Chapter 49: A Leap of FaithNotes:
Hey folks, we're rewriting canon again, so everyone turn to page...well, it's around 145 in my hbp book.
Kidding! You won't need canon (my story's a lot better)
Ah I should stop.
Anyway, enjoy!
Chapter Text
There's been a nervous excitement in the air all day today. It's finally arrived. The first day of the school term. The summer is over. Back to Hogwarts.
Of course it doesn't make that much of a difference to them. They're not schoolgirls anymore. But it means occlumency lessons are over until Christmas. And Draco will be starting his plans to kill Dumbledore. If the timeline is still on track.
And that's why Hermione's been anxiously waiting for the Hogwarts Express to arrive for the past hour. Everything should be the same as she remembers it. But there's always the possibility that…well. Best to check.
And so far so good. She'd positioned herself at Hogsmeade station an hour early, just in case. So the train should be arriving…
Now. Steam through the fading daylight. Thank goodness.
Bella. It's alright, it's arrived on time
Good, because I just got home. Meeting finished early as Snape had to floo to Hogwarts. I haven't seen you in ages, pet. You coming home now?
Students begin to disembark the train, and Hermione smiles to herself, shaking her head. They saw each other this morning. Ages.
I just want to make sure Harry still spied on Draco and got caught. Draco might have decided to be nice to him after your letter, or…
Nah. Poor kid's in denial. You should see his head. He's boxed it all up. Buried it. No, he's all about Dumbledore now. Same as you remember. Think he just wanted my advice before he put it out of his mind
Oh dear. Not the healthiest approach.
Ah, there's her past-self and Ron, deciding if Harry's gone on without them. She walks closer as the first years head off to the lake, everyone else begins getting into thestral-drawn carriages, and the crowd slowly subsides.
There's Parkinson and the other slytherins, pushing their way past some second years to take their carriage. Rude.
But no Malfoy. Good. He's stomping on Harry's face then.
Well she doesn't mean good but at least—
She ducks out of the way of some lost first years and waits.
Ah. Her and Ron have decided Harry has already left. Off they go.
She has a peek in the train windows. Just a few stragglers now. Where's Tonks? She needs to come and find Harry soon. Harry said Tonks found him under the invisibility cloak and unfroze him. She'd been stationed at Hogwarts…
No sign of her. But she's harder to spot without the pink hair.
Ah. There's Draco, closing the blinds. Not exactly subtle for a Slytherin…
She waits anxiously for him to appear, trying not to think about Harry lying on the floor and the blood…
And Draco runs from the train. Jumps in the last carriage with some younger Hufflepuffs. Who look at him oddly, but don't say anything. Oh. And offer him some choc—
Well. He didn't have to throw it on the floor, that's…
Where on Earth is Tonks? She's definitely not here. Unless she's in disguise…
But…there isn't anyone at all now!
Bella. Tonks hasn't come to save Harry before the train leaves. He'll end up back at Kings Cross if— that definitely didn't happen
Tonks…oh. Oh Snape told us who was stationed at Hogwarts. There's a rota, but Tonks wasn't on it. Don't think he was lying. He made some joke about loss of confidence…can't hide…useless…I don't know. Some bollocks. I tuned him out
Tonks isn't here?! But she was, she—
The train's going to leave. Tonks has to get Harry. She takes him to the castle and—
Oh.
Bella…what if this was us? What if Tonks…was you?
What?!
Hermione pops to her bedroom and grabs some clothes and a long cloak. And then follows the thread to Bellatrix in the library.
"Quick! Put these clothes on and— look it just has to be you, we don't have polyjuice or— you're the only metamorphagus we have!"
But Herm—
"Go! Put them on! Tonks would never wear your clothes, Harry isn't that unobservant.
Okay, okay. But just wait a—
She stares into Hermione's eyes whilst she takes her dress off. "Think about Tonks. I need the memory to— no, when she's all depressed and moping around, not— but I still can't change my voice! How can—"
"You're going to have to say as little as possible and fake a cockney accent. Just…say wotcher when you see him, remember to drop your 't's, and make your voice a bit…rougher. You don't sound that different pitch-wise so—"
Bellatrix nods, and then closes her eyes…
Tonks. Is that how Tonks looks? It's not quite…
Well?
Not...bad. And she's a metamorphagus anyway, so Harry won't be suspicious
So it's shit. Great. Fantast— Merlin these muggle trousers are tight. How do you—
Hermione pushes Bellatrix onto the sofa and shoves her shoes on for her whilst she figures out the jeans and throws a top and cloak on. "We haven't got time, just— I'll be there but invisible. Just remember to call him Harry and— are you ready?"
Yes, yes, take us, quick!
And they're on the train.
It's going to leave! That compartment, over there!
She gestures to 'Tonks', who hurries through the door. What if I can't hold her form for long enough?
You have to. You have to hide and— and you did! It was always you, but Harry thought it was Tonks. That proves you can do it
Bellatrix walks over to the last compartment, where the blinds are drawn. Hermione can't see past her to—
Bellatrix bends down. "Wotcher, Harry."
And then a red light. She must be undoing the petrificus— oh!
Bella. Your wand. He—
Glamoured. Thought of that. Now get out the way
And Bellatrix is dragging Harry along the corridor. "We'd better get out of here. Quickly!"
Hermione pops straight off the train and onto the platform. There's just no room to hide on a train, and they'll be—
The train is already moving off, and she watches as first 'Tonks' and then Harry jump off through the steam. That was close. Did they always jump or—?
