Hermione groaned as she was dropped onto the ground face first. She was sure she was no longer as Hogwarts, none of the rooms she had seen had such soft carpet. But she wasn't entirely sure where she ended up. She sat up and rubbed her forehead, which she was certain was now bruised and looked around. She knew exactly where she was. It was Bellatrix's bedroom. She recognized it from Christmas holidays.
How did she end up here? She had no clue. She touched her amulet. She had a feeling however she got here, it had to do with the amulet. Which meant Bellatrix had brought her here.
She left her bag on the floor and wandered around the room. There was a picture on the nightstand. She recognized two of the women in the picture. It was a young Bellatrix and Narcissa. There was a third woman that looked similar to Bellatrix but it wasn't her. It had to be another sister as the woman was much too young to be a mother or aunt.
It took some effort but she managed to pull herself away from the photo. It wouldn't do well for her to be caught looking at that particular photo. On the desk she found a letter that was started for her, as well as the journal Bellatrix had mentioned sending to her.
The door slammed open and Hermione turned to see Bellatrix entering. "Hermione," Bellatrix exclaimed. "What happened?" Her eyes locked onto amulet.
"I… I don't know how I got here," Hermione said honestly. "One minute Lockhart was shooting a spell at me and the next I was here."
Bellatrix's eyes darkened. "He tried to curse you," she hissed. She marched over to Hermione and waved her wand. She nodded when she saw her diagnostic spell came up clean, other than the bruise on her forehead. She cast a quick healing spell and was pleased to see the bruise disappear. She was now even happier that she thought to put the emergency portkey into her amulet. She took Hermione's hand and led her to her bed. "Tell me everything."
"Professor Lockhart has been acting weird around me for the last few weeks," Hermione started. "He would stare at me and sometimes he looked angry, or concerned. Anyway, after class today he asked me to stay behind. He started asking me questions about memory charms and how I figured it out. I realized he'd been stealing credit for his books and was wiping the real persons memory. He tried to oblivate me and then I ended up here."
Bellatrix's hand clenched around her wand. She wanted nothing more than to curse Lockhart until he joined the Longbottom's in St. Mungo's. But she couldn't. Not yet at least. First, she had to talk to the Dark Lord and if he gave her permission, she would need to make plans. There was a strong possibility he would want to take care of Lockhart himself, seeing as Hermione was under his protection.
"Your wand is strange," Hermione commented. Her fingers hovered near it but never touching. It was an unspoken rule in the wizarding world to never touch someone's wand without their permission.
Bellatrix took a deep breath to calm herself down. She turned her hand and let the wand rest in the palm of her hand, before holding it out to Hermione. Normally, she would never offer her wand to another person. But Hermione wasn't any person. She was her soulmate, a soul shared between two people. One of the lesser known facts about soulmates was the fact that they could use each other's wands without issue. The wand would work for the pair equally. Their magic recognized their soulmate, even if the person didn't, and responded accordingly. It was also why Hermione's magic would seek her out once the bond was established on her side.
Hermione carefully took the wand from Bellatrix. As she had said, the wand itself was strange. The wood was curved, unlike anything Hermione had seen before. She could feel a hum of magic, similar to what she felt from her own wand, only with this one she felt Bellatrix's magic. It was comforting, like a hug.
"It's walnut and dragon heartstring," Bellatrix told her. Wand cores were a rather personal thing to talk about. Hermione was one of the few that Bellatrix told about her wand. The only other ones that knew were her sisters, parents and the Dark Lord.
"Mine is dragon heartstring too," Hermione exclaimed pulling out her own wand. It made perfect sense to Bellatrix, that they would have the same core. Another mark of soulmates. Granted, it wasn't a good way to link mates as a lot of people had the same cores. However, she wouldn't be surprised if there was a deeper connection between the wands.
Bellatrix gently took her wand back from Hermione's hand. Hermione tucked her own back into the holster. "Are you okay?" Bellatrix asked concerned. It should have been the first question she asked but she was too distracted by the presence of her young bonded.
