Chapter 64: Weary AcceptanceChapter Text
Bellatrix dazedly wanders along next to Neville down different corridors in silence. Luckily there aren't many people around. Hogsmeade weekend. And it's cold. Everyone's tucked away in common rooms, or down the pub. She can't quite remember…
She thinks that's where Hermione is. Gryffindor common room.
So close. But so wrong. Taunting her. Her chest constricts and she takes a breath, lightheaded. Waits for it to pass.
Neville glances sideways at her. Clears his throat uncomfortably. Oh. Oh, she's crying.
She rubs at her face. The tears get into the cuts and sting.
She pulls her hand away. Folds her arms. Shivers.
Neville's eyebrows raise in realisation, and he pulls off his cloak. "Here. Put it on. If you're not going to the hospital wing, I think you need to at least keep warm. I'm too hot anyway. I was only wearing it to maybe go to Hogsmeade later, but…and we'll be warm once we get to the greenhouses."
…What?
Oh.
Why is he so bloody nice? She can't stand it. Pushes the cloak back towards him.
He frowns. "Come on. Don't be stubborn, Hermione. I know you'd do the same thing for me. Are you embarrassed or something? Cause it's me? I get it…I mean, you wearing my cloak…I'm no Viktor Krum. Not that— I know we're just friends! I didn't mean— I mean if we are friends that is. I'm not Ron or Harry so—"
Argh. Fine. Fine, if it will get him to shut up, then—
Bellatrix yanks his cloak back from him. Tugs it on over her head. It's way too big. She must look ridiculous. Drowning in it.
It's warm.
They carry on, down the moving staircase. Neville seems to have some desperate need to fill the silence.
"You probably know a warming spell. Or a cloaking spell. Oh wait, no, that's not for cloaks. I'm an idiot." He goes to step on the sinking step, and she distractedly tugs him past it so he stumbles further down. He's in sixth year and he can't remember about the step? It's always the third one from the—
He shakes his head bashfully. "Thanks. Wasn't paying attention."
She just nods vaguely and carries on walking as the staircase comes to a stop. Her feet carry her along, muscle memory. Even after all these years…
Neville starts rambling again. "Anyway. I know how to change atmospheric temperatures, for different plant climates, but that's useless for people. I'd end up warming the whole corridor. Don't think Professor McGonagall would be pleased. I once accidentally did that in the dungeons and— and well— Prof— Professor Snape— he—"
He breaks off. What?…She hadn't been paying attention. Was he talking about Snape?
Bellatrix turns to study Neville more closely. He looks pale. Uncomfortable. What did Snivellus do to him, the bastard?! Did he hurt him? Scare him? How dare he—
"Hold it!"
What? Filch! What the hell is—
"All students must be checked for contraband on leaving and entering the castle. And looky here, Miss Granger's already been checked off my list!" He squints at her suspiciously. Salazar, she wishes she could open her mouth and tell him to shove his sensor up his—
"We— we're not going to Hogsmeade, we just need to get past. To— to go to the greenhouses," Neville stutters.
Bellatrix subtly edges behind him as the secrecy sensor points in her direction. She does have a knife in her pocket. And a wand that Neville will definitely recognise. She should just sneak away and call Tiggy. Get the hell out of here. What is she even doing?!
"Go out the other way then, and stop wasting my time, Longbottom," Filch sneers, and shoves Neville into her, towards a side passage.
The disgusting little—
Neville tugs at her arm. "Come on, don't let him get to you. He's right, we can go this way. Oh. Sorry. I didn't hurt you, did I?"
She'd flinched. It did hurt a bit, from the cuts. But it was more out of surprise. And shame. If he knew who she was…
She shakes her head at him, forces a weak smile.
Relief spreads over his face. "Oh good. Thought I'd done the wrong thing again."
No. No he hasn't done anything wrong. Bellatrix is the one who…
They continue down the corridor. Out into the cold. It's not snowing, but the wind is icy. Biting. She rubs the fabric of the cloak between her fingers and tries to not feel guilty that Neville isn't wearing one now. That she took something else from him. That—
"You know, I've got some healing salves in the greenhouse. Part of my extended herbology project. They work! I promise! Only on cuts but— I've had a hard time getting anyone else to try them actually, other than Luna and Professor Sprout. Guess I can't blame people for not trusting me. I always mess up somehow. So you don't have to—whoa, careful!"
Her stupid twisted ankle slides on the snowy ground, and Neville steadies her.
Holds her steady.
Bellatrix isn't letting go. Why is she…
She slowly wraps her arms around him. Hugs him. She can hear his heartbeat.
He's alive. The kid's alive. That little baby— she didn't kill him. He survived, and he's still a good person. He's been through so much shit, but the darkness hasn't got him. He's alright. Even though she—
"I'm sorry," she whispers as quietly as possible. "I shouldn't— I'm so sorry." Her voice is shaky. Uneven. Even she doesn't recognise her voice. Weak.
He clears his throat, and then arms come around her back. "It's alright, Hermione. Everyone has a bad day every now and then. It's tough right now, and you're always so strong. Thinking of everyone else. Doing everything and more. Planning things. All that reading, and thinking about Harry, and the war. You worry for everyone except yourself, I think. Is that what happened today? Is it all too much?"
She laughs against him, muffled in his robes. How is she still exactly like Hermione? How is— she nods. Today was just too much. Too much thinking and planning by herself. She should have just healed herself and gotten some rest. Something to eat. Waited for Cissy and Andy to come home and…
What a fucking idiot. She should have— and now Dumbledore knows…
She pulls back awkwardly. You're being so creepy, Bella. In disguise. Hugging teenage boys. What the hell is—
He shrugs at her. Smiles. "Don't worry. This is between us. Nothing happened, alright? I'll give you some of my salves and— you probably want to get back for dinner soon. See Ron and Harry. I was gonna stick around and do some gardening anyway, so it's up to you if you want to stay or go."
Hmm. Face up to Tiggy, and go home alone…or sit in a warm greenhouse and breathe in the plants with a brave kid who thinks she's his friend?
She walks across the vegetable patch towards the greenhouses.
The salves work. The kid is good. Some kind of variation on…she's not sure, but it smells a hell of a lot better than what Tiggy normally gives her. Not as fast working as Cissy's, but still good. She'd spread it all over her face, arms, hands. Neville had pointed out a cut on her neck too.
It seemed to make him happy. Her trusting him. And he's scribbled down some notes for his herbology paper, writing down how long they took to heal and if there were any scars.
No scars. This Hermione doesn't have any scars on her arms.
It sucks that Bellatrix still can't talk, but she just listens. Sits down in the corner and curls up in Neville's cloak.
She is tired. Her head keeps nodding as he talks to her, or the plants. Explains what he's doing.
She's spotted a mistake in his research paper. In the notes he's handed to her to look through, rolls of parchment sat in her lap and smudged with dirt. Some calculations that he didn't quite…
She needs to talk to him. Wants to talk to him. She wants to have Hermione's voice and…
And she's terrified to try in case it doesn't work.
She rubs a hand over her throat. Hermione's throat. She…it didn't work when she told her magic what to do…or when she asked it. Or when she wished it. So…
Think. You're Kalypso, and you want to hide.
But it's not about hiding. It's about being powerful. Right?
Doing what you want to do? Or what you need to do? Is this about being scared, or desperate—?
No. Being desperate didn't work. She'd been desperate to hear Hermione today and—
She'd lost control. She'd wanted control.
But she doesn't have to be in control. To do this alone. It's always better when someone else is there. This is about... of course. That's what Andy meant. About letting your magic help—
What Cissy meant. She said her magic knew the right thing to do. Knew she'd made the right decision. But…it's because Cissy trusted her magic. Knew her magic would help her.
And what Thetis said. Whispered to her about Kalypso. They said…that only when she lets go…will she truly be in control. Which made no sense at all. But…
This is about letting go. Not in a scary way. Or a violent way. Just in a…handing over the reins. Let herself let go. Trust in her own magic, instead of trusting herself to control it.
