Note: Hello! I'm back from a nice trip and feeling refreshed. So, I wanted to thank you all for your comments, really, you have no idea how important they are. I want to thank all of you that are with me since the beginning and also the new readers. I'm glad you're going through all the emotions with the characters. It's nice to know that some chapters ago you were angry with Hermione and now you just want her to stop suffering. And that's fine because it's how the story goes.
We're getting near to the end of this interlude. The last two chapters come next week and I hope you're as excited as I am.
Again, thank you for the reviews and favs/follows, they're the only way of me knowing that you like the story. And I mean, I'm writing this because I like it and just want to share with you.
(On another note, I didn't specify on previous chapters but, Rolling in the deep - Adele/ White flag - Dido/ Auteur - Saint Mesa)
(…)
March 27th, 2006
Hermione's house
She moves easily around the improvised arena she set up in her attic. Hermione is sweating and breathing hard, exhausted from how much she's pushing herself to the limit. But she needs to clear her mind.
Letting out a yell, she charges against the dummy she created with a spell. It's magically instructed to mimic her movements, making the combat even harder. After two hours she still hasn't landed a clear punch.
But she doesn't care. The only thing she has to do is keep going forward.
She tries using some spells and is relieved to see how wholly she's feeling. Since the binding obedience is over, her magic and strength are finally back to normal and she can't deny that it gave her an immense relief.
Hermione was living on the brink.
She thinks she hid it pretty well from the others, not even Harry noticed a thing, but after her flu… and then the werewolf bite and how she saved him- she thought she wouldn't recover. She had to use some legal (and illegal) - rare - potions to keep going.
However, now, she's herself again.
Finally herself, just the way it was before the contract.
She's never letting her father do this again. Ever. Enough of being manipulated by him, enough of being his puppet.
With a loud grunt she smacks the dummy's head and it falls on the ground with a thud.
Hermione closes her eyes, feeling the adrenaline of her decision. Maybe it took her too long, but now she's ready for it. Ready to break these invisible shackles.
And in a way she has Harry to thanks for this. He changed everything. He opened her eyes, brought a new kind of light to her life… for her who had been living for so long in the dark.
She tries not crying again, but it's impossible. However, this time she does it with some dignity, relaxed.
Feeling and accepting the pain.
Maybe she'll never find the samples Asmodeus hid, maybe she'll indeed marry him, but never again is she going to be blind for what her father does. She won't accept his rule anymore. And even if she has to do it with Pettigrew by her side, it will be worth it.
She wonders what will happen when Harry walks free from that cell.
He'll want my head. She makes a face at the truth of it.
Hermione hopes he won't go after her mother. Bellatrix is working against Tom. She's been helping Sirius and the others all this time and Harry will hear about it. Which is a relief.
But Hermione won't escape his wrath.
And because of this she needs to let him go. Even if she knows that's impossible, she needs to be ready to confront him without the overwhelming love she feels looming over her head.
With a flick of her wrist she extinguishes the dummy and walks fast downstairs to her bathroom. It's a good moment to go visit her mother.
Riddle Manor
She finds her mother in the kitchen, talking to the house elves. Hermione opens a tiny smile.
"Hey, mum."
Bellatrix turns to her and they share a tight embrace. "How are you?"
Hermione sighs. "Fine." Her mother makes a face but doesn't insist. "Are you free to talk?" She gets a nod as answer.
They walk slowly and in silence to the study, their arms looped together.
When they finally reach the room, Bellatrix says, "So, how was the interrogation?"
"Terrible." She sighs. "But Harry handled it pretty well. I'm glad." She rubs a hand on her face.
"Are you not interrogating him today?"
"No. Not tomorrow either."
Her mother doesn't ask why. She knows why. "I don't think your father liked this approach very much."
"Why? Did he say something?"
"Earlier today when Sirius was here." She gives Hermione a look. "He thinks Harry should be under torture from the second he confessed, so, you can imagine how unpleased he is by this decision of just leaving D'Angelo there. In peace."
"Well, tough luck. I'll do whatever the fuck I want and father can whine all he wants about it."
Bellatrix widens her eyes. Then she opens a smile. "Well put."
"Thanks." Hermione smiles, snorting after.
"So, tell me, what brings you here?"
"I've been thinking about the night of the Ball… I know you used a pretty simple spell on those windows, mum, and I can't understand how an Alohomorra wasn't able to break it."
"Indeed." Bellatrix sits in front of her. "I guess I can share this bit of information with you." Hermione moves forward, interested. "Do you remember that problematic Alchemist? Moritz?" She widens her eyes, nodding. "He sends things to your father occasionally. There's a nice stash of stuff hidden in the house."
"Are you serious?" Hermione can barely breath. She was right when she thought about Moritz's involvement.
"Yes and without his knowledge, I've been testing everything. You see, Moritz sells his stuff in vials, the substance is always a powder that can transform into a gas when in contact with the air."
"You also used his gas to drug everyone inside the ballroom?"
"Yes." Bellatrix gives her a pointed look, telling her she won't elaborate on this matter. Hermione sets her jaw. "For the spell I just had to throw the powder into some water and magically use the mixture to shut the windows."
"Like a super glue?"
"Yeah. But, Hermione, why is this relevant?"
"I think these substances were also used on the attack at the Fair. On the bullets. On the spell used to destroy the statue at the Ministry." She frowns, thinking. "We need to find Moritz. He's the key to discovering who's behind all of this. What other kinds of stuff did you find? Of powders?"
"All kinds of things. The one I used is a substance that can enhance the effects of a spell, pretty strong. But there were mostly the regular drugs you see every day in your line of work. To be honest it was luck finding this one to use on the windows."
"Where is this stash-"
"It vanished since the Ball. I think your father suspected something."
"You think he suspects you?"
"No. Not me. It could have been anyone. The Manor was packed on the night of the Ball, there's no way of being sure of who did it."
Hermione nods, thinking. "Okay… okay." She organizes her thoughts. "I'll try to find Moritz for now, then." She stands, hugging her mother.
"Going already?"
"Yeah. I thought about not going to the Ministry today, I even sent Ron a Patronus, but I want to dig into this. I need to occupy my mind."
She leaves the Manor with some hope of finally finding some answers.
January 3rd, 2006
Outside Grimmauld
"Oh, hello, dear. It's been a while." Asmodeus says when she appears by his side at the street opposite from Sirius and Eleonora's.
Hermione rolls her eyes. "Indeed. I was doing so well without having to look at your face." She says bitterly.
"Oh, come on, Hermione, we had so much fun at Christmas." He leans closer to her, his voice hinting how he's enjoying the whole situation. "Tell me, where were you these past days? Not trying to find the samples, right?"
She looks at him. She indeed tried to find the samples in all the places she could think of. "I was just having sex with Harry." She smiles, he makes a face of disgust.
"Well, what a pity that now he'll have to see us together as the loving couple we are." She grits her teeth, angry. "I expect a convincing performance or else-"
"Don't worry about that. I'll be as convincing as you want me to be."