"I'm okay," Hermione assured her. "I was a little scared but now that I'm here I feel safe." She shifted so she could lean against Bellatrix. Bellatrix automatically wrapped an arm around her. "How did I get here?"
"Your amulet," Bellatrix said. "I put an emergency portkey into it. If you were hurt or feared for your safety, the portkey would activate and bring you here. The portkey is tied to your magic so no one else can activate it."
Hermione frowned and pulled away so she could study Bellatrix's face. "Why didn't you tell me about it?" she asked.
"Because I know you and I know you would have done something to activate it on purpose," Bellatrix responded. She raised an eyebrow at Hermione, as if daring her to deny it. "Am I wrong?"
Hermione blushed. "No," she muttered, leaning back against Bellatrix. "You're not wrong. What's going to happen? Will I get in trouble for disappearing?"
"When I felt your portkey activate, I went straight to Lucius. While he doesn't know exactly what happened, he is ready to claim the portkey was given by him to keep you safe," Bellatrix explained. "Draco has a similar one so it's not too much of a stretch." She pulled a bracelet from her pocket. "Wear this. This is the portkey given by Lucius. When you're ready to go back to Hogwarts, he will take you."
"Do I have to go back right away?" Hermione questioned.
Bellatrix sighed. She wanted to keep her bonded with her but her disappearance was bound to attract notice. The Headmaster was not alerted when a portkey was used, or at least he wasn't back she was at Hogwarts. It was possible the wards had been upgraded over the decades. "Not right away," Bellatrix finally said, playing with Hermione's hair. "But soon." They could play off the delay as stating Narcissa wanted to do an exam to make sure Hermione was uninjured.
"If I ask you something, will you answer honestly, even if you don't want to?" Hermione questioned.
This was a dangerous question and Bellatrix knew it. But she would do it. It was the least she could do. "Yes," Bellatrix agreed.
"Is Tom the Dark Lord?" Hermione asked.
Bellatrix dropped her hand in shock. Of all the questions she expected, that hadn't even made the list. She couldn't help herself, she started laughing. Her little mate really was the brightest witch of her age. "He is," Bellatrix confirmed. "How did you figure it out?"
Hermione shrugged. "It seemed strange that a friend of yours would want to meet me. I know you sided with the Dark Lord and you said Tom trained you with the dark arts. I guess it just made sense. It does make me wonder though… did I give him the stone last year?"
Bellatrix studied her face. She didn't want to lie but she would if that was what was needed. She didn't think it would be an issue. Hermione didn't seem particularly bothered that Tom was the Dark Lord. Nor did she seem to care about the possibility of helping him when they talked about it. "Yes, you did," Bellatrix confirmed.
Hermione nodded. "I thought so. I want to tell you something, but I don't want you to get mad or upset." Bellatrix didn't like the sound of that but she agreed. "When I learned that Tom was the Dark Lord, I… I wanted to make myself useful to him. I know he offered to train me but… I don't know. I guess I want to be worthy of the training."
"Hermione—" Bellatrix started.
Hermione covered her mouth with her hand. "Listen, please." Bellatrix nodded against the hand and Hermione removed it. "You know how I'm kind of friends with Harry and Ron?" Bellatrix nodded again. "Well, I was thinking, I am in the perfect position to get information from them. You see, I told them today I held a small amount of resentment toward them for what happened and that I wanted to start over. By starting over, I can build what they perceive to be a real friendship. I even accepted Ron's offer to go to the Burrow at the end of the summer."
"Why are you doing this?" Bellatrix demanded. She couldn't help herself. She had to know. "Do you know the dangers you'll face trying to spy on them?"
"I'm doing this because I want to," Hermione told her. "And there won't be any danger. I'm not going to pass along information that no one else will know but me. I'm smarter than that. I'll simply be gathering information until the time is right."