She gets up, and walks over to Neville.
"— and even though it's winter here, this little fellow should really be in the tropics. I've had some trouble with finding just the right balance and— see these spots? They mean—"
"That the acidity level is too high," she says firmly. "It's not the temperature. You're doing that perfectly. It's here, see? You didn't account for the smaller sample."
He jumps, whirls around in surprise, and she holds a hand over her mouth with a gasp.
Tears fill her eyes. Hermione's voice. That was—
She blinks the tears away and shakily holds out the parchment for him to see.
He frowns down at it. Brushes some soil off of it. "Really? Where?"
Hermione. Oh she heard— it's so nice to—
Get it together, Bella.
She clears her throat. "There, see? That's way too high for— you forgot to find the percentage, just copied across the full amount from Goshawk's findings. I think you must have forgotten before you moved on to the next—"
"Oh! You're right!" he interrupts her. Reaches for a quill. "So it needs to be a fifth of the— no wonder it—well I need to get repotting then. All three of them are— guess I'll have to skip dinner. Blimey, thanks Hermione. That would have been a disaster and—"
Skip dinner? Well that isn't happening.
She walks over to hang his cloak up on a hook. Rolls up her sleeves. "Come on then, Neville. Let's get going. You're in charge, tell me what to do."
He opens his mouth in protest and—
She holds up a hand. Glares at him. "You've done enough for me today, you're not skipping dinner. Let me help you now. You're the herbology expert. Tell me what to do. Give me something to do, so I'm not thinking about— please."
He gives her an unsure look. And then nods. "Okay, sure. If you want to. It would be great to have some help and— Come on, I'll show you the soil we need, and then we'll practice the handling manoeuvre. You'll need goggles, and gloves too for the— these ones, not the yellow ones. That's for…"
She focuses intently on his advice. People should start listening to this kid. It's not fair. Always in the background or ignored.
Well then. Not today. Today someone's going to listen. To trust him. That's what he deserves. Someone to believe in him, unconditionally. She'd taken that away. Time to give some of it back.
"That's it. But be gentle with the other hand because the roots can—"
"Oh!"
Bellatrix and Neville turn around at the shocked sound from the doorway. Oh.
Shit.
Neville glances at her uncertainly and helps her lower the plant back into the pot. "Uhh, hello Professor Trelawney. Are…you alright?"
Andy blinks buggily at Neville and clutches at her beaded necklace. "As well as anyone can be in these dark times, Mr Longbottom. But I fear the same cannot be said for Miss Granger. That is why the fates have led me here to her on this winter's eve."
Bellatrix takes off her gloves and goggles. She can tell where this is heading. Here they go.
Andromeda walks over to Bellatrix and puts a gentle— firm hand on her arm. "My dear, I happened upon your star chart hours ago, and came to find you at once. Tracing your path has not been easy, an unexpected turn for you and possibly dire consequences if you do not get back on course."
Bellatrix rolls her eyes. She doesn't have to be so condescending about it. She fucked up. She knows. "I'm fine!…Professor. Back on track, no worries. Thanks for the concern but—"
Andromeda hooks an arm through hers and pats her hand, walking her towards the door. "Always the sceptic. But it would ease my mind if you would return home to the castle. It is not safe for you out here. I see grave danger in your path. We wouldn't want anybody to get hurt, don't you agree, Mr Longbottom?"
"Uhh, no. I mean yes. You can go, Hermione. If that's what Professor Trelawney thinks is best. We were nearly done anyway. I'll see you at dinner?"
Ah. About that…
She smiles nervously at Neville. "I'll see you in a bit. And…thank you for— well, you know. The thing that didn't happen?" she hints.
He really can't tell Hermione about this. That would be so bad. Please don't tell anyone—
He grins. "Hey, I'm not sure I even saw you today. Maybe you were still in Hogsmeade. Or in the library. Or the common room. Reading and planning."
She lets out a relieved breath. Thank fuck.
She waves goodbye, and tugs herself out of Andy's grip. "Okay, chill. Hands off, Professor!" she hisses so Neville can't hear, shutting the door behind them.
Andy just grabs hold of her again and marches them up towards the castle. It's gotten dark. "What the fuck, Bella!? Do you know— you know what? No. Not here. We need to— Tiggy!"
Tiggy appears. Folds their arms at Bellatrix. "Yes, Miss Andromeda?"
"Andy! What if someone sees—"
"Oh so now you want to be sensible? It's dark. No one's around. And you're not setting foot back in that castle so— Tiggy, take us to the Manor. To Cissy."
To Cissy? Uh oh.
And she steadies her feet on wooden—
"You found her!"
Cissy comes clipping toward her across the wooden floor. "Bella what on Earth— you scared us half to death and— sit down. You look…what were you thinking?"
Cissy shoves her down onto a sofa in the parlour. Ow. Why is shoving and tugging always—
And she's pulled back up again by her jumper before she's even touched the seat. Cissy's nose crinkles. "What is— why are you…slimy? There's something green all over you and— mud? What— Andromeda what— and change back, Bella. Why you have decided to look like Miss Granger is beyond—this whole day has been—"
Wow. Uhh, is Cissy alright? She seems very tense. She isn't even finishing her sentences.
Bellatrix transforms back into herself. Great. Now these muggle trousers are too tight and—
Narcissa draws her wand and glares at her. "Go have a shower, Bella. Then you are going to eat dinner, and we are going to talk. Can we trust you to find your way to the bathroom, or shall I have to supervise you?"
Supervise her? In the shower? What the— "What the fuck, Cissy? Of course I can have a shower. I think there might be some misunderstanding going on because—"
Andromeda growls in frustration, transforming back into herself too. And then launches herself at Bellatrix, hugging her so tight she can't breathe and—
"Bella. You were called away on a mission, according to Snape took on four aurors singlehandedly in some kind of reckless baiting— then, after the debriefing, you smashed a prophecy that— that is obviously very important to you— and ordered Tiggy to take you to Dumbledore. You— you could have completely destroyed—"
Bellatrix sighs. "The timeline. I know. I shouldn't have—"
"Yourself! You think this is about the timeline? You gave up, Bella. You— why didn't you come find us? Tell us? Talk to us? You haven't— Tiggy said you forgot to eat today. And you haven't been sleeping. Autonoe said you were in pain even before—"
Andromeda pulls back, tear tracks on her cheeks. "I know it's hard, Bella. Not having Hermione here and— and all of this pressure to—"
And Bellatrix's legs collapse for no fucking reason. What the— "Ah!" She clings onto Andy.
"Bella?! Bella what is— Cissy help me!"
She's lowered onto the floor and she lies down, panting. Cissy pushes Andromeda out of the way, casting diagnostic spells.
"I don't…I cannot see the problem. Fatigue, yes. A few cuts. Her ankle…but that is…and her pulse is wild. Let me see— oh. Fluctuating magical— Bella, try to calm your breathing, can you do that for me?"
She— she doesn't know— something is— the thread is—
It hurts. She can't— she has to go to Hermione. She has to. She—
A potion is tipped into her mouth. Calming draught. She hates calming draughts. They make everything fuzzy and heavy and she can't think fast enough. Can't—
She focuses on Cissy. On Andy. Reaches for Andy's hand and tries to breathe at the same time as her. Tries to block out everything else. Just her sisters.
Cissy is still fussing over her, but she can't hear her. Doesn't listen. Andy squeezes her hand back.
Okay. You're okay. You're safe and— it's just a strange— tap your foot. You can feel it, just tap it. Focus on that.
She closes her eyes. Tries to jiggle her leg. Not the one with her bad ankle, the other one.
