Chapter 21: Attend the BallChapter Text
As expected, the school is abuzz with gossip over the next few days. Hermione thinks all eyes might actually be on her at all times now. Even Harry and Ron give her the odd look occasionally, as if they can't believe what she's doing.
Not that she's doing anything in particular. Other than…beginning to flirt with Fleur. Trying it. Much to Ginny's glee. And maybe slight envy. But definitely a lot of grinning and eyebrow wiggling.
Not everyone is as pleased as Ginny though. Madame Maxime is furious, which is slightly terrifying if she happens to walk past, towering over them. Snape is…she doesn't know what he is, but every look he sends her seems to scream 'idiot'. And of course there are some rather nasty comments from the Slytherins, as well as some less accepting students in other Houses.
Lavender and Parvati are definitely more self-conscious getting undressed around her, for one, which is…just stupid. She's the same person, and they seemed to want her to have a 'romance' with Fleur before!
"I know, ma belle, but people can be strange about these things," Fleur sighs, holding a dress up against herself. "Just ignore them. And tell me I am beautiful."
Hermione rolls her eyes, leaning back on her hands on Fleur's bed. Madame Maxime would murder them if she knew Hermione was in here, but she's off with Hagrid down the Three Broomsticks. Hypocritically.
"You're beautiful," Hermione says. "You know you're beautiful. You're always beautiful."
Fleur turns. Smiles at her. "Then tell me you think I am beautiful. Like this. Hermione, I cannot choose a dress for you for the Ball, because I think you will look beautiful in all of them."
Hermione smiles bashfully. Looks away. It's so direct.
But… "Really?" she asks instead, biting her lip. "You don't know…if maybe you want to look at my legs, or my arms…or find a dress that hugs my figure?"
Fleur laughs in an almost gasp and walks over, throwing the dress on a nearby chair. "You're learning! You finally see that you are beautiful!"
And she sits on the bed, leaning to kiss Hermione's cheek.
Hermione turns her head. Expecting it. Catches her by surprise. A peck on the lips, before she breaks away with a smile. Stands up and walks over to Fleur's wardrobe. "I don't think I can wear your dresses anyway," Hermione comments, looking through them. "You're taller than me."
"It is just to get an idea. Colours, style. But as I said, you will look beautiful in anything. Perhaps we should forget dresses."
Hermione laughs, turning around. "What, not wear anything to the Ball? I think McGonagall really would have a problem with that. And Madame Maxime."
Fleur smiles widely at her. Raises an eyebrow. Pulls her robes up to expose her legs. Slowly higher, and higher—
And there's a knock at the door.
Hermione freezes.
And Fleur runs towards her. Pushes her into the wardrobe, shutting the door. "C'est qui?"
Seriously? In the closet? Again?
"It's Ginny! Is Hermione with you? Camille said—"
Oh, thank Merlin.
Hermione stumbles out into the room, rubbing her neck where a hanger had stabbed her.
And Fleur lets Ginny in.
A red-eyed, pale Ginny.
Hermione quickly goes over and takes her hands, pulling her towards the bed to sit down. "What is it? What's wrong? What happened?"
Ginny shakes her head. Smiles weakly and shrugs. "Oh…Nothing. It's nothing. Just…"
Her voice breaks. Chin wobbling. She shrugs again. "Harry asked Luna to the Ball. She said yes. So now…I guess I— well—"
Oh. Oh Ginny.
Hermione pulls her into her arms. Feels her slump in relief. "Oh, Ginny, I'm so sorry. If I'd known..."
They just hug in silence for a bit.
Then Ginny pulls back. Wipes at her eyes and smiles thankfully when Fleur passes her a box of tissues. "It's fine. It's not— stupid crush. It just sucks that it's both of them and—" She breaks off, laughing. "Just my luck. I should have had the guts to ask Harry if I could go with him, or— or told him…anyway. Too late."
Hermione wraps an arm around her waist. Squeezes her sympathetically. "You…well there's always Dean? If you didn't kill him?" she jokes.
Ginny laughs again wetly. "He's going with Seamus. Thanks to you two and your…big gay statement. Which is great, by the way. Wish I was as brave as you."
"Hey," Hermione says firmly. Gives her a stern look. "You're brave. You're so brave. Way braver than me. Always have been. You don't let anything hold you back. You're always standing up to your brothers. And…you fooled Bellatrix! You hoodwinked You Know Who's Right-Hand. Using muggle tricks! That's brave! And a stroke of genius."
"What?" Fleur asks confusedly.
Oh. Oops. Oh she forgot that— gah, again? Can she never keep her mouth shut? She's just so used to being open with Fleur, not keeping secrets. Actively fighting against her need to hold things back.
Hermione sighs in defeat. Shares a look with Ginny, and then turns to Fleur. "Ginny put Bellatrix's name in the Goblet. As a trap. That's how she ended up in the tournament. It's…a long story."
Fleur's eyebrows raise up her forehead. "It…sounds like it. I think you should tell me about this Bellatrix Black. Who she is. What she is doing. Because I am…not sure I understand the 'fourth champion'."
Ginny snorts. "Welcome to the club. None of us know what's going on with her either. But Hermione probably knows her best. They have this weird thing going on."
What— weird— Ginny!
Hermione gets up. Goes over to the wardrobe to look at dresses. "There isn't a thing. It's not a thing. It's just— I'm trying to figure out who she is. Like you say. And if she happens to speak to me sometimes, then— then I can't help that!"
"But isn't she dangerous? A terrorist? The dementors are searching. Her and her…brother? Cousin? Sirius Black. They are criminals. Why are you talking to her?" Fleur asks. Her voice closer now, and sounding concerned. Moving towards the windows. The door. Checking.
Hermione shakes her head. "Sirius isn't dangerous. He was framed. Wrongly imprisoned. He's Harry's godfather, and even Dumbledore knows he's innocent. There just isn't proof, so the Ministry doesn't believe us."
"And Bellatrix?" Fleur tuts. "Hmm?"
Hermione runs her fingers over an olive-green dress. Pulls it out to look at it. Hold it against herself. "No," Hermione says softly. "I…don't think Bellatrix is dangerous either. Or at least…not a threat. That's why everyone is so confused by her right now. She hasn't hurt anyone. And…well I did speak to her. A few times. She doesn't seem to follow You Know Who anymore. She treats me like an equal. A friend."
It's very strange. But it's true. Bellatrix wrote her a letter. Just to talk. Friends. Hermione should really find a way to write back soon…
And Fleur suddenly gasps "Non. No, Hermione, s'il te plaît. Tell me she is not the witch you like."
Hermione fumbles the dress. Almost drops it. Hastily puts it back, next to a…black dress? She can't wear black, can she?
She's grabbed from behind. Turned around by the shoulders, wide eyes staring into hers. "You are not answering me. Hermione— the Death Eater?! The imposter? The one the whole country is searching for, the— there are aurors patrolling— she killed people!"
Hermione pulls herself free. "I know that! Of course I— I'm not stupid, Fleur. But she isn't—"
Fleur laughs. Darkly. Disbelievingly. Throws her hands in the air. "And I thought I was bad with the…attraction to danger! Putain." She begins pacing. Angrily. Wand waving everywhere. "Oh you are— this is— merde, Hermione! Merlin, why—"
Ginny pulls Fleur back and pushes her onto the bed. "Okay, sit down before you faint or…hex us or something. Wand away, Delacour."
"Wand away?! There is a criminal—"
Ginny grabs her wrist. Glares at her. "Do you trust Hermione? Is she your friend?"
"Yes," Fleur grits out. Turns to narrow her eyes at Hermione. "Unfortunately, I love her. Even if she is very very stupid."
Ginny drops her wrist. "Love? Shit. I didn't know— I thought— Hermione, this isn't fair. You need to tell her the truth. Right now. She loves you."
The truth? The whole truth? She can't. For one thing, Snape will kill her. And— but—
She walks over to Fleur. Sits down next to her. The anger is still there. But confusion seems to be the main emotion now.
Hermione sighs. "Alright. I do owe you an explanation. But it's not what you think. I'm not…going after the danger, or the thrill, it's not…I like her because she isn't dangerous. She's not—"
She swallows nods. Nods at Ginny too. "We think that this Bellatrix, the one we've met…is from another reality. Another universe. A different time. And…and I know that sounds crazy, but— but it—"
She takes a sharp breath. Here it goes. The truth. Because Fleur deserves it. "Fleur…I'm from the future. From a different future. That's why I look older. I'm older."
And there's a horrible, horrible silence.
Fleur scoffs. Smiles. Looks at Ginny. Waiting for the punchline.
Ginny nods too. Very uncomfortably.
Fleur's smile falls. She looks back at Hermione.
Then gets off the bed. "Non. Non, this is a joke. There is…time travel is not possible. C'est pas possible."
Hermione shakes her head sadly, heart clenching, and the guilt rising up inside her. Filling her stomach. "It is. It's possible. It's true. I don't know how it happened, but I've travelled to the past. A different past. I wasn't in the tournament before. Bellatrix wasn't here before. I never really spoke to you before. Not in my fourth year."
