Had to leave early today, I'll be back later

Love you Ron xx

ps Sorry Ginny I'll speak another time

Of course Hermione didn't need to leave early. It's not even that she wanted to. But she had to. Or at least that's what it felt like.

She had left a note on the kitchen table, attached some blue tack to the bottom side ensuring it didn't blow away and made sure it was visible. The door closed behind her.

It had worked out well really. She had completely forgot about her training today in the Keeper programme, and yet she had her mind set on seeing someone. Someone who would be attending that 9am session. Lucky her.

Not that she felt lucky. At all. Having to keep her hood up, wrap her scarf around her face, only revealing her cold hazel eyes. Which quite frankly could be enough to identify the witch. But it's not like she had a choice. Keeping a low profile at this time was important. She didn't know who was out there. Best friend of Harry Potter, girlfriend of Ronald Weasley, member of the order, the list goes on. She might as well just write TARGET across her forehead.

Hermione traced the streets of London before eventually apparating to the Ministry. She was going to see him. And go to her Keeper lesson of course

"Granger, glad to see you," announced a voice as Hermione made her way back into the hollow room. The room of her nightmares. "I wasn't sure if you'd be back." Neither did Hermione. Her first visit wasn't so appealing. And yet here she was.

Blonde and tall. Esme's face beamed with a huge smile as she disregarded others to stride over to the 'golden girl'.

"Listen Hermione," she leaned in close, very close, Hermione felt her warm breath against her ear, "If you ever need to talk about your...past experiences...then I'malwayshere." Hermione felt oddly comforted by Esme's tenacious behaviour.

"Thank you." Replied Hermione plainly, she lifted her face into a small smile, connecting her eyes with Esme, as if searching for her intent.

"Welcome back everyone." Exclaimed Esme, practically dancing her way back to the centre of the room.

Hermione took her place in the circle that formed around Esme. Many not lifting their eyes of her. I mean who could blame them, the last time they saw Hermione she was writhing in pure terror.

Neville. Luna. Comfort. Embracing Hermione, letting them know that her friends are always here for her. Others streamed around. Around 15 to 20 in total. But the blonde boy.

Absent.

He was absent.

As the lesson continued, Hermione couldn't help but ponder the boy. She needed to see him. For strictly Order business of course. If someone had returned she needed to know who. They all did.

Esme was rambling on about defensive spells, even showing some demonstrations between students. But Hermione couldn't keep her focus.

"And that is a great example why you can't attack an opponent with their back turned." Esme strutted towards a tall boy spread out across the floor, groaning as he regained his footing. She reached out her hand and helped him up, giving him a slight pat on the back for encouragement.

Hermione watched Esme as she circled the students, explaining all about the programme she had enlisted them on. Hermione picked up a few minor details, courage, diligence, respect, all of which she'd heard before in her previous lesson. She was beginning to think Esme was doubting herself. Or was it Hermione doubting Esme.

Hermione, however, didn't care about becoming a Keeper. In fact if Esme didn't appear so desperate then she would no longer be here. And maybe a certain someone's presence was enough to keep her attention. Perhaps that's why she found herself drifting into her thoughts today.

"Now, at the end of these lessons you will be given a test. We cannot warn or explain the test, but we can prepare. And that's exactly what I'm training you to do." Esme continued to circle the group, like a lion rounding up its prey. Soft and fluffy and yet, so threatening.

Esme's words skimmed over Hermione like a cool wisp of wind. How could she possibly worry about some fake test. She had bigger fish to fry. Or rather, wizards to catch.

It wasn't long before Esme's ramble whittled out. Everyone looked just as bored as Hermione. The smile on Esme's face soon faded, she looked rather alarmed. Eyes fixed towards the door in the room. But it closed quickly. Too quick for Hermione to see who it was. Something told her that they were no friend. Or maybe it was the look in Esme's cold eyes when she connected with Hermione's.

Most saw Esme's abrupt silence as a cue to leave. "Tha- thank you all for coming, I- I-" Hermione didn't think she'd ever heard Esme stutter, and she certainty wasn't staying around to find out what more she had to say.

The streets of London were busy. Busier than usual. For Hermione this was a good thing however, the more people the less obvious she became.

She wasn't sure exactly what she was looking for. Well she knew who. But not how. Would she even find them on the streets? Or were dark dingy alleys more their-

Hermione jolted suddenly. Blonde hair. And black. Narcissa Malfoy checked her shoulder before continuing down the path. Hermione picked up her pace, following intently. You find one Malfoy, another is never far behind.

Hood up, Hermione traced the women. A good 5 minutes had past, Narcissa looking as shifty as ever, yet no sign of the boy. They traced the streets of London, predator and prey. Hermione felt good being the predator for once. A slightly timid and unnerved predator.

