Bellatrix woke up before everyone else that next morning. Surprisingly the bed wasn't as uncomfortable as it looked and Cissy eventually moved over to give her space to breathe. The fire had extinguished while they were sleeping but there were rays sneaking in through the windows heating up the little cabin enough so it wasn't freezing. She put her cloak on and quietly went outside to peek at the sun and she inferred that it had to be near midday. She couldn't tell the date or year they were in let alone what country they ended up in but it no longer seemed as if they were in London. Bella was lost for answers. "What have you gotten everybody into, Bellatrix?" She started pacing. "Everybody was right about you. Nothing but a mad little girl who only takes her own self into consideration." That wasn't particularly true. This adventure was the product of what she has discovered by listening in on a few conversations she shouldn't have heard. Since her sisters came along, she only cared about them. Protecting and providing for her sisters was her main reason for living since her parents obviously lack the ability and compassion to do so. All her father cared about was how to gain power and respect. He would've sold his daughters off to the highest bidder as soon as he got the chance if she hadn't had taken her own course of action. "Fuck him," she paced faster. "Fuck all of them." The plan was simple. Find magic. "Easy enough. We are the strongest witches in the Wizarding World. Surely we can find something here." She traveled a little ways down the road away from the small cabin where they were resting to try to get a sense of semblance only to find that it was nothing but woods. There were no signs to indicate a location so it seemed Bella was currently in over her head. "Just fucking perfect," she mumbled and set off back in the direction she had left her family and Ted. She turned back and started walking in the direction of the small cabin not really paying attention to anything but the closer she got the more she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.

Bella just reached the cabin when she heard a twig snapping in the woods to her left, "who is there?" she hissed trying not to wake up her sisters. "I know you've been following me for a while now. Get your jollies by following a little girl? What kind of sick pervert are you?"

"I'm not a pervert," a man stepped out from the woods with his hands out in front of him. M"I assure you. I mean you no harm."

"If you mean no harm to me then why are you skulking around in the woods following a girl? Seems a bit strange if you ask me."

The man shrugged, "true but i could ask the same of you. Why are you skulking around the woods unless you are looking for trouble?"

Bella's jaw dropped open, 'I was not skulking. Blacks do not skulk. I was merely walking down the damn road to try to find some form of life besides all these damned animals. Apparently there are no other forms of life besides me and you and I don't think I want to know you."

"Town is that way," the man pointed in the opposite direction she had been traveling.

"Well that's just fucking brilliant. Isn't it?"

"Where are you from? Your accent isn't from around here."

Bella crossed her arms over her chest, "oh no. Absolutely not. I know what happens next. You pretend to be friendly, get all of my information and the next thing I know I'm being sold to some slavery ring in a far off country."

The man appeared confused, "slavery ring? I'm sorry I don't understand. I think we are having a communication problem."

She cackled, "you think? Why are you following me?"

"Why are you going into my cabin?"

That one small question got Bella's attention. "Shit. Sorry. We didn't know anyone was staying here. It looked abandoned last night. We can be gone in ten minutes just let me get my sisters up."

"Hold on. I didn't say you had to leave. I won't be here much longer. I have another story to attend to. You and your sisters are more than welcome to stay for as long as you want."

"Why are you being so generous? What is in it for you?"

"Being nice doesn't cost me anything," the man smiled. "I know what it's like to be thrown into new situations that you have absolutely no control over. I can tell that you aren't from around here. I'm guessing you don't actually know where you are and that you probably arrived in that magic bean wreckage I saw a few miles back. I could easily tell you to get your family and move along but I won't. Like I said, you are welcome to stay here until you get your bearings. Town is three miles the other way. Here," he tossed something at Bella. She caught the small bag. Inside was what looked like a form of currency and some matches. "Consider this a starter pack. One day if you feel obligated, you can return the favor."

"Thanks?" Bella was more confused now than when she woke up.

"What did you come here looking for?"

It was a simple question and yet she hesitated to answer it, "magic."