"Good."
Then he takes her hand and they head to the little gathering inside.
January 4th, 2006
Hermione's house
She lied about the fact that they didn't have much time.
Thing is… Hermione knew she couldn't stay there while Harry read the File on the Persecution. This is his moment. What he's been waiting for a long time.
She throws herself on the couch, closing her eyes and grunting. She wonders what he'll think of Sirius' deposition. Of his father's interrogation. Of the fact that he has an aunt. And all those pictures of his parents… doesn't it cross Harry's mind that Hermione might think that he looks exactly like James? Apparently not.
Hermione sighs. The things he said to her. That he wanted her. That it wasn't enough.
"It really isn't enough, Harry." She says in a whisper.
But what can she do about it? Nothing. Even now that Asmodeus knows everything, she can't stay with Harry all the time. It would send the wrong message and make things even worse when the time to… separate comes.
She groans. Hermione could tell that he didn't like her idea of visiting one Auror a month, but it's the best way possible to do this. They'll have time to prepare and she'll-
She'll have more time with him.
Because that's all that matters. Buying them some time to be together. By the day they visit the last Auror, she'll be on the limit of going against the binding obedience, and then…
Her father almost ruined everything today.
She shudders just to remember the moment she practically invaded the office and saw Harry holding that glass. In a way she's glad Matteo D'Angelo is Ministro. Makes it easier to stop her father from doing things like that.
But for him to even consider… her father is growing impatient when it comes to Harry. He probably wants him gone as soon as possible, especially after D'Angelo's speech.
Crookshanks comes to her, jumping on the couch and lying on top of her. Hermione opens a tiny smile to the cat, her hands on his fluffy fur.
"He pulled away from my kiss, Crook." She says.
It hurt. But she won't give it much thought, maybe after reading the file and getting another reality check of who Hermione truly is - Tom Riddle's daughter - Harry might want to end things…
And in a way it might be the best for them.
March 28th, 2006
Ministry of Magic
"Come in!" She calls from her desk, taking a deep breath. She knows who's on the other side.
And this won't be easy.
Ron, Draco and Ginny enter the room. They don't look pleased, but not pissed either. Probably because Sirius must have told them how the interrogation went and how Hermione is leaving Harry alone.
Ron clears his throat. "You called?"
"Yeah, guys, sit." She's aware that her posture and tone are the ones that Harry likes to associate with badass Head Auror. She takes a deep breath and continues, "I know you don't like me very much right now, but life goes on and we need to keep investigating some leads."
Ginny sighs loudly, crossing her arms, clearly angry.
But Draco asks, "What leads?"
"I've been thinking a lot about Moritz. You remember him, don't you?" They nod. "I think he might be key to everything. So, we need to find him."
"Why Moritz?" Ron asks, serious.
"I have a-"
"Hunch?" Ginny asks ironically. "Or informations that you're not telling us? As always?"
Hermione clicks her tongue, leaning back at her chair, her eyes on Ginny's. The moment is charged. There's a lot they're not telling her either.
"If there's something you want to say to me, Gin, just say it."
"I've said all I wanted to, Hermione. Now I just don't feel like obeying you."
"I'm the Head here."
"So? Are you throwing me into a cell if I don't follow your orders?" Hermione sets her jaw and Ginny scoffs, raising from the chair.
"I could fire you." She snaps, angry now. Draco widens his eyes and Ron opens his mouth.
Ginny squints. "Do it. I dare you." Hermione presses her lips together. She should. I can't. "I just can't respect you right now, Hermione. And for that, I'm extremely sorry."
Without another word, Ginny walks out of the room.
Hermione closes her eyes. Fuck.
"We'll look into it, Hermione." Draco says, his voice strange.
"Yes, don't worry. We'll find Moritz." Ron completes for him and she nods in thanks.
Without another word they leave.
And she's alone.
Completely alone.
January 19th, 2006
Hermione's house
She takes a deep breath in front of the mirror.
In ten minutes she'll apparate to Harry's. They're supposed to visit Goyle today. They've been distant and she has no idea what to expect, but Hermione is trying to be cool with it. If Harry is finally done with her, with them, then it's better this way.
It's hard thinking about the day she went to his flat, wanting to talk, wanting to set things right, and he wasn't there. She waited for hours. In her mind it's obvious that he was with Sally.
So, today, she'll let him lead things, she'll let him tell her what he wants, if he even wants something or not.
Hermione is aware that she's not in the position to be demanding explanations from him or anything of the sort.
Even if she knows that's hard to control her jealousy, she'll try. She'll do her best.
Giving a little smile to herself and making sure that she's prepared for the worst, Hermione apparates to his flat.
January 24th, 2006
Muggle Village
She's talking with the Muggle man who's selling the house.
Hermione always wanted a lake house. And this one is just stunning. The right size and with a lot of space around it for her to enjoy it however she finds suiting.
And, of course, the lake. It's right there, facing the back of the house. There's a wooden platform that she can walk on, sit on, or whatever she wants.
It's peace.
"So, are you interested, Ms Smith?"
She gave the man a fake name and produced fake documents in order to do this. Not that she needs another secret, but this one will actually be good for her mental health. A place of her own that no one knows about, a place no one will find her or the things she wants to hide.
"Very much. I'll take it." She says with a smile.
The man nods, satisfied. "You'll create great moments here, I'm sure. Do you have children?"
She tries not making a face. "No. It's just me."
With another nod, he takes her to the table inside the house for them to sign the contract and talk about the transaction. Hermione has a lot of Muggle money. This is another secret not even her mother knows. She's been careful with her finances all her life. Theoretically she shouldn't think about this since she's the only Riddle heir, but well, it's another small act of independence from her father.
She listens everything carefully. The house is being sold at a relatively low price, mostly because it needs some work - which Hermione is excited to do herself - and also because of the location. She sets her jaw when the man explains that many years ago a young couple was murdered in one of the houses inside the Village itself.
He doesn't recall their names, but Hermione knows who they were.
The Potters.
Yeah, she's getting a house on the same Village. Maybe she's crazy but when she came across this place she fell in love with it. It's just perfect. Living room, kitchen, a study and a dinning room on the first floor, then three suite bedrooms on the second and a spacious attic on the third floor. Not to mention a little shed that she can use as a boat house and such.
It's really amazing how things work swiftly when you have money.
Without any kind of problem, she signs the contract and the man smiles.
"Welcome to your new house."
She smiles back, feeling good with herself.
Then, the man says they need to leave, she'll have her keys and documents in a few days. Hermione goes with him until they reach the same park where she once apparated to find Harry waiting for her.
When she's finally alone, she sits down on a bench, it's inside the park, but even so, she can see the Potters' house from there.
Hermione sighs. She has no idea what she was thinking when she accepted Harry's suggestion.
Dates.
I should be ending things with him, not going on dates. She dreads what these dates might do to her. To her heart and sanity. She can't love him more than she already does-
She blinks.