"And when will the time be right?" Bellatrix questioned.
"Honestly, I don't know," Hermione admitted. She hoped it wouldn't be too long. "All I know is I want Ron Weasley to be punished for what he did and I will wait as long as I have to, in order to make that happen."
Bellatrix thought her heart was going to burst from her chest. Ever since the Dark Lord gave her that ultimatum, either Hermione joins or she dies, Bellatrix had been terrified. What the Dark Lord hadn't realized that if he had killed Hermione, then he would have lost Bellatrix too. But the Dark Lord didn't understand love and wouldn't realize what his actions would do. She thought about telling him but had decided against it.
But now, that pain and uncertainty, was gone in an instant because Hermione didn't have to die. She was openly choosing the Dark Lord.
Bellatrix took her hand. "I will help you in any way I can," Bellatrix promised. She leaned forward and gently kissed Hermione's cheek. "But promise me you won't do anything reckless. Do not put your life in danger. There will be plenty of time to punish Weasley in the future."
"I promise," Hermione said, slightly disappointed that Bellatrix had only kissed her cheek. It was wrong to wish for more. She was only thirteen after all. But part of her really wanted Bellatrix to kiss her.
"We still need to talk about dark magic," Bellatrix muttered. She cast a quick tempus and cursed. They didn't have time. "We don't have time to talk. I don't want you practicing anymore dark spells for now."
"What?" Hermione exclaimed. "No! You said I could practice some that were less dark."
"I did," Bellatrix confirmed. "But I'm worried after the last time you tried. Give me a few days and I'll try to come up with something. I may have an idea that could work."
Hermione sighed. She wanted to argue but it wouldn't do her any good. Besides, if Bellatrix of all people wanted to be cautious then Hermione would trust her. "Okay," Hermione agreed. She could see how relived Bellatrix looked.
Bellatrix walked over to her desk and grabbed the journal sitting there. "Here," she said handing it to her. "Turn it over." Hermione did so. "Do you see those runes on the bottom? Smear a drop of blood on them and the book will be keyed to you and only you." No one else will be able to open the book and if they try reading it over your shoulder it will look blank." She didn't mention that she would still be able to read it due to the soul bond. She would tell Hermione eventually, once she revealed the soul bond, but since she had no intention of invading Hermione's privacy she didn't feel guilty about the secret.
"Thank you," Hermione said. She tucked the book into her bookbag. "Oh, I have something for you." She removed the scrap parchment from her pocket that contained the list of snacks for studying. "Theo, Pansy, Draco and I made this list, if you're still willing to help. We're going to study in the Room of Requirements so I'm not seen around them too much. I…uh…I kind of told Theo and Pansy that Narcissa was doing this for us."
"I'll have Narcissa send the package to Draco," Bellatrix promised. "Are you still staying here for the summer? Until you go to Weasley's?"
"Yes," Hermione answered. "I'm not going to tell Harry and Ron. As far as they'll know I had a falling out with Draco. I'll let them think I went home to my parents." She frowned. "I'm not sure how that will work at the end of term though."
"I can talk to Lucius about adjusting the portkey so you can activate it yourself," Bellatrix offered, gesturing to the bracelet Hermione was wearing. "Then, after term, you simply sneak off and activate the portkey."
"That's a good idea," Hermione agreed.
Bellatrix held out her hand for Hermione to take. "Come on. We need to talk to Lucius before you get taken back to Hogwarts."
Hermione grabbed her bag before taking Bellatrix's offered hand. Bellatrix led her through Malfoy Manor. Hermione was curious if Tom was here. She would love to have a chance to talk to him but she knew there wasn't enough time for that. Plus, she wasn't entirely sure how to act around him.
They stopped in front of a door. Bellatrix knocked twice before opening the door and walking inside, with Hermione right behind her. Lucius was sitting at his desk, across from him was Tom. Lucius looked up at the sight of Bellatrix and Hermione.
