Disclaimer: I make no money with this.
Chosen By: Nathanial
Prompt 1: Mistaken Couple
Prompt 2: "Look what I found!"
Pairing: Bellatrix Lestrange, Luna Lovegood
WC: 1000+
Written: June 24, 2024
Story #04
Bellatrix Lestrange was confused; the last thing she remembered was battling Molly Weasley as a major battle raged around her. As she shook her head to try to clear it, nothing wanted to come into focus for her. What had happened? Why had she been battling the Weasley matriarch? Where was she, for that matter? Taking a look around, Bella realized she was in a cave somewhere but where? Why couldn't she remember anything clearly? Frustrated, Bella let out a scream that echoed off the walls. Deciding nothing around her was going to help, Bella tried to stand only to find her legs wouldn't support her. Sighing, she crawled to the opening of the cave to try to get her bearings. When she looked out all she saw was trees in every direction. Where in Merlin's name was she? How did she get here? Gah! After a few minutes of indescribable rage, Bella took a deep breath and used the wall to help her stand. It took several tries but finally she was able to stand up however, she had to use the wall to help her shuffle around the cave. As she leaned against the wall, she realized the cave opened to a rather spacious area. In the center looked to be a bag of some sort. Taking several deep breaths and forcing herself away from the wall, Bella slowly made her way to the bag and opened it. Inside were provisions: food, water, clothing, bedding and a note. After eating a bit of food and changing her clothes, Bella opened the note and began to read.
Dearest Bella,
If you are reading this then the worst has come to pass and father was able to cast his spell on you. I am sorry, sister, that I cannot do more than this. Our father, Cygnus, has been tainted with a darkness even darker than the Blacks are known for. I do not know how much you remember but I have enchanted the seal at the bottom to fill in what you have forgotten. Just place your hand over it and think of the last coherent memory you have and it will pull from magic what is missing, I hope. I love you, Bella, and I hope we will be able to meet again. Until then dear sister, regain your strength and memories and seek me out afterwards if you wish.
All my love,
Cissa
As Bella reread the letter, her mind worked to remember the last clear thought she had. It took a bit for her to remember but she knew the last clear memory was learning she was with child and excited to let her family know. She also remembered her father laboring on about following some wizard claiming to be a 'Dark Lord'. She remembered fighting with her father about it, she wanted nothing to do with any of it.
Bella laid a hand on her stomach and realized she was no longer with child. Taking a few breaths to calm the rising panic, she did as her sister said and laid a hand over the mark Cissa had made. She felt the magic, strong magic, surge into her and then Bella was overcome with a river of memories. She saw herself begging for her unborn child's life, her father casting a spell to kill the little girl growing inside of her, she saw herself crying in her husband's arms and hearing him vow revenge on Cygnus. She saw her husband and his brother challenge her father and both being hit by a spell she didn't recognize before they became compliant with his wishes. Bella knew she had been targeted next but what she hadn't known nor had her father was just before he could cast his insidious spell another spell had enveloped her. The spell Cissa had cast from the shadows.
As Bella continued through the myriad of memories, she watched in horror as she became a zealot for the self proclaimed 'Dark Lord'. She watched as she performed so many horrid things in his name and service as her father look proudly on. She emptied the contents of her stomach when she saw how unbelievably evil she had become. She relived the insanity that had become her life with disgust. Through all the things she had done and watched be done, what hit her hardest was watching Rodolphus, Rabastian and herself torture Frank and Alice Longbottom until they lost their minds, leaving their young son to be raised by the Longbottom matriarch.
Then her time in Azkaban hit her and Bella laid her head on the cool floor. The memories of being taunted by the Dementors were horrifying. The only reason she had any mind at all by the time she was "rescued" was due to her sister's spell. Viewing that time now, she could feel the two spells "fighting" for dominance. She knew it was why she was viewed as crazy, insane. Bella shuddered as she recalled how she scraped and bowed willingly before her father's chosen leader. It made her sick to know what all she had done. She hated learning how her father had manipulated everything for his own benefit. However, there were happy memories mixed in, rare but they were there. When her father was tortured and then killed by his "leader", among others that were more than deserving of their fate.
