Here we go.

Fighting Monsters

Chapter Thirteen: Signs

"Mistakes are the portals to discovery."

—James Joyce

"What are we going to do?" Bellatrix whispered from where she sat beside the bookworm. "…" She paused, waiting for their potions professor to walk pass them to observe other students work. "…it's been two days, we have to make a move before that thing—we don't even know what it is!"

Hermione held her hand up, rubbing her sleepy eyes in aggravation. "I know, okay, Bella I'm trying."

And she was. She'd been up every night reading every book imaginable in the library to get a better understanding about people being possessed. They knew how to remove the creature, but they didn't have a way to conceal it or send it back to where it came from.

There was also the fact that they didn't know whose body the creature was possessing; Chloe, McGonagall, or Luna. And surprisingly, all three of them haven't been seen recently around Hogwarts. Which didn't help them narrow it down.

And even if they did find out who it was, what would they do with the creature once it was extracted.

"I think we should split up and talk to them all individually," Bellatrix continued even as Hermione shook her head. "We reach the people who are easiest. You find Luna, see if anything is out of the normal or whatever that is for her, and I find Chloe; she should be at practice today—"

Hermione huffed. "Absolutely not."

"Why—"

"—two reasons. One, we have to find a way to get them alone, so we don't alarm the whole school. Two, we don't know how powerful that thing has gotten or what damage it could do to us; we need to stick together for this one." Hermione said, leaving no room for argument. "…we'll both corner Chloe after your practice and try to get some answers."

Bellatrix crossed her arms. "Fine, I'll try to clear the—"

"—Miss Black, Miss Granger," Their potions professor called out from the front of the class, frowning. "I hope you two have finished your assignment because you've been chatting since you walked into my classroom,"

Hermione felt her face burn, not accustomed to being called out in class for such behavior. "We finished a while ago, sorry professor," She said quickly.

"Well, I would expect nothing less from you Miss Granger," He prided her with a proud smile. "But other students are still trying to work on their assignment so please keep the chatter to a minimum,"

Hermione smiled at him, grateful. "Of course,"

Bellatrix snorted, mocking the witch's voice. "Of course—" She grunted, cut off by the bookworm bumping her shoulder. "…whatever. So, I guess we have somewhat of a plan," She mumbled, tapping her wand against the cylinder before her.

"Better than nothing." Hermione sighed, glancing at the clock above the wall.

Class couldn't go by any slower.

Moments After Bellatrix and Hermione Left to the Room of Requirements

Outside the Gryffindor Prefect Dorm

Andy rushed up the stairs where she knew Hermione's room was. She had received a letter and she needed Bellatrix to look at it before she made any other decisions.

"I still have to hide you if someone sees," She heard Hermione's voice tease.

Her sister snorted, walking out the door. "Please, like anybody would dare say something to either of us or—"

Andy called out to her. "Bella!" Too excited to have found her, she didn't have time to move out of the way before she collided with her sister's hard shoulder.

She groaned from the hard floor, her back throbbing in pain as she stared up at the swaying ceiling.

"Andy, watch where you're going," Bellatrix hissed, holding her hand out for her little sister. "And get off the floor." Andy grumbled as Hermione snickered, closing her door.

Hermione crossed her arms, leaning against Bellatrix; she always thought they looked good together even in the past. "How'd you even get into the Gryffindor side?" Hermione asked, but her true attention was on the curly black strand she was playing with.

Andy made a face, trying not to roll her eyes. "Please, I've seen Bella sneak in here a dozen times; of course, I've learned how." She shook her head. "But never mind how I got in here, Bella I need to show you something important." She said hurriedly.

"What is it?" Bellatrix groaned, taking in the warm body beside her so she didn't snap.

Andy swallowed. "I got a letter."

There was a pause.

"That's great, tell Ted I said hello," Bellatrix mumbled, eye twitching in aggravation. "Come on dove, let's get out of here,"

Andy blocked their path despite the glare from her sister. "N-no, it wasn't from Ted,"

"Then who was it from?" Hermione asked curiously, grabbing Bellatrix's hand to calm her.

Andy shrugged sheepishly. "…I don't know, I haven't opened it yet—"

"—Okay," Hermione cut off what was most likely a curse from Bellatrix. "Reach out to her when you do find out, and maybe even actually read it? But we really must go, Headmistress needs to meet with us," She lied, as even she lost her patience.

Andy groaned, watching the duo head downstairs before turning in the opposite direction of McGonagall's office. "…fine, but if this is a howler I'm going to flip," She mumbled as she eyed the red envelope nervously.

Her own name was written across the envelope in a familiar cursive causing her stomach to twist. She didn't want to be hopeful, but she couldn't help it. The handwriting was far too familiar. She recognized it from the countless times she helped the very person practice it in their living room before dinner.

With shaky hands, Andy ripped open the letter hurriedly. She leaned against Hermione's shut door for support as every word hit her like a tidal wave.