Harry staggers on the landing, and Bellatrix reaches to steady him before stopping herself, unsure. His face is a mess. Who heals it, me? Don't want the kid having a broken nose forever…
Oh.
Yes, Bella, heal him
Hermione walks closer to them. Oh Harry, he looks so ashamed of his face.
"Thanks for…well…" he mumbles, reaching to push his glasses on more firmly before he remembers his nose again and brings his hand back down.
Bellatrix shrugs. "No problem. I can fix your nose, if you stand still."
Harry's eyes widen. He really doesn't look very sure about—
And then he just squeezes his eyes shut. Stands perfectly still.
A sigh through the thread. Brave kid
"Episkey," Bellatrix says firmly.
Harry takes a sharp breath, and then his eyes blink open as he reaches up to feel his nose. And smiles at Bellatrix. "Thanks a lot!"
Bellatrix chuckles through the thread, but manages to keep her face blank and miserable. "You'd better put that cloak back on, and we can walk up to the school." That's what happens, right? We walk?
Yes. Harry said it was long and awkward because Tonks— you— don't talk much. Guess now we know why. And then—oh
Snape comes to get him at the gate.
Because Tonks sent a patronus.
Well. Well she must do it because—
Unless Hermione did it…
But it wasn't an otter. Harry would have recognised…
Bella…you need to send Snape a patronus to come and get him at the gate
What?! I can't—
You can. You do. You did. Harry said it was a large, four-legged creature. Probably a wolf, because everyone thought it was because of Sirius or Lupin that—
A sound comes from under the cloak as Harry clears his throat in the awkward silence, but he doesn't say anything. He must have given up. Phew. No small talk.
How can I conjure a patronus and focus enough not to lose Tonks? And I can't even— it was only mist or… Bellatrix whines.
Tell me when you're ready, and I'll distract Harry, in case you flicker. You won't, but I'll make a noise or something just to be—
Bellatrix takes a calming breath through the thread. Talking to herself. No, it's fine. Okay. Okay, Bella. You have to figure this out. You can do it. You did it. It already happened, so…
Outwardly she still looks tired and gloomy, trudging along next to Harry. But…
Hermione can feel it. A slight buzzing of happiness. I can feel it, Bella. I can feel your happiness. You can do this. You brilliant witch. There's nothing you can't do. Gods, you're amazing. I love you—
"Expecto patronum!"
Oh.
Not a wolf. A dog.
A German Shepherd, that takes one excited but determined glance at Bellatrix for instructions, and then charges straight for the castle.
A dog? I did it, and— like Siri? I'm a fucking dog? Oh he is probably laughing his arse off. What the—
"Was that a patronus?" Harry asks cautiously. Probably just trying to find anything to say to this miserable looking Tonks. It's not like he's never seen a patronus before.
"Yes, I'm sending word to the castle that I've got you, or they'll worry. Come on. Better not dawdle."
Bellatrix picks up the pace. Too excited to walk slowly.
You did it, Bella. That was amazing
Take that, Snape. Ha! Fully corporeal patronus. Whilst in metamorphagus form. Bloody genius
"How did you find me?" Harry asks, his feet visible beneath the cloak, almost jogging along next to Bellatrix to keep up.
Oh uhh "I noticed you hadn't left the train, and knew you had that cloak." Go check on Snape, pet. He might not have got my patronus if he's with other— "I thought you might be hiding for some reason. When I saw the blinds—"
Okay. I'll have a look for him
She pops away to the Great Hall. Scans the teacher's table. Aha! Next to…McGonagall. Umm. Not the time to feel awkward about all that.
She hastily appears behind Snape. Touches his arm. She can't open her mind because of Dumbledore, but—
Snape pushes his chair back, and she hurriedly moves out of the way. Good, he must have figured out that it's her. McGonagall raises a questioning eyebrow at him as he stands, but he ignores her. And Trelawney knocks over some pumpkin juice in oddly intense shock but— well. She's always strange, so…
She tugs him towards the teacher's entrance behind the table in the pumpkin-confusion, and slips through when he opens the door.
No one around. Bellatrix's patronus appears before them, sitting to attention…and then tilting its head to the side, tail thumping erratically. It's so Bella. "Potter's fine. He'll be at the gate soon. Come and get him," comes Bellatrix's voice.
Well. That was to the point. Hermione has to remember how she said the message in her head instead of out loud. Could be legilimency or— focus!
Snape is looking around the empty corridor, eyebrows raised. Probably for her. She touches his arm again.
"Not an otter?" he murmurs to himself with a smirk. "How disappointing for you. Although quite the relief."
Oh he is—
She smacks his arm. Professor or not, he deserves that.
He turns in her general direction. "And this is how you ask for help? Why should I—"
A door opens, and Flitwick walks through, stopping to frown at Snape. "Severus? Are you…alright, lad?"
Hermione snorts. Lad. And Snape must look bonkers, muttering to himself and—
"And why wouldn't I be alright, Filius?" Snape says flatly. "Potter is merely up to his usual attention seeking tricks, so it is up to me to collect his highness from the gates. Perhaps you could inform Albus of the matter, if our absence is noted."
Flitwick barely holds back a scoff, clearing his throat instead at the last second. "Of course, Severus. But I'm sure Potter has his reasons. He's not one to…"
Snape just glares down at him, and Flitwick gives up in exasperation. "I'll save you a plate, lad. Hagrid is here, so even refillable plates might not stop him. You know how he is," he tries to joke. It falls flat.