Bella was happy to learn Severus Snape had been a spy and had hindered the twisted machinations of their shared master. She watched as the 'Golden Trio' triumphed through the many trials and tribulations they had to endure. She was, now, overjoyed that they had managed to defeat Tom Riddle once and for all. However, it didn't absolve her from her part in any of it, no matter what her sister thought. Bella thought she should have prepared better, known what her father was capable of to get his way. As the memories slowed down to the last moments before she woke up, Bella felt the tears streaming down her face. She wasn't the person the memories showed, she wasn't cruel and sadistic. She knew she had never been the most stable of witches, her parents saw to that, but she wasn't a murderer; she wasn't without a heart.
As the memories finally came to an end, Bella collapsed fully to the floor and allowed the anguish, loss and horrors flow out through her tears. She had lost everything due to her father's quest for power and station. She was glad he was dead and gone to never haunt her again. Along with her mother who allowed such atrocities to happen.
After several days of unrelenting body shaking tears, Bella managed to pull herself together. When she finally sat up, she noticed the figure of her sister, Cissa, standing before her. When she reached out to embrace her sister was when Bella realized it was a projection. However, upon closer inspection, Bella realized her sister was older, more mature.
"Cissa?" Bella's voice croaked.
"Bella." Cissa answered.
"What's gong on? How are you here?" Bella asked as she noticed the tears flowing down Narcissa's cheeks.
"When you activated the memory charm I placed, the magic let me know. I have been waiting for you to regain control so we could speak." Narcissa gave a watery smile.
"You're alive?" Bella's voice full of hope.
"I am, so is Lucius and Draco along with Ande." Narcissa shared.
Bella just stared at the projection for a time before she found her voice again before lowering her head in shame.
"I can never show my face in public again, Cissa. How am I to live?" Bella tearfully asked.
"You will, Bella but it will take time and much patience on your part." Cissa shared.
"How?" Bella wanted to know. She had no clue how she would be able to walk freely again after everything she had done.
"Father's curse was broken when Molly Weasley "killed" you on the battlefield but it has left traces. You will need to go to St. Mungo's for testing. However, you will need the assistance of an unlikely source." Cissa explained.
"Who?" Bella needed to know.
"Luna Lovegood." Cissa told her.
Bella gave an unlady-like snort, "Why would she help me? I tortured her while she was held prisoner in Malfoy dungeon."
"Yes, but the young witch is more than most know. She has the ability to see things no others can." Cissa explained.
"She's a seer?" Bella's voice was incredulous.
"No. She's a very strong empath. She sees auras and vows as well as any curses someone has been placed under." Cissa shared.
Bella's mind was spinning a million miles an hour with this news. As she replayed the memories of her time torturing the young blond, she realized the young witch had never blamed her, not once.
"You see it, do you not?" Cissa prompted.
"She never accused me, Cissa. She once told me it wasn't my fault and I punished her more severely for it. She knew I wasn't in control." Bella realized.
"Exactly." Narcissa agreed. "She approached me after my trial and told me when the time came, she would be willing to help you and that my spell had worked as I had intended."
"How long?" Bella quietly demanded.
"It has been a year since the Final Battle." Cissa answered.
"Truly?" Bella's disbelief clear.
"Yes, Hogwarts has been rebuilt, Diagon Alley restored and Knockturn Alley cleansed. The wizarding community pulled together in a way that has not been seen to clean up after the Final Battle. Everyone is breathing the sweet air of true freedom in far too long." Narcissa told her sister and smiled at the relief on Bella's face.
"Other DeathEaters? The dead?" Bella murmured.
"All known DeathEaters have been rounded up and put on trial and before you ask, Veritaserum was used to make sure the truth was told this time." Cissa said.
"The dead?" Bella prompted.
"Many gave their lives in the War. The only good was that the Light side had fewer deaths than Voldemort's. Many perished but the population is slowly getting back on its feet. The Ministry had thoughts of a Marriage Law but was shot down by the younger generation quickly." Cissa smirked.
"Good, I would think they have given enough. No one should be forced into anything unless they have broken our laws." Bella stated sincerely.
"Yes, dear sister, it is good the younger generation is putting their collective foot down. I think they have given enough as well and, maybe, they will help keep someone like Riddle from rising again." Cissa agreed.
"Anything else, sister?" Bella inquired.
For the next several hours Narcissa shared what she could with her lost sister. The sisters enjoyed reconnecting and breathing a sigh a relief that Cissa's spell had held.
