refuse to think she would do something like this. And no matter how bad it looks, I'm not giving up on her. I for one, plan on giving her the benefit of the doubt."
Before they could respond, the building began to shake from a powerful source of magic. Harry held on to the railing as the quaking slowly began to calm down.
"What was that?" Ron shouted.
A fourth year ran through the corridor below them, warning. "The shield has been broken! They're on their way!"
"Ginny," Ron whispered, thinking about his sister who was guarding the bridge leading to the school. "…Hermione must have told you know who that we would be here,"
Harry glared at Neville.
"Do you still believe in her?"
Neville bit his lower lip, conflicted as two of the golden trio starred at him with convection in their eyes.
He didn't know what to believe anymore.
Hours Before the Snatchers Arrived
"I had a dream last night," Hermione whispered, leaning her weight on Harry's shoulder as they looked at the lamp before them. "…about Dumbledore."
Harry glanced at her, intrigued. "What was it about?"
"Forget about that," Ron scoffed from where he rested on the floor beside her feet, glaring playfully. "Why were you dreaming about him and not me?" He half teased, looking up at her with curious eyes.
Hermione shook her head, too caught up in her dream to berate the redhead. "I think it was real." She whispered, rubbing her arm.
Harry and Ron sat up straighter, confused. "Come again?" Harry said.
"I don't know…it just, felt so real, or maybe I'm just being crazy," Hermione shrugged. "It's probably nothing—"
Ron nodded. "Even so, tell us anyway," He urged, eyes soft and reassuring.
"…he warned me about snatchers coming to get us," Hermione confessed. "In a few hours. But it's probably nothing, right? He's dead—"
Harry licked his lips. "Not necessarily, it's common for wizards and witches to communicate through dreams after death. And Dumbledore was powerful, so it could be true,"
"This is good then, we can prepare," Ron said. "Let's go get Bella and head to Hogwarts before they get here, we were planning on leaving anyway," He shrugged.
Hermione frowned. "No, don't get her."
"Why not?" Harry asked.
"The snatchers will lead us to my uncle, we can use this to our advantage," The bookworm began. "Let them take me."
Ron scoffed. "Are you mad? We're not letting them take you anywhere!"
"It's too dangerous, and you getting captured won't solve anything." Harry said, watching the bookworm stand to pace. "Once we get to Hogwarts and destroy the cup, and find the other Horcrux, then it will be enough to draw him out to us,"
Hermione shook her head. "And then what? Risk everyone's life and start a war at Hogwarts?"
"It's already a battle field," Ron shrugged.
She licked her lips. "How are you going to get to Nagini? She's always by his side,"
Harry frowned. "We'll find a way, Hermione! Anything is better than sacrificing you—"
"We're already sacrificing our classmates! I'm sick of it, I want this to end," She snapped. "…my uncle won't hurt me, he trusts me. And he'll trust me even more when I give him this," Hermione held up the cup.
Ron stood up then, confused. "What?"
"I'll make a fake, put some of my magic into a cup lookalike," Hermione began, wheels turning as she spoke. "My magic is similar to his when it's laced with dark magic, so he won't notice—"
Ron frowned. "Dark magic—"
"I'll earn his trust with it," Hermione continued. "And I'll lead the attack on Hogwarts, make it seem like you two betrayed me." She kept talking even as Ron shook his head. "My uncle will leave Nagini with me because I'll be the only one he trusts,"
The redhead growled. "We're not letting this happen—"
"He won't believe you," Harry's voice caused the tension in the air to build. "…it will only work if you're truly betrayed—honestly broken."
Ron huffed. "Is anyone listening to me? This isn't happening—"
"—cast a memory spell on me," Hermione grabbed her wand, aiming it at the cup. "I'll truly think the cup is real, and I'll honestly betray you."
Harry crossed his arms. "Even if we do betray you, I don't think it will be enough for you to change sides momentarily…We just need enough for you to do this one betrayal, not change sides entirely,"
"This is crazy," Ron sighed.
"Dark magic," Hermione mumbled. "…I'll be more inclined to betray you guys when I embrace the pull, and then I'll be blinded my hate; he'll believe me." She confirmed.
The two boys watched as Hermione used her wand to lace a fake cup with her own magic. Harry shivered at the familiar yet unknown presence of dark energy calling out to them. He didn't question where his friend had learned to davul in this type of magic.
"You two hold onto the real one, destroy it when my uncle storms the castle," She explained. "He'll be too caught up in everything to notice,"
Ron huffed, accepting that this was going to happen. "Fine, but what do we tell everyone when we get there? You know they'll ask where you are,"
"Easy, tell them the truth," Hermione shrugged, handing Harry the real Horcrux. "…I'm tired of hiding who I am." She shoved the fake cup into her bag.
Harry's eyes lit up as a thought came to him. "Bring Bella with you!"
"What?" Hermione objected.
"Brilliant, she'll keep an eye on you, make sure the dark magic doesn't pull at you too much," Ron nodded. "Should we tell her?"
Hermione shook her head. "She'd just manage to talk me out of it,"
Bella was her only weakness nowadays.
"But it's a good idea," Hermione confessed. "And the snatchers will believe she's on my uncle's side because of her family ties,"
Harry looked at her worriedly. "…are you sure you want to do this? I don't want to put you in danger, but, I trust your judgement and I trust you to overcome the darkness when the time is right."
"I know you'd never hurt me, or any of us," Harry whispered, trusting.
Ron nodded, a soft sad smile gracing his lips. "We just want you to be safe, but if this is what you want—"
"It is," Hermione interrupted him, determined. "I'm sure." She locked eyes with Harry one more time. "Let's do this,"
Harry held up his wand to her head, meeting her eyes as he searched for any hesitation or fear. When he found none, he whispered a quick spell with a heavy heart.
"…obliviate."