If she's not mistaken Harry himself is walking to the Potters' house right now. Hermione murmurs a charm to conceal herself, making a face. It's getting harder and harder to do even the simplest things. This fucking binding obedience.
Watching him, she cocks her head. Harry goes slowly, as if afraid of stepping inside the house. Just like they did the time they were together, he circles it, going for the back door. She can't help wondering what he's doing there. Is he searching for clues?
But what clues? About what?
Maybe… well, now they know her father already knew their location, maybe Harry is searching for something that Riddle was after. Or an indication of something.
She stands, walking to the house. But Hermione stops at the other side of the street, facing it while leaning on the side of another abandoned house. She frowns. Maybe this one didn't have the same luck the Potters' house had. It's certainly abandoned.
Shrugging, she focus back on trying to see Harry inside. There are a few windows that allow a glimpse of the interior and she squints when she notices he's at the master bedroom. What are you looking for?
Whatever it is, he takes some time there and then, her coin turns cold inside her pocket. Hermione opens a smile, fetching it. For him to be sending her messages while there is…
Do you like popcorn?
She frowns.
She's aware their first date is tonight and it gives her all the butterflies in her stomach. She's curious to see what he'll do taking in consideration that they can't be seen together anywhere.
Biting her lower lip, feeling her heart beating faster, she answers:
Yes
And then, still smiling and feeling like a fool in love, but also a very curious fool, she sends:
What are you up to, D'Angelo?
Whatever it is, she knows she'll love it. Just being with him fills her with joy, which is something that she's not quite ready to let go.
You'll see later
Oh, Harry. You just wait.
She shakes her head, still smiling. Feeling good. Happy. Slightly annoyed at the mystery around the date-
All her happiness is gone when she thinks about the inevitable future ahead of them. The rupture. How he's never going to look at her the same way, how she's going to pretend that everything was a lie…
She shouldn't have agreed with the dates. Should she cancel it? The thought hurts.
Apparating back to her house, she lies down on the couch, tired. She thinks about what to do for a long time, even taking the coin to send him a message saying they shouldn't do this, but-
What she writes instead is:
I'll be free in an hour
March 28th, 2006
Ministry of Magic
Her father summoned her to his office and she tries hiding her shaking hands while she knocks on his door.
Gulping, she enters when she hears the faint authorization.
"Called, father?" She asks with a steady voice, walking inside and making herself comfortable on a chair.
"I want to know why you're not interrogating D'Angelo to exhaustion." He's very direct, his eyes on some papers on his desk.
"You think he's not prepared for this kind of approach?" She snorts. "Truth is… he wants me to be down there for hours, father. This is the kind of thing that a man like D'Angelo was trained since he could talk."
In a way her words are very true. She's sure Harry wouldn't succumb to torture.
Her father raises his eyes to her. "Give him Veritaserum and be done with it, Hermione. It's an order."
She freezes. "He won't drink it. You know that."
"Force him."
"That's not how-"
"Should I take drastic measures, then?" He raises his head to give her his full attention, his hands together over his desk. "You forget I'm the one who calls the shots here. I don't care if you say D'Angelo is your prisoner." He presses a finger on his desk. "I could very well go down there and end him with the killing curse in a second." She feels dizzy at this possibility.
You'll have to kill me first.
"What are you waiting for, then?" She asks in a defying tone, knowing this is the answer he's expecting.
"It's fun having Matteo D'Angelo's grandson under my thumb. That's what matters, Hermione. You know that. The power." He narrows his eyes to her. "How you deal with such an opportunity. I could ask anything of D'Angelo. And I'm just waiting for the moment he'll step out of that fireplace and into our Atrium."
Oh, me too. Hermione clicks her tongue.
"Then why are you so-"
"I need to know his secrets by the time Matteo arrives. Is that clear?"
"Yes." Fuck.
"Very well. Sirius gave a report on the first interrogation. Why is D'Angelo saying that Lucius tried to kill him on that night?"
"I have no idea. Maybe he's trying to fabricate a reason to justify what he did."
Her father nods slightly. "I also thought so."
Then a silence follows. And Hermione feels nervous with the way her father is looking at her. Reading her.
"Is that all, father?"
"Yes. I want you down there with Sirius immediately. I won't stand another day of this. We've been too lenient already with a clearly dangerous man who wants to harm us."
She presses her lips together. "Indeed."
Hermione stands from the chair and walks to the door.
"And, Hermione?"
"Yes?" She gulps.
"Don't forget that if you try protecting him in any way, you'll be the one getting the punishment."
She doesn't answer. Hermione only stares at her father, anger boiling inside her.
Then, she sends Sirius a Patronus: "We need to interrogate D'Angelo. Bring Veritaserum."
"Is that good enough for you, father? Am I protecting D'Angelo?" Her voice shakes a bit and she clears her throat.
Her father opens a satisfied smile. "Good. I'm proud of you."
Are the worst words she could hear.
February 2nd, 2006
Essex
The writing on the wall is making fun of her. She knows Harry wrote it with Goyle's blood.
Hermione gulps, closing her eyes. It's a bit too much. She thought it wouldn't come to this. She was monitoring Goyle and until yesterday Harry hadn't come…
His revenge is everything. Of course he would come.
She needs to confront him about this. They still have Crouch Jr., Greyback and Dolohov to visit. Is he going to kill all three like this? With an obvious blinding rage?
You're too good for this, Harry. She knows it. He's kind. Loving. Thoughtful. Hermione fears this path he's taking will leave a mark, a scar, so deep into his very soul that he'll never be able to forget or forgive himself for what he's done.
"This is not the answer." She says in a low voice, sad.
But, if she confronts him… Hermione dreads what he might say. She has no idea how to deal with both outcomes: him revealing his true identity or him denying he was the one who did it. They've reached a point that she thinks it's better if he doesn't tell her he's Harry Potter. Because if he does, it'll be a thousand times worse when she betrays him. On the other hand, him still not trusting or loving her enough to reveal his identity hurts.
She shakes her head, blinking a few times and apparating back to her house.
With a grunt she lies down on her couch. She feels weak. Which is expected because of the binding obedience, but it's also strange. Days ago, when she and Harry performed the spell to restore the statue, she felt fine, full of power…
Because of our bond.
Even if it's an absurd, she knows it's true. They share a magical bond. Hermione has no idea how. This bond surely allows them to 'lend' magic to the other, fuse them together… heal. She brought him back to life because of this, didn't she? On the day of Lucius' funeral.
And the sensation is so good. So exhilarating. It makes her want to throw all caution out the window. It makes her want to kiss him and be with him regardless everything else. It makes her feel that things can be better, that there's a way to be together. It gives her hope. Hope of a better future. A future with him.
Nonsense.
Hermione snorts. She can't entertain this kind of thought, there's already an immense guilt taking over her for just accepting the idea of dating him. And after that night, after their first date, she feels even worse.
It seems like the only moments when she doesn't feel terrible are the ones she shares with Harry. A fucking paradox.