Dear Andromeda,

I'm sorry to have caused you and Bella so much worry. But this is the first time in a while that I've had some time to myself without mum and dad breathing down my neck; staring at me with those knowing eyes.

After the fall of the dark lord, we ran during the noise and hid out far from everything. They knew they had lost the moment Riddle fell to the ground. Dad suspected they would have Aurors' storm our family properties once they discovered our involvement. So, we took off somewhere nobody would think to look.

But I'm tired of hiding. I don't want to live a life running or looking over my shoulder. Mum and dad feel the same. They won't say it, but I know it's true. But they won't come out of hiding unless they know we'll be safe. Maybe it's selfish of me to ask but, could you get in touch with Hermione for me? I don't know why, but they won't trust anyone's word but hers.

They want her to go to the ministry and claim the involvement we had was forced and that we had no choice. It's a lot to ask, I know. I haven't reached out to you in months, even when we went to school together, and now when I do I come asking favors.

They don't know I'm writing you or they'd try to stop me. But I'm coming to you, as your sister, and asking for you to take a leap of faith.

I want you to meet with me, so we can discuss more face to face. In three days I will be waiting in The Forbidden Forest. I'll be waiting there after five o'clock. And come alone. I can't see Bella right now.

Don't get me wrong, I love Bella and I'd love to see her, but I can't risk her following me back. And wherever she goes, so does Hermione…I'll explain in person why that's a problem.

Please, come meet with me.

Love, Narcissa

"Holy sh—" Andy cut herself off with a gasp as she reread the letter again just to make sure.

But she knew.

She knew who it was from the moment she read the first line. There was only one person who still called her by her full name despite how much it irritated her.

"…I have to find Bella," Andy whispered before shoving the letter into her pocket. "Bella!" She called out, running desperately in the direction she had seen her sister go in.

She needed to see her.

Bellatrix shrugged off her uniform top to opt for a loose fitting dark green sweatshirt with the Slytherin house symbol on the back. She itched in her spot in front of her worn out locker as she listened to her teammates speak amongst themselves.

The team had just finished another vigorous practice on the field as they prepared for their match on Friday. She had been surprised to see Chloe, broom in hand, with them on the field today. The chaser had missed two days of practice, so Bellatrix didn't know if she'd be here. She could honestly say that this was the first time she was glad to have the girl in her presence.

She cleared her throat, gathering her teams' attention. "Great practice today ladies," Bellatrix said, watching the majority gather their belongings. "…Chloe, could I talk to you for a moment?" She asked as she leaned against her empty locker; waiting for the other girl who stood on the other side of the locker room.

Emma waggled her eyebrows, nudging the chaser in the arm as she whispered. "Hermione who?"

"Shut up," Chloe hissed, face a stark red. "She's probably going to yell at me for missing practice, twice! You remember when she all but scarred one of the first years for disrupting out practice?"

Emma rolled her eyes. "You're being dramatic, I'm sure it's nothing, but I'll see you for dinner yeah?" She called over her shoulder before heading out the door.

Leaving the two witches alone.

Chloe nervously turned around, eyeing the somewhat bored Bellatrix who was examining her nails. "…I know I missed two days of practice this week, I'm sorry," She began as she approached the stoic witch.

Bellatrix hummed, finally looking up at the nervous girl. "I'm not here to punish you, Chloe. I just want to make sure you're okay and the reason for you missing this week; was it a family emergency or—"

"No, nothing like that," Chloe shook her head. "That night, when you and Granger ran around the corner?" She said Hermione's name as if it were hard to get out.

Bellatrix nodded, ignoring Chloe's tone, curious. "You were talking to McGonagall, yeah, so? Does she have anything to do with you missing practice?"

Chloe scratched the back of her neck. "…she was berating me for teasing Loony Luna," She growled. "It's just, that girl really gets under my skin and I couldn't help myself."

"What did you do?" Bellatrix frowned.

Chloe blurted it out. "—I hexed her!" She exclaimed, taking in how Bellatrix's eyes widened. "A new one I've been working on where the person you target gets shocked each time they say anything that would usually annoy you…Headmistress found out and suspended me from practice for two days. I'm sorry, I know what I did was—"

"—brilliant," Bellatrix surprised her with a cackle. "…why have I never thought of this?" She mumbled to herself.

She knew she would get in trouble from Hermione later, but she couldn't help herself. She was conflicted. On one hand, Luna was somewhat of a mutual friend and she shouldn't be laughing at her misfortune. But on the other hand, Chloe created this amazing hex that she wanted to dive into; explore, experiment maybe.

"Really?" Chloe perked up, shyly.

Bellatrix grinned. "Well, you have to work on not getting caught next time but—you have to teach it to me," She cut to the chase, excited.

She hadn't found an interesting hex worth her time in months.

Chloe blushed, taking a gentle step closer. "S-sure, we can meet at my dorm a—oof!"