And Snape doesn't thank him of course. Just whirls off in a sweep of black.
Well. She's not running after him in a hurry.
She pops back to Bellatrix and Harry in the lane.
I'm back. Snape's on his way
Thank fuck. This walk is agony. I still look like Tonks, right?
She looks her over. I think your eyes are back, but they're similar to Tonks' so— your hair's coming to life again though. The curls. Flatten them out a— that's better
The gates come into view. Not long now. Only a few more minutes. You've done so well to hold it for this long, it's incredible!
A chuckle. I appreciate the encouragement, but you might need to shut up, pet. Need to concentrate
Oh. Oops.
They reach the gates, and Harry's wand comes out of nowhere. "Alohomora!"
Bellatrix snorts through the thread. He really thinks that will work? Not the brightest kid…
She walks closer to Harry. "That won't work on these. Dumbledore bewitched them himself." Plus it's fucking Hogwarts, Potter. Idiot
"I could climb the wall?" Harry suggests. Hermione smacks herself in the forehead. He really never did read 'Hogwarts: A History', did he?
"No you couldn't," Bellatrix says, remarkably calmly for such a stupid comment. "Anti-intruder jinxes on all of them. Security's been tightened a hundredfold this summer." Because of you. And a Dark Lord. How is he— you really were the brains, weren't you, pet. Bloody hell. How—
"Well then," Harry huffs. "I suppose I'll have to sleep out here and wait for morning."
Bellatrix sniggers. Such an attitude. I like this Potter. He has some bite
Hermione chuckles, and watches as lantern light comes down towards the gate. Here comes Snape. Your hair's doing it again, by the—
Bellatrix's hair droops flat once more. "Someone's coming down for you. Look."
Harry pulls off his invisibility cloak, a relieved smile spreading on his face. Which freezes and turns into a look of horror as he recognises Snape. Sorry, Harry.
Snape reaches the gate, and smirks at them both. "Well, well, well."
His eyes drift over 'Tonks' as he taps his wand to the padlocked gate so that it slithers open. "Nice of you to turn up, Potter, although you have evidently decided that wearing school robes would detract from your appearance."
What a git. Potter's clothes are baggy hand-me-downs covered in blood! And Snape would know. His clothes were basically the same when he was a first year. How can he be so—
Bella. Focus. Hair. And you have to say something about— Harry thought Hagrid was supposed to get the message so—
"There's no need to wait, Nymphadora. Potter is quite…safe. In my hands," Snape says pointedly. He is a git.
Bellatrix frowns. "I meant Hagrid to get the message."
Snape pauses. Gives her an 'oh really?' look. "Hagrid was late to the start-of-term feast, just like Potter here, so I took it instead. And incidentally…" he says, standing back to let Harry past, "I was interested to see your new patronus."
Bellatrix checks to see Harry isn't looking, and smirks at Snape triumphantly. And then sticks out her tongue.
Bella!
Potter can't see, he—
Snape slams the gate shut in her face and locks it once more, eyes burning with…hatred? Jealousy? Envy?
His gaze darts in Hermione's general direction. "I think you were better off with the old one," he spits. "The new one. Looks. Weak."
He whirls away, and Bellatrix seems to freeze, and then vibrate with anger. I'm gonna kill him. The fucking bastard. I'm gonna—
"Goodnight!" comes Harry's voice from the darkness.
Bellatrix stills once more, uncertain.
"Thanks for…everything," his grateful voice comes through the wind.
Bellatrix's posture relaxes…and she morphs back into herself.
Except not herself.
Her veriform. Maybe by accident.
Bellatrix lets out a soft sigh. "See you, Harry," she calls back.
Hermione takes her arm.
He's a good kid Bellatrix whispers
Hermione sighs I know
Doesn't deserve…
I know. I know, Bella. I know
He doesn't deserve any of this.
Chapter 50: Parting of WaysNotes:
So...this chapter...is sad. Sorry folks.
I know times are tough right now, so just to warn you all...mentions of death. A character death. Off screen.
Chapter Text
Hermione appears in the archives with a smile. "Good morning, everyone. Pronoe, I was wondering if you had any more books on Phoenixes. I've been thinking about it, and surely if you live forever you—"
Autonoe is crying. Eudora patting them awkwardly on the back, not seeming to know what to do. Pronoe isn't here.
Hermione walks over. "Autonoe? What is it? What's wrong?"
They just hide their face in Eudora's shoulder. Who sighs. "It's…I suppose I can tell you. It's Thetis. They had a vision. A prophecy. Their birthday is on the horizon."
Hermione cautiously sits down next to Eudora. They've stopped with the flirting, but it's still always quite tense and— birthday?
"That's good isn't it? A birthday?"
Autonoe just cries harder, and Eudora frowns at her. "No. No, the day they shall birth an egg, and cross over to the other side."
Oh. Oh no.
Already? But— but they're so young and—
Autonoe shoves at Hermione. "It's your fault! I'm not ready and— oh Hermione, it's all— I hate you! And I hate Kalypso and— go away! Go away and leave us alone!"
What?! Hermione's heart breaks in her chest as she stumbles away from Autonoe. What did— what did they do? Why—ah!
Hermione fights for breath and her knees almost buckle as an unbearable pain slams into her chest.
No! Comes an agonised cry through the thread.
Oh gods.
Hermione follows it to Bellatrix.
In a small cave. Above water.
