"Good job Mr Longbottom." said Esme. Neville's bogart had taken the form of Nagini as it's giant body slithered towards him. With a quick flick of his wand and a shout of "Riddikulus", Neville transformed the snake into a long piece of rope which flopped to the floor in an instant.

I don't think he was necessarily scared of the snake itself, but rather the meaning behind it. After all, what if Neville actually never killed Nagini? He had come such a long way since his magical practice at Hogwarts, he was now a well thought of Wizard. His parents would be so proud, which after all was the only thing Neville cared about.

Truthfully, Hermione hadn't even noticed Neville's bogart or even his attempt to diminish it. She was rather counting down the people in front of her. Down and down they went. All successful.

The thump in Hermione's chest increased greatly. Her breathing intensified. She knew what was coming.

"Miss Lovegood, up you come," encouraged Esme.

Luna did so. The box changing before her very eyes. Hermione didn't quite expect such a sight. The damp cellar of Malfoy Manor, dark and dingy, cold and alone. Luna spent no time observing but with the flick of her wand, the cellar became filled with vivid flowers and a vibrant sense of life, just how Luna would like it. Hermione managed a small smile as her two friends walked past, she was proud of them, even if terror flooded her face.

Draco needed no introduction. Like Hermione, he just wanted this over with. Pulling out his wand he turned, ready to face whatever was thrown at him.

A feeling of surprise. Hermione couldn't quite believe what the bogart before the ex-death eater had changed to. Not that it was unbelievable, but how spine chilling the result actually was.

Himself. The blonde headed boy stood only a few metres from himself. However, this one stood proud, smirking almost, as it revealed the burning black dark mark across his arm, alive again. Draco grasped his real arm in shock, he look terrified. He couldn't muster the spell. In fact he barely moved at all.

His parents, hands over his shoulders, tired with age and worry. Draco couldn't take much more. And yet his body was in no means of defending himself.

"Thank you Mr Malfoy." Interrupted Esme abruptly, she used her wand to close the box pushing the bogart back inside. She had seen enough.

It took Draco a few seconds to move. Well more like stumble back to his place. His eyes unblinking. It were as if he'd seen a ghost. His ghost.

Bogarts aren't actually true though, right? Hermione couldn't help but ponder Dracos abrupt change of character, as if he were shocked in an expected kind of way. I swear it makes no sense. Why was Esme so concerned, what did she expect?

Bogart after bogart they went. Spiders to clowns to dark wizards. A clap from everyone after each transformation. The queue was never ending. Well that's how it felt for Hermione anyways, she wanted this over, and fast. Not only did she have to face this, but the whole class was there to watch.

"Ah yes, Miss Granger," announced Esme, "looks like we saved the best until last." Best until last? What was she on about. Me? Or whatever is-

Hermione's thoughts were interrupted. The box opened.

Black frizzy hair, uncontrolled, both her features and the witch herself. A deranged smile from someone with no concept of ethical standard or moral responsibility. Dark clothing that emphasised the witches famished curves and deep scares from her time in Azkaban. Only her mere presence was enough to make the hairs on the back of your neck rise.

For Hermione, she couldn't help but find herself stepping backwards as her worst nightmare made an advance on her. The cruel smile etched across her withered face as she locked eyes with Hermione, like a predator to its prey. This was the first time Hermione had seen her since the battle of Hogwarts, that was supposedly the last time she'd vowed to being in her presence. And yet this time it wasn't a dream or a memory, it felt very real.

The look on Draco Malfoy's face intensified greatly at the sight of his wicked aunt. One could almost presume he was just as frightened as Hermione was, he was just better at hiding it, I'm sure he has had enough practice at it after all. But you could also see a glimmer of fear behind his colourless eyes. Fear for the girl at her mercy.

Gasps from others in the room only worsened the anxiety running through Hermione Granger. Neville and Luna couldn't have looked more shocked, Neville especially, his biggest regret, not seeing the light leave the insane witches eyes. And yet witnessing her ever so strong stance only filled him with dread and horror.

I think it was fairly safe to say that the introduction of Bellatrix Lestrange made the whole room feel agitated. Even Esme seemed alarmed, but not surprised like the others.

Bellatrix didn't have to say anything for Hermione to already be half way back across the room. Her wand gripped tightly in her hand, yet Hermione's mouth was too busy keeping up with her ever so sharpened breaths, escalating as she went. The group had split, not wanting to be caught in the middle of this cat and mouse like chase.

Unbearable pain seared Hermione's skin. She knew that pain. Only this time it was much greater, more concentrated, more deadly. She fell to her knees, gripping at her forearm with great force, as if to try and steer the agony away.