Bellatrix flinched, watching the chaser fall to the floor with a thud. Moments later a livid Hermione stepped out from behind a locker she had been using as a fortress. Twirling her wand between her finger tips, she stepped over to glare down at the chaser passed out on the ground.

"…it's not her, the rebounding spell only caused her to faint," Hermione got out with a huff.

Bellatrix pouted. "She was just about to teach me—"

"—I know what she was trying to do," Hermione hissed before turning her fierce gaze to the witch. "And you were supposed to be finding out if she was clear, not benefitting from Luna's pain," She crossed her arms.

Bellatrix sighed. "I know, geez, come on. Let's go find Luna before she decides to disappear again,"

"How do we know where she'll be?" Hermione asked but followed her girlfriend anyway.

Bellatrix grinned. "A spell like that? She'd have to be with Pomphrey for at least a few days," She paused before glancing over her shoulder at Hermione, winking. "…you're cute when you're jealous, dove,"

"Shut up," Hermione flushed.

Hogwarts, 1993

Hallway

"I can't believe you three snuck out, after curfew, just to see if some myth was true," McGonagall hissed, glaring down at the three children before her. "You could have gotten hurt or—"

Harry licked his lips, speaking. "—but we didn't."

"Y-yeah," Ron back him up, grinning boyishly. "And we even managed to defeat a siren!" Hermione nudged his side.

He wasn't really helping their case.

Dumbledore spoke before McGonagall could, humming. "…I don't know if this is better or worse than when they took down that troll." He shook his head, amused. "But either way it's impressive,"

McGonagall gaped. "Sir!"

"What?" He smiled helplessly as he eyed the children. "These three are forces to be reckoned with." When the trio grinned proudly at each other he spoke again. "But this does not excuse you from breaking the rules and going places where you shouldn't. Professor is right, you could have gotten hurt—"

"—but we handled ourselves," Harry argued stubbornly. "We took down that siren all by ourselves!"

Dumbledore frowned. "Mr. Potter, please, don't mistake skill with luck. Now," He left no room for objection. "Return to your separate dorms so you can get some rest, we will discuss punishment tomorrow."

Harry huffed, stalking away with his friends in rear. "…how dare he, it's not luck,"

"We know that," Hermione whispered from his right side. "I researched sirens for weeks before we ever sook it out. Ron knew how to get through all the traps, and Harry you were the one to take it down with a powerful spell." She patted his shoulder. "He can't say all of that was luck,"

Ron nodded as he nudged Harry's shoulder. "Yeah mate, we know what we're doing,"

Harry sighed as he looked up. "Do we though? I mean, we still haven't found out who sent that siren to us. Someone had to,"

Ron growled. "Bet it was you know who."

Hermione shook her head. "No, it wasn't him."

"How do you know?" Ron questioned.

Because she asked Riddle, and he honestly said he knew nothing about it.

Hermione swallowed as she laughed nervously. "Just a feeling,"

"Well your feelings are always right so I'll take your word for it," Harry said softly. "But seriously…luck or not, I'm glad I have you two helping me solve things like this. I don't think I could do it without you guys," Ron nodded softly beside him.

"Yeah, me either," Hermione confessed.

"Ginny," Andy called out, sitting beside the redhead. "Have you seen my sister around? I need to tell her something," As she spoke, she looked around the great hall for familiar dark curls.

Ginny snorted, giving her an unbelieving look. "Please, she and Hermione are literally attached to the hip. If I haven't seen Mione then I haven't seen Black,"

She hadn't been able to speak to her sister about the letter she received all week. Bellatrix had mysteriously gone missing lately. And even when she did find her, the older witch always brushed her away rudely.

Despite how irritating it was, she couldn't meet with Narcissa on her own. It could be a trap. And Bellatrix deserved the right to know what was going on. She didn't have any loyalty towards Narcissa anyway; they had been growing apart for years.

But she and Bellatrix had grown closer during the war, so she owed her this.

"Ah, speak of the devil," Ginny muttered under her breath.

Andy turned around, elated, as she watched her sister walk in behind a determine Hermione. She sighed in relief as she made eye contact with soft brown; it seemed the bookworm was in search for someone.

Andy stood up quickly. "Bella—"

"—have any of you seen Luna around?" Bellatrix cut her off, choosing to lean her weight against her girlfriend.

Why would Bellatrix, of all people, want to see Luna?

Ginny frowned, speaking out what she had been thinking. "First of all, we haven't seen you two in forever and when we do you come with demands. And why do you want to see her?"

"She left something in class so we're trying to return it," Hermione said before Bellatrix could say something rude. "…have you seen her? She wasn't with Pomfrey when we checked,"

Bellatrix huffed. "Great job Pomfrey is doing, didn't even notice Luna leave," She snarked sarcastically.