"How am I to contact Miss Lovegood? I can't just walk up to her." Bella wanted to know.
"Ah, well, there is an amulet in the bag that has a charm on it to change your features enough to not be recognized." Narcissa answered. "Take the time to heal and recover your true self before leaving the cave. It is charmed to be hidden to all until you leave. You are safe, Bella. I will be waiting for when you are well enough to visit."
"Thank you, Cissa. I promise to take the time needed so your efforts are not squandered." Bella stated, meaning every word.
"Until we meet again, Bella, be well and know you are loved." Narcissa said as her projection faded.
Bellatrix found herself alone once more and sighed, she had much to do before she could, hopefully, get her life back.
Luna checked over the latest edition of The Quibbler and gave a nod of satisfaction; it was good to be printed. As she set the number of copies to be made she paused as a wave of magic washed over her and smiled. She set the charm to reproduce the paper then walked out her door to wait for her guest. While waiting, Luna thought over the few years. They had been hard and scary but she and many others had managed to survive them. She knew many would be lost before she even entered Hogwarts but picked up on a clearer picture once inside the castle.
Most had no clue how to take her, she knew, her mother was the same way; so she had been told. The Lovegood women were strange even for the magical world but they never let it bother them. Luna remembered one of the last things her mother had told her…
"Luna, my darling girl, you must not judge those who cannot understand us. We Lovegood women see the world so much differently than anyone else. It is our gift, our curse to bear and we do it with pride."
At such a young age, Luna had taken her mother's words to heart. She knew they were important then but they became even more precious after her mother died. It was during her time at Hogwarts that Luna realized just how right her mother had been. She knew what most others thought of her: loony, flighty, airhead, and the list continued on. It was alright in her mind because what she had no one could understand without experiencing her gift themselves. So she ignored all the snickers, whispers and bullying. She knew many would not survive the events the future held and was able to not begrudge them their pettiness; she had enough to worry about.
Her gift had allowed Luna to help various students throughout her school years. She knew most thought she just spouted nonsense until the moment her words would become clear to them. The various "creatures" she talked about were emotions but she knew better than to let anyone know the truth. Luna was fairly certain that Dumbledore had known what she was but, fortunately, had never exposed her or taken advantage of her gift like he was prone to do. She often wondered if the former Headmaster had been warned off by either of her parents before she was to attend school. Maybe her mother had threatened the old wizard or possibly her father had? It was a question that often crossed her mind but she knew she wouldn't know the truth until her time was up and she could reunite with her mother. It wasn't important though, just a curiosity.
As Luna leaned against her home, she wondered how long it would take for Bellatrix Lestrange to make her appearance. She knew she would come but had no clue when. When the magic of the cave the cursed witch was in was canceled, Luna knew it would be soon. While waiting, Luna thought over her time at Malfoy Manor. It hadn't been a pleasant experience but she knew it could have been so much worse. She still had nightmares over what she had seen while being held so her father would comply. She hated that her daddy had had to betray Harry and his friends but it was what you did to protect family. She was all he had left and knew it would happen. It was why she hadn't fought when captured; it would have only caused everyone more harm. So she had willingly gone and subjected herself to their mercies.
It wasn't that she thought she would be treated kindly, she was considered a blood traitor after all but she knew she would be spared the most gruesome of tortures if she complied. She witnessed many slain at the hands of the DeathEaters and Voldemort and felt bad she could do nothing to stop it. However, it was during her captivity that Luna had seen what had been done to many DeathEaters. Many had been cursed to act the way they were, not all, but quite a few, mainly the ones from prominent families. It was why she had offered to help Bellatrix when she came back. Luna knew Narcissa Malfoy had set the charm to only release her sister if Bellatrix had been released from her insanity. It had saddened Luna to see anyone cursed but to be to the extent Bellatrix had been was a true crime. She hadn't been a bad person before, not that she was a friendly person to anyone she believed below her but she hadn't been sadistic.
Luna had seen the two spells cast on the witch, the one to make her fanatical in following Voldemort and the one to buffer such madness. The two spells were constantly at odds with each other which probably didn't help with Bellatrix's stability but Luna knew, when she saw Molly Weasley fighting with the deranged witch that the first spell cast, the helpful one, would win out…eventually. It would save the witch's life but what she did with it only time would tell. Luna felt the witch would return to her pre-cursed self but there was never any guarantee when such dark magic was used and allowed to influence for so long.