"…don't think this has something to do with Hermione, do you? She's just tired. We should have kept a closer eye on her. She hasn't dealt with—"
"Hush, Andromeda. She's not deaf. We can discuss this later. Her magic is calming down. She's regained mobility in her legs." A hand strokes though her hair. "You're okay, Bella. It's passed. Come on, open your eyes. We'll help you to the dining table for dinner. The shower can wait. You need to regain some energy."
Bellatrix slowly exhales. Blinks her eyes open and stares up at the chandelier.
Oh.
This is what Hermione saw. When she— this ceiling. That horrible memory. Why did she give her that memory? Why did—
Why is—
Someone pulls on her hands and helps her sit up. Andy. Andy looking at her with worried eyes.
Be strong, Bella. Get it together. Your sisters—
Narcissa presses some chocolate into her hand. "Eat. It will help."
She takes a bite. It does help. She focuses on that. Leans sideways against Andy.
It's not quite…
She clears her throat. "Andy? Can you— can you hold me steady? And can you— can you make sure I'm okay, Cissy? I don't— I don't think I'm okay."
Oh. It's like a sudden realisation.
She's not okay. Not at all.
She leans her full weight against Andy and— and cries. Just cries.
It's all…Hermione is gone. And Bellatrix can't stand it. And her ankle hurts. And she's tired. So, so tired. And she has a headache from— and she doesn't want to think anymore. Doesn't want to plan.
She doesn't want to have to worry about the timeline, or the Death Eaters. She doesn't want to think about the things that she's done, or that she would have done, or what will be done.
She doesn't want to think about the Bones in the bed, or if she's Kalypso. Doesn't want to worry about Thetis, or Speio, or—
Or her mother. The darkness. Doesn't want to think about— about being brave. Or how she's not being brave. If she's letting down that brave little girl. Doesn't want to think about what she's lost. About another brave little girl. Her love. Her soulmate. About being mates, and how this pain is too much to just be heartbreak.
No more. She just— she wants Hermione back. Wants it all to go away.
Maybe that will work. If she makes a wish? If she wishes hard enough?
Will it all go away? Get better?
Her eyes have fallen shut. She can feel…someone carrying her. Someone small but warm and— Cissy. Smells like Cissy.
She opens her eyes. Wraps her arms around Cissy's neck. Listens to her heartbeat.
Cissy. Carrying her to bed.
Whilst no one is watching.
Chapter 65: Big Shoes to FillChapter Text
June, 2005
Hermione skids to a stop in the Ministry atrium behind Andy, tugging herself out of the witch's grip. "Bella's hurt? Because of being mates or— why didn't you say sooner! I need to— is she here? Did you fake her death like we—? Is she here and alive in 2005 but— but in pain? I'll follow the thread to her and—"
"No!" Andromeda's hand closes around her wrist in a vice-like grip, voice echoing through the room. "No," she repeats more quietly. "You can't use the thread. Not yet. I had a vision and— not until you get to her. No travelling, it's too fragile, and the only way you can— come on, we're nearly at the floos."
Why not? If Bella is in pain, then she has to help! Has to—
Andy tugs her along once more, into the fireplace with her. Throws the floo powder down. "St Mungo's!"
St Mungo's?
And they appear in…a basement?
Andromeda drags her along again towards a stairwell. "Staff entrance. Cissy gave me her healer's badge so that we could get through. We have to go all the way to the top floor, I'm afraid. Above the visitors lounge."
Above? There isn't anything above…
Narcissa funded a new wing. It opened in 2004— last year. A new floor. Was this— "She built a whole new ward just to hide Bella!? Is that—! So Bella's been alive but—"
"Don't be silly," Andy pants. "Of course it's not a whole ward just for Bella. Way too suspicious. No, the ward is for actual patients…but it's possible we may have made some additions to the construction plans. Some hidden expansions. For some patients of our own."
…Patients, plural?
"Madam Bones?" she guesses, calves burning as they continue racing up the stairs.
Andy nods. "And some others. People we 'killed' along the way. All sound asleep. Well, until now. You're back. Timeline restored. Guess today's the day they rejoin the land of the living. We have some awkward conversations heading our way."
But— but what about— "And Bella? She's asleep too?"
Andy almost trips on a step. Steadies herself and keeps going, breathing harshly as they reach what Hermione hopes is the last staircase.
"She— no. Not— well, sort of. No draught of living death just— nearly there. Hang on I need to—"
And Andromeda changes her features once more. Suddenly it's Narcissa standing next to her, and ministry robes are quickly transfigured into lime green healer's robes.
Andy flicks her wand, and the door to the corridor opens for them. "Come along, Miss Granger. And thank you for agreeing to meet with me at such a late hour," she says firmly but softly, setting off down the corridor. Hermione tries to catch her breath as she speed-walks along next to her. It's surreal. Like having the real Narcissa beside her.
Is it? Was she pretending to be Andy? Because that is possible.
There are a few healers and patients still wandering the corridors despite it being gone midnight, but they all hurriedly move out of the way of Narcissa's determined gaze and unfaltering pace. They reach the end of—
A dead end. And a large potted plant.
Umm…
Andy-Narcissa leans to whisper in her ear. "This is the entrance to the St Mungo's Kalypso Ward."
Oh. Oh!
The wall expands. Lengthens. A whole new corridor of…five more doors.
A fidelius charm. This whole time…
And they're stood in front of door number three.
Andy-Narcissa takes her hand. Squeezes reassuringly. It's probably Andy then. "It's this one. Go on. She's waiting for you. Cissy's already in there. We don't have much time but— are you ready?"
Ready?
She swallows.
What does she need to be ready for?
October, 1996
Bellatrix wakes up to the sun in her eyes, and something tickling her face.
She scrunches her eyes shut tighter, and rolls over into—
Into a warm—
She opens her eyes. Blonde hair? Who the fuck—
Oh. Oh it's Cissy.
Uhh…this is strange. If anyone is all about personal space and…distance, it's her youngest sister. Why…?
She wriggles sideways a bit…and Cissy rolls closer. Throws an arm over her and pulls her back.
Is it Cissy? Or is this secretly Andy?
Well. It is nice to hug her sister, whichever one it is. She lets herself be held. It's warm.
And…boring.
She manages to shuffle around, and pokes whoever it is. "Wake up! Come on, let go. I'm stuck."
Blue eyes blink open. And then shut. "No. You need rest. And physical intimacy. It's good for you."
Okay, this is definitely Cissy. But— "I'm not some kind of experiment that you need to control and— and tick off boxes for, Cissy. And eww, physical intimacy? You're my sister! Let go if you're going to be all—"
Cissy pulls her closer. "I said physical, not sexual, Bella. Don't be disgusting. And it is a fact. I am not the most physically demonstrative person, but you clearly are. Your body and mind are under intense stress, you need to take care of yourself. Recognise your needs."
Bellatrix groans and tries to wriggle free. "What I need is to go for a piss, and have a shower. And eat something, I'm starving. And take care of Bonesy, and check on Thetis, and go over a plan for—"
Cissy yanks her back down. "No. You are going to stay here with me for fifteen minutes. Then you are going to use the bathroom and join me for breakfast. You do not need to care for Madam Bones, she is now under my care, as will future possible patients. Andromeda is stopping in on Thetis today, and Severus will tell you of whatever plans are underway with the Death Eaters. Just rest, Bella. Please. Let me hold my sister."
Oh.
She slowly lies back down and pulls the covers up over them. Faces Cissy. "You're worried about me, aren't you?" she whispers.
Narcissa sighs. Rubs at the back of her neck uncomfortably. Then strokes Bellatrix's arm instead. "How many days do you think it has been since you collapsed, Bella?"
How many? Bellatrix frowns. Yesterday? She was carried to bed…and now she's awake.
Cissy strokes her cheek. "It's been three days, Bella. You were exhausted. Thankfully the Dark Lord has not requested your presence. Also Severus' doing, I believe. We have spoken with the merpeople and…Hermione is your mate, Bella. Don't you remember what Pronoe said?"
Oh.
Three days?