The man nodded, "all magic comes with a price, dearie."

"Where are we exactly?"

"The Enchanted Forest."

"What did you say your name was?" she looked up from the contents of the bag and the man was gone. "Well that was fucking weird," she shook the encounter out of her mind when Andy came to the door and peeked her head out.

"Who were you out here with?"

"Nobody," Bella walked back into the cabin. "Here," she handed Andy the small bag. "Money and matches. Town is three miles that way."

"How did you get this?"

"Ran into a man," Bella shrugged. "That other voice out there was the man who owns this cabin. Said we can stay as long as we want. Kind of weird. A little creepy. But he gave us money and matches. Look," Bella sighed. "I don't think we have many options right now so we should just take this as a sign. We can walk to town, get some food and see what we can find out."

"Did he say where we are?" Ted sat up from the floor. He had been quietly listening to the conversation.

"Somewhere called the Enchanted Forest."

Luna and Aberforth made the long walk from Hogsmeade up to the castle. The girl chatted the whole way offering different theories as to what could've happened to the barmaid including her possible vacation and other asinine ideas. "She's not on vacation," he tried to shut her up.

She just shrugged and kept talking, "maybe or she could be sipping cocktails on a beach somewhere." When they got to the castle, they were greeted by nobody. School wasn't in session but most of the teachers had remained there during the summer months. They needed to speak with the headmaster hopefully without an audience. "This way," Luna led him to the hall with the changing staircases.

"I know the way," he couldn't believe he was here. He would've been happy living the rest of his life never seeing his brother again. Stopping at the statue he said the password, revealing a set of spiral stairs. "Up you get."

"Headmaster Dumbledore? Are you here?" Luna entered the large office first.

"Just a minute," he called from behind a door. "Make yourselves at home."

"No need for the dramatics Albus. I know you already know why we are here. Somehow you know everything even before it's even been spoken," he took a seat opposite the large desk.

"Ab," the headmaster came out of his office, "I must say. It is rather surprising to see you. Ms. Granger is missing?"

"Or on vacation," Luna handed him the essence they collected from the scene. "We found this magical essence but it's nothing either of us have felt before. Hermione couldn't have made this and there seems to have been a struggle in the alleyway behind the shop."

"Winky?" A small elf appeared by the headmaster's side. "Could you please run this down to Professor Snape to start a diagnostic on this to determine what kind of magic this is?"

"Right away, headmaster sir," she grabbed the essence and popped out of the room.

"Can you tell me everything that happened the day before she went missing?"

Aberforth looked to Luna to start the conversation, "well it was just like any other day, headmaster." She went on to describe the day in detail including the visitors they had at the bookstore.

"Hold on just a moment," she stopped talking. "What did the women look like?"

Luna went on to describe what little she saw of the girls in question, "I saw those same women enter the pub but I didn't think anything of it. The older one spoke with Hermione to place her order. Hermione closed up that night so I didn't stick around."

Albus had a neutral expression on his face, "may I see the women?" He looked to Luna knowing his brother wouldn't consent to him poking around in his mind. She nodded and he pushed into her memories, "I see," was all he said as he watched the interaction between Luna and the pink haired girl. He only got a glimpse of the other woman in question through Luna's perspective but she had an uncanny resemblance. "Can I borrow your memory? I'd like for others to see it."

"Of course," he led her over to his pensieve and helped her to extract the memories.

"Ab?" He waited for his brother to step up. "Do not focus on the girl Luna is talking to. I'm sure we've never seen her before but pay attention to the woman in the background and just watch."

Aberforth went into the memory, "she looks familiar," is all he said when he re-emerged. Albus waited until realization snuck up on him, "Black."

Albus nodded, "I think it's Andromeda. It's hard to tell exactly. She has aged but she's definitely younger than she should be at this point in time."

"The Black sisters are real?" Luna seemed almost impressed. "I thought they were just a tale parents told their kids to get them to behave. They are back?"