And Bellatrix is screaming. Screaming and crying, Oreithye and Leagore on either side of her, holding her up.
Thetis is lying on a bed tiredly. In their veriform.
"No! No, you can't go! Don't leave me I— read it again! It must mean something else, it has to! I'm not ready I—" Bellatrix cries.
Hermione staggers over to her, trying not to drown in Bellatrix's emotions. Strokes the witch's face, her hair. "What's happening? Bella what's—"
Leagore and Oreithye let her go, and she clings to Hermione. A prophecy. Another fucking— I've learnt to be Kalypso so they have to— they won't— they're leaving, and it's my fault and—
Oh no. Oh this is all so horrible. Oh Bella I'm sorry. Oh that's not fair. I'm here. It's alright. Just hold me, it's okay
Hermione lowers them to the floor, and hugs Bellatrix tightly. Her eyes raise to Leagore. Who nods sadly.
She looks to Thetis instead. "How…you're sure? How long…I mean…"
Thetis smiles. "Eggs begin to form as soon as they are needed. As soon as my energy fades away, the next Thetis will be born. It is my time. A few days, perhaps, at the most. I have taught—"
"You haven't!" Bellatrix growls. "I can metamorph. Big deal. So can everyone else. I'm not— I'm not Kalypso. I'm not! How can I— Leagore. Oreithye, do something. Please!"
Leagore sits down next to Thetis on the bed. "You are certain, Thetis? Bellatrix is right. We still have tails. Reed-like hair. We are trapped in our forms. You are sure she is—"
Thetis takes their hand. "Yes. I have seen it. Pronoe has confirmed it. She has everything she needs. Our youngest is of age. It is time for the eldest to leave you."
No. No they— just gone? Just because? They can live until they're five hundred if—
"Totus generis parere," Leagore whispers. "You are maintaining the balance. So that we are not left with only children to guide us."
Oh. Oh of course. If they all selfishly live until old age…then they will all be reborn at once. Too many eggs for elderly merpeople to care for. Too much knowledge lost.
Bellatrix sniffs, and struggles to her feet. "When? I want to be here, I— I won't leave you."
Thetis smiles at her. "Oh little sister. I know you would never leave me. But it is alright. I won't be gone. My kin shall be here. My heir. I am sorry, but only Pronoe and Autonoe shall be by my side. It is tradition. One to comfort the departing, and one to welcome the new arrival. But I shall inform Tiggy, when the time comes, so that you will know."
Hermione stands up too. Why. Why does this have to— why do they have to lose someone else? They can't fix this. Can't change this. Why—
She takes Bellatrix's hand. Clings on. "Is there anything we can do? Should we…Autonoe told me to leave. Do you want…"
Oreithye puts a hand on her shoulder. "The child does not mean their words. Forgive them. It is their first parting. They shall be happy to see you again, once they have accepted what is to happen."
Hermione turns to smile at them, but they pull away too soon, falling back into a pool of water and disappearing from sight.
Leagore sighs. "Time for Thetis to rest. The process has begun and…I shall find Pronoe. Collect Autonoe. Assemble the…" they drift off, rubbing their face tiredly.
Okay. Okay time to leave. They can always come back and—
She squeezes Bellatrix's hand, and then lets go. Walks over and wraps her arms around Leagore. "Go assemble the Blacks. You can do it. It's who you are. It will all be okay."
Leagore warbles sadly, and then hugs her back. "Are you sure I'm not the god of concealment? Because I think— I should tell Oreithye—"
Hermione chuckles. "You should. Not the best moment, but you still have time for that."
"Do you think they—"
Hermione pulls back to look at them and rolls her eyes. "Yes. Of course they love you. Bella knew that from the moment we met you. Both of you."
She pulls away as Leagore ducks their head in embarrassment.
And Hermione takes a steadying breath, before walking over to the bed. Thetis is whispering with Bellatrix. She's not sure—
Thetis turns to her. "It seems you are set on caring for everyone, little witch. I am glad. You'll take care of my family whilst I'm gone. Just don't forget to take care of yourself."
Bellatrix pulls Hermione down on the bed. "That's what I'm here for. And don't change the subject. What do you mean—"
"You will know exactly what I mean. Now let me kiss your mate goodbye. It is time for you both to go home and rest. We have worked you too hard."
And Thetis leans up, and kisses Hermione chastely on the lips.
Hermione freezes in shock, and Thetis laughs at her and Bellatrix's equally stunned faces. "I am sorry for not warning you. This is a tradition. A kiss does not have the same meaning in our world. And it is supposed to bring good luck, a kiss from the Queen of the Black Sea.
Bellatrix frowns. And then grins mischievously. "Then where's my kiss? Don't I get any good luck?"
Thetis grins back, and leans towards her and—
"I'm kidding! I'm kidding, you look like— oh Merlin at least change forms before—mmph!"
Thetis pulls back with a soft laugh. "There. Good luck for all.
Bellatrix wipes at her mouth…and then smiles sadly at them. "I…you'll tell me before you go? You won't just…"
"I promise. Tiggy will come and tell you. And I shall give them a message for you. But to complete the tradition, shall we say the words?"
The words?
Bellatrix rubs at her eyes, and then clears her throat, nodding sharply.
Thetis sits up, and takes Bellatrix's hands. "Blood of my blood. I part from you as kin. May our forebearers guide us, our descendants provide for us, and our hearts beat as one."
Oh. Oh it's heart-breaking.