She only hoped the witch would be allowed to prove her innocence before someone took out their grudge. Fortunately, Veritaserum was used in all trials after the War. No more hiding what any witch or wizard did of their own free will. However, those who were curse in some way were given the latitude they deserved or not if that was the case.
Just before the printing of the current issue of The Quibbler was to finish, Luna felt a presence approach her wards. Adjusting the wards to allow the person through, she gave a dreamy smile to the witch who approached.
"Hello." Luna greeted.
"Hello." The witch replied.
"Would you care for some tea?" Luna offered.
"That would be lovely, thank you." The witch accepted.
"Follow me, please." Luna stood and walked to the door as she held it open for her guest to enter.
Once tea was served with a few finger sandwiches, the witch lowered her hood and scanned her surroundings.
"I see Xenophilius is as eccentric as ever." The witch chuckled.
"Of course." Luna agreed.
After finishing their tea and eating a few sandwiches, the witch finally asked the question that had been burning in her mind. "Why are you helping me?"
"Because you deserve it." Luna simply stated.
"You truly believe that?" the witch scoffed.
"Yes. You were a victim like so many others, Bellatrix Lestrange." Luna countered.
"But I have done such horrible, irredeemable things." Bella admitted.
"That which the curse made you do." Luna's dreamy look turned hard, taking Bella off guard.
"No one will believe that." Bella stated. She had no illusions how the public will see her.
"They will when Minister Shacklebolt gives you Veritaserum and the truth comes out. No one will be able to deny you were one of the first victims of Voldemort." Luna's voice was full of conviction.
"How can you look at me with such calm?" Bella needed to know.
"Because I saw what had happened to you when I saw you at the Ministry in the Hall of Prophecy. I knew then that you had been cursed but another spell was fighting to help you keep your soul." Luna stated.
"I see, but, I tortured you." Bella lowered her head.
"You did, but it wasn't you, not the real you. It was the curse you could not fight that did all the atrocities you are accused of." Luna explained patiently.
"How can you be so sure I'm not the same person?" Bella asked.
"The cave wouldn't have let you out if you were still tainted with the curse." Luna shared. When Bella's head snapped up, Luna gave her a dreamy look. "Oh, you did not know?"
"I did not. Cissa made it so I wouldn't escape if the curse was still on me or that it had tainted me too much." Bella realized how careful her sister had been and was grateful. "How did you know this?"
"Madam Malfoy told me when I asked her who had cast the protective spell on you while I was held captive." Luna answered.
"She just told you?" Bella's voice wavered.
"Not at first, no. She was surprised I knew what had happened. Eventually though, she did confide in me what I already knew. It was then that she told me of her plan: the cave, the bag and the charm. I thought it quite ingenious." Luna shared.
`And you just accepted my sister's words?" Bella was amazed how trusting Luna seemed.
"Of course, her aura would have shown me otherwise." Luna's dreamy look returned reminding Bella of the witch's time captured. It was a look she saw often and it enraged the curse that a captive could appear so serene.
"What shall we do now?" Bella asked.
"We shall relax until tomorrow afternoon when we will travel to the Minister's office via floo and he will give you Veritaserum to know the truth before taking your case to the Wizengamot." Luna informed her guest.
"I do not deserve your kindness." Bella shared.
"But you do, it is not your fault. You, Bellatrix Lestrange, are not a bad person. The curse cast on you caused your actions." Luna corrected.
Bella chuckled softly, "We will agree to disagree on that front, my dear but I thank you. Am I to stay here for the night?"
"I have made the guest room up for you. Please, make yourself comfortable." Luna invited as she led Bella to her room for the night.
Kingsley Shacklebolt had been sitting in his office when a thunderbird patronus came soaring in.
"It is time." Was the message and Kingsley knew what it meant. Bellatrix Lestrange (nee Black) was out of her cave her sister had set up.
When Luna Lovegood had first approached him after the War was over, Kingsley had been shocked with the news she shared. She had demanded a Vow of Silence from him before she would explain and when someone like Luna Lovegood demands a vow, it's not something to take lightly. After giving the Vow, Kingsley was informed of the secret so closely guarded.