"It seems you were visited by at least one of them. I'm unsure who the other girl was," Albus was starting to look concerned.

"What do they want with Hermione?" Aberforth also had a concerned look on his face.

"Ms. Lovegood," Albus turned to the blonde, "can you please go and fetch Sybil?" She left without further instruction.

"Sybil? What does she have to do with any of this?"

"Many years ago the Black Sisters disappeared."

"I'm not a complete idiot, Albus."

"Days before the disappearance Sybil had a vision."

"A prophetic vision?"

Albus's face told him that it very well could've been, "the first part of the vision happened with the disappearance and now well Ms. Granger has been taken. We need Minerva. She knows the most about Hermione. Winky?"

The elf popped back into the room, "the magic has been given to Professor Snape. He has not finished."

"Can you fetch Minerva for us? Time is of the essence Winky."

"Right away, Headmaster." Within seconds, Winky was back with Minerva holding onto her arm. "Here is Mistress McGonagall."

"Thank you, Winky."

"Albus, what is the meaning of this?" She nodded a hello to Aberforth.

"Good evening Minerva. I need you to tell us everything you've learned about Hermione over the past 34 years."

*

"Where are we going?" Cissy asked when they all left the cabin together shortly after waking.

"Into town," Bella walked slightly ahead of everyone else. This was partly due to excitement but also to protect them in case any more strange men jumped out from the woods. She would be ready this time. She didn't have magic but she had her fists and that was good enough for her. She and Andy had agreed not to tell Cissy where the money had come from because it would just make the young girl paranoid and that is not something they wanted to deal with. Thankfully, they had passed a small wooden sign pointing the way they were walking. "I found this sign while you were sleeping. Town is this way."

"We don't have any money," Cissy was starting to sound grumpy and Bella had a suspicion that it was all the walking around. Pure bloods aren't used to this much exercise unless of course they played Quidditch like she had.

Bella considered herself to be in excellent shape and was thankful because of all the walking she figured they would have to be doing, "I found a small bag this morning. It had money and matches. Stop worrying so much, Cissy. I told you everything would be fine."

Ted gave his girlfriend a look but she just shook her head. He knew that meant she would fill him in later. Not much he could do besides go along for the ride. "Come on, kid," he threw her arm around Narcissa's shoulders, "it's an adventure."

Andy loved how Ted acted towards her youngest sister. He really did care about all of them and showed it in the little ways he communicated, "yeah Cissy think of the stories you'll have when we get back."

The blonde grumbled, "if we get back."

Whatever her next sentence was going to be was cut off when the dirt paths opened up to a cobblestone street leading them into the small village. "It looks like something out of a book," Bella turned around and smiled at the three of them.

"Did we fall into a fairytale?"

"Don't be stupid, Edward. Of course not. We know they aren't real. It just looks like one. Over there," she pointed to the street. "Vendors. Surely someone can tell us where we are." She walked over to a vendor stall that had a woman selling knitted animals. "Excuse me ma'am, could you tell us where we are? We've been walking quite a ways and seem to have gotten turned around."

The woman regarded the four children standing in front of her. They appeared clean yet their clothing looked out of place. "Misthaven, dears. Are you in need of any assistance?"

"No ma'am," Bella assured the woman. "Misthaven. Of course. Silly me. I must have forgotten." She saw Cissy looking at a knitted bunny, "how much?"

The woman looked at them all again, "take it, dear."

Cissy's eyes lit up, "thank you so much."

Before she could address them further, Bella led them down the street towards what looked like an eating establishment. "Come on, people are staring," she walked into one of the taverns. It looked quaint enough. The older woman behind the counter stared at them as they walked quickly to the corner booth, sliding in trying to blend in with everyone. "We need to get different clothing. People are looking at us like we don't belong."

Andy snickered, "because we don't, Bella."

"Edward, keep your woman in line," Bella laughed when his cheeks turned red. "Shh, that lady is coming over here. Act like you belong."