Ginny nodded. "I think I saw her headed for the astronomy tower? I didn't ask why, but she seemed like she was on a mission,"

Hermione smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Gin, we'll hang out sometime soon; I promise,"

"Yeah, yeah," Ginny was already facing her food.

Andy reached out for Bellatrix's arm. "Bella wait, I have to tell you something,"

Bellatrix pulled out of her grip easily. "Not now Andy," She brushed her off before following Hermione out of the hall.

Andy ground her teeth together.

She was sick of her sister brushing her aside as if she were some child. Even when they were younger, her older sister would keep her at a distance from what she had been doing. She thought the witch had changed, that being with Hermione had helped her be more open, but she was wrong.

Bellatrix was only keeping more secrets from her; blocking her out. And she was done with it.

"What's up with you?" Ginny nudged her side.

Andy moved away from the table. "There's someone I have to see,"

Looks like she was doing this on her own after all.

Hogwarts, 1993

The Great Hall

Bellatrix leaned her chin onto her open palm as she picked at her food. "Did you guys hear about what the little golden trio got into this week?" The thirteen-year-old paused at her picking but didn't look up as she silently listened to her teammates gossip.

"What have those losers done now?" A young Pansy asked as she leaned in closer.

Amelia all but squealed as she explained. "I heard from one of the sixth years that they took on a siren all by themselves," Bellatrix felt her eyes widen, shocked.

"No way," Chloe huffed, glaring at the Gryffindor table.

Bellatrix found herself nodding along with the brunette; no way indeed. How could baby Potter, the weasel, and a mudblood take on a creature of that magnitude. And only as third years'.

Amelia smiled as she watched Harry and Ron enter on cue. "…yes way. Dumbledore tried to hide it, but some upperclassmen found out; guess they were sneaking into their dorms when they overheard the conversation."

"That's insane, I can't believe it." Chloe gaped. "They're mental, the lot of them,"

Bellatrix watched from afar as Ron and Harry made their way to their table where Hermione was reading a large book. She watched the witch look up, only to roll her eyes, as Ron made a snark remark. Harry laughed as he sat beside the bookworm, leaning in, before he spoke to her.

Hermione perked up, also leaning in closer, as she began gesturing to the book; reading it to them. Ron, from where he sat across from them, also leaned over; chewing his food openly.

Bellatrix bit her lip. "…" What else were they about to get themselves into.

"Hey Black," Pansy called out, she hummed in response but didn't look up. "Isn't that your sister?"

Bellatrix looked up, frowning, as she watched Andy approach the trio. For a moment she watched them all tense up. Ron wore an untrusting frown as he sized her up; they recognized a Black when they saw one. Especially Andy, since they looked so much alike.

Her nostrils flared as she watched the frown on Hermione's face turn into a bright grin. "…what the hell?" She whispered, watching as her sister exchanged words with the trio.

"Why is she talking to them?" Chloe wondered in confusion.

Pansy shook her head. "She's a first year, it's not her fault she doesn't understand the rules,"

"…" Bellatrix stood abruptly, the breaking point coming when Hermione moved over to allow Andy to sit beside her. "I'll get her."

Amelia bit her lip, she knew that look and it wasn't good. "Bella—" But the other girl was already marching over to get her sister. "I don't see the big deal,"

"She's one of us, and speaking to them of all people," Chloe scoffed. "It ruins our reputation."

Across the other side of the hall Hermione smiled. "Sorry if we seemed a little standoffish but—"

"—I know, I look just like her." Andy muttered. "But I'm not. I don't care about the things that upset her," She confessed.

Harry nodded still wary. "Okay, but still, why approach us of all people? If you haven't noticed, we're not the best group to be around if you want to stay out of trouble."

Andy sat up straighter, eyes bright. "Is it true you guys took on a siren all by yourself?"

Ron grinned boyishly. "We did,"

"That's awesome," Andy exclaimed, shocking Hermione and Harry; a Black sister who was infatuated with them in a good way. "I heard about these third years who took down a siren but—I couldn't believe it. You guys are like, vigilantes or something."

Ron smirked. "Yeah something like that—"

Harry frowned. "Nothing like that—"

Hermione shook her head. "I don't think—"

They all said simultaneously, earning a laugh from Andy. "…I see."

"Enough about us," Ron said, surprising them all. "I want to know if there are any more Black sisters I need to worry about." When Andy remained silent they all groaned. "Seriously? How many are there?"

Andy chuckled. "Just my little sister, Narcissa, but you have another year until she arrives."

"Another thing to worry about in the future," Harry muttered. "At least—"

Bellatrix interrupted him. "Andy, what are you doing over here? Slytherins sit at that table,"

Andy rolled her eyes. "And I'm sitting here."

The trio gaped in shock. They had never seen someone talk back to Bellatrix without getting hurt in the process. Hermione shifted nervously, feeling all eyes on them, as she waited for the witch to snap.

"…why?" Bellatrix growled as her anger soared.

Andy glared up at her, defiantly. "Because they're all stuck up, privileged, arseholes that's why."