Fleur edges towards the door. Raises her wand at Hermione. "You know me? From before? So you— How old are you? When are you from? Why are you here? Why are you in the tournament?"
She— how much can she say? There's so much about the future she can't tell Fleur. Shouldn't tell her. About the War, and Harry, and Voldemort, and— and...
"How are you here?" "Are you— how old are you? How did you escape Azkaban? What have you been doing for the last ten years? Why did you put Harry's name in the goblet? What are you trying to do? Why are you scared of—"
"If I kiss you, will you stop asking questions?"
Is that why Bellatrix did that? How much is she hiding? Because this is feeling very familiar.
Hermione lowers her hands placatingly. "Fleur, I'm sorry I lied. But you are my friend. I do care about you. I've…you've been my friend for years," she says softly.
Fleur's wand rises. "How. Old. Why are you here? What are you— who are you?"
No. Oh no this is so bad. She knew she shouldn't have— why did she—
Hermione shakes her head. "I— I'm— I'm twenty-five. I came back from— from 2004. And I— I'm in the tournament to save Harry. I'm doing everything to protect my friends. And I know I shouldn't have— I like you. But I didn't mean to—"
Fleur steps to the side. Lowers her wand. "Get out, Hermione. Both of you. Get out of here and— and leave me to— barrez vous! Out!"
But—
Ginny pulls her towards the door. "Come on, Hermione. I think we'll get more than a bat-bogey hex if…" She pauses them in the doorway. Looks at Fleur. "She really does care about you. About all of us. So please…"
"You knew?" Fleur whispers. "You all knew? The little girl knew, that you— from the future? The future. You already knew me. Tricked me. You…I trusted you."
And tears begin to fall. And that is so much worse than the anger. So much—
Hermione reaches for her. Tries to—
Fleur smacks her hands away. "Don't touch me. Don't you dare— go away. Sors d'ici. Now. Before I decide to tell everyone who you are, and that you are friends with the Death Eater."
Shit. Hermione sharply pulls back. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I— we'll go. But just— please talk to me. We need to talk about this. It isn't— I just—"
Tears fill her own eyes, and she backs away, unable to face the look of…betrayal on Fleur's face. She can't—
She stumbles out of the door. Out of the carriage and into the snowy grounds. Backs away towards the horses, the pegasi, drinking hot malt whisky from their trough. The smell fills her senses. Makes her dizzy. Light-headed. Alcohol and—
What if Fleur does tell? What if— it's only a few days until the Ball. And then the tournament will continue. What if Fleur tells Madame Maxime? What if the aurors come back to question her? What if they already—
Someone bumps into her. Red robes. Grabs her. The aurors.
She steadies herself on the snow. Finds her wand and—
"Whoa, wotcha, Hermione. You alright?"
Tonks?
Hermione wipes at her eyes. Looks up.
An unknown witch. With blue hair. In red robes. Smiling softly. Concerned. Confused.
Still alive. Tonks. Tonks.
And Hermione starts sobbing. Hugs her. Feels her breathe. Tonks. Tonks. Why— why did she have to die?
Tonks hugs her back, clearing her throat. "Uhh…it's alright? You…hey, Ginny? Maybe you should…well, I don't know if hugging is really allowed when I'm on duty, or…not that I've seen a written rule on it or nothing," she laughs to herself.
Pulls back. Pats Hermione's shoulder and leads her towards Ginny.
Hermione just keeps staring at Tonks. Not her face. It isn't her face. But her expression. Those eyes. The life in them…
Ginny leads her away. Inside. She's not sure where. Through the corridors. Everyone staring.
So many stares. So many questions. So much to decide. She can't just relax and be herself. She isn't herself. No-one knows her. No-one…
She wants to write to Bellatrix.
And she knows it's stupid…but she's the only one who might understand this.
But she can't! She can't send an owl. Can't trust Kreacher to deliver a letter. She's not his Mistress. He's not reliable.
Neither is Dobby. Bellatrix is right. He can't keep a secret. Hermione should have kept all of this a secret. Should have kept her mouth shut. And her lips. And her— how could she do that to Fleur. She knew it. Knew this was wrong. That she was going to hurt her. Break her heart. Betray her. Again. She's done it again. Hurt someone who loves her when they shouldn't have.
They've reached the Common Room. Harry and Ron are sat by the fire, but getting up. Coming towards her. Questions written on their faces. Mouths opening.
She shakes her head. Shrugs away from Ginny, and heads up the stairs. To her dorm. Locks herself in.
Climbs into bed and closes the curtains. Just lies there. Reminds herself how stupid she's being. That she's surrounded by children and should— shouldn't have made such a mess of this! Snape is right. She's an idiot. She's so…
She needs to get out of here. She shouldn't be here. Doesn't belong here. She must have been sent here by mistake. This is all a mistake. A huge mistake.
She still goes to the Ball with Fleur. They haven't really spoken, but for one, it's too late to find someone else, and for another, they are kind of role models for the rest of the school now. Neither of them want any animosity to spread. Not because of them.
So now they're stood waiting to go in. Side by side. Still not talking to each other.
Hermione is wearing the periwinkle blue dress she wore last time, just magically altered to fit her. She didn't have the energy to find a different one. And it…goes with Fleur's own silvery-grey dress. No clashing colours. No clashing words. Just…silence.
Hermione turns to look over her shoulder. Forces a smile for Ginny. Ginny, who asked Viktor to the Ball when she found out he still didn't have a date. As friends, of course. And of course he'd said yes. They haven't stopped talking about quidditch for two days straight.
It's…strange that Harry isn't here. And that…well, three champions. Two going together. It's going to be a very empty dance floor.
Fleur sighs. Takes her hand. "You…know how to dance?"
Hermione lets out a quiet, disbelieving breath. "Yes." She chances a glance at Fleur. "I'm not brilliant, but I've been to a few events. Do…can you lead? I've never lead before."
Fleur nods. Expression hard to decipher. Blank. "Yes. I'll lead. You just follow."
Hermione nods sadly. Looks down at her feet. Their feet.
Fleur's fingers stroke her wrist. "I…do not mind that you are older," she whispers. "I just wish you had told me. But…I want you to explain, after this. Just tell me if— Have we dated before? In this future? I must have loved you, if I knew you."
Oh.
Hermione looks up. Meets her gaze. "No," she whispers back. "No, you didn't love me. Or you didn't tell me if you did. As I said, we didn't know each other very well at first. Harry was in the tournament. And…I knew you later, from a family friend. You…married someone I know."
A curiosity fills Fleur's expression. "Marriage? Oh. Who do I— wait. Don't tell me. I don't want to— You know who I marry?"
Hermione hastily shakes her head. "Different future. This is all…different. Different world."
Fleur looks away. Toward the doors. "Like this Bellatrix," she murmurs. "She is different."
Hermione squeezes her hand. "The Bellatrix in my past…was horrible. I'd never talk to her. Like her. I…don't know who she is. I don't know why she's here, and I don't know why I'm here. I have no idea why any of this is happening, Fleur. I'm lost. But I know you. You're my friend. And so are Ginny, and Harry, and Ron. I guess I…just wanted my friends. But it isn't fair. Because you're younger. So I— I shouldn't have kissed you. I'm sorry."
She hears Fleur tut. Feels a kiss press to her cheek. "You are too serious. And…I have forgiven you. But I want to know more. You need a friend? An adult? I am an adult. Not these little children."
Hermione chuckles. Leans against Fleur. "You're young to me. I'm used to you being older. Telling me what to do."
Fleur scoffs. "I still tell you what to do. And I think I am more intelligent than this 'other Fleur' if she did not even love you. She must have. But if she is married…married, mon dieu. How many years? Ten. Twenty-eight years old. Hmm. And my wedding, what was—"
And McGonagall opens the doors, leading them into the Great Hall. A winter wonderland, walls sparkling with silvery frost, ivy and garlands and mistletoe hung over the surrounding tables along the edges, and a large round table at the back where Dumbledore and the rest of the judges are sat. Applause fills the air.
And they make their way to the top table. Dinner first. Then dancing. Which means small talk.
Hermione takes a seat next to Fleur, forever grateful that Ginny and Viktor sit down on her other side so that Madame Maxime is very far away. Unfortunately though they do have Mr Crouch sat opposite them. Glaring at them.
Hermione cautiously serves Fleur some food, eyes questioning. She doesn't know if being nice is nice or if she'll come off as even more a…dick. Sucking up.
Fleur just nods to the salad and shakes her head at the fish. Right.
And then pours Hermione and herself a drink. "Are you having a nice evening, Mr Crouch?" Fleur asks. "I wasn't sure if you would be busy with your work at the Ministry."
Crouch's eyes snap to Fleur.
And narrow. "Interested, are you? In the work going on in the Auror Office?" And he glances at Hermione.
Hermione holds back a smile. Sips at her drink. "Well, you are quite busy at the moment, I'd imagine. Any luck with the…search?"
And now his eye appears to be twitching. And the fork almost bending in his grip. "Why you little—" he snarls. "If you know anything—"
And then his eyes glaze over. The fork slips from his grip. His mouth falls open, eyes dragged from Hermione back to Fleur.