Bellatrix Lestrange had been cursed by her father to act the way she had. She had been forced to abort her unborn child, be branded like cattle and to become a fanatic for Tom Riddle. When first told of this, Kingsley had been skeptical but Luna had taken three drops of Veritaserum to prove she was speaking the truth. Then she had explained what Narcissa Malfoy had done to help her sister so long ago. The spells cast would drive the sanest person mad so Kingsley held out little hope that Bellatrix would be better once the spells had been canceled.
When he voiced his concerns, Luna had given him her usual dreamy look and told him to wait and see. He would see for himself just how strong of character the Black women had. Of course, that was a year ago and Kingsley had forgotten about it until the patronus with so much going on.
He had cleaned up the Ministry of all its corruption, at least where employees were concerned. Everyone had to take a Vow to uphold the law and their office before being allowed to accept their job. It had helped to keep those with ulterior motives out of positions of power. Even the Wizengamot members had taken the Vow to prove they were not biased or could keep their biasness out of their decisions. Every witch and wizard who went to trial was given Veritaserum as well as any witness. This was mandatory since so many had been punished before the War or had escaped punishment. No more innocent lives ruined or criminal lives rewarded by a corrupt justice system. No one wanted another Tom Riddle to be able to get their hooks in society again. The magical world had enough to worry about without a 'Dark Lord or Lady' rising to cause more trouble.
With things slowly settling down, Kingsley was able to finally breathe. He had no clue how Bellatrix's case would go but knew he was one of the few who would give her a fair chance. Although everyone thought the witch dead, having witnessed Molly Weasley killing her in battle, Kings knew differently. What had been killed was not Bellatrix Lestrange but the curse she had been put under with her sister's curse stealing her body away until the time was right. Kings had to give Lady Malfoy full kudos on her spell work, it was mind boggling.
Then the charm placed on the cave's entrance was remarkable. It would only allow Bellatrix out if the curse was truly broken and the witch was who she was before. If any taint was left behind, then Bella wouldn't have been able to leave, she would have been killed instead. Narcissa left nothing to chance and if she couldn't have her sister back fully, she would put her out of her misery. Luna had explained this and told Kings that the message would be either, It is time or It is done, either would let him know how to proceed.
So Kingsley sent a patronus to Madam Pomfrey, the only medi-witch he knew who would be unbiased, and to the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. Bellatrix's trial would be closed to the public and kept under strict secrecy to ensure she received the fairness everyone else did without the threat of an attempt on her life. There were many in the community who would kill the witch on sight without caring she had been cursed from her own father to act the way she had. Also, the court chambers had all been warded against animagus since Rita Skeeter had been exposed, finally, as an unregistered animagus; which was how she got as much dirt on everyone that she had. Of course, she wouldn't be a problem any longer since her trial had landed her in Azkaban for the rest of her natural life; warded heavily of course.
So many things had become so lax during the centuries it amazed Kingsley that it took so long for anyone to try to take over the community. However, with the help of Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and several others, rules and laws were rewritten or thrown out along with the Vows taken to ensure proper ruling of the citizens. The Ministry was supposed to protect its people, the Wizengamot was suppose to rule justly without bias and Azkaban was suppose to hold all prisoners without fear of escape. It was like that now but had not been for quite some time. Kingsley was proud of the changes made and accepted by the majority. Of course not everyone would be pleased but that was part and parcel of being a government. The only thing to be done was to try to please the majority and hope the rest would follow.
The following day found Kingsley in a sealed room with the full Wizengamot in attendance. Poppy Pomfrey was there to do the scan on Bellatrix to tell whether or not a curse had been cast. Everyone knew, but Poppy explained anyway, that a curse that insidious would leave a trace behind especially after so many years of being under its influence. She had performed the scan and announced that Bellatrix Lestrange had indeed been under a malicious curse for almost two decades. When the Veritaserum had been administered, those in attendance had gasped at the litany of crimes Bella had admitted to committing however, when Amelia Bones had asked when the crimes began happening it was proven that it was after the curse had been cast. When questioned about her life before the curse was when everyone learned just how cruel and heartless Cygnus Black truly was.