She feels guilty for being unable of saying 'no' to him. She feels terrible for leading him on in a way, for loving him so much that she can't imagine forfeiting what they're sharing.
In a way it'll all end in a few months. They don't have forever. They don't have until death do them part. They have weeks. Days.
And tomorrow night they have another date.
Hermione raises from the couch, going to her room. She needs to take a few potions, some stuff that will help her feel better for a few days. She questions herself as she walks, her legs hurting from just standing. Shit.
Reality is, she should end this now. She should cancel their date and give him the Veritaserum tomorrow, sending him to a cell under the Ministry right after. She's sure her father is going to end the contract-
Hermione sighs.
No. Not yet.
There are a few things she still needs to take care of.
March 28th, 2006
Ministry of Magic
Already down there in the dungeons, she can't help fretting. Hermione walks from one side to the other, waiting for Sirius. She hopes, with all her heart, that he understood the message. That he's not really bringing Veritaserum.
She knows her father wasn't paying enough attention or else he might have suspected the fact that she was asking Sirius to bring it. Of course they have a lot of Veritaserum inside the storage room-
Hermione turns her head sharply when she hears the elevator coming. She takes a few deep breaths, calming down.
It's Sirius, indeed. And he's holding a little vial with a clear liquid. He narrows his eyes to her when he exits the elevator.
"Do you have it?" Hermione asks, her voice steady.
He nods, showing the vial. "Yes." His voice is not so friendly. "I thought it was not in your plans-"
"I had a meeting with my father." She cuts him, her eyes sharp. "We think it's better this way." Hermione visibly presses her lips together.
Sirius nods. "I think so too." He says. "Shall we, then?"
They share a look before heading to the cell. Her mind is working fast. She hopes this goes how she expects. Or else…
Harry is lying on the bed and he narrows his eyes when he sees them, standing up. Hermione crosses her arms, steeling herself, shutting down any emotion that he might be able to read.
"Sirius." Harry says, ignoring her.
He looks sad. Tired. Fed up. Resigned.
And she hates it. She hates herself for putting him there.
She wants him to fight. To show that nothing can shake him.
"Auror D'Angelo." She says, her voice a tone higher. He doesn't look at her. "You got your wish, after all. We've brought you some Veritaserum. And you'll drink it."
Harry finally looks at her, in a way as if he's disgusted by her mere presence. She sets her jaw, ready to hold back some tears. Hermione doesn't think she has any more to shed, but there's no way of being sure.
"You know I won't drink it."
"You will."
He snorts. "Aren't you full of yourself, Head Riddle? Sure that you can do whatever you want, sure that others will obey… well," He leans on the bars, "if you want me to drink it, then you'll have to force me."
"D'Angelo." Sirius says, but Harry doesn't turn to look at him, his eyes are still on her, hard. Menacing. Hateful. "Head Riddle is doing her job. As I'm doing mine. I advise you to drink it so we can leave behind any kind of misunderstanding."
Hermione thanks the heavens that Sirius is there. Harry keeps looking at her, though. It seems like this time he's trying to strip down her soul. She gulps. He's still resisting the fact that she put him there. Still looking for a plausible explanation. But not because of love. No. Not anymore.
Harry wants to understand.
Because he wants to make her suffer. He wants to destroy her the same way she destroyed him. That's why he wants to be sure of what he's seeing, of who he's looking at.
"Give me the vial, Sirius." She says.
Still holding his gaze, she extends her open hand to Sirius and closes it around the vial. Harry squints.
"Make me, Head Riddle." He says in a low voice, fisting the bars.
Hermione can almost feel the tension between them. She takes a step forward, to him. Harry doesn't move.
"I won't torture you, D'Angelo."
He laughs loudly, bitterly, mocking her, distancing himself from the bars. "Really? I guess you don't need to, right? You already ripped my fucking heart out!" He yells a bit and she widens her eyes. Hermione bites her tongue to stop the tears. Fuck.
"Don't be so sensitive about it." She says in a strange voice. "Drink the Veritaserum. Now."
He looks at Sirius. "Should I, counselor?"
"You should, D'Angelo. If you have nothing else to hide, why not?"
Harry takes a step closer to the bars, leaning, his head a bit out, just like the way it was when they kissed. Then he wets his lips, his eyes on her again.
"Give it to me then, Head Riddle."
And he opens his mouth, his tongue out, waiting.
Hermione feels all kinds of things. At once. Like a punch. He raises an eyebrow to her, knowing that this kind of attitude is-
She takes a step forward and opens the vial. Stop shaking! With another step she finds herself close enough to extend her arm a bit and pour the liquid-
Harry pulls her by the waist in a swift motion. Hermione lets out a breath when she hits the bars, almost attached to him. He opens a nasty smile, his hand squeezing her middle.
She can't breathe. Too close. They're too close and she's feeling too vulnerable right now.
But even so, she plays along with him. It's what he wants. He wants to make sure that she feels nothing, that he doesn't affect her in any way. And she needs to be strong. She needs to let him go.
He opens his mouth again, leaning his head back, and she pours the liquid down his throat. Harry moves his thumb on her back in what dangerously feels like a caress. Hermione sets her jaw and takes a step back. He lets her go.
She shares a look with Sirius. The man has a grave expression and for a second Hermione dreads he brought real Veritaserum.
Please, no. Harry trusts him, doesn't he? Sirius wouldn't do that.
Hermione moves her wrist and an interrogation bubble appears to record. She clears her throat.
"For the record, Auror D'Angelo is going to be interrogated under the effects of Veritaserum." Harry crosses his arms. Hermione puts both hands on her waist. She has no idea what question to make first. "Were you responsible for the invasion at Riddle Manor on the night of the Ball?" She chooses one she knows the answer to, observing Sirius.
Harry snorts. "No."
"Have you any relation with what happened that night?"
"No."
"Were you the one who killed Lucius Malfoy?"
"Yes."
She tries not wavering in place. Hermione stands still, looking down. It can't be. Was she completely wrong in trusting Sirius or is Harry just playing along?
"Why?"
"He was trying to kill me. It was self defense. I had to do it or else I would die."
Well, this is it. She looks up at Harry.
"And why was Lucius Malfoy trying to kill you?"
Harry presses his lips together, their eyes locked.
"I have no idea."
She raises an eyebrow. Oh, thank fuck.
"Were you the one who orchestrated the attack that night on the Fair?"
"No."
"Did you murder Vernon Dursley and wrecked the statue?"
"No and no."
"What about the Muggle bomb inside my office weeks ago?"
He squints. She knows the absurdity of the question.
"I know nothing about it." His voice is low, a bit hurt, she can tell.
Hermione takes a moment to walk from one side to the other. She can't ask about Lucinda Summers. He'll lie and then show Hermione that Sirius didn't bring real Veritaserum. She wants him to think that she believes he's under the influence.
"Does Matteo D'Angelo want to seize London?"
She sees the fury in his eyes. She dared bringing his family into this.
"I have no idea." He says through gritted teeth.