Fleur turns to Hermione with a cheeky smile. "Ah well, it does not seem like Mr Crouch feels like talking. I'm sure he is tired."
Oh. The thrall?
Hermione leans closer to whisper. "So you can control it?"
Fleur sighs. Shakes her head.
Leans back to reveal Ludo Bagman on her other side. Soup dripping from his spoon as it hovers next to his mouth, dopey smile on his face. "I can only make it stronger, not weaker. There is a…line. A baseline. Some wizards are strong enough to ignore it. Others are not."
And she takes a slow breath.
Bagman falls forward slightly and then jerks 'awake'. And Mr Crouch's chair squeaks against the floor as he stands. "I must be going. Business. Yes. Work. As you say, the search is still on. Weatherby? We're leaving!" he calls.
Oh, Percy is still here? Still working for him? Hermione hadn't realised that.
But no, that is Percy, scrambling to get Mr Crouch's hat and cloak for him.
"You're not staying for a dance, Bartemius?" Dumbledore asks, standing too, eyes gleaming.
Crouch puts on his cloak. Looking extremely uncomfortable. "Nonsense. I've attended the Ball as part of my role as judge, but not all of us have time for such frivolities. Not when there are more important matters at hand. Now. If you would excuse me."
And he's already striding away.
Dumbledore shrugs. "Ah. Pity."
And sits back down. Umm…
He wasn't serious? Right? Because Mr Crouch? Who would want to dance with him?
Fleur laughs quietly. "Do you think the Headmaster will ask someone else to dance? Another wizard? He does not have much choice. Perhaps…Professor Snape?"
Hermione laughs into her glass. "Oh I would pay to see that. That would be— Where is Snape?"
She has a look around. Searches the tables. Maybe he's supervising the younger years. She'd thought he'd be…
There he is. Sat next too Moody at a teacher's table and looking very uncomfortable.
He glances in her direction. Hermione smiles cheerfully.
He raises an eyebrow back.
Well. That is…creepy.
She turns back around.
Fleur gives her a look. "I saw that. You have a secret with the horrible potions professor too?"
Hermione nods. Keeps eating. "Same secret. He knows. And he thinks I'm a complete idiot."
"He— What, you are friends with him too?"
Friends with Snape? "He's not my friend! No, he—"
She checks no-ones listening. Leans in to whisper again. "He just guessed. He's very observant. And…well I don't trust him completely, but he knows what he's doing. I trust him to keep secrets. He…was a spy. In the war."
"You trust the spy?" Fleur hisses back. "That is the opposite of what you should do!"
Hermione shakes her head. "I trust him. He wants to protect Harry. Which is what I want. So it's fine."
Fleur doesn't reply. For a moment they just eat.
Then Fleur gives her a very serious look. Reaches for her hand. "You are here to protect Harry Potter. Because…he is in danger. Because this war you speak of…you have seen it, yes? A war?"
Shit. Fleur is too clever. And it's probably written all over Hermione's face because—
Fleur puts down her cutlery. Throws her arms around Hermione. Pulls her close. "I knew it. It is okay, ma belle," she murmurs in her ear. "You are keeping secrets to protect us, yes? To protect me. You are brave. You think this is your problem to fix. You are stubborn. But it makes you afraid. This is why you come to me. Why you tell your friends. Why you are drawn to this Bellatrix. Because she is also alone. Is also faced with an impossible challenge."
Hermione hugs her back tightly. Yes. Yes, that's exactly what she's thinking. What she's feeling. That's exactly why— gods this witch is clever. And so understanding. "Be careful, Fleur. You're going to make me fall in love with you," Hermione whispers back.
Fleur laughs. Lips press quickly to Hermione's neck. "Do it! It is wonderful. I'm sure my future spouse will not mind."
Hermione sighs. "If you ever marry them. What if I've messed things up, and you miss out on that? This is— I don't know why things are different. I thought it was Bellatrix, but now—"
And a clinking glass interrupts them. A chair scraping back. "Now that we are all sufficiently fed and watered," Dumbledore announces, "it is my great pleasure to introduce our entertainment for the evening. Please join me in giving a hand to The Wyrd Sisters!"
And thunderous applause breaks out as the band takes to the stage. A lot louder than when the champions entered. Ginny even whoops and whistles between her fingers as they all get to their feet, earning her a grin from Bagman and a deadly glare from McGonagall that they all feel even from across the room.
The band doesn't seem to mind, getting into position, one of them even smiling at Ginny. Hermione still doesn't know who's who. She's only ever watched a wizarding band perform a few times.
She's only just now realising that they tune their instruments magically! How fascinating. There really should be a music class at Hogwarts to learn these thing. Magic and music? She can feel…something. Like the instruments are being tuned to the magic. How— but what about vocalists?
"Music is magical? Singing is magical?" she asks Fleur. "I didn't know singing used magic!"
Fleur smiles. Begins leading her onto the dance floor. "Not all singing. Only if people know to use it with their voice. To sing through their magic. Like sirens, or merfolk…or veela." She stops them. Stops opposite Hermione. Shrugs. "We are related, you know. To the sirens? To harpies? I have never used my magic to sing. It…I do not like the power I have. My mother accepts this. My grandmother…not so much. And you can imagine that she is not so beautiful when she is angry, hmm?" she chuckles quietly.
Oh. Oh! Of course! Sirens are…
Fleur seems nervous, gaze flickering around the room. Hermione can't believe she's revealing so much about herself. That she's been forgiven so quickly. How? How can Fleur trust her after what she did? How does she reveal her heart so easily?
She takes Fleur's hand. Puts her other hand on her shoulder, and feels one at her waist. "Am I…allowed to tell you that you're beautiful?" Hermione asks quietly, eyes drifting over Fleur.
Fleur looks down at her. Then looks away, mock haughtily. "I suppose. If you mean it."
The music starts up. A slow cello.
Hermione leans to whisper. "I think you're beautiful. And maybe the kindest person I've ever met. And the bravest. I could never show my heart like you do. It shines from you. That's why you're beautiful."
And now they're moving. And Fleur is smiling. And Hermione is sure she can feel the thrall. Can feel something. Or…maybe it's the music. Magical music. Who knew? How had she never felt the magic before?
Fleur leads them slowly around the edge, and then across so they pass Ginny and Viktor. Both of them terrible at dancing. Laughing as they step on each other's feet. They're both way more agile in the air than on the ground.
Fleur sighs at them. "One of you is the player, one is the broom," she calls across. "Tell her where to go, Viktor."
Ginny bursts out in even louder laughter. "Delacour, are you telling him to sit on me?"
Thankfully more people have joined the dance now, so her comment goes unheard. Mostly. McGonagall and Dumbledore have drifted into their part of the dance floor. Behind Ginny.
"Miss Weasley, need I remind you that you are representing all of Hogwarts this evening in front of foreign visitors and members of the Ministry and photographers from the press?" McGonagall says sternly whilst Dumbledore moves them back and forth in place, thoroughly amused. "Please refrain from inappropriate comments."
Ginny turns bright red. Starts stuttering and spluttering.
Fleur lets go of Hermione. Winks. "Oh, she is fine. She just does not know the dance. Here. It is simple. I will show her, Professor."
And she swaps with Viktor, taking Ginny's hand and waist, and grinning at Hermione as Ginny loses the ability to breathe. Or move.
"Mademoiselle Delacour, that is not what I meant, and you very well know it!" McGonagall reprimands.
But Fleur has already whisked Ginny away, counting aloud in French to show her the rhythm.
Hermione laughs, walking over to Viktor. "Guess I'm your partner now. Rita Skeeter will be very happy."
He takes her waist and frowns. "If bug is here…we squash her, yes?"
Hermione laughs again, slowly pulling them along backwards and keeping her feet out of the way. "I wish. But we should definitely trap her under a glass or something. You know the unbreakable charm, right?"
He grins. "Ah. Yes. Unbreakable glass. A good idea, my friend."
Then he trips over her foot. Sighs. Frowns again. "You show me this dance? You are…broom?"
Yes, what did Fleur mean by…oh. How do you turn a broom?
Hermione nods. "You…lean, don't you? To turn the broom? You turn your body? So tell me where to go by leaning your body. The feet are always the same. One, two, three. But if you want to turn, tell me."
And she feels him guide her left. Yes. That's a lot better.
And now she can look up rather than dodging his feet. Looks around the room and sees…Hagrid and Madame Maxime. Ron dancing very close to Lavender, not really moving at all. Whispering and grinning. Hands moving to some less appropriate places.
Snape making his way over, probably to take points, his eyes across the room on…
Harry and Luna. Standing in a corner and looking at the plants. The holly and ivy and…mistletoe. Ah. Looking out for nargles. They're hanging up butterbeer corks as they talk.
So if Lavender is with Ron, then Parvati…
Neville! So he did ask someone. Parvati? Wow, how did that happen? She hadn't been paying attention to any of this…
Seamus and Dean. Oh it's so nice that they've admitted their feelings earlier this time. She can remember their wedding—
And she's suddenly pulled away from Viktor. Back in Fleur's arms. "Bonsoir."
Hermione smiles. "Bonsoir. Did you have fun with Ginny?"