Ron snorted, only to freeze as Bellatrix glared at him. "What's funny weasel?"

"Leave him alone, Bella," Andy sighed. "Look, I just wanted to know if they really defeated a siren. And besides, you told me not to sit with your friends, so I had to make my own,"

To Hermione's surprise, the with softened as she looked down at her sister. "Andy come on—"

"No," Andy hissed. "I can barely make friends, real ones, without people being afraid of me; all because I'm related to you."

Hermione flinched. "…"

Bellatrix nodded stiffly. "…do whatever you want then, and don't come to me if you need any help. I'm not the only one forced to be related someone I can't stand," She spat before turning on her heel and storming out.

"That was a bit harsh don't you think?" Hermione found herself asking as she watched Bellatrix storm away; for some reason she felt sorry for her.

She didn't have any siblings, so she didn't understand, but Harry and Ron were like brothers. If they spoke to her like that then she would be hurt; no matter how tough she was.

"It's Bellatrix, who cares," Ron snorted.

Andy sighed, turning her back to the door. "Yeah,"

"…I have to go," Hermione stood abruptly, shutting her book, as she moved away. "To the library, I just remembered something," Her mouth seemed to have a mind of its own.

Harry frowned. "Do you want me to—"

"No," Hermione said brusquely. "…I'll just see you two in class," She couldn't be around them right now.

No matter how rude Bellatrix was, no one deserved to be spoken to like that from someone this close to them. And she knew Bellatrix didn't deserve her kindness, but she couldn't help it.

And she didn't know why but she had to see her.

"…" Andy watched the bookworm leave as dread filled her stomach.

Hermione carefully approached the figure sitting standing in front of the banister overlooking the school. Bleach blonde hair moved along with the gentle breeze from up above.

With her wand clasped between her fingers, ready, Hermione spoke. "Luna,"

Said girl turned around, smiling. "Hermione, Bellatrix, are you here to search for fairies too?" Their friend asked with delight.

Finally, she had some company, that wasn't Neville, to observe magical creatures with her.

"Not quite," Hermione spoke before Bellatrix could utter a snark remark. "We wanted to speak to you about the other night." She carefully moved to stand in front of the blonde.

Luna hummed. "Ah, the hex." She turned to Bellatrix with a soft smile. "I don't know exactly what she used but it had the desired effect. I wish I could tell you more but—"

"It's fine, that's not what we're here for," Bellatrix laughed her off; despite how much she truly did wish to go over every detail of the hex.

Luna nodded, leaning against the rail overlooking the sky. "…ah, then I assume Chloe has given you the details. I guess that means she was let off easy," She muttered. "Strange,"

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked, eyeing the witch closely. "What's so strange about it? Chloe hexed you, so she was punished for it," She said, as if it were obvious.

Luna looked up as if she were in a daze. "You have a big quidditch match coming up soon, right?" She said, ignoring the question.

Bellatrix glanced at Hermione, wary. "Yeah, this Friday, so?" She shrugged.

"…and Chloe will be playing?" Luna asked softly. "Even though she did this to me," Hermione loosened her grip on her wand, curious.

The eldest Black rolled her eyes, irritated. "She was already punished, had to miss out on two days of practice,"

The Ravenclaw teen locked eyes with them. "A small price to pay for such an offense, I thought Headmistress would have kept her from playing one game at least; doesn't seem like much of a punishment," She shrugged. "And she let you two go without her usual lengthy speeches when she caught you,"

"Maybe it's just me but she seems different, but it's probably nothing," Luna offered them a soft smile. "…did I answer all your questions?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes, you've been very helpful Luna, thank you," She turned to Bellatrix with a worried look. "Let's go,"

They had gone after the wrong person.

Hogwarts, 1993

Hallway

"…" Hermione stopped as she caught sight of Bellatrix walking down the hall. "Hey," She called out, nervously.

She didn't know how the witch was going to act.

"…don't," She heard Bellatrix growl with a hand raised.

Hermione swallowed, choosing not to listen. "She didn't mean that," She didn't know why she was trying to comfort her. "Andy was just upset—"

"Granger back the hell away before I hurt you," Bellatrix growled without turning around.

Hermione shook her head. "But—"

"Leave me alone!" Bellatrix raised her wand with a spell on the tip of her tongue.

"Expelliarmus!" McGonagall called out, easily catching the wand as it flew to her. "Miss Black what is the meaning of this? You know the punishment for such behavior."

Bellatrix licked her lips. "But—"

"You will be sitting out of this upcoming match and will have detention for the rest of the week," The professor declared.

Bellatrix's face fell. "But, this is our first game, they need me!" She hissed.

"You should have thought of that before you raised your wand at another student," McGonagall tutted.

Hermione stepped forward before the other witch could speak. "It's not her fault, professor. She told me to leave her alone, but I kept taunting her; I should have respected her space. Don't punish her, please, I'm fine." She said, gesturing to her unharmed body.