Discomfort.

Suffering.

Torment.

As if she were reliving it all over again. And again. And again. In fact she was beginning to think she had never left Malfoy Manor.

"See you all tomorrow," said a sudden voice which Hermione just made out through her muffled ears, "9am don't be late."

Hermione couldn't see the figure anymore, only the distant memories. The crowd of people dispersed out the front door, low level chatter built up and many stopped to stare at the young witch trying to focus her eyes once more.

"Hermione, are you-" said Neville rushing over, as well as Luna who wasn't far behind.

"She'll see you tomorrow." Said Esme bluntly, not giving Hermione a chance to reply on her own. Not that she could of course, the girl was utterly terrified.

"But can't you see she's-" argued Neville. He really stood no chance. Esme appeared strong and confident as she towered over Hermione's friends. She didn't have to say anything for them to turn and walk out of the door. All they wanted was the best for their friend, and they weren't convinced this relatable and all round understanding character was Esme.

"Gave us all a fright there didn't you Granger." said Esme, turning her attention back on Hermione, who had now managed to get back on her feet and put her wand away.

"I'm sorry, Kingsley was right I-" apologised Hermione.

"No, no he wasn't," interrupted Esme once again, she was practically putting words in people's mouths at this point, "What happened today showed how courageous you've been in the past, not everyone knows your story, but even if they don't, being scared of a dark witch like her is nothing to be ashamed of, especially after what she put you through. All of you." She took hold of Hermione's arm with one hand and wiped her tears away with the other.

"It made me look weak," replied Hermione, Esme shook her head, "After the war I was supposed to live without fear, without any worry that some death eater might turn up at our door, and yet everyday I find myself being haunted by the past. I can't escape it. I can't get rid of her. I don't know what to do anymore." She was practically sobbing into Esme's arms. She didn't quite expect such a reaction from the young witch, especially opening up like that. As if all Hermione's issues and insecurities had crumbled at once, creating one big emotional mess.

Almost like the girl had returned to reality, Hermione wanted to swallow everything she had said back up. She hadn't spoken to anyone about her trauma like this, not even to Ron. It made her feel rather vulnerable.

Without a word, Hermione looked up at Esme. Not a single tear. How odd. A slight sign of empathy. This wasn't right. She wanted to be away from everything. Away from everyone. Where it was comfortable. Hiding from the truth once again.

Hermione rushed off, still wiping loose tears from her eyes. She grabbed her bag and ran out the door. Not looking back. Esme didn't bother calling after her, Hermione had always been stubborn. However, this was a different kind of stubborn. She wasn't just protecting others from her sudden emotional outbursts but she was trying to mask her suffering. And yet most people could see what was hidden in pain sight. Especially Esme.

She left the ministry as fast as she could, purposely avoiding the obvious eye contact many of her colleagues or even just visitors gave her.

Hermione had ended up taking a stroll down the streets of London. It took her back to the days where she'd go out for the day with her parents, to the cinema or to lunch. The happy memories. However many were left that is.

She knew she should've headed back home, it was getting dark after all, but she couldn't bare to imagine Ron seeing her like this, or anyone for that matter. Instead, she sat down at a local coffee shop not far from Piccadilly Circus. Not the same one as the trios time horcrux hunting, even that would've triggered something Hermione wished to forget. How was she supposed to know Voldemorts name was taboo.

5 pound for a cappuccino, do I look like a joke? Hermione wasn't short of money, especially after the war of course, but come on, this is day light robbery.

Ring

The bell on the door. The boy again.

Draco was almost took back by Hermione sat ahead of him. Yet he continued his path towards the counter.

"Two teas and a hot chocolate please." Said Draco rather politely, with obvious discomfort. The cashier left through the back door, leaving Hermione and Draco in the cafe. The boy turned to her rather slowly.

"Hermione look-" attempted Draco. His words met a very stern face. Hermione had been through quite a lot today, an awkward moment between her and her best friends enemy is the last thing she needed. Her eyes shot daggers and the blonde boy.

"I know we've had our differences and-" he carried on talking. Why, I don't know.

Hermione stood up. Pointed her finger at Draco with pure anger.

"Differences?! You have no right in saying that to me! Do you not know the shit your family has put me and my friends through! I don't want to hear your sob story Draco and I certainly will never forgive you!" Hermione wasn't holding back, it was a moment in her life where she felt the angriest she had ever before. As if she was taking all her fury out on him at once. Reliving all those times her Harry and Ron had to deal with anything to do with the Malfoys or any dark wizard family for that matter.

There was a long silence. Quite awkward. Hermione still standing opposite Draco. But he wouldn't back down.