Fleur pulls her closer. They just kind of sway. "I think the little girl also has a big heart. I see why she is your friend."
Fleur is so close. And so pretty. And so kind. And she smells so…
Get it together, Hermione. She's still talking.
"And I am sad for her, that Harry has not noticed her," Fleur continues. Gives her a knowing look. "But her crush on me is also adorable. I had to dance with her."
Hermione shakes her head. "But that's such a tease! Now she has two people she likes that she can't have."
Fleur raises an eyebrow. "Two? Can't have? What do you think I said to her? Look."
And she nods towards the corner. Towards Harry and Luna.
And Ginny. Ginny talking to Harry, and Viktor talking to Luna, which…oh Merlin, she's showing him the mistletoe. Oh that's so funny. What the hell will he think?
Hermione turns back. Kisses Fleur's jaw. "I think I'm going to have to start calling you cupid," she jokes. "Fleur the love guru. The matchmaker."
They've come to a stop. Fleur takes her hand and pulls her towards a table. "Do not call me any of those names. How ugly. But…it is fun, non? And people are stupid. They do not see what is before their eyes."
And now Fleur isn't looking at Hermione. She's looking across the room, towards the entrance.
Wait. "Who's that?" Hermione asks.
Fleur chuckles. "You do not recognise them? They are your friend. In disguise."
What?! Bellatrix—
Tonks.
Oh. Tonks. Her friend in disguise.
Ah. Hang on.
She looks back at Fleur. Then over at Tonks. Hmm.
She nudges Fleur. Grins at her. "So…this person you're secretly in love with. How do you know them?"
Fleur sighs. Leans her head on her hand. "I am this obvious? Oh, Hermione they are wonderful. This auror. They patrol the grounds, past my carriage, almost every day. I do not even know what they look like, or their name. I think she is a witch, because of the thrall, yes? You said she is your friend?"
Tonks. Now this is adorable.
Hermione stands up. "Her name's Tonks. Come on, let's go talk to her."
Fleur hugs her from behind, holding her back. "But this is your night, ma belle. Our one night. You don't want me to yourself?" she whispers in her ear.
Hermione turns to smile at her. To stroke her cheek. Because Fleur is beautiful, and she can. "You're in love, Fleur. Talk to her. I'll be here all year. She might not be."
Fleur searches her face. "Will you be here? Or are you trying to return? To your time?"
Return?
She hugs Fleur, heart thrumming. Panic filling her. The one thing she tries the hardest to forget. "I don't know how. I'm— I might be here forever, Fleur," she breathes out in a rush. "I don't know how I got here, and I haven't even begun to think about how to get back. The only clue, is that maybe Bellatrix knows something. She's the only change. In my time, she wasn't here. Another Death Eater was here in disguise, and he put Harry's name in the Goblet. That's why I put mine in instead. To save Harry. Because last time…well, the tournament went wrong. A champion died. And Harry…he met You Know Who. Voldemort. He used Harry to come back to life. To return."
She feels Fleur take a sharp breath. Hold her tighter. "Viktor died?"
Hermione shakes her head. "Another boy. From Hogwarts. His name's Cedric. He's…"
She pulls away to look around. Spots Cedric sat with Cho and some friends, points him out.
Fleur nods. "Then…this time we will be careful. I will keep watch during the tournament."
Hermione sighs. "I'm sorry to put this on you. It's your final year at school. And you're a champion. You should be…enjoying it. The challenge."
Fleur takes her hand. "It's fine. And we can still have fun. Come. Let's get drinks. You know, I have some firewhisky in my—"
Hermione snorts. "I know. In your wardrobe. I saw."
Fleur grins. Gestures to the top table. "Not anymore. It is in my bag."
And she accios her bag towards her. Snatches it from the air. Heads towards the drinks table.
Hermione hurries after her. "Fleur!" she hisses. "Don't you dare—"
And then something hits her in the chest. A horrifying dread. A wrongness. Like— like the magic is being sucked from the air. The—
Hope. It's hopeless. And cold. She's trembling. Reaches out to Fleur.
Who has also paused. Stilled. Everything is still.
Silent. The music screeches to a stop. The frost covering the walls spreads to the floor. Puffed breaths fogging the air.
And then the stillness is broken as the doors to the Great Hall slam open. Bang against the walls.
And a witch stumbles inside. Throws back her hood and clutches a nearby chair, gasping.
"Mother?" a boy shouts. "Mother!"
And Narcissa Malfoy manages not to fall. She's shaking, as pale as her hair, but she straightens her spine and catches her breath. "It's— dementors!" she gasps out. Scans the crowd.
Finds Hermione. Nods. "Both of them. Both of— the dog. And— and— by the tree. They can't— quickly!"
And then she falls. Hits the floor. But Draco is there. Already crouched beside her and—
Dementors. Sirius. Bellatrix.
Hermione sprints for the door. Hears shouting break out around her, but ignores it. Turns the corner and—
Almost stumbles. How many…hundreds of dementors heading across the grounds. No. But—
Harry runs past her. "Hermione, come on!" he yells.
And she keeps going. Fights for breath. Fights for balance in the snow as they skid down the hill— "Where are they?" she shouts. "Can you see—"
"She said the tree!" he shouts back. "Whomping willow! They must have come through!"
"Potter! Get back here!"
And someone else runs past Hermione. Snape. He's faster. Taller. Catching—
Hermione turns to see—
Tonks following. And Luna. And Fleur.
No. No— "Fleur, go back!" she shouts. Fleur can't cast a patronus. She never learnt. Not a fully corporeal—
And she almost bumps into Harry. Snape has caught him. Is trying pull him back—
"Relashio!" Harry shouts. "Stupefy!"
And Snape is down. Didn't expect it. Harry is running again. Argh!
"Wake him up!" she calls back as she chases after Harry. "We need him. Harry. Harry—"
"I can see them!" Harry yells. "Expecto patronum!"
He can see—
She takes a gasping breath. Wipes the tears from her cheeks. Looks at Harry, and Fleur, and Luna, and Tonks is alive. "Expecto patronum!" she calls out across the grounds. Tries to see the base of the whomping willow between the swarming dementors. Tries—
Her otter flies out. Lights a trail. She—
She can see them too. Two figures in black. In the grass. Fighting. Struggling. They're fighting now? What—
"Expecto patronum!" Tonks shouts. "All you kids get back! Harry! Harry, don't— Hermione!"
And the figures stop fighting.
"Harry!" Sirius bellows. "Harry, run! Get away! Get—"
"Get the fuck out of here, Potter!" Bellatrix yells. "We can't— Where did he go? Homenum revelio!"
And the dementors close in once more. Hermione is so close now. Probably too close to the tree. But she's blind. In the dark. And the feeling is— she can't— it's hopeless. What is she doing here? She's endangering Fleur, and Luna, and—
"Expecto patronum!" comes a lilting voice. A hare bounding past. Luna. Luna's okay. She—
"Harry, go back to the castle!" Sirius cries hoarsely. "Listen to me! Please! Go! Bella— Bella, get off of me! We have to—"
And Hermione reaches them. Sirius struggling towards her. Crawling across the grass. Bellatrix pulling him back. Trying to force him back into the tunnel under the tree.
Bellatrix spots her. "Oh thank Salazar. Help me. He can hide in there. Stupefy!"
And now Sirius is unconscious.
The dementors move in. Hungry.
"What are you doing here?!" Harry shouts. "What are you— ah!" he cries out.
What? Harry—
Harry falls to the ground. Falls back. And she can't see—
"Expecto patronum! Lumos maxima!" Hermione yells.
Harry is clutching at his ankle in shock.
And Peter Pettigrew is crouched over him. Frozen and squinting in the light.
Then shrinks.
"No!" Bellatrix shouts. "That— Accio Wormtail!"
It doesn't work. Harry dives for the rat. Misses.
"Black! Hands in the air! Away from the kids!" Tonks shouts from nearby.
"Tonks, get that rat! It's Peter Pettigrew!" Hermione shouts. "Accio Peter!"
He's getting away! Into the forest. But—
She looks between, Bellatrix, an unconscious Sirius half in her lap, Harry, who is now bleeding into the snow from his ankle and— and—
And the dementors. The dementors are…
It falls dark. Her lumos has given out. All of the patronuses have faded away. Nothing is…and she can't see…can feel…
"Potter…" Bellatrix whispers roughly. "Potter, please. I didn't— I tried— I didn't mean to— I tried to protect them. I tried to hide. Please!" she shouts. Raw. Gasping. "Don't send me back. He's alive. They're all— Siri. Siri, wake up. Wake up. Rennervate! Rennervate!"
Hermione follows her voice. Feels a body at her feet and falls to her knees. "Bellatrix? He's okay. He's alive," she croaks out, lungs heavy. "Remember? He— expecto— expecto—"
She can't—
Sirius is dead. She can feel…his body is there. Cold. And Harry. She didn't— Harry is hurt. She…
Hands cling to her. "Granger. You— are you hurt? Cissy. Where— did— did she—"
Cissy? Who is…
And that voice. She knows this voice. This voice did something to her. It hurt. It hurt so—
"Hermione!" another voice calls through the dark. "Hermione, answer me! Réponds-moi!"