A tear falls down Bellatrix's cheek, but her voice remains steady. "Blood of my blood, I bless your parting. As one we were whole. As one we were strong. As one we were gods on Earth."
Thetis kisses her hands, and then lies back down with a sigh, closing their eyes.
Bellatrix curls into Hermione. Take us away. Take us home. I can't do this anymore, Hermione
Yes. Yes, time to go home.
Time drifts by in a haze. Heads foggy in the library. Stomachs queasy in the kitchen. Hearts beating too fast into the night as the bedsheets twist and lose their softness.
At around three in the morning, Hermione can't stand it any longer.
She sits up in bed. "Tiggy?"
Tiggy appears with a tired pop. "It is still not being time, Miss Hermione."
Hermione smiles sadly at them, and takes their hand. "I know. I just…are you needed there, or…"
Tiggy slowly shakes their head. Okay. Good. She has a plan.
"Bella, are you awake?"
Yes. Is it—
Hermione pulls Bellatrix out of the bed. Wraps a winter cloak around her. She's always so cold.
"Hermione? What…"
And Hermione pops them away. To the Light Chamber.
Master Spitsy and Tiggy are already there, sat on a blanket. It's a warm, cloudless night. The stars shine bright.
Hermione holds Bellatrix's hand and tugs her over to sit with them. "Look up at the stars, Bella. At the wide universe. Isn't it beautiful?"
Hermione stares at the sky. Countless stars. Shining bright. Ancient flames in the dark.
She looks back at— oh. Bellatrix isn't looking at the sky. She's looking at Hermione.
I love you
Hermione smiles awkwardly at the intensity of the confession. Just squeezes Bellatrix's hand tighter and reaches for a glass of wine from Spitsy. Love you too, Bella. Here She presses the wine glass into Bellatrix's hand. Leans against her.
Spitsy hands her another glass with a fond smile. "I is happy to see you both again, but I is sorry for the sad occasion, Hermione. Bellatrix, I is not knowing Thetis, but I is hearing they are a good elf. A kind elf. A thinking elf."
Tiggy sniffs. "Oh they is. They is always being a good elf. They is being my first mastress, yous is knowing this?"
They all shake their heads, and Tiggy turns to face them properly. Hermione takes a sip of wine as Tiggy starts their tale. It tastes wonderful.
"When Tiggy is finishing elf school, I is being very young. Only…twenty-three, I is thinking. This is being young for elves. But Tiggy is hardworking. A thinking elf. A strong elf. They is being chosen for an Ancient and Noble House. The House of Black. Only as training, you understand. Is not being ready for caring for little masters and mistresses. Only watching. Or so I is thinking…"
Bellatrix shifts to sit behind Hermione as she listens to the story. Leaves her wine on the floor to hug Hermione instead. Warm and steady at her back.
"When Tiggy is arriving at the house, an older elf is pulling them aside. Is telling them the secret." Tiggy wags their finger at Bellatrix. "A secret I is still not being able to be speaking until you is finding those decrees, Mistress Bella. Tiggy's tongue is still holding if you is not unsticking it, silly elfling."
Hermione can't see, but she just knows Bellatrix is rolling her eyes. "I've bloody tried, Tiggy. Do you know what a mess the Black vaults are in? The amount of curses and hexes I've had to dismantle? Just talk around it!"
Spitsy chuckles into his wine, muttering about funny Blacks, and Tiggy tuts. "Is not being that easy. But to continue the story, Tiggy is told to be ignoring the Call if it is to the lake. To the merpeople. They is not to even mention merpeople. Is being forbidden. But…Tiggy is thinking this is nonsense. Tiggy is a good elf, is not ignoring a Call!"
"The days is passing, and there is no Call. And Tiggy is running out of duties. Is supposed to be helping another elf, Shibby. But Shibby is not wanting help. Is too proud of their work. Is being one of those pickety-snipety-swipey elves, you is knowing?"
Spitsy nods knowingly, and Hermione snorts. She doesn't know the phrase, but she certainly knows the fussy, perfectionist type people they're talking about.
Tiggy nods in acknowledgement. "Yes. So Tiggy is having nothing to do. This is the worst feeling for us elves. No purpose. Until one day, when Tiggy is even considering clothes in their shame, there is a Call. From underwater."
Tiggy grins. "Well. Of course Tiggy is going. Is being an adventure." Tiggy chuckles. "All of us is once silly elflings. And oh, Mastress Thetis, they is still an elfling themselves. Still older than Tiggy, but an elfling."
"How long ago was this, Tiggy?" Hermione can't help but ask.
Tiggy rubs their chin. "Hmm, I is thinking maybe one hundred and seventy years ago. Maybe is being more. How old is you now, Spitsy? Tiggy is forgetting."
Spitsy takes another sip of wine. "I is only being seventy-six, Tiggy. You is knowing this. I is not old enough to be in any of this. Wrong century," he chuckles.
Tiggy's eyebrows raise in understanding. "Yes. Yes, is around…the eighteen-twenties, Miss Hermione. Thetis is only just being an adult. In fact, is being their crowning ceremony. They is being nervous, and this is why they be calling. They is to become Queen, but they is not feeling ready. And so they is having a…problem."
A problem?
Tiggy glances at Spitsy. And glares. "We is telling you Black secrets now, little Spitsy, so you is being a good elfling and keeping the secrets. Tiggy be telling you."
Spitsy puts down their glass, suddenly serious. "Of course, Tiggy. You is wanting to join Spitsy to the thread? Because Spitsy is willing."