"I remember that day, it was special Hermione. Maybe not to you, but to me. I finally felt wanted. And after that day at the Manor I couldn't stop thinking about you-"

"SHUT UP, just shut up," Hermione cried, tears running down her cheeks now. She threw her arms into Draco pushing him back. She pointed her finger once more, "Don't you ever speak to me again, you hear me, ever!" She took a few steps back as if signally Draco to leave. Her eyes pierced his weak stance. He looked broken once more, like a flicker of hope had been extinguished.

"Hears your teas and a hot chocolate." Said the cashier returning with Dracos order. She didn't quite expect to enter such a tense atmosphere. The cashier simply passed him his drinks and took the money from Dracos hand. Hermione's eyes never left the boy, waiting for him to disappear.

He did so. Taking the drinks, turning and heading for the door. Until he stopped. Right in front of the door. And turned to face her once more.

"It's not safe anymore Hermione," said Draco rather quietly and in a serious tone, "Be careful." He forced a weak smile back at her, knowing she didn't care, and opened the door to leave.

Ring.

He was gone. As much as Hermione hated him, she wanted to know more. Not safe? She struggled to find any concern with what the boy had said, I mean after his time at Hogwarts why should she believe him. If there was any threat to her or anyone in fact, the ministry would be informed, and she wouldn't be far behind. Besides, it's not as if she felt any more safe than when she did during the war.

Time passed slowly. Which for Hermione, was too fast. The cashier had gone out the back, presumably to clean up, it was almost 11pm after all.

Ring

Hermione looked up, half expecting the blonde boy to be back. She couldn't be more wrong.

It was a confusing ten seconds. Two tall and rather intimidating men entered the cafe. All eyes on Granger. Wands drawn.

A breath escaped Hermione's lips. That's all the time she had before bolts of light began flying her way. Curses. Deadly Spells. She had no choice but to defend herself.

Hermione blocked the first spell and dodged the second, firing back two counter curses. It had been quite a while since she'd properly duelled so she felt a little rusty, though under pressure Hermione was extremely talented. She had become arguably even better since the war and a much stronger witch to face up against.

"Stupify!" exclaimed Hermione suddenly, knocking one of the men from their feet. He flew across the room and into the wall, hard and fast.

One down one to go. Only the last man was much more powerful. Hermione could've sworn she recognised him. All she knew, however, was that he was most certainly not a friend. His scruffy hair and scraggly beard overlayed his rather young face. Tall and broad, emphasising his muscular arms.

Hermione used the cafes chairs to duck and cover behind as she tried to move around the room. Spells exchanged between each other causing destruction.

"Bombada!" shouted the man very aggressively. The glass window next to Hermione shattered causing shards to fly everywhere. Including right into Hermione, who let out a cry as the glass broke her skin. Blood dripped down her forehead from a large gash just under her eyebrow caused by the explosion. This did not fault her stance though, as ready as ever. Always.

The battle could've lasted hours. But Hermione didn't have hours. She knew Ron would be getting worried, she just hoped that Esme had kept her mouth shut about today. The last thing she needed to go home to was Ron asking a billion questions. If she would get home that is.

"Confringo!"

Hermione just about blocked the fire bolt headed for her face, she felt the warm glow as it evaporated into thin air.

"Duro!" A new spell Hermione had recently learnt, Harry had taught it to her in fact. The man turned to stone before her very eyes, Hermione suspected he wasn't quite prepared for such an advanced curse. He had been caught off guard, as many arrogant dark wizards and witches are.

This spell denies the ability for the victim to move but still enables speech and equipment of a wand. However, luckily for Hermione, not only had the spell petrified the man but had also knocked him unconscious. Though Hermione knew the spell was only temporary so she had to move fast.

Stepping over the odd bricks and shards of sharp glass in an attempt to reach the door. She could've sworn she'd heard the cashier come back into the room during the battle, I think it's safe to say she wasn't here anymore.

Hermione couldn't help herself. She leaned down to take a closer look at the two bodies on the floor. One more difficult to make out due to the grey stone, and yet both men shared something. Hermione carefully pushed a slab of stone covering the first man's arm to reveal what she had been dreading. What she had hoped she was wrong about. And exactly not what she wanted to see.

The dark mark.

Glowing.

Reactivated.


Dramione. Not a lover in the films. But fanfics...well you'll see ;)

Also I hope you liked the bogarts I wasn't quite sure on Neville's and Lunas but I think I got Dracos pretty spot on.

Please review so I know if I'm doing good or just tell me if I'm not haha :)

Next chapter will see a lot more characters involved, maybe even some darker characters this time! Bye for nowww :))