Hermione takes a deep breath and turns to Sirius.
"Do you have any questions, counselor?"
Sirius looks at her, cocking his head. "Minister Riddle mentioned something about the Potters' Persecution." Hermione freezes, widening her eyes to Sirius. He gives her a pointed look.
Of course.
She needs to ask about this or else her father will come down here himself.
"What about the Potters' Persecution?" Harry asks, frowning.
Harry doesn't know that her father confronted her about this. Riddle knows they were investigating. If he lies, it will be on the record and her father will know they're covering for Harry-
Oh, shit.
She looks at him, their eyes locking. Hermione wets her lips. Harry narrows his eyes, his focus on her now. Read my eyes, Harry.
"Were you investigating the assigned Aurors?" Sirius asks.
Harry slightly opens his mouth. Hermione takes a step forward, pressing her lips together so hard they're probably white. Please, Harry. Oh, fuck.
He takes a deep breath, still looking at Hermione. She closes her eyes and gives him a slight nod, almost nonexistent. And when she opens her eyes, she knows he understood.
"Yes." Harry says, taking another step to the bars, to her.
"Why?" Sirius asks.
"I was curious."
Hermione takes another step to him, she wants so badly to take his left hand in hers. She can feel that these are dangerous waters, and all she wants is to protect him.
They're draw to each other like magnets.
"Did Head Riddle assist you?"
She stops on her tracks at the question, Harry is breathing hard, thinking, unsure. His eyes are scanning her face for any indication of what to do. He needs to tell the truth. Her father already knows, so, it doesn't matter.
He wants to make sure that he won't put her in a bad situation and-
"She did." Harry says, letting out a breath. Hermione sees him closing and opening his left hand by his side, his right hand is holding a bar.
She feels an urge to touch him that is overwhelming. So, to resist it, she takes a step back. And then another. Harry blinks a few times.
Harry hesitated. He was still considering protecting her.
After everything.
I love you so much, Harry.
She looks down, but his eyes are on her.
"And did you discover-"
"Enough, Sirius." Hermione cuts him, raising her head and crossing her arms. "The Veritaserum's effect is probably over, there's no reason to keep making these questions."
Sirius opens a side smile. "Indeed. Maybe we could fetch more."
"It's a good idea." Hermione says and looks at her watch, "But I need to go, so, maybe tomorrow?"
Harry walks back to his bed, his mouth shut. Hermione and Sirius share a look. Without another word, they walk back to the elevators.
When they're about to enter it, Sirius says, "Hermione." She stops, looking at him. "How well guarded is Harry at night? When no one is around?"
She frowns. Then she understands. "Very." In a bold move she squeezes his arm. The man widens his eyes. "It would be suicide." She says in a whisper. "Don't. Please, don't."
They're thinking about rescuing Harry. Of course.
Sirius presses his lips together and also whispering he asks, "Is he bound to die like this then?"
She gulps. "You really think Matteo D'Angelo is not coming? My father is waiting for him. Let things unfold." She says in a serious tone. They can ruin everything by rescuing Harry. If they do, all she planned was for nothing. And she can't deal with this. With the fact that she threw the love of her life in a cell for her plan not to work. "One more day." She says even lower now, pleading.
"You did this always knowing he was going to walk free, didn't you?"
She closes her eyes, some tears falling. "Vow to me that you won't say a thing. I beg of you."
Sirius blinks many times, unsure. Then, with a sigh, he takes her hand and squeezes it. Hermione feels the Vow taking over them. She cries some more.
"Thank you." She says. "For everything."
"You should tell him-"
"Stop. I won't and this is over." She recoils her hand, taking a step back.
She doesn't wait for Sirius when she takes one elevator.
Hermione wants to scream. She's mentally and emotionally exhausted.
Taking her coin, she sends Chiara a message:
Tomorrow, early morning
Enough. Matteo needs to come and this needs to end. She won't bear another interrogation with Harry. She won't hold her shit together if her father calls her again inside his office to discuss Harry's possible death or torture.
The coin turns cold:
Okay
Great. Amazing.
Tomorrow Chiara will be here and Harry will be with the woman he's surely going to marry and all will be swell. She grunts, closing her eyes. She hopes Chiara can make Harry happy. She hopes they find their way back to each other.
Or at least she convinces herself that she wants this.
Making a decision, she exits the elevator and heads to the fireplaces.
She needs to vent, feel better in any way.
Somewhere in Romania
Hermione knocks on the wooden door. Hagrid opens a huge smile when he sees her.
"Hermione! Come in!"
She opens a sad smile to the huge man, walking inside. She came here once after Harry brought her. Mostly because she… felt a connection to Bellaverde and wanted to ask Hagrid some things. The man was more than kind and excited about it. Hagrid explained that it was very rare for a Dragon to bond with someone, so, it would be almost impossible for Bellaverde to also share this bond with Hermione…
But she felt it.
She's sure.
Bellaverde did too.
February 3rd, 2006
She's crying happy tears. It couldn't be different. Hermione is sitting on the blanket, her eyes set on the few rays of light rising in the distance.
Such a beautiful place.
Harry is sleeping by her side, on his stomach, naked, his tattoo fully exposed to her. She glances at him, her heart getting a thousand times bigger with love. Hermione sighs.
Their matching phoenixes.
There's no denying it.
They're soulmates.
It's obvious. Hermione isn't sure if Harry sees things this way, if he thinks of such terms. But she knows. Since the Traditional.
And he said it. He said he loves her.
There's no better feeling than loving him and knowing that he feels the same.
It's happiness. Raw happiness.
She opens a tiny smile.
Then her heart squeezes inside her chest. She knows she shouldn't have said it back, but- how could she not? It's been growing inside her for so long… and Harry deserved to hear it, to know for sure how she feels, not just imagine it.
She takes a moment to enjoy this. Hermione doesn't want to ruin what they shared thinking about their end.
So, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she keeps smiling, still feeling warm from the sensation and completely relaxed because of the amazing sex they had.
It's hard knowing that there's a life where she could feel this happy and good all the time. A life with Harry. One that will never come.
She folds into herself, hugging her knees.
Deep down she hopes they'll find a way of meeting again in the future. Maybe he'll be married with kids, his revenge long forgotten, what they shared a faint memory, and he'll smile to her, forgive her. Hermione hopes she can also find some peace with what she's doing and with what she'll do to him.
The same way she doesn't want him ruining himself killing those Aurors, she knows her betrayal will bring out the worst in him, she knows it will be hard to overcome it, but it's the only way.
She observes her left hand. Their bond. It intrigues her a lot. When they touch, when they merge like this, all her weaknesses and doubts vanish. She feels whole, healed. She doesn't know how it is for him, but for her it sets things right in the world.
Another amazing sensation that she won't feel again after her betrayal.
For the hundredth time it crosses her mind that she should end things with him. Push him away and make it easier for them. But how can she? How? She makes a face, feeling completely torn inside.
Hermione brushes her tears away, gulping.