Thread?
Tiggy relaxes. "No. No is not needed. You is not being a Black elf. You is never wanting this, you is born to be a Master, Spitsy. You is a good teacher."
"Uhh, hello? Tiggy? A thread?" Bellatrix says frustratedly. "What does that mean?"
Tiggy and Spitsy look at each other. And Tiggy grumbles to themselves. "You is wanting the Thetis story, or the thread story?"
What— "Both!" Hermione calls out, hearing Bellatrix do so at the same time.
Tiggy sighs. "Well, the Thetis story is not being very long. But Tiggy is thinking this be more important tonight."
Oh. Oh of course.
Tiggy lies down on the blanket, and Bellatrix follows suit, Hermione falling down with her. She hears Spitsy shift too, until they are all staring up at the night sky.
"Long long ago, Tiggy is called to Thetis in the lake. They is being underwater, in a cave, alone before their big ceremony. But…they is stuck. Stuck in their miniform. They is so scared of growing up, of being ruler, that they is stuck looking like an elfling. Maybe…seven years old in wizard years. They is too ashamed to tell their sisters, so is wishing someone is helping them. This is how Tiggy is called. Thetis is thinking the gods be hearing them," Tiggy chuckles.
Hermione smiles. Poor little Thetis. She can just picture it. Tiggy the fairy godmother, appearing before them as if by magic.
"So, Tiggy is talking, is calming, is helping. Is telling them they is a strong Black. Is promising to stay. Always. Always there, even if invisible. Is secretly being there the whole ceremony."
Hermione feels Bellatrix's breath hitch. Oh. Rather familiar.
Are you okay?
Yes. Yes it's— yes I'm fine
Tiggy seems to read their minds, as they continue. "They is Tiggy's first Black. And Tiggy is promising to stay…so Thetis is accepting Tiggy. Tiggy is a true Black elf now. And as long as a Black is in need, Tiggy is promising to be there. To remind them that they is strong, but that they is not being alone. I is thinking we is all needing this. Especially when we are elflings."
Spitsy hums in thought. "You is being right, Tiggy. And when do we stop being elflings, you is knowing? Because Spitsy is thinking this never be happening. Is yet to happen to Spitsy."
Hermione smiles and shuffles to press closer to Bellatrix.
I don't think I've completely grown up yet, have you Bella?
She feels Bellatrix shake with a huff of silent laughter. Never. That'll never happen. I'll make sure of it
Tiggy scoffs. "You is all still being silly elflings to Tiggy. I is far too old to be an elfling. You is ridiculous, Spitsy. Of course we is not always being elflings. Tiggy knows what Tiggy be knowing, and is enough to fill a head, so is enough. And Tiggy be knowing is best to rest. The night is for sleeping. Is bedtime, Mistress Bella. Say…"
They drift off. Bellatrix sits up in confusion, pulling Hermione with her.
Tiggy is staring at the sky. "Say goodnight to Mastress Thetis," they murmur, tugging at their ears.
Oh.
Hermione leans against Bellatrix, takes her hand, and stares up at the sky.
Goodnight, Thetis.
"Goodnight, Thetis."
On Saturday the seventh of September, nineteen ninety-six, a golden egg named Thetis falls to touch the sandy bed of the Black Lake at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Only for a second, of course, as is tradition, before it is held carefully in warm arms. Hugged to a chest. And if a tear is to fall onto its golden shell…no one is to know. They are underwater, after all.
And far away, in an ancient and noble house, the notorious Death Eater, Bellatrix Lestrange, hugs a house-elf and a muggleborn to her and cries too.
For a sister, lost too soon.
Chapter 51: FragileChapter Text
Hermione cautiously strokes Bellatrix's hair. She's only just fallen asleep, and she doesn't want to wake her up, but Hermione can't help needing a bit of comfort herself.
It's been hours now since Tiggy came and told them. Whispered some final words into Bellatrix's ear. Tradition. Words taken from the grave, to the grave. Not to be shared.
Since then, Hermione has forced them both into a shower. Made sure they both at least eat something. And she's slept. Off and on. Bellatrix awake every time she opens her eyes. Until now.
And of course she doesn't want to leave Bellatrix, but she's sick of this bed. This room. This…air.
So she settles by the window across the room. Wedges it open slightly and then sits on the carpet in the warm sunshine, distracts herself with a book. At first she'd worried about the light waking Bellatrix, but she's actually noticed that Bellatrix never closes the curtains anyway.
Azkaban, perhaps.
Oh.
"Expecto patronum," she whispers.
Oh it's a relief to see— still her otter. She'd wondered if a dog might appear, and as much as she loves Bellatrix, she wasn't ready to lose part of her identity like that. They've merged enough. It's nice to have something that's just hers.
She thinks she can even feel Bellatrix's grief.
She smiles at the otter, feels it brush around her.
"Go and look after Bella for me," she whispers to it. She's not sure but— it must understand. It seems so…
And it chirps at her. Flies across the room to hover around the bed.
A warmth settles in her chest. The grief less sharp. Manageable.
Thank goodness.
Now where was she? Oh yes, phoenixes. This book associates Phoenixes with immortality, but also with the Sun and Time. Its more sinister in its material than she would like, describing the potential of each body part in potion making and…well it's all rather disgusting and…if she has to read one more way of slicing—
But anyway. It matches up with Pronoe's song about the sun god, Helios. About the brilliant bird, that at the end of its life, would fly across the world, singing so beautifully that for a moment even the sun god himself would pause his chariot to watch. Pause the sun. Stop time. And she knows scientifically the Sun definitely does not move but—
Magic. The truth in the legend.