Oh. Oh—
Fleur's here. Fleur's okay. So— So—
She reaches out for Bellatrix. "They're fine. They're all fine," Hermione gasps out. Squeezes her shoulders. "It's all in our heads, remember? Can you feel it? It's the— the dementors. Expecto patronum!"
A faint trail of mist. She can't—
Yes, you can. Magic. It's in you. Feel it. Don't let them take it.
"Bellatrix," she snaps. "Come on. The tunnel is behind you. It's only a few metres. We have to get to the tunnel."
"You— you're— who—"
Hermione feels for Sirius. She thinks he must be awake. Breathing. Bellatrix woke him up, so…
"Harry's alive," Hermione says firmly. "But we have to get the dementors away from him. They can't get in the tunnel. Come on! Before someone gets hurt. Come on!"
And she tugs at them both.
"The rat," Sirius rasps, beginning to move. In the wrong direction. "I have to kill the rat."
"No killing," Bellatrix groans back. "Not…allowed…to kill. Potter— Potter— where's Cissy?"
Hermione focuses on that. Ignores the dementors. Fights it. Because she has to survive if she wants to find out what the hell is going on.
Cissy. What does that mean? Why is that so familiar…oh!
She grabs hold of Sirius' robes, pulling him along the slippery, muddy ground. "Narcissa is okay. She's— she made it to the castle. She told us to find you. She's with Draco."
Bellatrix laughs. Manages to stand up and help her, both of them skidding and fighting for balance as they pull Sirius along. "Knew she'd make it. Cissy always makes it."
And they reach the tunnel. The tree. Luckily it's frozen. Immobilised. They kind of just shove Sirius inside the hole.
"Tonks!" Bellatrix suddenly yells at the top of her lungs, cupping her mouth. "We're going underground! Get the kids out of here! I mean it, Potter, or I'm taking points!"
Hermione actually laughs at that. "Go, Harry!" she calls. "We're okay! All of you— go back, Fleur! Please! I'm okay! Go—!"
And then she's falling backwards. Bellatrix has grabbed her. Pulled her into the tunnel.
Hermione hastily casts the counter-spell for the immobulus charm as she falls. Watches the tunnel seal itself. Hears branches begin to whip through the air.
And then nothing. Back to calm. Back to silence.
And she's lying on top of someone. Probably Bellatrix.
She's so exhausted she doesn't care. Just lies there. In the dark. Catching her breath.
A dog barks.
"Give us a fucking minute," Bellatrix grumbles.
A minute.
Hermione might need more than a minute to process this.
Chapter 22: Play Catch UpChapter Text
Hermione stares up into the darkness. Feels Bellatrix breathing beneath her. Feels her chest rise and fall.
Right. Time to get up.
She fumbles for her wand as she struggles to her feet. Casts a warming charm at herself because she's bloody freezing. Then a lumos. Then another warming charm at Bellatrix, because she's lying in a puddle on the floor.
Hermione reaches down to her. "Need a hand?"
Bellatrix opens her eyes. Grins. Takes her hand and pulls herself up. "No. But I'll take one anyway, as you're offering. You look…"
Her eyes run over Hermione. She laughs. "A bit of a muddy mess, actually. Sorry for crashing your Ball."
Muddy?
Hermione almost steps back, doubt creeping in, but Bellatrix suddenly looks just as uncomfortable. Cringes at her own words and gestures at Hermione's dress.
Hermione looks down at herself. Oh. She is quite muddy.
She adjusts her dress and casts a cleaning charm at herself. Tries out the French version of the charm Fleur uses that smells nice.
And brushes past a soggy, muddy Bellatrix. "You're not looking too great yourself," she says casually, and casts the charm behind her at Bellatrix too. Starts walking down the tunnel, Sirius leading in dog form. "We need to get further away from the school. Away from Harry and the others. What were you both doing here?"
She hears Bellatrix follow. And sigh. "We were tracking Wormtail. Siri has been pestering me to go and kill him for weeks. I said no. So he asked if we could keep tabs on him. Watch him. I said yes. As his Christmas present. Wormtail chose tonight to go after Potter. So here we are."
Hermione stops. Whirls around. "He's here for Harry? To kidnap him, or— I thought he just hurt him to get away. Because he was—"
Bellatrix shakes her head. "It's worse than that. Blood of the enemy, forcibly taken. We need to hurry. Or we're going to have a Dark Lord on the rise."
Shit. The ritual. All they need is the blood. Not the— He got blood from Harry?
"Then we have to tell the Order!" Hermione shouts. "We have to stop him! Before it's too late! If we get to the graveyard in time—"
"And if we don't, we're heading to a battle. Or our deaths," Bellatrix says firmly.
There's a growl. "Then we fight!" Sirius says, human once more and turning around. "I don't understand you, Bella. We could have killed him as soon as we saw him. He was right there, and you didn't react. Now you say you're on our side—"
"Your side!" Bellatrix shouts. Pushes past Hermione to get to Sirius. "I'm on your side, and Cissy's, and Andy's. And that means I'm on Potter's side too. But that doesn't mean I'll be killing anyone. I won't. If we go there, and He's back, I'll defend you, but I'm not killing. Not for anything. Never again. I'm not going back."
And she pushes past Sirius too to continue along the passage.
Sirius laughs, slightly hysterically. Shares a look of shock with Hermione before it morphs into frustration. "You won't kill? Now you won't kill? Won't hurt anyone? Now?! I can't believe this!"
That's— "Look," Hermione says, jogging to catch up. These two are surprisingly fast for being close to death a few moments ago. "That's not the problem right now. The problem is getting to the graveyard. Contacting the Order, or the Ministry. Or— Is this our decision to make? Should we tell Dumbledore?"
"There's no time to involve all of that," Sirius says. "Bella knows where the graveyard is. You seem to somehow know about it. Let's go there. I'll kill them, if Bella won't. And you can…send a patronus to Dumbledore if it will make you feel better. I'm sure the Ministry will be on our trail as it is. And the dementors."
They're heading uphill now. Nearly at the shack. Which means they're almost outside of the wards.
Sirius transforms back into Padfoot to bound ahead.
And Hermione jogs the last few steps to grab Bellatrix's arm. "Wait. Just— we need to think about this. Please. You know how…complicated this is. It will change everything. We need to think it through."
Bellatrix flinches. Pulls her arm back, turning to stare at Hermione.
Then hastily rolls up her sleeve, eyes wide. "No no no, don't be black, don't be—"
The Dark Mark. Still grey.
Bellatrix gives Hermione a desperate, almost helpless look. "Wagtail's right. No time. There's just no time. Rats are fast. He'll be past the wards soon. The only advantage we have is that he'll need to find his way out of the Forbidden Forest, prepare the potion, and feed the Dark Lord milk from Nagini before he weakens. But if we're too late..."
And she turns, marching up the slope. "He's only got Wormtail left. He's weak," Bellatrix explains, 'professor voice' suddenly back. "Half his followers are in Azkaban, Crabbe and Goyle and the Carrows are too stupid, Lucius is too self-serving to get involved yet, plus the Dark Lord doesn't trust him after he failed with the diary. He doesn't trust Snape because he stopped Quirrell getting the stone, and that just leaves Avery, Yaxley, Selwyn, Nott, and Macnair."
Hermione quickly calculates— "So if he calls everyone, there'll be eleven Death Eater's waiting at the graveyard?"
"If he calls them. And if Snape goes, which I doubt. But yes. Eleven. Twelve, if you include me."
Hermione nods. Well then. That sounds like a battle. Twelve including Voldemort. And the Order of the Phoenix has…thirteen at the most right now. Including Hermione and Sirius. And Snape, who also probably won't make an appearance for them. "We have to stop the ritual then. Now. We can apparate from here."
Bellatrix looks her firmly in the eyes.
Hermione stares back. She's not wavering on this. They have to. Or the War will start now.
Bellatrix's eyes scrunch shut. Just for a second. And then she nods. Reaches into her cloak pocket.
Pulls out another cloak. Whistles.
Sirius tears back towards them.
And Bellatrix shakes out the cloak. Puts it over Hermione. And herself. And Sirius, as he transforms.
Hermione stares at it. At the familiar fabric. "Harry's cloak?" she mutters.
"So you did steal it!" Sirius says to Bellatrix. "I knew it wasn't yours! This is James' cl—"
And they're apparating away.
Outside of a graveyard. In a small village. In the dark. Only the moon and stars lighting the way. Casting shadows over the headstones and the untouched snow.
"Granger, go see if anyone's there," Sirius whispers.
Hermione turns her head to give him a disbelieving look that he probably can't see. "Why me?"
"It's not personal! They don't know you as well," he hisses back. "Peter will know me straight away. And if they see Bella—"
"I'm in a bright blue dress! I'm the most suspicious—"
Bellatrix crouches, pulling them with her. "We're all staying under the cloak. Muffiliato…" she breathes out. Then begins moving closer.
They all shuffle along awkwardly. Reach the graveyard wall. Peek over.
Nobody. Empty. She feels out with her magic.