No wonder her ankle doesn't hurt anymore. And she feels more awake. She hadn't even realised how…
Bellatrix shuffles closer to Cissy. Closes her eyes.
Mates. Of course she remembers what Pronoe said. She'd just been trying not to think about it.
Shared pain. Shared emotions. And if they drift asunder…they die. If they're trapped apart, with no way of finding each other, then slowly…
"I feel alright, Cissy. Nothing…I'm still strong. It just…sometimes…it hurts to think about her. But I don't know if that's…if my heart is just breaking. If it's the thread, or being mates, or just…me. Hurting. It hurt like this when— when Andy left. Not as bad but— but the— it might just be—"
"I know." Cissy smiles at her. "You love so much, Bella. So much love to give. I feel you are collecting more and more…Neville Longbottom?"
Oh. She grins at Cissy. "I do seem to take all of the lost little kids under my wing, don't I? Can't help it. Just— no one else helps them. Look at Potter! The kid is— there are all these little lost boys and—"
Cissy barks out a laugh. "You're Peter Pan."
Uhh…who?
Cissy tuts. "There is a lot of muggle literature that you need to read, Bella. I keep forgetting…and you're not really Peter Pan. He is actually a very cruel, selfish character—"
Bellatrix scoffs. "Oh thanks. Remind me of that why don't—"
Narcissa pulls her into a hug, grumbling. "Let me finish. He is a boy who…he never had parents. He flew away across the stars, to a land where you never have to grow up. Neverland. He lived there, on an island of exotic jungles and lagoons, forever young and carefree, and he would welcome boys who were orphans too. Lost boys. He was the leader of the lost boys. That is what sprang to mind."
Oh. Well that kind of is like her. If she'd ever managed to fly away. Get far away and taken her sisters with her.
She hugs Cissy tighter, and the witch freezes for a moment before she remembers this hugging thing was her idea. Cissy must hate this. It would be funny, if it didn't feel so calming.
Great. A positive result for Cissy's experiment. She needs hugs.
Narcissa continues talking softly. "Pan was a spoilt brat though. Did not care for what the children truly needed, only for his own entertainment and avoiding responsibility. In that, you are the opposite. Shouldering the responsibility for everyone. Well. Not anymore, Bella. There is going to be some redistribution of responsibilities around here. And I believe it may be necessary to begin planning for…the possibility that…"
Cissy pulls back to look at her. "We will of course do all we can to return you to Hermione. That is plan A. But we also may have to…if your strength is failing—"
Bellatrix opens her mouth in protest. She's still strong! She isn't— so she had a bit of a setback. That's not— it isn't weakness to—"
"— Let me finish. I mean your unexplained weakness. Your distance from Hermione that is causing magic loss, weakening of your muscles, perhaps even mental— if something were to happen to you, we need a plan B. For the timeline. Someone to…take your place."
Take her…
"You mean you?" Bellatrix whispers fearfully. "Pretending to— Cissy you can't —!" No no no she has to protect them, not—
"Or Andromeda. And we have no choice, Bella. You play a key role in the war. A player that cannot be removed from the board or act…what if your magic were to fail in combat? Your legs to collapse? A sudden headache distract you? For now, you are far superior of course to anything Andromeda or I could accomplish, but if you deteriorate? We have to be practical, Bella."
But…everything? Unforgivable spells? Or— how will Cissy fake it? Move as fast as— it's taken a lifetime for her to—
Bellatrix sits up. Fiddles with the sheets. "So…you want me to teach you both how to be me? In case I…get sick? Weak?"
Cissy takes her hand. "We could never replace you, but we may have to imitate you. Hide the truth from the world…as is apparently our role. Will you help us? Teach us how to be strong? To fight for you?"
Oh.
Bellatrix shakes her head at Narcissa with a smile. "You're already strong, Cissy. Always have been. Much steadier than me."
Cissy grins. "Oh I'm not denying that. But we don't need calm and collected, Bella. Come. Teach me to release the chaos. To be the mad, notorious, Bellatrix Lestrange."
Bellatrix grins back. Combat lessons? Crazy lessons?
Can they start now?
"Bella, I don't see how—"
Bellatrix just keeps grinning. "Do it. I'm the professor. Jump onto the sofa."
Cissy huffs at her from near the fire. They're back home in the library, now that she's finally passed all of Cissy's ridiculous tests. Ready to train.
Cissy has morphed into her. Two Bellatrix's in the room. And it's even stranger than before, since Narcissa's wearing one of Bellatrix's dresses. She had to get used to the corset. And the boots. Now she has to get used to jumping around.
This is the best day.
Cissy smooths down her dress with a sigh. And then stops herself. Nods resignedly.
And widens her stance. Grins excitedly and laughs. Cackles. Jumps up onto the sofa. "Come and get me! Think you're so strong? Come and catch me, Bella. Stupefy!"
And a jet of water flies out of Cissy's wand and—
Bellatrix casts a swift protego on instinct. "What the— how do you know how—incarcerous!"
Cissy dodges out of the way. Only just. And fumbles her footing on the sofa, falling to sit on it with a thud and a groan.
Well, that went well.
"I'm still not used to your legs," Cissy frowns. And then the frown clears, she looks up at Bellatrix in curiosity. "And I saw your demonstration with Hermione, remember? Ingenious. Nonverbal spells combined with feigned verbal casting. Did you think I would not—"
She's sat all primly again. Staying too still.
"Get moving, Cissy. I thought you were good at acting? Would I sit still?"
Cissy snaps her mouth shut, and jumps to her feet. Draws her wand with a growl. "I am good! How dare you say I'm not— stupefy!"
Bellatrix flicks her wand lazily, sending the red jet of light towards the floor. "Protego. Come on, you're making me look pathetic. Jump on that table and send some good ones at me. Difindos, even a confringo. I can defend myself, Cissy. You need to learn how to do it properly before you can learn how to fake it. Need to know what I would have done. And I would have had me tied up and screaming on the floor by now, so get moving!"
Narcissa raises her wand again. Hesitates. Looks around. "Bella, the books."
Hmm. Good point.
"The garden then. Come on."
Bellatrix moves out from behind a tree—
And ducks as a slicing hex almost decapitates her. Fucking hell, Cissy isn't holding back anymore with—
Where is she…
She casts a shielding spell and walks out into the open. "Cissy. I don't hide. You're supposed to be at the centre of the chaos," she shouts. "And I need to show you how to overlap—"
Cruel laughter echoes towards her. "Aww, can wittle Bella not find me? Is she scared?"
Bellatrix spins around. Ah. There she…
Cissy twirls her wand. Grins at her, eyes flashing madly. "And she's all alone…oh dear." She pouts. "Can't have that. That's no fun. Don't worry. I'll play with you."
Okay, it's a bit creepy being on the receiving end of this. And weird to see her own expression…
That's what's weird. Two of them.
Bellatrix morphs her features. Someone Cissy might have to…
Ginny Weasley. Cissy might have to duel with her. At the Battle of Hogwarts. And Hermione and Lovegood at the same time, but…
Bellatrix raises her wand and flicks her hair behind her shoulders. "Fuck off, Lestrange. I'm not alone. And I won't let you hurt Harry, so—"
Cissy's expression closes off. Flickers.
Oh. Oh shit. She shouldn't have chosen the red-headed girl talking about protecting Harry. Bit too similar to—
Cissy saunters closer. "Looks like your boyfriend isn't here, pet. You sure you don't want to just run away to your burrow? Hide behind all your brothers and your weasel mother? One less brother now. Oops."
Bellatrix holds back a laugh. Cissy really does have some balls. Now that's cold. Now what would—
Oh right. Bellatrix is a Gryffindor now. No thinking. Just doing the first thing that—
She sends a bat-bogey hex at Cissy's face, which she deflects with a slash of her wand and a growl. "How dare you, you filthy bloodtraitor! Crucio!"
Crucio?
Bellatrix dodges out of the way. "Cissy wha—shit!"