She saw black. Not hair this time. Dark, unlit, unwelcoming. Firm hands gripped her shoulders, pulling her away from her path. Hermione's mouth was covered as she struggled against her capturer. The alley was empty, Hermione's eyes danced around, unable to move it was her only option. The hands released her, sending the witch towards the floor in a push. Hermione groaned in pain as she tried to turn and run. No luck. She was picked up by her hair and violently thrown into the wall, pinned up against it with the wind knocked from her body.

"If you stopped struggling then I wouldn't have had to do that!" Said a rather feminine voice, she seemed annoyed by having to throw Hermione into the wall, but not sorry.

Hermione's eyes focused on the figure in front of her. Dark hair, petite body, piecing eyes. Slytherin eyes.

"Pansy!" Exclaimed Hermione, trying to push the hands from off her shoulder. Pansy didn't move.

"Ding Ding, you always were the smart one," Pansy replied sarcastically, "Stop moving or you'll make a scene, I'm not on my own you know." Hermione furrowed her eyebrows in response, she always hated the witch. She didn't know if it was her low sense of sarcasm or freakishly strong hands that angered her the most.

"Then why are you here, hmm? Because if you're going to try and kill me I'd rather you do it soon." Hermione stood tall, unafraid. She knew she could take on Pansy.

"You're so full of yourself Granger, if you knew any better you'd watch your mouth." Pansy replied cooly. The stare between them was harsh. And yet Hermione could see some fear buried behind the other witches frozen eyes.

"I'm not scared of you, or any of your bull shit friends for that matter."

"Really? So are we going to ignore the fact you were enable to defend yourself against a bogart! " Pansy looked almost shocked, as if she didn't mean to say anything. It had escaped her lips faster than she thought. But it was the truth. And Hermione looked mortified.

"How did you-"

"Listen Granger," Pansy removed her hands from Hermione, neither moved, "You're lucky it was me that saw you today because you've got enemies unimaginable to that massive head of yours. You can't just roam the streets alone!"

"We're not fighting some war anymore, I can't just hide away-"

"You don't get it do you. There isn't a war now but there will be, she's waiting for the right moment. The strike on the order will be fatal." Pansy knew she had said to much, yet she couldn't stop herself from talking.

"She? Who?" Hermione knew. Deep down she knew.

Hermione's eyes narrowed at Pansy. Goose bumps blanked her skin, shivers down her spine. Both witches knew.

"For FUCK SAKES PANSY just say her name!" Hermione grew frustrated, Pansy was afraid, you could see it in her eyes. But no one was more afraid that Hermione Granger.

"Who you got down there Parkinson?" Yelled a voice from the top of the alley, "Your boyfriend!" Followed by a horrendous cry of laughter. The two witches didn't find it funny however, their heartbeats intensifying in sync.

Pansy moved quickly. Pulling out her wand she muttered a spell. Blood pooled around Hermione's collar. A hand absorbed her screams. Hermione tried to clutch at her wound but Pansy had already grabbed her arms pulling the witch in front of her in a hold.

"Don't struggle," Pansy whispered into Hermione's ears, "You'll only get yourself killed." Hermione sensed a tone of fear in the witches voice and even though her actions juxtaposed their conversation only moments ago, Hermione felt as though she should trust her.

After all, Hermione had been in far worse pain before. But nothing stung like the thought of a certain witch returning.

Pansy forcefully led Hermione out of the alley, far away from the public, greeted by two rather menacing looking figures in deep black robes.

"Who you got here then Pansy?" The first man couldn't hide his glee, moving fast towards the witches, towards a vulnerable Hermione.

He outstretched his hand, cupping Hermione's face and brushing his boney fingers down to the blood that had spilled onto her shirt. Hermione tried to move away at his touch. Pansy remained silent.

"Well who is she then?" Asked the other man rather impatiently. He wasn't even looking in their direction, perhaps if he wasn't so arrogant he could see with his own eyes.

"Hermione Granger, member of the Order." Hermione couldn't believe Pansy had told them her real name.

"I don't believe it," said the second man, his interest now clearly peaked as turned to look at them, eyes wide, approaching them both, "Potters mudblood. The girl she's looking for."

Words that would rattle Hermione's mind for the rest of her life. However long that may be.

As the sunlight hit the second man's face, he became recognisable to Hermione. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that Hermione preferred him when the darkness had covered his face. When he was just a voice. His long platinum hair shined against the cold sunlight. No longer a figure of his past. He looked rather reborn, almost a new person. But his witty voice and vile smirk that plastered his pale white face hadn't been lost, unfortunately.

"Well done Miss Parkinson," Lucius Malfoy strutted over to the pair, pushing the first man away from Hermione with his cane. He stood directly in front of her, his snake like eyes peering into what felt like her soul. He reached for her arm, uncovering her scar.

mudblood

One of it's kind.

He ran his finger over the word. It's fiery red ember glowing darker than ever.

His face making no acknowledgment, yet Hermione could see the pride practically beaming out of the man. He hadn't lost his ego it would appear.

"Take her to the Manor." He began strutting away, obviously pleased with himself, and disapparated at once.