Bellatrix. Sirius.
Nobody else around. Well, that's a relief.
"Could we…vanish his father's grave?" Hermione suggests. "No more bones of the father."
"Or kill the rat," Sirius says. "No more servant."
Hermione frowns. "How do you know the ritual?"
"I told him," Bellatrix whispers harshly. "Now both of you shut up and look for Riddle's grave. We'll do what Granger said. Vanish the bones."
Sirius scoffs. "Of course we're doing what she said."
And then he transforms. Pads off. Shit.
Bellatrix mumbles out some curses, pulling Hermione along after him. "See what I have to put up with? Worse than Potter."
Hermione just nods, already reading gravestones. Looking for the biggest, fanciest one. Harry said Riddle lived in a…manor.
Hermione stops them. Looks around at the surrounding hills instead. They're in a valley. Houses along…
There's a rundown manor house on one of the far hills. Looking out towards them.
Light in one of the windows.
"Look!" she whispers to Bellatrix. "Is that Riddle Manor?"
Bellatrix turns too. "Yes. But he might not be there. If they left the fire lit. But maybe…"
She pauses in thought. Hermione just waits. Tensed. Wishes she could cast a lumos to see better. See her expression.
"We can't kill him," Bellatrix continues. "But we could stop Wormtail, if that's where he's headed. But it would give us away. And then we don't know what he'll do next. And if he moves the horcruxes—"
She knows about the horcruxes? And is telling Hermione?
A sound comes from behind them. Digging. That dog!
They both run over to Sirius. He's found the grave.
"You can't dig in a graveyard!" Hermione squawks. "If someone sees—"
"A dog digging for bones?" Bellatrix says, laughter in her voice. "Better than human grave robbers. How else can we vanish the bones?"
Well…
Hermione sighs to herself. Steps back out of the way of flying earth, bumping up against Bellatrix. "I can't believe I'm digging up Voldemort's dad whilst wearing a…ballgown."
Now Bellatrix is really holding back laughter. Sniggering. Shoulder rubbing against Hermione's, up and down as she chuckles. "Welcome to the Black family," she murmurs as they watch Sirius dig.
Silence falls. Other than the digging. It's…eery.
"I don't like this," Hermione whispers. "They could arrive at any minute. We're out in the open. If they're in the house, they can probably see us right now."
Bellatrix sighs. "I know, but he only has Wormtail. If he sees us, it might just put him off. My only worry is— well, what if they took a bone already? They took the blood. What if they're doing the ritual…in the house?"
Oh.
"Should we go look?" Hermione reluctantly asks, not really wanting to go near whatever Voldemort is looking like right now.
"And leave Siri?" Bellatrix says worriedly. Turns to face Hermione.
Under the cloak. They're…very close, under the cloak. And now they're even closer.
Hermione can feel her breath. Can't see anything as she blocks out the light from the moon.
"Is…there another way?" Hermione slowly asks. "Should I call the Order?"
Bellatrix pulls back. Hermione can just make her out. Biting her lip in thought. "Maybe you should. So they can be here and at the manor. But again, it's very visible. They could scare him into hiding. We'd have no idea where he was. I don't know where else he'd go, other than…well, it's possible Lucius would let him in. I can't do that to Cissy again."
Again?
A bark interrupts them. Bones. Oh Merlin, that's a skeleton. That's a coffin.
Well. It looks like a full skeleton. No bones obviously missing…
Hermione takes a breath. Draws her wand and sticks it out of the cloak. "Once we vanish it…that's it. He won't be able to use this plan. New plan. Unknown plan."
Bellatrix takes a sharp breath too. "Fuck, Granger. It's risky. This is risky as shit. The amount of new options we'll have if this—"
"Options?" Sirius says, back with them. "If he uses these, he'll come back. Be back. Kill people, and use the Mark to control all of his followers. Including you, Bella. The answer is fucking obvious."
He grabs Hermione's wand arm, still hanging in the air hesitantly. Puts his hand over hers and moves it for her. "Oseum evanesca!"
And the bones are gone. No more Tom Riddle Senior.
Oh.
Sirius grins at them in the following shocked silence. Claps. "So. Now for the servant. Where are we headed?"
Hermione turns back towards the manor. Points…
No fire. No light in the window.
Does that mean—
Light shines from the nearby church. A door opens. Voices filter towards them.
"Siri, back under the cloak!" Bellatrix hisses, already dragging him over.
He transforms instead. A huge black dog. Growls, head lowered, ready to pounce.
And a gasp comes from the church entrance. "Vicar! It's the grim! See there? A grim, guarding the headstones!"
Vicar?
A throat clearing. Footsteps over stone. "Uh…well, the Lord works in mysterious ways, Mrs Worthing. But I really would prefer that you put aside superstition, especially as tonight is—"
Sirius freezes in place, snarl drooping.
And two people turn the corner of the church. A middle-aged vicar, and a little old lady. Carrying candles and paper booklets. "It's a dog!" the vicar exclaims. "And it's dug up the— Here, boy!" he shouts firmly. "Come! Who do you belong to? Do you recognise it, Mrs Worthing?"
"No-one has a great beast like that!" the lady says, candle raised to look. "It's a grim! Keeping away spirits, like my Nan always said. There's nowt wrong with a bit of superstition, Vicar."
The Vicar moves closer. He pats his knee. Whistles. "Come here. Come on. We'll get you some food, if you're hungry. And you can come inside out of the snow. It will be warm tonight for midnight mass. Can you believe this, Mrs Worthing? A soul in need at Christmas."
Sirius runs behind a nearby headstone. Transforms, crouched down. Ducks under the cloak, holding back laughter. "Muggles," he whispers. "Forgot it was Christmas. We need to get out of here. Up to the manor, Bella."
Bellatrix nods, curls brushing Hermione's face. Grabs her arm. But—
And they're…outside a small cottage. The manor just about visible a few hundred yards behind it.
Bellatrix looks around. Then pulls off the cloak. Walks through the powdery snow up the small front garden and knocks loudly on the cottage door. What the—
Hermione jogs after her and pulls her hand away. "What are you doing? Where are we?!"
Bellatrix knocks again with her other hand. "Frank!" she shouts.
Frank? What—
And a dim light shines from the cottage. They wait. Sirius opens his mouth and then shuts it, shrugging at Hermione. They hear a key turn in the lock. A bolt pulled back.
And then an old man opens the door. Still fully dressed, despite it surely nearing ten o'clock by now. A muggle man, by the looks of it, in his late seventies.
Bellatrix grins. "Hi, Frank. Merry Christmas. Sorry it's so bloody late. Can we come in?"
Frank grumbles. "Only if ye give out with the foul language. And tell us the latest. Because something's been going on in that house. Just like ye said." He turns and shuffles back inside. "I've kept my distance so far, but I have half a mind to—"
Bellatrix follows him inside with a tut. "To leave it alone! They'll be gone soon. But they're dangerous. And you understand how dangerous, after what happened to the Riddles."
Frank hobbles over to a small kitchen table. Falls down to sit in a chair and light a lantern as Bellatrix…puts a kettle on the stove. And takes a hot water bottle out from under the sink.
Definitely muggle.
Hermione shares a look with Sirius as he shuts the door and hides her wand.
"It wasn't me that did it," Frank croaks out. "And I told them. I told those plodders, it was a young fella. The teenage lad. He was the last one in the house at the time. This was gone…fifty years ago, now. But I still remember him. Something up with that lad. The look in his eye. And pale, he were. Dark haired. I told them…"
Bellatrix sighs. "I know. I told you. I believe you. Here."
She hands him the hot water bottle.
And casts a warming charm at him behind his back. Then starts making him a cup of tea by hand. "So? Any news for me? This is important, Frank. Have you seen anything tonight?"
But Frank is frowning at Sirius. Tapping his lip. "Haven't I seen ye before? Swear I've seen ye somewhere. In the paper, or..." His eyes slide to Hermione. "And that's quite the party frock. What have you been up to this time, Bella?"
Sirius walks over to the window. "Yes, what are you up to? Because we don't have time for this little catch up."
Bellatrix plonks the cup of tea down. "That's my cousin. Everyone calls him Snuffles, because he's like a dog after a bone, won't sit still. And Hermione is having a worse night than you. We stole her from a ball. Because this is important, Frank."
Frank shakily picks up the cup of tea, sipping it with a sigh. "Alright. I did see something. I've been keeping watch, like you said. Staying away. But I actually reckon he's off and left, whoever he was. Not long ago. Fire went out, which it never does, mind. Then this dumpy, pudgy sort of fella walks past. Reet suspicious. Twitchy. Carrying something. Could be a basket, or even a bairn. My eyes aren't what they used to be. I almost went out there, but I did swear to you and all—"
"Which way? Which way did he go?" Bellatrix asks firmly.
Frank gestures back down the hill. "Well, he started off down't. Had a light on him. Must have been a torch, a bright white light. Heading off to the other side of the dale, I reckon. Over yonder."
Sirius walks over to the other side of the cottage, looking through the opposite window, cupping his eyes and leaning close to the glass. "A light. Over there, can you see?"
They all crowd over, squinting across at the hill opposite.