She brings up a shield as spell after spell comes her way. Not unforgiveables, but still dangerous. She focuses. Figures out Cissy's rhythm, her game plan, and calmly begins deflecting each coming move. It's a bit harder not being able to see in Cissy's head, but she has another serious advantage.
Cissy is doing what Bellatrix would do. So she—
Shit. She forgot. She's supposed to be acting like the Weasley girl, not herself. That's the whole poi—
"Bella? What the hell is going on!" a voice calls from near the house. Andy.
Oh! Oh this is a great test!
She and Narcissa both lower their wands, and Bellatrix raises an eyebrow. Morphs into Cissy with a tut.
Turns to face Andy and smooths down her dress. "Merely a training exercise, Andromeda. I have told Bella of our plans to—"
Andy snorts and shakes her head. "I know it's you, Bella."
What? How? She'd thought that was a good Cissy impression.
Andy walks up to her. And pokes her in the forehead. "Hello darkness, my old friend. You forgot to hide your head, Bella. That's where I come in. You haven't heard step two yet."
Oh! Of course! One glance in her head and—
Step two?
She morphs back into herself and looks between her sisters excitedly. "What's step two?"
Andy transforms into Trelawney. "Why, false minds, of course, my dear. You shall need three minds. Yourself, the dark version of yourself, and…Andromeda."
What? Andy? What does—oh.
She folds her arms. "That's the plan? You be me, and I pretend to be you? Sick in bed or something? And what about Trelawney? Let me guess, sometimes Cissy will have to be Trelawney. How the fuck— this is crazy! And— and how will—"
Andromeda morphs back into herself and grins mischievously. "Yep. We look enough alike, Bella. If it comes to it…guess I'll have to step up. And you can be the friendly housewitch, if anyone asks where I am. I doubt it, seeing as I've been Trelawney for so long and no one's missed me. But just in case, and if you really do get sick and need taking care of, you'll have to move in with me. Well, not me. Ted."
What?! This plan is fucking— "I'm not moving in with your husband! What the fu—"
Cissy tuts. "Plan B, Bella. Of course we do not wish you to be unwell, but if you are, Andromeda and I will step in, and you shall have to hide. You will be inconspicuous with Edward."
Edward?
Andy leans in to whisper loudly. "Don't forget, Dromeda. Your husband's full name is Edward Tonks," she winks.
Bellatrix pushes her away. "No husbands! I already have one too many, and he'll be appearing in a few months when they break out of Azkaban. Come hanging around and…"
And…
Hang on.
Rod is in Azkaban. So…
She folds her arms at Andromeda. Raises an eyebrow. "My husband is in Azkaban. Has been since mid-June. So. Why did Tiggy tell me and Hermione that they saw him hanging around the wards, hmm? After the battle at the ministry."
Andromeda shrugs casually. "How am I supposed to know? Sounds strange to—"
"You're the only metamorphagus I know, Andy. Unless it was your daughter. Or someone who had polyjuice for Rod and decided to pay me a visit?"
Andy groans. "Oh fine! It was me! I didn't know he'd been captured and I…well once you were out of Azkaban I— I'd check on you sometimes. Just to…and you, Cissy. I've— I couldn't resist."
Narcissa raises her eyebrows. "You spied on us? Did you…how often? And as who?"
Andromeda sighs. "Let's go inside. Bella's getting cold and hasn't noticed. As per usual. We can sit and talk about this. And have a meeting about roles, and responsibilities, and all of this nymph-magic-madness. Come on goddesses, I'll put the kettle on."
Bellatrix snorts and follows Andy into the house. "Maybe that's your secret power. Heating water for the trough-fulls of tea you drink every day."
Andy turns around excitedly. Starts walking backwards. "Do you think we do have secret powers? More than just metamorphing and…leg wishing? Maybe we should all go to the lake! See what we can do!"
Narcissa hums. "I struggle to believe that there is a way for us to conceal ourselves further. What's left, transforming into…the sand, or some such nonsense? A stray rock?"
Hmm. Bellatrix stops in a doorway and tries to imagine herself as a rock. Lets her magic—
Cissy smacks her in the arm. "I was being facetious. You cannot honestly—"
She shrugs. "Worth a try. A few months ago we didn't know about any of this. It would be handy to be a tree, or a—"
Cissy pushes her toward the kitchen. "No non-sentient self-transfiguration, Bella. That is an accident waiting to happen. I shan't have a tree as a sister or— and you are still cold! Cast a warming charm at once, or I shall do it for you."
Okay, okay! Who knew her sisters could be so protective and— Cissy's the baby, not her! She doesn't need to be told what to do.
She does cast a warming charm though. Follows along after Andy.
It is a bit of a relief not to be in charge.
Chapter 66: Watching The Red PeopleChapter Text
Bellatrix and Tiggy arrive in the cave at the lake.
And Bellatrix raises an eyebrow with a sly smirk. "What…is happening?"
Autonoe is sat in the centre of the stone platform, Andy on one side, Cissy on the other. They're all holding hands with their eyes closed.
Three pairs of eyes snap open. Cissy sharply pulls her hand out of the merperson's grip, but Autonoe just beckons to Bellatrix excitedly. "You came! Now it has to work. Come on, the red people fly today, and I just have to see. It's been so long since I did anything fun! Please!"
Oh. "And…some kind of hand-holding three-way is going to get you onto the quidditch pitch?"
"Bella!—"
"You mean four-way. Get in here, Bella."
"Andromeda!—"
"We're not mating, Bellatrix! We're making a wish! So that I can have legs like Thetis!" Autonoe says, taking her hand as she walks over.
She sits down on the ground. "Ah, I see." Do we really want to do this, Cissy?
I'm not certain it is even possible. But I'm sure that if it is, then Autonoe will be sensible enough to…well. Or at least naïve enough to be persuaded into sensible behaviour
Alright. Let's give this a go.
She closes her eyes. Because apparently that's a thing.
Okay. She doesn't want Autonoe to hide. She wants them to be themselves. To be able to enjoy the quidditch match. Be free. Not be trapped in the lake with all the responsibilities. They'll be so happy. Free from hiding.
She peeks her eyes open. Tail. Damn.
Autonoe smiles sadly. "It's okay. I suppose the next Autonoe will have legs. That will be nice for them."
Bellatrix frowns. Well that's not fucking fair. All Autonoe wants is to watch a quidditch match. That's not too much to ask, is it?
Well then. There's more than one way to hide. "Tiggy!"
Bellatrix gets to her feet, and casts a wingardium leviosa at Autonoe, who squeals as they float off the ground.
"…Yes, Mistress Bella?"
Bellatrix grins at Tiggy. "You can make Autonoe invisible, right? If you hold onto them?"
"Oh!" Andromeda shouts, getting up too. "Yes! Let's sneak them in! I'll—"
She transforms into Trelawney, gets her props from her pockets. And then freezes. "Props. Could we…if Autonoe wants to join in…all we need to do is cover their eyes! If anyone asks about the green hair, we can say it's for Slytherin! For the match!"
Yes! That's—
Narcissa scowls at them. "Are you both insane? Do you really think Slytherins will not notice a suspicious new student, concealing yellow eyes and a tail? No. Absolutely not."
Bellatrix's excitement fades. Oh. Oh she's right. Well, invisibility wouldn't be too bad, and—
Cissy's gaze sharpens. "No, let's put them with the Gryffindors, seeing as Autonoe supports them anyway. But if possible, near to a group of Hufflepuffs. Very accepting and non-confrontational. We say that the eyes are a transfiguration gone wrong, and the hair a fashion statement. Now, we need school robes and Gryffindor accessories. Tiggy? Would you be able to procure some from the school? Long robes for Autonoe, of course. To hide the tail."
"Of course, Miss Narcissa," Tiggy says, eyes gleaming. And pops away to steal from some unfortunate Gryffindors.
Autonoe squeals again, this time in excitement. "I'll be one of the schoolchildren?!"