The first man however didn't follow. Once again approaching the girls.

"How'd you manage this then," said the figure with an obvious smile, "Catching Granger, I always thought you were too busy sucking Draco off-"

"Shut up!" Pansy seemed alarmed. A stabbing pain echoed through Hermione's body, a feeling she hadn't had before. Jealousy.

"Hey, I'm not gunna disprove of your love life. But me and you both know he's got his eyes on someone else, he's always been so- so mopey since sixth year, even around you. But if you ever need someone to-"

"Leave it out Theo," interrupted Pansy, "Besides, we also both know you're just jealous it's me making Draco moan and not you." Pansy couldn't help but smirk as she watched Theo loose his snark. Hermione's eyes grew wide.

She knew she recognised him. Theo. Theodore Nott. Dracos best friend. Not that it was important at all. Or Pansy. Or anything to do with him for that matter.

"Get lost," Pansy smiled back at him knowing she'd won their little verbal battle, "I'll meet you at the manor." Theo couldn't help but smile a little too. He disapparated without a trace. Pansy checked her shoulders ensuring no one was lurking around. She lifted Hermione up and began healing her wounds.

"Thank you." Hermione really was grateful, amongst other things.

"Don't. You won't be thanking me in the end." This only confused Hermione further, she'd just saved her life had she not?

"Stun me."

"What?"

"Stun me and go. I can't just let you go, Lucius will know, you have to stun me."

"Come with me." Hermione connected her eyes with Pansy, looking longingly at each other, Hermione could see how lost she appeared.

"You're off your head Granger. How'd you reckon your little Gryffindor crew would reacted to that then? Not to mention the Order." Pansy couldn't help but chuckle at Hermione's suggestion.

"I'll tell them you helped me. I'd be dead if it weren't for you."

"What makes you think you're so desirable." Pansy changed the subject quickly, slyly. One would suggest a tone of jealousy in her voice.

"Am I not?"

"I think we both know the answer to that." Their eyes still connected, as if passing information to one another. Hermione knew alright. She hadn't had the time to process it. That feeling. Her arm burning. Again. Again. Again.

The girl she's looking for

Pansy could see the visual distress in Hermione's face.

"Stun me."

Hermione didn't move. She looked off into the distance. Tears crashing down her face like waves on a stormy beach.

"Stun me Granger. For Draco."

Eyes met eyes. Hermione's wide and shocked. Butterflies. Her jaw hanging a little low. Low enough for Pansy to notice. She knew.

Hermione pulled out her wand and did as Pansy said, sending the witch hurtling back onto the floor, hurt but still very much alive. She even waited for Pansy to regain her footing before disapparating away.

Before she knew it, she was back at Ginny's house. In the living room. With everyone inside. Great.

Ron spotted her first, hurrying over.

"Mione! What the hell happened!" He began looking over Hermione's healed wound, where the blood still lay on her shirt. "Who did this to you?!" Ron's eyes raged with fury.

Hermione couldn't mutter anything past the waterfall of tears leaking past her eyes.

Ginny wrapped her arms around Hermione, as Molly directed her to the sofa. George and Arthur alarmed.

"Pansy-" Hermione tried to get her words out.

"Parkinson! Right that's it I'll-" Ron interrupted, standing up, adrenaline pumping.

"No! She saved me, I would've been taken if it weren't for her. She came to warn me."

"Does this have anything to do with the situation at the Le Strange Manor, Kingsley said he's sending a team of Aurors there." Arthur chipped into the conversation, sounding even more alarmed than before, as if all the pieces of a very dangerous puzzle were settling in place.

"Harry?!" Ginny knew something wasn't right. Harry had been through enough, let alone storming the Le Strange Manor.

"Lucius Malfoy was there, today. Luckily he trusted Pansy to take me to the Manor herself."

"He's got to be behind this mess, I mean who else would want revenge against the Order." Arthur sounded sure of him self. Hermione's eyes flooded with tears. She knew he was so wrong.

"Its always the bloody Malfoys." Ron agreed with his father, of course he did, anything to take a dig at the Malfoys. Hermione shook her head, tears falling quicker now.

"It's not who you think, I don't know how but she back! She's back and she's looking for me! But I don't know why-" Hermione completely lost its. Eyes streaming. Wailing with tears. Her head in her hands. Arm burning. That feeling again. She had to get used to it.

"No, no. It can't be." Ron stood up in shock, not wanting to believe his girlfriend.

"Impossible." Said Arthur, moving over to Molly, who appeared more frightened than anyone else. George looking worried. Ginny sobbing.

"Bellatrix." The words slipped through Hermione's mouth like a knife through butter. She never wanted to say that word every again. She'd sworn she'd never have to face that women again. She'd sworn she wouldn't let that women hurt anyone else again.

Oh how wrong she was.


Heyyy, hope you guys liked it. Pls review if u did or have anything you'd like me to do in the future :))