"Try these, lad," Frank says. Passes Sirius some binoculars.
"It's him!" Sirius shouts.
Then gives the binoculars to Bellatrix. "Is it a trap? He's walking. Why is he walking? What could be nearby?"
Bellatrix scans along with the binoculars. The faint light disappears. "The Gaunt Shack," Bellatrix whispers, almost fearfully.
She looks at Hermione, then at Frank. Points out a spot on the hill. "That's where they used to live, isn't it? The Gaunts? Old family. Strange. Talked to snakes. Up on the other side of the valley, out in the woods."
And Frank has barely nodded before Bellatrix is kissing his head and heading out the door. "Thanks, Frank. You should be safe now. Think they're gone. So get some sleep, and—"
"Now hang on a minute, lass. You're allus doing this. What's really going on, hmm?"
Bellatrix sighs, ushering Sirius and Hermione outside and through the snowy front garden. "I can't tell you that. Just keep drinking the remedy I gave you. It's good for your hip. And your ears."
"You know, your sister stopped by," Frank says slowly.
Bellatrix freezes, halfway down the garden path. Turns. "Really? When?"
Frank gives her a look. "Not long after ye were last here. July, I should think. Brought a remedy of her own. A better one."
Bellatrix smiles back at him, shaking her head. "You're a lucky one, Frank. I told her about you. Didn't think she'd visit though."
Frank just nods. Then slowly shuts the door.
Bellatrix takes a loud breath. "Right. So…that gives us a lot more time, but I think all our options just multiplied. Tenfold. It…might be time for you to contact the Order now, Granger. Because I know my stuff, but I think we might need old Dumbles for this one."
"So you don't think Wormtail has a bone?" Hermione asks. "He's not just doing the ritual over there?"
Bellatrix shakes her head. Walks them around the corner past some hedgerows and pulls out the invisibility cloak. "If he had the bones, he would have stayed. But he's gone off to Grandfather's house. To the ring."
"What grandfather? What ring?" Sirius asks. "And who was that? A muggle? You have old men muggle friends keeping watch for you? That also know Cissy? That was Wormtail! He's over there. Why are we stopping?"
Bellatrix glares at him. "Because we don't know what we're walking into. And we're not going to go running in and get ourselves killed. Don't underestimate the opponent, Siri. They had a view of the graveyard. They saw us. Saw you. And now they're shining their way through the village. The Dark Lord isn't stupid. And neither is Wormtail, even if you won't admit it. We need help. We need a plan. There will be enchantments on that shack. Worse than Grimmauld."
And she looks up at the sky. "And we need to get out of the open. To get some chocolate. For all of us. We're shaking."
Shaking?
Hermione looks down at herself. Notices how pale she is. How much her wand is jerking in her grip. Muscles spasming as they clench and unclench.
Bellatrix gently takes her arm. Wraps the other one around Sirius. She's shaking too. All of them are. Trembling from the dementors. Late shock. "Don't underestimate the opponent," Bellatrix whispers again. "And don't push your luck. Can't save anyone if you're dead. We did our bit. Time to count our loses, and go home. To London."
And Hermione is being squeezed through a tube. Apparating.
Staring up at 12 Grimmauld Place.
She swallows. Looks to the people next to her, and can't quite believe she's ended up in such a strange situation. With both Sirius and Bellatrix. At Grimmauld Place, once again.
"Will the wards let me in?" she asks cautiously.
Sirius grins at Bellatrix. "So you were right. She can see it, and she's not surprised. She's been here before. You, Hermione Granger, are more than you appear."
And he walks up the steps. "And of course you can come in. What do you think Bella and I have been up to for the last few weeks? We had to get the house ready for visitors. I'm not getting stuck with only her for company forever. I did tell Harry he could live with me."
Hermione hesitantly steps closer. Looks at Bellatrix. "So…no deadly wards? Can owls get through? You said…"
And Bellatrix smiles at her. Drags her forward, tapping her wand to the door to let them all in. "Just get in here. Before someone spots us on the doorstep. We can chat inside. Oh wait!"
And she puts a hand over Hermione's mouth as they follow Sirius in. Points at the wall opposite.
Oh yeah. The portrait of Warlburga Black. Sirius' mother. She's impossible to get off the wall. And won't be happy if she hears Hermione.
Bellatrix very carefully shuts the door behind them. One handed. Other palm still pressed to Hermione's lips.
Hermione pulls out of her grip. Follows after Sirius along the corridor and down the stairs into the basement…kitchen. Wait.
"It's clean!" she whispers to Sirius. "Everything is…you did all this? All this cleaning and tidying and polishing?"
The fire is lit. The pots and pans are shining. Surfaces clean and cleared.
She sits down at the kitchen table. Sirius gives her a strange look. Grabs some bread, cheese, and chocolate from a cupboard, before sitting down opposite her.
"You've been here before…" he murmurs. Then louder. "You've really been here before! I can't believe she was telling the truth! You're from the future!"
What?! That was a secret!
Bellatrix falls into the chair next to Hermione. "Of course she is! Look at her face. Or look at her tits. Is she the same girl you saw a few months ago?"
Hermione quickly folds her arms over her chest. "Don't look at my— Neither of you look at my— And you're not from here either!" she shouts at Bellatrix. "You're all…different! You know things you shouldn't know. Or at least— Are you from the future?"
Bellatrix snaps the bar of chocolate into thirds. Hands her a piece. "Eat this first. And then contact Dumbledore. You can ask more questions later."
Hermione chews on some chocolate angrily, feeling the lingering chill of the dementors leave. The magic of chocolate. Not that she can fully appreciate it right now when— "Or you could just answer me," she says, mouth still full because she's fed up with waiting. "Tell me anything! Could you just answer one of my questions?"
Bellatrix bites off a piece of chocolate. Raises an eyebrow. Then looks at Sirius. "It's all clean and tidy in here because Cissy found us," she says slowly, smiling. "I was trying to keep her away, but she read the Prophet and saw we were both alive and on the run. She wrote to Draco a couple of weeks ago asking what he knew, because she saw I saved you from the dragon, which meant I was interacting with students."
Bellatrix looks at her. Breaks off another piece of chocolate. "And Draco found out where I was from you too, not that he knew it. You and Potter said you couldn't say where I went. Well. That screams fidelius charm, doesn't it? Cissy was here the next day. Brought house-elves. And charms. And rules."
Narcissa. That's why Narcissa was with them. But…
"But her memories," Hermione says slowly. Cautiously. "You…obliviated her."
Bellatrix nods. "Had to. And I was going to keep her that way until the heat died down. But she put the pieces together. Knew it was me. Told me to give the memories back. So I did. Memory charms are much easier to undo by the person that cast them."
True. Like Hermione's parents…
Sirius pushes his chair back and grabs some drinks from a low cupboard. A lot of dark, dusty bottles. Nods at Hermione. "Go on, now. Bella's good at avoiding questions. We'll be here all night. I think you should tell Dumbledore you're safe before we have kidnapping added to our list of offences. And tell him You Know Who's moved to…What did you call it? The Gaunt Shack?"
Bellatrix reaches for a bottle. "Yep. The Dark Lord's Mother's house. He's half Gaunt, half Riddle. Half muggle. Half-blood."
Sirius barks out a laugh. "Half-blood?! You're kidding! I thought Riddle might be a wizarding family I hadn't heard of!"
Bellatrix shakes her head. Sirius laughs again. Keeps laughing. Laughs at the ceiling. Gestures at the house. "You hear that, Mother? A half-blood!" he shouts.
Okay…
Bellatrix is right. He's still not particularly mentally stable. Bit of a live wire.
Hermione casts a patronus.
The room seems to calm. Like everyone can breathe a little easier.
She clears her throat. "Could you take this message to Dumbledore, please, once he's alone or around only members of the Order."
She hesitates. It's strange talking to Dumbledore.
Just do it. He'll know a bit about what's going on now anyway, if he's spoken to the others. He always knows more than he lets on. "We followed Pettigrew back to Riddle House in Little Hangleton, and have vanished the remains of Tom Riddle Senior to stop a ritual taking place," she says slowly. "I know you might be shocked that we know this, but…Bellatrix and I know more than you think. We should probably talk soon. You Know Who and Wormtail have left the manor, and we think they're now at the Gaunt Shack across the valley. We know for a fact that the shack is under some very strong, very dark enchantments, so we decided not to go inside. All three of us are now at…a Black safehouse. And we're safe. I can promise you that I'm safe here, Headmaster. I can't explain right now, but I'll be in contact…tomorrow."
There. That was…not the best message, but she's tired. It's late. And she just…wants to stop thinking and get out of this dress.
Her otter flies off.
Bellatrix sighs. Passes her a bottle and a glass. "That was good enough. It's hard to know if we should get him involved but…I don't fancy sorting this out by ourselves. Plus, he can tell your friends you're alright. Or he should. Hey, maybe we should send Kreacher to let Potter know we're okay. Kreacher!"
And Kreacher appears. After about thirty seconds. Taking his time. "Mistress," he spits. Glances at Sirius. "Master."
Looks at Hermione. "Mud—"
Bellatrix slams her hand on the table. "What did I say about that word?"