Bellatrix grimaces. "Gryffindors? But I'll be sat with them! I have to support Gryffindor? Against our own house? Cissy that's just cruel!" she whines.
Narcissa fights a smile. "I know. But this is for Autonoe. They have had a busy few weeks. Hermione is a Gryffindor, is it so hard to support your soulmate's house?"
Bellatrix folds her arms with a huff. "Yes. No. I don't know!"
Tiggy reappears, and Bellatrix metamorphs into her go-to plain-faced sixteen year old, reaching for the robes with a grumble. "Fine. But I'm not wearing a scarf!"
Andromeda helps a giddy Autonoe into their own robes and pulls it down over their tail. "If anyone looks at you suspiciously, Autonoe love, just pretend to cry and say you had a transfiguration accident but didn't want to miss the quidditch match. Here, put this on."
She hands Autonoe a red and gold knitted hat, which they look at confusedly.
Bellatrix snorts. "It goes on your head. What about you, Andy? Still Trelawney? And are you coming, Cissy?"
Andy nods. "Of course I'm coming. As Trelawney. I'll sit next to them too, then everyone will keep their distance, avoid talking to me. And I can get away with making odd comments. Here, Cissy, put on this scarf."
Bellatrix looks over at Narcissa, and jumps in surprise. "You're a bloke!"
And she is. Bellatrix doesn't recognise who, but instead of Narcissa there is a teenage boy stood next to them. Already in school robes.
Narcissa doesn't react to her surprise. Doesn't answer. Instead she's frozen, staring at the Gryffindor scarf.
Oh.
Bellatrix turns to make eye contact with Andy. Lily Evans?
Andy slowly pulls the offered scarf back—
Narcissa's hand darts out and grabs it. She quickly winds it around her neck and clears her throat. His throat. A deep voice. "Boys draw less attention than girls. Less memorable. And I can carry Autonoe away if it comes to it. If something goes wrong."
Right…
So they're just glossing over the whole…
Autonoe tugs on her hand. "Do I have to choose whether to be a boy or a girl? Is that one of the rules on land?"
Oh. Bellatrix shakes her head at them. "Nope. Don't worry about that. Just decide how old you want to be and what you want to look like and stick with it. No metamorphing. I reckon…hmm, final year. If anyone asks, you're a final year. I don't think you'll talk to anyone though. Other than us. We'll sit all around you."
She hovers them over next to Narcissa. "Stand tall, Autonoe. Straight, like Cissy. That's it."
"Not that Cissy's very straight," Andy murmurs in her ear. Bellatrix holds back a laugh.
"I heard that!" Cissy growls. "You just focus on maintaining the hover charm, Bella. Tiggy can take the three of us up into the stands, invisible of course, and take Andromeda to the castle to join us afterwards. Come." She sternly beckons Bellatrix towards her
Someone can't take a joke. Fine.
She takes Tiggy's hand and pulls them over to Autonoe and Cissy. Feels the invisibility wash over her and—
Hermione. It reminds her of Hermione. She needs— she wants—
Ow it— her head and— lightheaded. Ask for help. Ask for— "Andy, steady me! I can't—"
"Bella, I can't see you! How— Tiggy, turn her visible and— Cissy, is she okay?!"
Autonoe falls onto the floor with a thwack as Bellatrix loses her grip on the spell. Her head. The tugging is— fuck, fuck, fuck.
And a numbing cold fills her mind. Soothing. Dulling the pain. She breathes a sigh of relief. "Cissy?"
It's alright, Bella. I'm here. Just relax. I think you've subconsciously gripped the thread. Too tightly. You need to let go, can you do that? Stop pulling
Oh. That's why it hurts? She's pulling on the…trying to reach Hermione?
She takes a slow breath…and looks into her own mind. Ah. There's Cissy. Putting on a brave face in the dark. And…
She releases the thread.
Opens her eyes. "Sorry. Didn't mean to…"
She helps Autonoe up. Recasts the hover charm. "Let's go."
"Bella, are you sure—"
She turns to glare at Andromeda. "I'm not fucking weak. It's over. I'm fine. All sorted. Now let's go already. Tiggy, invisibility."
Andy looks worried. It's sickening. Wrong. Bellatrix is the strong one. She doesn't need pity. She's been though worse. She can deal with pain. She just—
Just needs to recognise her needs, and look after herself. Give everything a new perspective.
She reaches out and squeezes Andy's hand. "I'm better now. Promise. Don't worry, Cissy fixed it. Figured it out. Now get your head sorted, Trelawney. Think up some bad omens for whoever's in 'our seats'."
The worry on Andy's face eases, and she squeezes Bellatrix's hand back, before pulling away. "Okay. If you're sure. I'll see you in a bit."
Bellatrix hovers Autonoe down to sit on the wooden seat and pretends to hug them in excitement as she adjusts their robes. The tail fin is showing.
There. She sits down and takes in the view. Made it. And so far, so good. These Gryffindors aren't very observant.
Not that all of these students are Gryffindors. She recognises a few Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs from Hermione's memories. No sign of Lovegood yet. Or Hermione…
What if Hermione sits near them? Will she— she doesn't know—
Autonoe curls against her. "It's so loud. There's so many of them. Are they always— oh I'm nervous," they whisper.
Oh.
Bellatrix throws an arm over their shoulder and pulls them close. Remembers what Hermione said to her about muggles. "They're just excited. Having fun with their friends. Everything can be explained, okay? And I'm here. Ask us any questions you want, and we can always leave. Cissy's right there as well, so…"
She glances over at teenage-boy Narcissa, sat on Autonoe's other side. Oh. Ha! Looks like Cissy's plan didn't work. A nearby group of girls has started talking to her. Giggling. Looks like Cissy always gets the admirers, even in a different body.
Having fun, Cissy?
Cissy turns to glare at her.
It's preposterous. I didn't even speak with them. I ignored them. Told them to leave me in peace to watch the match
Bellatrix snorts. Strong, silent type. You're playing hard to get
I am doing no such— oh thank Merlin, here comes Andromeda
And sure enough, here comes Trelawney. Swaying up the steps and getting strange looks for not being in the teachers' stand.
"Professor!" one of the giggling girls shouts, waving at Trelawney. Oh no. Wait. That's Parvati Patil. And that's—
Lavender Brown flirting with Cissy? Oh that's not good. Cissy! You're stealing Ron Weasley's girlfriend! You're going to change the timeline!
I am not— I have rejected all of her advances. Mr Weasley is welcome to her. She is—
Cissy sharply stands up. "Here, Professor. Have my seat. I'm tall enough to see from behind my…sister."
Andy shuffles over. "Ah, girls. I see my prediction of a dark-haired young man in your futures has come to pass. If only everyone was quite so receptive to my words of wisdom. Those so-called professors have closed their minds to me yet again, even though their lives hang in the balance. I foresee a most fatal accident befalling the commentators box."
She sits down where Narcissa had been, and turns to look at Autonoe. Pats their hand. "And I see someone else did not heed my warning about advanced transfiguration. Never when Saturn crosses Mars, my dear."
Lavender and Parvati gasp dramatically. "Oh you poor thing!" Lavender exclaims. "Are those cat eyes? How dreadful. Although they do suit you. And I love your hair! Is it natural?"
Autonoe freezes. And then smiles. "You like my hair? My brother taught me to braid it, but I just hate the colour. Much too dull. Your hair is much nicer."
Lavender laughs. "You think green is dull? How wild! No, it's perfect for you. Just your shade. You know autumnal…"
Bellatrix tunes out as the conversation gets all girly and boring. Turns around to talk to Cissy—
And freezes. Loses her breath.
Cissy's sat next to Lovegood. Who is next to Neville. Who is next to Hermione.
Hermione. It's Hermione.
She feels her heart try to beat out of her chest and just stares.
Hermione, talking to Neville. Cheering as— as the players fly out onto the pitch. She distantly notices Lovegood's lion hat roaring.