The professor sighed. "Miss Granger, you are already on thin ice—"

"I'll take her detention or have points taken from our house but please," Hermione begged, glancing over at Bellatrix who glared at the floor. "…it's my fault."

McGonagall pursed her lips. "…you can attend your match, but the detention still stands," She turned to Hermione. "And Miss Granger will be joining you as compensation for you having the ability to attend the match," She said without giving them a chance to speak.

"Here," She handed the witch her wand back. "Don't make me take it away again," Was the last thing she said before heading away from the duo.

"…great," Hermione groaned. "Detention is the last thing I need."

"…" Bellatrix silently shoved her wand in its' holder and walked in the opposite direction.

Hermione swallowed. "Hey—"

"—I told you to leave me alone," Bellatrix growled, turning around to glare at her. "Now I have to spend one weeks' worth of detention with you, which I wouldn't have if you would've just left me the hell alone."

Hermione sighed when Bellatrix shoved past her, bumping shoulders. "…"

It was only the first month of school and she had already managed to get on Bellatrix's bad side.

It was too late to turn back now.

That's what she kept telling herself as she walked around the forest nervously. Even as the sun prepared to set, she kept going. She needed to see this through. Do something on her own for once.

Narcissa didn't tell her which part of the forest to meet her in so she could only hope her sister had the same idea; going to Hagrid's hut. It was cleared out due to his absence while they prepared to find his replacement for the time being.

She looked behind her, to make sure she wasn't being followed, before making her way inside. "…hello?" Andy called out somewhat nervously.

"Andro—" Her sister's familiar, slightly matured, voice spoke.

"—call me Andy, for once, please," She laughed weakly.

Narcissa stepped out of the shadows, smiling. "Right, Andy, it's been too long." She corrected.

Andy gaped as she took in her sisters' appearance. The dainty girl she knew before was dressed in a dirtied black cloak; covering her entire form. According to the mud stains, and loose twigs, it appeared Narcissa had to fight to make it here. But despite the large cloth, Andy could still make out to small tale of her sisters' shaped form.

Her long blonde hair was cut shorter, making it fall just a few inches under her shoulder; forming a cute, lengthy, bob. Andy shook her head in awe as she took the time to examine her little sisters' face. The chubbiness was gone and replaced with a marvelously sculpted jawline.

The ice on the metaphoric cake had to be the wedding ring on her finger.

"…you're betrothed?" Andy gasped.

Narcissa walked closer, smiling as she raised her hand to show off the ring. "Lucius and I…no, they aren't forcing me, I truly care for him."

"You're fourteen," Andy whispered, conflicted.

But in a way she understood. When she was this age, she thought she wanted to marry Ted right away. But they needed to take time and get to know each other first; there was no rush.

"We won't marry until I'm an adult," Narcissa said softly. "He has been kind enough to help us hide out in his family estate,"

"Thought you couldn't tell me where you were staying?" Andy teased as she reached out to examine the ring closer.

Narcissa raised an eyebrow. "Do you know how many estates the Malfoys have? If you did then you would realize it's as good as telling you nothing at all," She gestured for her to have a seat with her at the table. "…where's Bella? I half expected you to tell her anyway,"

Andy scoffed, still upset about earlier. "I was going to but she and Hermione, you how they are with their, secretes and things,"

"So, they're still together then? After everything," Narcissa hummed. "…good, Bella, she needs someone like that."

"In your letter, you said you needed me to convince Hermione to vouch for mum and dad?" Andy asked, cutting to the chase.

Narcissa sighed at her sister's snappy reply. "Yes, for our parent's non-involvement in the war; say they were being threatened to follow the dark lord's commands."

Andy laughed dryly. "Why would I do that? They've never done anything for me, haven't even tried to reach out for me when I went missing during the war; what do I owe them?"

"Nothing. But they aren't the only ones who are affected by the ministries threat," Narcissa whispered with conviction. "I want to live a normal life too—"

"—then you should have thought of that before you tried to kill Dumbledore, housed Riddle in our home, and all the other shit." Andy argued.

"You think I had a choice?" Narcissa hissed as her anger rose. "You know what they're like. I was alone, when they sent me to Riddle…when he saw something in me. I couldn't tell anyone, it was a burden I had to carry alone,"

Andy scoffed. "You could have told me."

"We barely spoke, Andy, I didn't even tell Bella," Narcissa frowned. "You hate that you're invisible to them, but I envy you for it, I wish I could be in your position. Free to be wherever you want, free to be with the person you love, and free from their judgement."

Narcissa shook her head. "…I know you felt alone, like Bella and I abandoned you, but I've been through hell too; and I just want it to end. I want to finish school like you two, graduate, have a life outside of the war…help me,"

Andy took a moment, sighing, as her anger thinned out.