Then, in the distance, she sees Bellaverde flying high, spitting some fire. The Dragon is indeed gorgeous, powerful. She can feel the magic around the place, feel its roots. And it's amazing. The sight of the huge green Dragon brings a wide smile to her face. Harry actually bonded with Bellaverde. Which just confirms to Hermione how good he is, how inherently kind. A man that had all the reasons in the world to fall easily into darkness.
She glances at him again. It's impossible not to feel an overwhelming admiration for Harry.
He'll be an incredible father.
Hermione grits her teeth. It hurts. This notion.
But she takes a deep breath. And-
Bellaverde comes flying from bellow, soaring right in front of Hermione.
She blinks many times, surprised. Shouldn't the ward keep the Dragon away? Bellaverde flies higher, then lower, from one side to the other, right in front of Hermione. She opens her mouth, not really understanding what's happening.
And then, with extreme and unexpected grace, the Dragon lands on the mountain, close.
Bellaverde shuts her wings, and puffs out some smoke, her hypnotizing eyes on Hermione.
Not giving it much thought, she stands, naked, and walks to the Dragon, her left hand extended in front of her.
For a moment, none move. Even the air stills around them. Hermione is not sure what she's doing, but it's an instinct, a powerful tug. She stops right in front of Bellaverde. The Dragon is watching her closely. Harry's still sleeping.
"Hey, girl." Hermione says in a low voice.
Hermione freezes when the Dragon lets out some smoke through her nostrils. Then, in a daze, she watches while Bellaverde lowers her head and lies completely on the ground. As if bowing. Like Harry's Patronus did.
Murmuring a spell in order not to burn her hand, Hermione touches Bellaverde's head in a caress. The Dragon closes her eyes, relaxing. Just the sensation of the sturdy scales and her raw magic bring a smile to Hermione's face.
Joy. Belonging. She feels safe and whole. Much like how she feels when her bond with Harry comes alive-
She widens her eyes. Is she bonding with Bellaverde? What's happening?
As if hearing her thoughts, Bellaverde opens her eyes and they stare at each other. It's crazy, but she understands what the Dragon is feeling: also very sorry for what Hermione will do.
She gulps.
"I'm so sorry. There's no other way." She says in a whisper. Bellaverde seems to understand, moving her huge head, pressing it against Hermione's palm.
Raw understanding. Raw belonging.
She inevitably cries. And watches in awe while Bellaverde moves her head closer to Hermione's body, smelling her again. Slowly, but surely. Recognizing her. All of her. The Dragon's huge nostrils come to a stop at the level of Hermione's chest.
She's smelling my heart.
Hermione laughs. Bellaverde stops.
"It tickles." She explains to the Dragon.
Puffing out some smoke as if telling Hermione to stand still, Bellaverde keeps sniffing her. And in an unbelievable moment, the Dragon bumps her face against Hermione's chest.
As if in approval.
Then, she moves her nostrils down and shakes her head from one side to the other when she smells Hermione's womb.
She sobs. Bellaverde knows. And the Dragon whines, making a sad sound. "I-" Hermione is not even sure if she should say something.
Bellaverde guides Hermione's hand with her head. To her own belly. Hermione blinks a few times, then she touches the Dragon's huge belly, feeling a new kind of excitement. "Are you?" She widens her eyes and opens a huge smile, laughing again. Bellaverde is surely cultivating some little dragons inside her. Soon to be eggs that she'll hatch.
The Dragon puffs out some smoke as if talking with Hermione. And murmuring another spell to protect her skin from the burning heat, she leans on Bellaverde's belly, hugging the Dragon, her ear against it, listening.
It's amazing. Real magic. To generate new life.
She can only feel utter happiness right now. Any other bad thought is far away from her mind.
"I'm sure you're going to be a wonderful mother." Hermione whispers.
You too.
Hermione frowns, taking a step back. She's sure a voice just spoke inside her head and- she widens her eyes, shaking.
Bellaverde talked with her.
The Dragon is watching her closely. Hermione is out of breath. "You- I-" She stutters. Gulping and being sure that she's gone crazy, she makes a face. "I can't have children, Bellaverde."
Are you sure? Entirely sure?
Hermione might faint.
"Yes."
She went through countless exams and tests when trying to change this status quo. Nothing worked. And now she's had enough of this. She accepted her condition.
Bellaverde doesn't move. For a long moment nothing happens. Hermione pushes away the overwhelming hope that took over her for a split second. What if Bellaverde knows of a way that she doesn't?
She shakes her head.
"Do you talk with Harry?" She asks, curious.
No. I like to see him guessing.
Hermione laughs out loud. "I see. Good one." She winks to the Dragon, that strangely seems to be smiling.
Bellaverde bumps her head against Hermione one last time as way of saying goodbye, and then, the Dragon flies away.
She hugs herself.
And with a new found happiness, she moves back to lie down with Harry. Hermione pulls the blanket over them and hugs him from behind, kissing his back, his tattoo. Her hand moves on his chest and abs in a caress, and Harry mumbles, waking up, taking her hand and kissing it gently.
She sighs, kissing his neck.
"I love you." She says, "So much."
"Love you too." He says, still sleepy.
She opens a smile.
For now, that's the only thing that matters.
March 28th, 2006
"Hagrid, I know you said that it's impossible for me to bond with Bellaverde, but, can I see her?"
The man makes a face, unsure. "Where's Harry?" He asks, sitting down and sipping on a cup of ale that's incredibly small for his hand.
She sets her jaw. "He's working." She lies. Maybe she doesn't want this kind man hating her right now.
"Look, I don't think it's a good idea for you to see Bellaverde on your own. Harry was here that night and-"
"Please." She tries not sounding on edge. "I just need a moment. I'll be very careful."
She needs to be sure of what she shared with the Dragon.
Hagrid makes a face and sighs. "Okay. You know where the wards are." And he proceeds to give her the instructions to allow only Bellaverde through.
Hermione nods, listening carefully. Then, she darts out from the cabin, running. Her heart is beating so fast she's a bit surprised by it. If what she shared with the Dragon was for real, Bellaverde will understand her completely, will give her some peace and some calmness in all this mess.
And Hermione desperately needs it.
She reaches the wards pretty fast and whistles the same way Harry did. This time it takes Bellaverde longer to appear. But she's there, flying and observing Hermione, moving closer until she lands just at the other side of the ward.
Hermione hesitates.
Harry is inside a cell, thinking he's going to die, sure that his soulmate betrayed him. Could the fact that Hermione went through with it affect the nice bond she created with Bellaverde? Because if it does, she's about to be incinerated alive.
Gulping, she allows Bellaverde through the ward.
She takes a step back, trembling. It's obvious that the Dragon knows what happened.
Bellaverde advances fast and Hermione actually bumps into a trunk and falls down. The Dragon makes a wailing sound and blows out a huge ball of fire-
To the sky.
Then, still puffing out some smoke, she settles on the floor, her eyes like slits.
Come.
Hermione chokes out a breath. She wasn't crazy. She indeed bonded with Bellaverde.