She— she has to turn around. It will be suspicious if—
Bella, you're staring at the poor girl. Come. Turn around. The match is about to begin
She knows. Knows she shouldn't stare. That—
Hermione looks right at her. Frowns in confusion and runs a hand over her hair. She must think Bellatrix is being so weird. Rude. Staring at her for— judging her. No, she— but Hermione is perfect, she—
She smiles at Hermione reassuringly. Winks at her. She can't help it.
Hermione's eyes widen, and she turns around, as if checking that Bellatrix was actually looking at her and not someone sat behind her.
Bellatrix chuckles and turns back around. Focuses on Autonoe instead. Come on. It's their day.
"It's starting!" she yells into Autonoe's ear over the crowd. "The red people are called Gryffindor. You're allowed to cheer for them, just copy everyone else."
Autonoe grabs her hand and vibrates with excitement. Potter is shaking hands with the Slytherin captain.
And there goes the whistle.
"Go Gryffindor!" Hermione shouts from behind them. Bellatrix smiles. Fine. Fine, she can—
"Well, there they go," comes the commentator's voice. "And I think we're all surprised to see the team that Potter's put together this year. Many thought, given Ronald Weasley's patchy performance as keeper last year, that he might be off the team, but of course, a close personal friendship with the captain does help…"
Bellatrix whirls to look at the commentator's box as boos echo around her. Who the— a Hufflepuff? What's he got against Potter and Weasley? Not that Weasley is the best, she probably wouldn't have—
"Go Ron!" Lavender yells, standing up and clapping. What is—
"Oh, and here comes Slytherin's first attempt on goal…" the Hufflepuff kid announces.
Bellatrix focuses back on the match.
Shit, that kid is fast. A blur of green, hurling the quaffle, and Weasley—
Saves it?! That was fucking—
She stands up, dragging Autonoe with her. "Yes! Come on, Gryffindor!" she yells. It feels so wrong. Like Salazar himself is glaring down at her for—
"Go Gryffindor!" Autonoe shrieks, and then laughs as everyone around them covers their ears. "Oh this is wonderful! Look! Look at—"
Bellatrix pulls them back down, grinning and joining in with the cheers again as a well-aimed bludger smacks into the Slytherin seeker. Brutal.
Excellent, these lions can play.
She feels a small hand on her shoulder and whirls around. Oh. Lovegood.
Lovegood leans in to whisper to her. "So you've had some more practice with your hiding. Much better. Still a little ways to go, but you're doing very well. You and Neville have done some excellent growing."
Hmm. Maybe she should have changed her face for Lovegood. Oh well. Sod it. She's here to have fun.
She grins at the witch. "I got a lot more practice in. And some help. Can you see anyone else hiding?"
Luna nods dreamily. "Oh yes. You Blacks are terrible at it. But that's alright. You are all much too interesting to be hidden away. Although you might want to hide that tail. People are not always accepting of these things."
Tail? Shit.
She moves sideways and sits on Autonoe's lap. Maybe that will help.
"Bellatrix! I can't—"
She covers Autonoe's mouth with her hand and shuffles sideways a bit so they can see. "Ssh. Call me a different name. No one can—"
Bellatrix ducks as a quaffle flies right at her head. Shit. Why is that always—
Cissy caught it?
Great. Now everyone is looking at them.
Narcissa doesn't even blink. Stands up, quaffle in hand. "Weasley!" she bellows, and launches the ball high into the air. Good throw! But where is—
Ginny swoops out of nowhere to catch it, speeding away and down the pitch, ready to score before the slytherins have realised what happened.
And now all the girls around them are squealing at Cissy.
"That was amazing!" Parvati shouts. "You should be on the team. Are you? What house did you say you were in again?"
Cissy slowly sits back down and frowns at her. "I didn't say. Now turn around. You're missing the match."
Wow. Cissy really does not know how to talk to—
"Ooh, how mysterious!" Lavender teases. "Come on Parvati, you'd better do as he says."
"Oh I think I have to. I don't want him to be angry with me," Parvati winks.
Cissy freezes. Mouth opens and shuts, obviously wanting to just scold them but not able to. This is bloody brilliant.
But probably not fair on Cissy.
Bellatrix turns around and whoops loudly as Ginny scores yet again. "Come on, leave my brother alone. He's right. You're missing it. Go Weasley!" And another small part of her dies. Cheering for a Weasley. Thank Merlin Draco isn't…playing…
Oh yeah. Off trying to mend the cabinet. Poor kid.
She leans back against Autonoe. "Can you see okay? It's for the tail, sorry. I can move if—"
Autonoe hugs her. "This is the best day ever Bell— Kalypso. I can't wait to tell the others and— oh I wish Hermione was here. Our Hermione"
Bellatrix's head begins to— no, no, let go. Let go of the thread. Focus on Autonoe. And— and Hermione is right behind you so—
Andy pats her on the arm. "You're cold, my dear. Here."
Bellatrix relaxes as the warming spell takes hold. Oh yeah. Forgot. "Thanks, Professor. Guess I should have worn a scarf or—"
"Excuse me, I couldn't help overhearing and— here. Take mine. I can't believe you aren't wearing a cloak, it's freezing!"
A Gryffindor scarf hangs in front of her. She gently takes it. Turns around.
Hermione. Looking at her in concern, forehead pinched. Red-cheeked from the cold. She can't take her scarf!
She offers it back. "Don't be ridiculous, Herm— here. I'm fine. Got the warming charm and uhh…"
She was going to mention Autonoe's arms around her waist, but their name is way too unusual and she doesn't want to draw any more attention to—
Hermione glares. "Take it. You can give it back at the end of the match. Don't be stubborn, you're shaking."
Oh. Is she?
Why is she shaking?
She cautiously wraps the scarf around her neck. It doesn't quite smell the same as her Hermione, but it's still…
She swallows. "Thank you. I'll give it back later. I promise."
Hermione smiles. Shrugs. "It's just a scarf. I have another— oh what is Harper doing to Harry?! Don't— foul! That's a foul! He almost knocked him off! I can't believe Smith didn't— or Madam Hooch!"
Hermione continues yelling, face red with righteous anger now. Harper, was it? That's the Slytherin seeker? Maybe Bellatrix could jinx his—
Harper's spotted the snitch! Where is—
"Harry! The snitch!" Neville yells.
Potter hasn't seemed to notice.
Oh now he has. Shoots up behind— but it's not enough! He isn't—
"You can do it, Harry!" Hermione shouts.
"Go, Harry, go!" Luna joins in, hat roaring. He's nearly—
Bellatrix stands up, and Autonoe clings onto her shoulders to stay upright too. "What's happening?!"
"If Harry catches it then they'll win!" Bellatrix shouts. "The snitch! The tiny gold ball!"
"Oh! Go Harry! Faster!" Autonoe shrieks.
Ow. Ow her ears.
Harper fumbles the snitch! And Harry—
There's a thunderous roar as Harry's hand closes around the golden ball. He did it! He—
Bella. Bella, I— help me
What? Oh no. Cissy.
Bellatrix sits Autonoe down next to Andy, and jumps up onto the seat. Steps over to stand next to— Cissy is very still. Shit. What—
Okay. Okay—
She casts a warming charm at Cissy. They need to fight the cold and—
I'm here. It's okay. Tell me what you need, Cissy
No reply.
"Do you have any chocolate?!" Bellatrix whispers frantically at Lovegood. No. "Longbottom? Granger? Got any chocolate?"
Neville reaches into his robes. "Here. Is he okay?"
Thank Merlin. She grabs the bar and opens the wrapper. Gives it to Cissy. Eat this. We'll get out of here. We'll—
There's a crash as for some reason Ginny Weasley flies right into the commentator's podium. Oh. To teach that Hufflepuff a lesson. She kinda likes that witch. She has guts.