"…I'll tell Hermione and write back to you with her response," Andy watched her sister relax. "But not until you tell me why you didn't seek out Bellatrix first. You said because Hermione would follow her, why is that a bad thing?"

Narcissa swallowed. "Ah, well, our parents are…afraid of her at the moment,"

"What?" Andy couldn't help but laugh. "You're joking?"

That was ridiculous.

"They heard how Hermione and her father were the ones to put an end to it all, they're terrified of her. In their eyes, since she defeated him, and they know about her blood status…they feel like they are indebted to her."

Narcissa licked her lips as she tried to explain. "It's like when the king dies, the prince takes his place,"

Andy looked out the window at the darkening sky. "So, they just move from one master to the next…well, they're crazy if they think Hermione will forgive them for what they did to Bella. Or step into the role they expect from her,"

"She doesn't have to forgive, she just has to give her testimony, so I can come back," Narcissa whispered. "I'm sick of hiding."

The older sister sighed in defeat. "I can tell her what's going on, but I can't promise you that she'll be willing to do it, but maybe she can pardon your involvement."

Narcissa smiled, grateful. "Thank you, for everything, you didn't have to see me."

"I did," Andy said softly, placing her hand on the younger girls' arm. "You're my little sister, and I couldn't protect you then, but I can try my best to now." She confessed before glancing outside again. "…I have to go,"

Narcissa stood with her. "Write to me when she has an answer,"

"Be safe," Andy said, pulling her in for a quick hug.

Narcissa nodded. "I will,"

They had to stick together, as sisters.

"I can't believe how stupid I was," Hermione growled as she ran through the darkened corridors within the school in search. "She has been my professor for years, I should have known something was wrong,"

Bellatrix, breathing heavily, spoke as they made a sharp turn. "It's not your fault, we were trying to look at all the possibilities."

It wasn't Hermione's fault, she should have known McGonagall wasn't right. Receiving all those detentions and reprimands throughout the years, only to get a scolding, was their first clue. The older woman would never have let them go that easy.

Hermione sped up when she caught sight of the office, a dim light underneath the door. "I just hope we're not too late," She said as she readied her wand in her hand.

"We might be," Bellatrix shivered, moving so she was just ahead of the bookworm. "…do you feel that magic? It's so dark, so familiar," Her knees threatened to buckle as her own magic retreated, trying to stay away from the dark force that was calling out to her.

Hermione breathed in, pupils blown, as her own magic came out to play; acting as a barrier around her and Bellatrix. "…stay behind me," She demanded, leaving no room for objection as they reached the door.

She didn't know what or who was behind this door, but she knew their magic was unlike anything she had ever felt. But, at the same time, it spoke to her as if they were mutual friends.

Bellatrix licked her lips as she looked around at the vibrant purple aurora covering her. Hermione's magic, she realized, was acting as a shield; protecting her from the dark force behind those doors. For some reason when she felt the dark force, it caused her magic to recede. It felt like it was eating her up. But for Hermione, it welcomed her with open arms.

She didn't know if that was a good thing.

"Headmistress," Hermione called out as she reached and pulled the door open with an urgency. "Are you—" She stopped cold as she saw said women passed out on the floor.

McGonagall looked pale, veins around her neck more prominent than ever. The only indication that she was alive were the constant flickering of her eyelids and the shallow gasps for air she gave. Hermione had to hold her arm out, she could feel how anxious Bellatrix was to rush out to help the woman. But there was something of more importance to be dealt with.

Despite all these observations, the only thing Hermione focused on was the fact that McGonagall's wand was missing.

Hermione allowed the tugging at her mind if only to speed things along. "You are as brilliant as they say," A cool, calculating, voice caused them to look to their right.

"No way," Bellatrix felt her blood run cold, shocked.

Hermione glared at the man sitting in the Headmistresses chair at her desk. "You shouldn't be here," She declared, too furious to be afraid.

The man let out a rough laugh, amused. "I know, but my world was getting a little bland…thought I could start over here."

"…you're supposed to be dead," Hermione stalled, observing the man who has been haunting her dreams for months.

She could finally put a name to the face.

He chuckled, scratching his bearded chin. "No, I'm very much alive, thanks for asking," The wizard taunted, gesturing to his body that was hidden behind a black cloak.

Hermione growled as her patience began to wear thin. "How?"

The man calmed down after taking in her guarded expression, he sighed. "I don't know," He confessed to the duo who still had their wands drawn.

"You don't know?" Hermione felt her eyebrow twitch. "What do you know?" She had been trying to speak to him for months.

Now she was finally going to get some answers.

The older wizard relaxed his magic, understanding that he couldn't touch the two for the moment. He felt a smile tug at his lips, impressed, when Hermione managed to keep up her force field; and for such a long period of time.

"Well, I suppose it won't hurt telling you, since it won't be helpful to you in any way," He leaned back in the chair, twirling the stolen wand in his hand lazily. "…you know of the point of no return, correct?"