And if a Phoenix can pause time, then surely…
There's a possibility, anyway. It's the first sign of anything being able to interact with Time. Of course time travel isn't exactly the priority right now, but—
Hermione?
Hermione staggers to her feet and across the room. Yes. Yes, I'm here, I was just reading
Bellatrix sits up with a smile. Oh. Oh she's dressed, when did that happen?
A chuckle. I know. You've been lost in a book for hours
Hours?! But she— she didn't mean to—
Bellatrix sighs. Stop it. I'm fine— well I'm not, but— I'm not fragile
Oh. Hermione smiles awkwardly. "Sorry. I know that. I just didn't want you to be alone or—"
Bellatrix takes her hands. "I'm not alone. Thread, duh. I could be on the other side of the world and not be alone. I'm in your head."
And she gets to her feet. "And speaking of which, I'm fed up with this house. And I might— I don't know if it will be difficult to see Cissy but— I kind of need to remind myself that—"
That she's okay. I know. I get it. Go see her and…and later we can figure out…
You don't mind being here by your—
Not fragile, Bella. I have my books. I think I'll sit in the garden
Bellatrix wraps her in a warm hug. Bookworm
Hermione just breathes her in. Kisses her cheek and pulls back. Go see your sister. Oh. And tell her to try holding down all the buttons and starting again. She'll know what I mean
Bellatrix raises an eyebrow at her. "I still think you should tell me what you talked about when I was unconscious."
Hermione rolls her eyes. "And I told you that your sister needs to be able to trust me with some secrets. It's her thing. Secrets and trust. I'm sure you can cope with one secret, Bella. The same as you won't tell me about Amsterdam."
Bellatrix groans. "Don't remind me about that right before I see her! The next potion might be a lot worse if she catches that in my head."
Hermione kisses her. Just quickly. Just because she wants to, and she can. "Bye, Bella."
Bellatrix smiles at her, and then spins away in a whirl of black. And Hermione pops to the garden.
So talking to Fawkes may present a lot of issues. There's no sign of a bird language, and— but she swears Dumbledore talks to Fawkes in some way, so— if he can—
Hermione snorts to herself. She's a hundred times more intelligent than Dumbledore. And about a billion times—
Tiggy appears in the garden with a pop. They seem…
"Are you alright, Tiggy?" she asks gently.
Tiggy sighs. Opens and closes their mouth a few times. Rubs at their chin. "Mastress Autonoe is asking for you in the cave now, Miss Hermione."
Oh. Oh should— "Is this— should I get Bella, or—"
Tiggy shakes their head. "Just you. They is— they is wanting to apologise. Is embarrassed for what they is saying to you."
Oh, well. It was understandable really. Grief can—
"Okay. Okay I'll go now before they get too anxious and— thank you, Tiggy."
She doesn't bother with a wetsuit. Just pops to the cave.
Huh. No sign of anyone. "Autonoe? Are you there? I'm not cross. I promise."
She walks closer to the water. Tries to spot them in the flickering torchlight. If she had her wetsuit, she'd—
And then her arms are pinned behind her back and she's dragged into the water.
Argh! Relashio! Operimentum Aerbulla!
She takes a gasping breath under the water as a bubble appears round her mouth and the arms securing her loosen.
She thrashes for the surface and—
A current drags her downwards, sand whirling around her and she squeezes her eyes shut.
What is happening? She'd thought that—
A knife presses to her throat.
"No vanishing, little one, or you will die mid-journey."
Leagore?
"Okay. Okay let's just— what do you want, Leagore? What's wrong? What did I—"
A dark chuckle. "You can't guess? Your kind have plagued us long enough. You think we will just tell you our secrets and let you leave? Let you live? Let men come once more to prey on us? Use us?"
This isn't right. This can't be Leagore…is it? It does sound like them. Have they just been tricking her? They are a Black…
Hermione swallows. Her neck stings, there must already be a shallow cut there.
She really needs to see their tail, but she's being held tightly, moving slowly deeper into the cave.
"We told you we'd keep your secret. We promised. And Bellatrix is one of you! She would never betray—"
"One of us? That filthy halfbreed will never be one of us. She is a disgrace to the real Kalypso, to the true goddesses of old. Your kind should bow down before us."
Oh dear Merlin, not again. It was hard enough convincing Bellatrix that—
That's it!
"Who's your leader? What have they told you about wizardkind? How have you learnt about us?"
It's pitch black now. They're deep in the underwater cave system.
"Leader? Why Thetis, of course. They rule us all, even in egg form. Thetis has always ruled."
Well yes, but she didn't mean— Thetis welcomed Bellatrix. And Hermione. Said they were kin.
As did Leagore though, so what does Hermione know? Looks like she still hasn't learnt to see people.
How can she get out of this?
"What if we make an oath? Swear an oath to keep your secret?"
"Why bother? I'll just kill you instead."
Hermione fights desperately to hold her bubblehead charm as her heart hammers. That's a real possibility right now. She could die.
Stay calm. You're used to threats. It's been a while, but this isn't the first time you've had a knife to your throat.
"If you wanted to kill me, you would have done it by now. What do you really want? Why ask for me?"
There's a rumbling scraping sound, and a current pushes against them, rocking them back and forth in the depths.