She stands fast from the floor and murmuring the right spells in order not to burn, she hops onto the Dragon's back, sitting. In a blink Bellaverde is soaring into the air. Hermione has no idea where they're going, but it feels right.
Just like her bond with Harry.
She allows herself to cry some more while the wind blows her hair back. Bellaverde lets out another sound that's surely a wail.
Hermione closes her eyes. The last time she was on this Dragon's back, she was so connected to Harry that it felt surreal.
And now it's over.
She screams to the wind, hurt. Bellaverde blows out fire to the ground, being sympathetic to Hermione's pain.
"It's way worse than I thought it would be." She says in a broken voice.
Bellaverde says nothing and Hermione tries relaxing, breathing slowly.
After a while she finds a way of enjoying the ride, a way of feeling the powerful magic Bellaverde has and the connection between them.
It's truly there. Alive.
The Dragon finally lands, Hermione notices she's inside the wards, but she's not scared, at all. She knows that Bellaverde would protect her at any cost. She dismounts the Dragon and observes. They're in a beautiful part of the valley with a waterfall close by.
Hermione opens her mouth, she can feel the magic so strongly…
Then, from a little cave, a tiny Dragon - slightly bigger than Crookshanks - comes walking awkwardly in their direction. Bellaverde puffs out some smoke and Hermione understands that the little black and green guy is one of hers.
She smiles. A true smile. Hermione feels joy. Something she thought she never would again. It's amazing to know that life goes on.
Regardless everything. It goes on.
She crouches to look at the little Dragon. "Male?"
Yes.
Hermione extends her hand, a bit unsure. But the Dragon is so small, probably the same size Bellaverde was when Bianca took her to Harry.
The baby Dragon sniffs Hermione's hand, puffing out some fire and sneezing. Hermione laughs and moves her hand to caress him. His wings are so small. His paws. To imagine that he'll grow to be the size of Bellaverde is absurd.
Bellaverde sits by Hermione's side, watching. The Dragon knew that all Hermione needed was some happiness, some drop of joy and hope. And this is perfect. This is everything.
"Thank you." She says.
And then, again from the cave, comes another baby Dragon. Identical to his brother. Hermione widens her eyes. In a blink both of them are trying to climb her and she actually sits, crossing her legs and kind of making a nest for them. It astonishes her when they settle between her legs, comfortable enough to close their eyes and… sleep.
She looks at Bellaverde. The Dragon is watching attentively.
No words are needed.
Hermione feels overwhelmed by this gesture. Knowing that she can't have children of her own, Bellaverde is giving Hermione this moment to take care of her two babies.
Silently, she cries. Her hands on the little Dragons.
"He'll never forgive me." She says in a low voice.
Bellaverde opens her wing and places it around Hermione, lending her some warmth.
What if he does?
Hermione swallows the lump in her throat.
"He shouldn't."
February 6th, 2006
Riddle Manor
She rolls her eyes.
This meeting is so boring. And pointless. At least for her. But Hermione is sure her father is only doing this because he wants to test his counselors, get a feel of how they're acting, see if in an environment away from the Ministry someone will let something slip.
Tom Riddle doubts all of them.
Of course. As he should.
But Hermione doesn't care. She keeps thinking about Harry. About them. About their love. About what she shared with Bellaverde. She thinks about going back to that amazing place in Romania and talking with the keeper. Maybe he can enlighten her.
Because… she didn't tell Harry. She's not sure why, but it felt right not doing so. It felt like this is between her and Bellaverde. 'Are you sure? Entirely sure?' Hermione looks down when she remembers these words the Dragon spoke inside her head.
Could it be that Bellaverde felt something… or knew something that Hermione doesn't? No. It's impossible.
She shakes her head, dismissing this topic and burying it deep inside her. She can't deal with this kind of void hope.
Hermione tries paying attention to what they're discussing. It's the same thing: the Fair, the Ball, the destruction of the statue, Vernon Dursley-
"Can't you, Hermione?" Her father says and she looks at him sharply. She has no idea what he's talking about.
Hermione squints, clearing her throat. "I'm sorry, father. I zoomed out a bit. What are you talking about?"
"Is our meeting boring you?" He asks.
Yes. Fuck, a lot.
"Of course not."
He sighs. All the others are quiet now. "I just said that you can perform a tracking spell and recognize all the magical signatures in this room, can't you?"
It would be insanely easy if the binding obedience wasn't taking this huge toll on her. Hermione is functioning well because she's taking some potions she learned how to brew herself, but to perform this spell now… she doesn't feel up to it. She knows she'll fail if she tries. The last time she did it at the Potters' abandoned house, she still felt good enough. But that was mid December. They're in February. She's getting worse at an annoying speed.
But how could she possibly explain this to her father?
"I can." She says with a firm voice, her eyes going over all the others. None seem fazed, sure they have nothing to hide.
"Good. Do it."
She presses her lips together. "Why?"
Her father squints. Hermione sees her mother moving uncomfortably.
"Because you found a signature at the Ministry, didn't you? On the night the statue was destroyed."
"It was disguised, father."
"Doesn't matter. Do it."
She wets her lips, moving a bit forward on her chair. They're all sitting in a huge living room where there's a large and oval table for them to discuss these matters.
All eyes are on her now.
Hermione knows she needs to do this and she takes a deep breath.
Maybe I can make my father think I did it.
When she tries recognizing someone's signature, she taps into their magical energy and the person can actually feel it, almost as if someone is physically poking them. But most people don't know that. Only her parents.
She raises her hands. If she only pokes her father, then he'll think she did it with everyone else.
Hermione closes her eyes and tries giving the little energy she has. She lets out this amazing flowing magic inside her, feeling its roots in her very being. The sensation amazes her each time, but it's also very draining.
In a second she finds her father's signature. And Hermione concentrates, being sure that she's doing exactly what he wants. She recognizes well the nuances of his magic. He's powerful. So much that this fact alone stops Hermione from really defying him. And-
She frowns.
It… there's something strange.
Hermione prods further, tapping his magic, using all her energy.
Then she pulls back fast, opening her eyes and panting a bit.
Her father is looking at her with questioning eyes. The others are waiting, watching. Bellatrix is observing her daughter.
"There isn't a matching signature here." She says, clearing her throat.
Her whole body is hurting now and she can feel a huge headache.
"Are you sure?" Her father asks.
"Yes." She spits the word. Then she stands from the chair, holding on to what she has left. "Excuse me, I need a moment." And she walks out of the room, not minding one bit what they'll think.
If she stays there she'll succumb and she can't show this kind of weakness. To no one.
Hermione tries not minding her failing legs while she heads down to the basement. It's been a while since she last saw the Mirror and it'll be the perfect place to think without being disturbed.
She briefly stops at the kitchen, drinking a lot of water, trying to regain some strength. And with steady breathes she goes all the way down.
Hermione enters the basement and closes the door behind her, sighing. She would accio a chair, but she has no magic at the moment, so she takes the closest one she can see laying about and sits in front of the Mirror.