After all was said and done, Bellatrix was remanded to a mind healer at St. Mungo's. One who would treat the witch properly and without judgment. Bella agreed wholeheartedly, she wished to harm no one ever again. When an Auror, Harry Potter himself, placed the magic dampening cuffs on Bellatrix, he did so professionally. As he went to step away, Bella apologized for any hardship she might have caused him through her actions under the curse. Harry accepted her apology with a genuine smile and nod, claiming no one could have done anything else in her position and he was sorry she had had to go through it.
When news of Bellatrix Lestrange's trial was let known, the public had varied reactions. Some thought she should have been put to death, not allowing a curse to be the cause of her behavior while others wished her well. They didn't necessarily wish to be friends with the witch that had caused so much grief but they accepted she had had no control over her actions. There were a few who were happy to have the old Bella back but most gave her a wide berth.
Harry Potter couldn't believe the day he had had. It wasn't that he wasn't accustomed to sitting in on trials, it was the trial he had just sat in on that sent his mind screaming off the cliff. Bellatrix Lestrange had been acquitted of all crimes. At first Harry had thought she was trying to play the system but remembered the potion used, Veritaserum was brewed by Severus Snape so no funny business there. The man took his reputation as a Potions Master very seriously and wouldn't make a bad batch for anyone.
Severus had managed to survive the War thanks to his best friend's quick actions. While he and Ron were running to the Headmaster's office to watch the memories given, Hermione had stayed behind and tended to Severus until she could apparate him to Madam Pomfrey. Once in the medi-witch's tender mercies, the wound had been properly tended to and Severus Snape had made a full recovery. Although he no longer taught Potions at Hogwarts, he still brewed potions for the school and St. Mungo's. His apothecary, The Potion Garden, was a very successful business. Anyone who cared what went into their potion and was willing to pay a bit more went to his shop for their needs. The Ministry contracted the Master for all their needs as did the DoM. However, what made Severus the happiest was that he brewed while Hermione took care of the front and occasionally brewed with him. The two seemed strange together but not at the same time. They both worked well together and complimented each other outside the lab as well.
It wasn't a relationship Harry would have thought to happen but often saw just how happy both were so accepted it without much fuss. Everyone deserved happiness, especially those two, and who was he to judge where they found it?
However, his brain was still trying to process that Bellatrix Lestrange had apologized to him after her hearing and after he had put magic dampening cuffs on her. She had been sincere, he would have known otherwise, and it had shocked him. Instead of accusing her how much she had cost him, he had given her a true smile and nod and left it at that. It wasn't her who killed her cousin. It was her who had tortured and murdered so many innocents. It was the curse put upon her by her own kin that had taken control so they could have their way. When Harry thought about all she had done, after hearing it all during the trial (and why hadn't anyone figured out how to Scourgify a brain?), he knew she would have a difficult time coming to terms with what had happened.
As he entered the Three Broomsticks, it was the sound of many voices talking about the Lestrange trial and, surprisingly, not all against her verdict.
"Oh my Merlin, Harry! Could you imagine being forced to do even half of what she did?" Hermione had exclaimed as soon as he sat down.
"Nope. She's got a long road ahead of her." Harry responded.
"I think she got off easy." Ron added.
"No, she didn't, Ron. Imagine what she's going to have to deal with now. Everyone knows her history and leaning it was due to a curse isn't going to matter to most." Harry pointed out.
"Besides, if she really is back to being a human being instead of a murderous zealot, then think of the guilt she's going to have to work through. Her fault or not, it's still a lot to live with." Hermione added.
"Yeah, whatever, it's done now. Can we talk about something other than Bellatrix?" Ron grumped.
"Sure, Ron." Hermione conceded before she slapped her palm to her forehead. "Oh my goodness!"
"What is it, 'Mione?" Harry inquired.
Hermione lowered her voice, "It was Luna who helped Bellatrix, wasn't it?"
"Why do you say that?" Harry eyed his friend.
"Because I saw her with a dark haired witch earlier. I thought they were a couple but it seems Luna was just escorting Bellatrix to St. Mungo's instead."
"She was, yeah. Luna offered to walk Bellatrix to the hospital, to help protect her from those wishing her harm even though she had been acquitted of all crimes." Harry explained.
The conversation continued for sometime before Hermione reached into her bag and pulled something out to show her boys.
"Look what I found!" she exclaimed as she told them about her find, Bellatrix having been forgotten for the time.
~Fin~ (WC 5615)