Hermione stiffened. "Yes, that's where you kept calling out to me from,"

"Well someone called out to me from there as well. You see," He frowned, trying to find a way to explain this. "I come from another universe where I am alive, our timeline and history are different than yours," A pause, as he took in their confused faces.

"…in my world I am a leader in the complete genocide of all muggles and muggle-borns. My team of faithful followers were planning a war to take them out, but we were stopped," He glared at them.

Hermione frowned. "I—or, the version of me on your universe stopped you?"

He snorted. "Please, you're barely five years old there. It was your father and his brother,"

"Riddle," Hermione gasped, feeling her resolve tremble. "He's alive in your world?"

The dark wizard shook his head. "No, he died by the hand of one of my men."

Hermione shivered as she thought back to her conversation with Dumbledore that day they defeated her uncle.

The bookworm swallowed at the thought and nodded. "…what if I can save him?"

"I will leave the choice up to you." Dumbledore mumbled. "I will no longer tell you what to do, especially not during my death. If you think it's possible then when Voldemort is at his weakest state, I will allow you to speak with him before judgement is passed to him. What he decides, will be up to him."

Hermione licked her lips, hopeful. "If he wants to be forgiven?"

"Then he will return to earth as if the horcruxes had never happened, but only if he begs for forgiveness with a pure heart." Dumbledore continued as Hermione felt relieved. "But, if he doesn't—"

"He shall die."

Apparently, that meant in this life and the next.

"We were going to lose the war, but then I started having these strange dreams," Hermione listened closely. "Someone kept coming to me, saying they could give me a new world to take over; a fresh start. They said all I had to do was reach out…when the war started getting worse on our side, I gave in. I would rather start over then die there,"

He shrugged. "So, I abandoned ship,"

"You don't know who sent you to me?" Hermione asked, wondering why she was the one targeted.

The wizard shook his head. "If I knew I'd thank them," He rose from his seat, laughing as the duo took a guarded step back. "…I'll be taking this world. But, I am a wizard of honor and respect,"

Bellatrix growled lowly as he pointed the wand at Hermione. "I am here, in a way, because of you. You allowed me to come in, so I feel I owe you a small debt in return,"

"I'm flattered," Hermione deadpanned.

The wizard smirked at her wit. "I will be taking this world, but I will give you two options that will ultimately have the same outcome. One, you hand it over without a fight and maybe I let you fight alongside me a—"

"—no thanks, what else do you have?" Bellatrix snapped.

"She speaks," He chuckled darkly before turning his attention back to Hermione. "…face me in a duel. The winner takes what is rightfully theirs, I will give you three days to get your barring's in order—"

Hermione glared at him fiercely despite the tight grip Bellatrix had on her shoulder. "Until the battle I want you to stay hidden and leave the muggles and muggle-borns' alone; don't interfere."

"Hermione—" Bellatrix began.

There had to be another way.

"I will," He nodded. "A letter will be sent to you prior to our battle, I look forward to it," Was his response, followed by a sly smile, right before a green fog surrounded him and he was gone.

The sound of a wand hitting the desk followed.

Hermione jumped into action, rushing to the floor to check on the fallen witch. She checked her pulse and any signs for bruises while Bellatrix checked the halls to see if anyone had witnessed their encounter.

"Obliviate," Hermione whispered, removing the witch's memory. "…if I remembered him taking over my body then she will too," She explained when Bellatrix gave her a look, standing. "Help me put her at her desk,"

Bellatrix shoved her, glaring. "What was that?"

"Look, we don't have time for this," Hermione ignored her and grabbed the older woman's' feet. "You grab her hands—"

"You know who you just agree to fight, correct?" Bellatrix got down to her level to look her in the eyes.

Hermione huffed stubbornly. "Salazar Slytherin—"

"—one of the greatest wizards in existence, one of the founders of Hogwarts," Bellatrix corrected. "We just ended a war and you want to start another one?"

"I am trying to stop another from happening." Hermione growled.

Bellatrix shook her head. "By getting yourself killed?"

"We have three days," Hermione hissed. "Enough time to establish a plan, get some help, I wasn't planning on meeting him alone…but I brought him into this world, so I have to take him out."

Bellatrix bit her lip. "I don't like this, he could be anywhere…and if he really is an alternate version of Salazar, then he might turn back on his word. We have to find a way to keep an eye on him, we don't know what he's planning."

Hermione nodded. "…I'll owl Harry and Ron, I can even try reaching out to my dad to see what he knows."

"Good, I have a feeling we'll need all the help we can get," Bellatrix admitted, frowning when her girlfriend didn't respond. "What is it?"

Hermione looked out the window at the dark sky. "…someone sent him to me, so they knew what he was capable of."

Bellatrix nodded. "Yeah, the question is; who did it?"

"Exactly," Hermione mumbled, tightening her grip on her wand furiously.

"…and I have a feeling the person who did is the one we should look out for,"