"Don't test me, wand carrier. I've merely taken you somewhere out of sight of prying eyes. The cave is sealed. Not even the forest people can work their magic against Speio."
Speio?
She can't leave?
The knife falls away, and she tries to follow the pull to safety. To the library.
And smacks into a stone wall. The wall of the cave. Leagore was right, she can't—
But what about the thread? Surely—
Bella? Bella can you hear me?
Silence. How is that possible?
She follows the thread. Follows it to Bella— and once again, hits into a cave wall.
The bubble around her mouth begins to waver.
No. You're in control. How dare they—
"You're lying. Your story doesn't make sense. If Thetis is still your leader, then why hide me from everyone? Why do this on their birthday? If you're going to kill me, why trap me? If it's Bellatrix you hate, why take me and not her? And if…if you are Leagore…what did you tell me about where the people of the forest live? Because I don't think you're Leagore at all."
Silence greets her, and she just waits. It's a bluff, she's not certain. But she really hopes Leagore didn't lie to her. Didn't trick her. That this—
"I told you that the Forest People now live in caves, like us."
Wrong. She never even asked Leagore about that. They only talked about the thread.
So not Leagore. Thank goodness.
Oh dear. This just became far more complicated. Who is it? And why—
Bella. Bella answer me, please. Just one word. I really need to know
Still nothing. Right. On her own.
She casts a lumos from her fingertips. Oh. They look like Leagore but…red tail. Eudora.
"Oh. It is you. So what do you want with me, Leagore?" Hermione asks casually. Best to keep that information to herself. Slytherin.
"Before you die…there is something you must do. Something your mate must do."
Hermione casts a warming charm on herself. Her muscles are beginning to numb down in the depths. When she looks up, Eudora has swum out of the light.
Hermione looks around for them in the murky deep, only the cave walls and empty sand at her feet visible in the light. "And you think trapping me and threatening to kill me will persuade Bellatrix to do what you want?"
An eery laugh from behind her. "She is your mate. There is a thread. She will do as you ask…and then you will die, and she will die of grief."
Well. That could technically happen…but— the thread isn't working! They must not realise…how are they even doing this? The thread is invinci—
Invincible. Unbreakable. But apparently can be blocked. By Speio. The only merperson she hasn't met.
Okay. Just find out more information. Keep them talking. Maybe whatever magic is holding her here can't last very long. "So…what do you want her to do?"
Water rushes past her face, and a cheek presses to hers, whispering in her ear. "She will give back the gift she has taken. She will restore our legs, and we shall rise from the depths to our rightful places as gods on earth."
Hermione flinches away from the cold skin. "And if she can't? Ah!"
Her bubblehead charm falls as Eudora bites her ear. Ow! What the—
And then cackles, whirling her through the water. "Oh she will learn how. And fast. Before her mate…drowns. How long will your strength last, little witch girl?"
Relashio! Operimentum Aerbulla! Stupefy!
Eudora darts out of the way of the spell with a shriek. "You twisted witch! Using a wand to distort the very nature of magic. Destroying the natural world with your greed!"
She didn't even use her wand! What are they— this is mad!
Hermione jumps as the voice hisses right in her ear once more from behind. "Call your witch. Tell her that Leagore demands she return our legs, or her mate will perish!"
Hermione finds her calm, sinks to the floor and steadies herself, soaks in her magic. She is in control. She is calm. She can breathe.
"No. You said you'd kill me either way. Until you can persuade me otherwise, I'm not telling her anything. And besides, I'm trapped here. I couldn't tell her if I tried."
Laughter echoes around her. "Oh, you will tell her. You won't be able to stop yourself. As you die, slowly, painfully, the thread will call to her. Your mind will shout for her. And she will come, running on her stolen legs. She'll find the outside of this cave, hear you crying for her. She'll do anything in her desperation."
Well, in that case…
She tugs her wand from her sleeve, and swims closer to the voice. "Come here, Leagore. For the thread to work, I need to stay still. To concentrate. I need you to hold me steady.
A swishing sound, and then Eudora comes into the light, grabs her arm. Hermione holds onto them, runs her hand up their arm…
And digs her wand into Eudora's throat.
"Let me out of this cave, Eudora, or I will kill you. I have the deadly wand. I will do it."
Eudora freezes. "If you kill me, you'll be trapped here forever. You will die either way."
"Then I might as well kill you. Or…you let me go, and I never come back. I'll tell Bellatrix to return her sisters' legs out of kindness. She would have anyway, you know, if someone taught her."
"This is not— the plan was—"
Yes! Information! "What was the plan? Tell me. Tell me or you will die."
"It was— I was only supposed to trap you. To ask for the legs. To keep you here. You're supposed to be weak in the water."
"You asked her for legs?" a voice booms from the darkness.
Wha— there's someone else here?
"Speio— no I—"
There's a roaring growl, and the water begins to churn. Currents pulling her everywhere and she loses her grip on Eudora. The lumos goes out.
"Speio! Please! It's a misunderstanding!"
"Enough, Eudora. You asked for my aid in killing the witch. Silencing these trespassers so that we could remain hidden as we have for centuries. You are no better than Thetis, thinking of yourself rather than the whole race. Listening to Dexamene and Kallianassa with their forked tongues. The world needs balance. Light and dark. Gods and mortals. Those on land, and those in the sea."
Hermione clings desperately to a wall so that she can steady herself, concentrate on breathing. Thinking. This might be better? At least Speio doesn't seem to be a racist. And…
And then the wall begins to move.