"What can I get you folks?" The lady seemed friendly enough but she was definitely looking at their clothing.

"It's laundry day," Bella offered the lie with ease. "Mum is at home doing the laundry and this is all we had. We were hungry and didn't want to wait."

"Hmm," she pursed her lips. "All right. What can I get for you?"

They all just stared at Bella like she suddenly had all the answers. Restaurants near their house often offered a menu so this was strange. She looked around quickly and noticed a sign for special of the day, "fours specials please."

"Ale?"

Cissy was smiling now. The thought of this woman giving them ale was very funny to her. The beating Bella would get for taking them on this adventure and having the nerve to bring them to a place that serves ale to children was going to leave marks. No, she definitely wasn't ready to go back home. Maybe her sisters knew what they were doing.

"Whatever you have is fine," Bella tried not to give her a dismissive wave. The old woman nodded and started to walk off, "wait ma'am. Is there a clothing vendor around here you can recommend?"

"I thought you mama was at home washing your clothes."

Bella shrugged, "just for some spares."

The look she gave them indicated that she definitely wasn't buying any of the lies she was being told but played along anyway, "once you leave here, turn left and head down the road. Pass by three stores and you'll come across the seamstress. Tell her Granny sent you."

"Welcome to Misthaven," Bella waited for Hermione to take her outstretched arm. The girl rolled her eyes but eventually took it remembering the role she had to play. The cobblestone streets lined the small town. It was filled with vendor stalls and thatched roofs. Hermione swore she stepped into the middle of a fairytale. She had never seen something quite like it outside of books and her imagination. "I know," the captain smiled. "It's quite picturesque, isn't it?"

Andy moved closer, "I believe we had similar looks when we first saw the small village."

"I'm sorry," Hermione shook her head, "did you say Kingdom? As in this place has multiple Kingdoms?"

"Seven actually."

"Seven Kingdoms? I've never heard of this place. How is that even possible?"

Bella's chuckle sent a shiver up Hermione's spine. How was this woman completely terrifying and intoxicating at the same time, "travel by bean takes you to whichever realm you think of."

"Realm? There are multiple realms?"

"Oh," Andy smirked, "she really is adorable."

Bella glared at her sister, "yes, pet. There are an infinite number of realms."

"For someone who reads so much, your mind is very closed off," Dora joined the conversation. "All of those books? Those stories? The realms are real, Hermione."

"My mind is not small."

"Now pet," she patted the arm holding hers with her free hand, "now is not the time to be defensive. All of those books, where do you think the inspirations came from?"

"So you're telling me that fiction is actually based on reality?" Hermione's brain was working overtime. Had she actually known this her whole life but never realized it. "Neverland?"

"Real."

"Sherwood?"

"Real."

"Maritime?"

"Real."

"Wonderland?"

Bella stopped her, "you can go on and on, pet. It's all real. We've been to all of the Kingdoms looking for you. This one though it feels like home to us."

"Not Hogsmeade?"

Bella cackled, "that's just where we were born. This is where you can say we raised ourselves."

"I think I need to sit down," Hermione's head was spinning.

"Perfect because I need a drink," she turned to her family. "Andy? Dora? You know what to do. Make the rounds. Get the intel and meet us at the tavern." She didn't wait for a response but a soft, "aye Captain" came from her niece as she led Hermione further down the road. They passed by a woman selling flowers on the side of the road and dutifully to the part she was playing Bella bought Hermione a small yellow sunflower. "For you, darling," she handed the flower to Hermione and she tried her hardest not to blush knowing that it was all an act.

"Thank you, Captain," she could act her part just as well leaning in to kiss her on her cheek. If she didn't know any better she would've sworn she felt Bella's breath hitch when her lips touched her.

Bella cleared her throat, nodding to the saleswoman and continued down the road, "playing with fire already, pet. I'd watch yourself. This could be a very dangerous game for you."