Kreacher bites his tongue. Shakes his head from side to side. Ears flapping. "That— That Kreacher doesn't deserve treasures if— if he doesn't respect—"
Treasures. Wait. His treasures! The locket! It's still here. Mundungus hasn't stolen it! The horcrux is—
"Kreacher!" Hermione shouts excitedly. "I know about the locket! I know how to destroy it!"
And Kreacher freezes. Stares at her. "Destroy…the locket? You know how to do it?" he croaks out.
Then pops away. Pops back. Holding the locket. And beginning to cry. "Master— Master Regulus told Kreacher to destroy it. Kreacher is trying everything. Fire. Smashing. Poison. But is still whispering. Kreacher tried for Master Regulus. You…you know how?"
And he shakily offers it to her.
"Reg?" Sirius whispers hoarsely, face paling. "Hermione…what is that?"
Hermione takes it. Pushes down the growing nausea as the dark magic seeps into her. Calls to her. Worse than before. Dark. Wrong. Broken. Torn.
She looks at Bellatrix instead. "Regulus…didn't run away" Hermione explains softly. "He didn't just desert the Cause. He wanted to stop it. He wanted to kill Voldemort. But he knew Voldemort had a secret. Something keeping him alive. So—"
"This is one? Reggie found one?" Bellatrix asks. Reaches for the locket.
Hermione hands it over. "Yes. He had to drink a potion to get it. It weakened him. He didn't…he told Kreacher to destroy it once he was gone."
"But Kreacher couldn't!" Kreacher wails. Looks at Sirius. "Kreacher tried, Master. And it was being a secret. Be sworn to secrecy. But Master was so young. Kreacher tried to help. Tried to save him."
Sirius stands up. Walks around to sit next to Bellatrix. "He died…to stop him? He died for that?"
And tears fall down Bellatrix's cheeks. "I didn't know. I never knew. He just disappeared. I didn't— Siri, I'm sorry. I should have— have looked out for him, or— or—"
And then she grits her teeth. Stands up. Puts the locket on the table.
Draws her wand.
"Bellatrix…" Hermione says. "Maybe…maybe think this through. Now might not be the—"
Her wand hand is trembling. Tears still fall. She shakes her head at Hermione. "Open it. Go on, open it."
But—
Sirius opens the locket. Or tries. It doesn't work, no matter how hard he pulls. It needs…parseltongue.
Hermione looks at the desperate grief on both of these cousin's faces. On Kreacher's face. At the fearful determination set into Bellatrix's features.
Not anger. Grief. Regret.
Well…if they want to do it. It's what Regulus wanted. His last wish.
"Open," Hermione hisses. The one word of parseltongue she knows.
Bellatrix flinches.
And the locket clicks open. Falls open. Tom Riddle's dark eyes staring out at them from each window.
It laughs. The locket laughs, in a strangely warm voice. "Ah, Bellatrix Black. Such a disappointment…"
"Destroy it, Bella!" Sirius shouts. "Don't listen to it. Kill him!"
"Yes," the locket hisses. "Listen to him. Kill me. Kill someone else. It's who you are. I've seen your heart, Bellatrix Black. I've seen your dreams. Your hopes. But we all know…you'll never do it. You always fall at the last hurdle. The last step. Time and time again."
Bellatrix stumbles back. Shakes her head. Her wand lowers.
"You could have stopped me tonight," the locket continues, "but you didn't. You're too afraid. Afraid of what will happen to you. You're weak. They've made you weak. You're worse now than you ever were with me. Making all the wrong choices. You're lost without me. Come back, Bella."
"Bellatrix, don't listen to him!" Sirius urges. Grabs hold of her. Raises her wand arm. "Whatever he's talking about, it's not true. You helped us tonight. You helped me. You've been helping me for weeks. And I don't know why, but— Yes, I do. I do know. It's because you love me. So thank you. Thank you for being here. You're— you're my family, Bella. Don't listen to him. He's gone. That's just a locket. A locket Reg found for us. This is the right choice. Choose this. Choose me. Trust me. Trust yourself. Because you're a hell of a lot better without him."
Bellatrix laughs wetly. Nods. Raises her arm. "Avada Kedavra!"
The green light hits. The locket screeches. Worse than the egg. Worse than a dragon. Hermione slams her hands over her ears and watches Sirius close his eyes.
Bellatrix doesn't. She watches too. Her eyes are wide as she looks around the room. Stares at Hermione. Grabs hold of Sirius, grip so tight she's white knuckled. As if bracing herself for something.
And then there's silence.
Sirius' eyes blink open. Hermione cautiously lowers her hands.
Bellatrix stays frozen in place. Not even breathing. Like she doesn't dare move.
Sirius hugs her from the side. "You did it! Whatever that was, you did it! Look at that. There you are, Kreacher. Problem solved."
Bellatrix shakily reaches up and touches her own face, her hair. Pats herself down. "I did it? I…killed it? I did the right thing? It's gone?" she whispers, still staring across at Hermione.
Hermione nods, not really sure who Bellatrix is talking to. Hovers the locket off the table and over to Kreacher.
Bellatrix laughs. Soft shock. Happy disbelief.
Then turns around to hug Sirius properly. "Merry Christmas, Siri."
Sirius laughs. Hugs her back. "Merry Christmas, you crazy nut," he says softly. "What was that about? What— Are you crying all over me? Gross. What a wimp."
Bellatrix doesn't reply. Sirius begins cautiously stroking her back.
Hermione tears her eyes away. Gives them a moment, even though she really wants to keep staring. Can't help it. It's just so…sweet. But heart-breaking. Bellatrix and Sirius.
Was…this inside Bellatrix all along? Deeply buried? Did she regret killing Sirius, in Hermione's universe? Or did the other Bellatrix just…never have that relationship? That caring? Where did this come from? When?
She pushes all questions aside for now. Smiles at Kreacher, who now has the locket around his neck, staring down at it in awe.
"Kreacher? Thank you for keeping your promise to Master Regulus. He would have been proud of you. You're helping to defeat the Dark Lord, just like he wanted."
Kreacher looks up at her.
Hermione nods. "When you have a moment, could you let my friend Harry know that we're all okay? That we're safe? And take a message from him if he has one for us? Harry Potter. He's Sirius' godson, and he got hurt tonight. By one of You Know Who's followers. He's probably in the Hospital Wing at Hogwarts."
Kreacher walks towards her. Stands proud. Shuts the locket and tucks it under the sheet he's wearing.
A clean sheet. Hermione should have noticed the difference. More evidence of Narcissa.
Although why she let Dobby be dressed that way...
Kreacher nods gently. "Of course, Miss Hermione. Friend to the House of Black."
And he disappears with a pop.
Hermione leans back in her seat with a sigh. Right. Well that's…everything.
She pulls the bottle of alcohol towards her. Doesn't know what it is, no label.
Pours a glass and drinks it anyway. Grimaces. It's strong. Some kind of spirit.
She looks down at her dress and tuts. Of all the outfits. Stuck in this dress. And there won't be any cosy pyjamas to borrow around here. Unless these two secretly have matching pyjama sets and fluffy dressing gowns.
She laughs to herself. Gods, she's exhausted. Delirious.
Bellatrix flops back down in the chair next to her.
Sirius pulls up a chair on her other side. "Are you laughing to yourself? Oh dear. That's the first sign of madness, isn't it Bella?"
Bellatrix leans closer on one of her hands to look at Hermione, elbow on the table, tears dried. "Nope. Talking to yourself. That's the first sign. Laughing comes later. She's further gone than we thought."
"And she's drinking. She shouldn't be drinking. Not at fifteen. Oh, wait…" Sirius hums.
"Yes, how old are you, Granger?" Bellatrix asks innocently. Twirls a curl around her finger. "I told you how old we are, it's only fair…"
"…that you tell us," Sirius finishes for her.
Oh Merlin's balls, what have they unleashed? This is like having the twins on either side of her!
"If I tell you, will you find somewhere for me to sleep?" she groans. "And a change of clothes for the night?"
Bellatrix laughs. "Well there's somewhere you could sleep. Somewhere you can slip out of that dress."
Sirius rolls his eyes. "And a spare room. Or six. You're safe from the cougar."
Bellatrix reaches over Hermione to smack him on the head. "I'm forty, not a hundred and forty, you cheeky bugger! And I was joking! Granger knows I'm joking, right?"
Hermione stands up. Just laughs. "Joking? Well, that's a shame," she smiles, eyes flitting bravely over Bellatrix. "I guess I will go find a spare room, if you're not offering yours. Maybe Narcissa has left behind some pyjamas I can borrow instead."
And she heads for the stairs before Bellatrix has a chance to respond. Time for her to get a taste of her own medicine.
Barked laughter echoes after her. "I like her," Sirius says as she shuts the door. "I can see why you like her, Bells."
Hermione smiles to herself. Carefully makes her way up the stairs, past the portraits. Watches her step so Warlburga continues snoring.
Off to bed in the House of Black. With a few questions answered, and a thousand more to ask tomorrow.
To her own bed. Alone. Because she's not that crazy.
Yet.