When she looks back, Cissy is eating the chocolate, Andy by her side but unable to really help, stuck as Trelawney. Lavender and Parvati start talking to her, pointing excitedly to the commentator's box, and Andromeda reluctantly moves away from Cissy. At least that's two Gryffindors distracted.
And Narcissa looks a bit better. Eyes more focused. You okay, Cissy?
"I…yes. Apologies. Don't know…" Narcissa clears her throat and gives the rest of the bar back to Neville. "Thank you. Just a sudden— you should all get going. The celebrations will start soon, go congratulate your housemates. They deserve it. It was quite the victory."
She's watching Harry again. Surrounded by cheering teammates. Laughing. Little Harry Potter. Quidditch captain. His parents would be proud of him today. Oh Cissy.
She hugs her little sister. "Come on. Let's get back to the common room. Leave these Gryffindors in peace."
She unwinds the scarf around her neck with one hand. Tries to act casual as she hands it back to Hermione. "Thanks for this."
Hermione takes it back and wraps it around her own neck.
And she leans in to whisper to Bellatrix. Shit. Shit she's so close and—
"Is your brother really okay? He seems…is it a panic attack? Oh. You might not know— it's a muggle term."
Panic attack? Huh. Makes sense. It definitely feels like the panic is attacking you. Bellatrix nods. "Bad memories. Normally a patronus helps but—"
Hermione raises her eyebrows. And then nods determinedly. Pulls out her wand. "Expecto Patronum!"
Oh. Oh her otter.
Bellatrix feels herself relax. Like the air is lighter. Easier to breathe.
Lovegood hums. "Oh, we're casting patronuses? Expecto patronum!"
A hare bounds around them.
Autonoe squeals excitedly. "What is that?! How did you do that?! It feels so warm and— can you do that, Kalypso?"
Oh. Uhh…
Everyone looks at her expectantly.
She looks at Hermione. Transfigures her wand, so it won't be recognisable. And nods. "Expecto patronum," she says softly.
Her dog runs out. Sniffs at Hermione and barks. Hermine smiles. Laughs. It's…
Oh. It's sad, but it is nicer to see Hermione than to…
She stands on her tiptoes to whisper to Cissy. "Go talk to Harry. I know it's hard but— he's so happy today. Do it for her. Go see him."
Cissy's face falls blank. "I'll do no such thing. He is already with his teammates and—"
"And he won't notice an extra fan. Go!"
Cissy clenches her jaw. Raises her chin. Rolls her shoulders back. "Fine. Okay then. I'll…"
And then a cheeky grin spreads across Narcissa's face. She steps down onto the next level, and scoops Autonoe out of their seat, making sure…
Did Cissy just lengthen their robes? Why didn't Bellatrix think of that?!
"What are you doing?!" Autonoe giggles.
Cissy laughs, shifting them easily in her arms. A warm laugh. "Escorting you down the steps. Don't you wish to see the quidditch pitch?"
"Oh yes! Yes, please, take me down there!" Autonoe points down to the pitch, and Narcissa begins walking down the steps. Nods at Parvati as she passes, still grinning. What the— what is Cissy up to? Suddenly all charming and—
Bellatrix looks between Hermione and Narcissa, torn. Andy is already leaving too…
Bellatrix clears her throat. "I should get after them. Congrats again on— and thanks for the scarf."
Lovegood grabs Neville's hand and pulls him towards the steps. "Come on, Neville. We need to go now. We'll see Hermione later. She's going to stay here for a few minutes."
What?!
But—
She and Hermione both stare after Lovegood in confusion. "Uhh, I was actually leaving. So…"
Hermione turns back around and sighs, rolling her eyes. "Me too. I wanted to see Harry, but— sometimes with Luna, it's best not to ask."
Bellatrix chuckles. "Oh I've noticed. But she seems…I think she has her reasons. She's smart. Ravenclaw."
Hermione sits down. "I suppose we can wait until the crowd has thinned."
Oh. Sit together? Just them?
Did this happen before? She didn't really watch the quidditch matches in Hermione's memories. Especially if Draco wasn't playing.
She sits down next to Hermione. Not strong enough to resist. "Guess so."
There's an awkward silence. She has no idea what to say. What she's allowed to say. Obviously whatever it was wasn't very memorable. Great.
Hermione is frowning.
"Are…you okay?" Bellatrix asks hesitantly.
Hermione looks up. "It's Ron. Ron Weasley? He's angry with me for— for some inexplicable reason and— and I just can't figure out what I did wrong! What did I do?! He's my friend. Shouldn't he tell me if— if I did something wrong? I'm not very good with…he knows I like rules. Clear rules. Reasons. It just doesn't make sense."
Oh. Seeing people problems. Bellatrix snorts. "Ron Weasley? Well that's obvious. He's probably jealous of something. That's always his problem. I don't know the bloke but— all those older brothers? Famous best friend? Yep. Hot-headed, jealous prat. It probably wasn't anything you did at all. All in his head."
Hermione's mouth falls open. "Jealousy? Well…maybe. You're right, that has happened before with Harry. But why would he be jealous of me?!"
Why wouldn't he be?
Bellatrix looks down at the pitch. Spots Autonoe 'stood' next to Trelawney, and Cissy heading towards the boys changing rooms. Go Cissy. Be brave. She can—
Do the right thing.
She sighs. "Well…of course he's jealous of you. You're smart. And kind. A good friend. Brave. And…he obviously likes you. He's not jealous of you. He's jealous that he doesn't have you."
Hermione makes a strange squeaking sound. "What?! No! That's not— he doesn't— he's never liked me like— like that! No one— I'm just a friend, not— Do you really think—?"
Bellatrix nods reluctantly. This already happened. Not like she can tell Hermione that she deserves way better than Ron Weasley. That she has a soulmate, sat right next to her in disguise. That Bellatrix is the one who will really love her. See her. Want her. Need her.
So badly.
Hermione smiles. "Oh. No one's ever liked me before. Not like that. Not many people even like me as a friend so…sorry. Don't know why I'm telling you all this. I don't even know your name, was it…Kalliope?"
Bellatrix gets to her feet. Nope. This is too hard. She shakes her head. "Not quite. Come on, you should go find Potter and Weasley. It was a great match. I didn't know Weasley had it in him."
They head down the steps. And the change of topic does distract Hermione, as predicted. "That's another problem," Hermione groans. "Ron isn't normally that good. He— can you keep a secret?"
Bellatrix laughs. Now there's an understatement. She mimes locking her lips. "Not a word. Promise."
Hermione nods. "Okay. Well, this morning, at breakfast— I think Harry put some felix felicis in Ron's drink! They cheated! And I've tried to just enjoy the match. Not say anything. But it's just— how could they do that?! They take quidditch so seriously and— cheating?! I can't believe they'd do this!"
Oh yeah! She forgot Potter did that.
Or did he? Wasn't it all pretend? Fake?
"Felix felicis?! Where did he get that? That's so difficult to brew and— maybe you should talk to him about it. He probably feels guilty. Potter's a nice bloke. It might just be a misunderstanding…he's your best friend, right? Just talk to him."
They reach the pitch, and Hermione heads towards the changing rooms. "Yes. Yes, I should catch them before the party. I don't know if they've— oh there's your brother! I hope he's okay now. The patronuses seemed to help, but maybe talk to him later if— and thank you for the advice. I'll…see you around? What house did you say you were in?"
Bellatrix swallows a lump in her throat. Walks backwards towards Cissy, Andy and Autonoe. "I didn't. I'll see you around, Granger."
And hastily turns around. Get away, get away. Too hard.
She jogs the last few feet to Cissy and throws her arms around her. Physical intimacy. Maybe that will help. Will make her feel better.
And Cissy's tall enough now for her to hide her face in her chest. Just for a second. Just until the pain goes away.
Cissy hugs her back. Kisses her head. "Thank you for making me do that, Bella."
Oh.
She looks up at Cissy. Ah.
Guess they can be heartbroken together.