"I'm just playing my part, Captain. Whatever that entails to get me home alive." That deep chuckle was going to send her into an early grave. Why did she have to be so attractive? "Where are we going?"

"To the tavern. Remember when we get there follow my lead."

"Aye Captain," Hermione's smile showed through.

"And stop acting like a brat. Remember when I said people are looking for you? I wasn't kidding. Many very powerful people are searching for you and I don't intend to die fighting because you decided to be a brat. You help us and I'll help you."

Hermione stopped and turned the woman to face her. "And I'm just supposed to trust that you will?"

Bella smiled a genuine smile, "what have you got to lose?"

Hermione had no argument. She was in a new realm and completely on her own aside from the shipmates she sailed into town with. The close proximity to this woman wasn't helping. She smelled of pine, old parchment and fresh tobacco and it was driving Hermione insane. She let out a sigh, "lead the way, Captain."

"When we aren't around anyone else you can call me Bella if you want. Captain seems so formal," she started walking them towards the restaurant in question. They walked through the door and all heads turned towards them. "Come on, pet," she led Hermione to her booth at the back of the tavern. She waited for Hermione to slide in before sitting down boxing her companion into the seat. "Good food here. We can order something if you are hungry."

"The emotional whiplash I'm getting from you is ridiculous. One minute you hate me then you are being sweet. Then you are threatening to cut my hands off then you are offering to buy me food and telling me to call you Bella. I'm so confused and tired. I just want straightforward answers."

"It's all part of my charm," Bella smirked.

Hermione saw that she was going to say something else when an older looking woman came up to the table. The woman was smiling, "I was wondering when we'd be seeing you around these parts again, Captain. Is your family here or did you finally make them all walk the plank?" If Hermione was confused before it was nothing compared to the feeling of this older woman being cordial and joking around like they were old friends. "Can I get a couple of ales for you and your new… friend?" She raised a questioning eyebrow in Hermione's direction.

"Four specials and ales, Dora and Andy will be along soon, Granny."

She stopped and squeezed Bella's shoulder, "it's good to see you again."

Hermione watched the woman walk away but before she could even open her mouth Bella spoke, "now is not the time for that question, pet."

"I have so many questions though," Hermione's brain was spiraling.

Bella just chuckled, "I bet you do, love." She thanked the waitress who brought over the tankards of ale and slid one over to Hermione. "Drink it's good."

She hesitated bringing the copper tankard up to her lips, "to adventures in a new realm," she couldn't believe what she was saying. When Bella clinked their mugs together, she took a drink letting the cold liquid coat her tongue. It was fruity and very delicious, "mmm," she moaned. "This… It is fruity. Tastes like," she took another drink, "blueberry?"

Bella was smiling, "it changes flavors for everyone who drinks it. Granny's formula is fixed with some sort of magic. It adjusts to the drinkers palette. I don't even want to know what she has to do for that recipe but I'm glad she did it."

"What does yours taste of?"

Bella took a drink, letting it settle, "honey." She saw the woman watching her intently. "This place is full of magic Hermione if you know where to look." She saw her start to open her mouth again but was cut off by the delivery of their food. Granny was keeping Andy and Dora's in the back until they arrived. "The food is also amazing but it's just food. Tastes like it should."

"This world… the realms… I can't shut my brain off," she took a bite of her potatoes and another pleasurable sound escaped her. She felt as if she hadn't eaten that well in days.

"I won't tell Edward how much you are enjoying your meal," she laughed, seeing the blush coating Hermione's cheeks. "I know you have questions and you'll get all of the answers in due time but humor me, pet. I've been looking for you for as long as I care to remember. Tell me about you."

"You brought me here to get to know me?" Bella's face told her that that wasn't entirely true but she played along. "Well my parents died when I was quite young. I went into the foster system until I was five."

"Oh? What happened to your parents?" Hermione shook her head and Bella understood that particular topic wasn't up for discussion just yet. "Who adopted you?"

"I was adopted by a wonderful woman. Her name is Minerva McGonagall."