"Morgana, Hermione," Lucius greeted.
Hermione tried not to roll her eyes at the nickname. She couldn't believe Bellatrix got everyone calling her Morgana, all because she was afraid of Hermione's reaction to her real name. "Lucius, Tom," Bellatrix greeted. She let go of Hermione's hand so she could put it on Hermione's back. She gently pushed Hermione further into the room.
"Ms. Granger," Tom greeted. He stood and walked over to her. He eyed the young witch. She looked perfectly healthy but that didn't mean Bellatrix hadn't healed her. Bellatrix herself, had made that portkey, and he knew of her abilities, especially with runes. It meant that Hermione was in fact in some type of danger for it to activate. "I trust you're alright?" He glanced at Bellatrix for confirmation.
"Lockhart tried to oblivate her," Bellatrix growled. She was still angry about that and once she had the okay, she would make him suffer. "He confronted her, thinking she knew he was a fraud."
"Did you know he was a fraud?" Tom questioned. While he didn't know Lockhart was a fraud, he wasn't surprised to learn it was true.
"No," Hermione admitted. "Not until he admitted it when he interrogated me."
Tom turned his attention to Bellatrix. "I assume you want retribution," he said. Bellatrix nodded. "It is your right. Do what you want to him but do not get caught."
"Yes Tom," Bellatrix agreed. She turned her attention to her little mate. "Be careful at Hogwarts Hermione. Lockhart will be dealt with and soon. Until then, stay safe around him." She kissed Hermione's cheek before leaving the room.
"Before I take you back, I need information, in your own words about what happened," Lucius said. He gestured to the seat next to Tom.
"Lockhart asked me to stay after class," Hermione started. "He'd been acting weird around me for a while. He always looked angry or scared. I told Draco about it and Draco suggested I not be alone in the same room with him. Well, he asked me to stay and it didn't dawn on me what that meant. As soon as we were alone, he drew his wand on me. He kept asking me how I knew about him but I didn't know what he was talking about. He mentioned being an expert in memory charms and that's when I realized he was a fake. He tried to oblivate me and that's when I ended up here. A portkey, Morgana said. She mentioned adding it to my amulet for emergencies."
Lucius nodded. "This I can work with," he said. "As you cannot tell anyone about Morgana, this is what you will say. You will tell the Headmaster I gave you that bracelet with the emergency portkey. You can tell him everything that happened in the confrontation with Lockhart but you need to tell him that the portkey took you here, to my office. We'll tell him Narcissa wanted to exam you and make sure you were fine before I brought you back to the castle." He turned his attention to Tom. "As her magical guardian I will be pressing charges against Lockhart. I have no choice. Morgana will have to plan around that."
"I will let her know," Tom promised. "I doubt it will deter her. Ms. Granger," Hermione looked up, "how are your studies progressing?"
"They're progressing well sir," Hermione said. "Morgana has allowed me to try a spell, Confringo." Hermione frowned. "She's also asked that I not practice again without her."
Tom nodded. "She cares about you," Tom said. While he himself didn't feel or really understand emotions such as love and caring, he did recognize the feelings in others. "Look at me child." Hermione met his gaze. There was no push on her shields, so he wasn't using Legilimency. "You know who I am." It wasn't a question. "Yet, you're not afraid."
"No sir," Hermione said honestly. "I… I figured if you wanted me dead you would have killed me already."
Tom laughed. "I suppose you have a point there," he said. "I have no intention of killing you. One day I will ask you to join me, I hope you will say yes. Until then…" he pulled out his wand and pointed it at Hermione. He muttered some words that Hermione couldn't hear. There was a flash of light and images popped into Hermione's head. "Try not to think about it until you're alone," he suggested. "Then you can truly process what happened that night."
That's when Hermione realized what he had done. He'd given her back her memories of when she had given him the stone. She didn't have time to dwell on it as Lucius grabbed her arm and they apparated out of Malfoy Manor.