She blinks a few times.
It changed. The image.
She was so focused on what just happened that-
Now it shows Harry, holding their son, his other arm around her, their wedding bands showing and… Hermione is pregnant.
She snorts.
I can't have one, imagine two.
Her heart is a tricky little thing, isn't it?
She closes her eyes and takes the coin from her pocket. She sends Harry a message:
Miss you
She does. So much it hurts.
Her eyes go back to the image in front of her. Harry looks so happy. Whole. Hermione looks down, to the floor, pressing her lips together.
Miss you more
She opens a huge smile. Then she feels trapped by how much she loves him. She's shaking, feeling weak.
I need my potions.
Leaving is the best she could do, but what just happened inside that room… what she felt in her father's signature-
Hermione thinks it was the first time she really focused solemnly on him when doing this and she was able to tell that her father hides his signature most of the time- all of the time. She realized that what she was poking at was a fake one. One he keeps up for appearances…
Unfortunately she got a glimpse of what he hides underneath it and-
She already came across it once. Inside the Potters' abandoned house.
Tom Riddle was surely there on the night the Potters were murdered. She already suspected it, but to be sure makes a lot of difference.
And why does he hide his true signature?
The real one is even more powerful than what Hermione imagined possible. And this single notion gives her a terrible sensation, a cold chill down her spine.
She blinks many times, looking at the coin in her hand. She wished more than anything that she could be with Harry right now. Hugging him. Burying her face into the crook of his neck and feeling safe. Away from her father. Away from this Manor.
It's so dull without you here
So true. If he was there he would be by her side, for sure. And that makes her wonder… what's he doing right now?
Our next date is in 4 days.
Anxious?
Hermione opens, again, a huge smile, feeling a bit better from the extreme exertion.
Excited
Indeed. But also… afraid.
Afraid she might come to love him even more than she already does.
"Hermione."
She turns around in a swift motion, jumping in place, her heart racing.
Her mother is standing right there.
"Mum! You almost killed me now." She closes her eyes, trying to calm down her heart.
"Sorry." Bellatrix accio a chair and sits by her side. "So, what do you see?"
Hermione takes a deep breath. "Harry and I." She says in a low voice, leaving out their son and her big belly. She doesn't want to talk about this now.
Bellatrix nods. "So, is it love?"
"Yes."
"Why are you wearing this thing, then?" Her mother points to her engagement ring.
"What are the chances that I would be allowed to marry Harry?" She asks in a low voice, Bellatrix opens her mouth but Hermione cuts her, "I don't wanna talk about this. It's pointless. Could we not?" She asks sincerely, exhausted.
Sensing her daughter's distress, Bellatrix only nods and Hermione thanks her in silence.
"Care to tell me what just happened back there, then?" Her mother asks. "Because I know you didn't perform that spell on all of us. Maybe only on your father?"
Hermione sighs. "Yeah. Nothing happened, I'm just not feeling that well and he wanted a ridiculous demonstration of power, so, I gave it to him."
"I see." Her mother says in a strange voice.
"Who he suspects?"
"Don't you know your father, Hermione? He suspects all of them. He won't rest until he finds the one."
"What if it's not only one?" She whispers.
Bellatrix sighs. "Let's hope that's not the case."
"Indeed." Hermione crosses her arms, looking at her mother. "What do you see, mum? In the Mirror."
It takes Bellatrix a few minutes to actually answer, "I see myself dragging this damn Mirror out of here." She smiles to Hermione. What a lie, mother. "It shouldn't be here, why keep this inside the house with such an easy access?"
Hermione sighs. Apparently none want to share today. "I think I'll head home." Hermione says, "This whole meeting father put together is pointless."
"Are you well to be by yourself?"
Hermione makes a face. Harry's company would be perfect, but she only nods. Then she kisses her mother's cheek, heading out of the room.
March 29th, 2006
Ministry of Magic
The moment she steps inside the Atrium, her eyes land on her father. He's standing there in the middle of the place - like the man who owns the entire Ministry - both hands behind his back. Waiting.
But not for her, she's sure.
Hermione walks slowly, crossing her arms. She's feeling better today. After visiting Bellaverde and letting out some frustration, she was able to sleep peacefully after taking a potion. It was her best night since she gave Harry the Veritaserum. Which is perfect because Matteo and Chiara are finally coming, and just knowing that Harry will be out of that cell pretty soon, makes her feel even better.
She stops in front of her father.
"Morning, father. Waiting for someone?" She tries hiding her amusement.
"Yes. My spies reported that Matteo D'Angelo is coming. He should be here any minute now." He glances at the few fireplaces that welcome visitors.
Hermione squints. Tom Riddle is… nervous.
"Really?" She fakes some surprise. "And what are you going to do?"
"I have some ideas." He says, narrowing his eyes. It gives her pause that he's not sharing with her.
"Do you want me to be there at the meeting-"
"No. This is between me and D'Angelo."
She nods, a bit angry. "Very well, I'm sure you'll find a way of dealing with this filthy Italian." She holds her father's gaze. Hermione heard countless Asmodeus' rants to know exactly what her father thinks and how she should act when Matteo and Chiara arrive. And he's so predictable that her father opens a smile to her.
"Indeed. I'm curious to know what he wants to discuss. I want to know what he'll say about what his grandson did. He confessed under Veritaserum. He'll die for it."
Hermione sets her jaw. "Maybe Matteo will want his freedom in exchange of something." She hints.
Her father snorts. "There's not an offer he can make that will set Harry D'Angelo free."
She freezes inside. And suddenly she feels dizzy. Hermione never considered the possibility of her father not bending to Matteo's blackmail. She feels cold. What if-
What if, after everything-
She can't entertain the idea.
"What's the matter?" Her father asks, watching her.
Hermione realizes her mouth is hanging open and she blinks, clearing her throat. Her heart is beating extremely fast. But she takes a deep breath.
If her father decides he won't bow down to D'Angelo, if he decides that Harry will be executed, then she'll just have to save him. Doesn't matter how. She'll do it. Whatever it takes.
She feels calmer with her decision.
Hermione opens a little smile. "Nothing, I'm just excited that you're finally getting a chance of putting the D'Angelos where they belong. Beneath us." She says in a nasty way.
"Exactly." He smiles to her and she can tell that he's satisfied by her words. "We've both done it, Hermione."
She nods, chuckling from the absurdity of it all, but pretending that she's glad. "We have."
And before her father can say anything else, his attention goes to one fireplace and she turns to look.
Matteo D'Angelo comes out of it, looking good in an all white suit and his Ministro cape around his shoulders, his golden cane by his side. Just behind him, Chiara Ferri opens a sarcastic smile, gorgeous as ever in her Head Auror uniform.
Hermione gulps. She's hopeful that things will turn out the way she planned months ago.
They have to.
Looking down, she prepares herself for what's to come when Matteo and Chiara spot them.
Time to set you free, Harry.
(…)