Chapter 70: Thinking Outside of the BoxChapter Text
Bellatrix steps out of the floo, and into a living room. Andy's house. This is Andy's house. Freaking weird. And she has the muggle box thing! Her furniture all points towards— the box— television.
Oh shit. And a husband stood in the doorway. How do you even do this? Meet the family? Be…nice? She's never had to…introduce herself before. Not in years. She never really socialises or anything.
Cissy comes through the floo behind her. Okay. Okay just—
Bellatrix walks over to the bloke. Looks him over. He has…kind eyes. But clenched teeth. Nervous, not angry. She kind of remembers him from Hogwarts…
She holds out a hand for him to shake. "Hi. Sorry I went crazy for a second there. I won't kill you. Promise."
She hears a groan from around the corner, and Andy walks into the room. "Seriously?! Bella, do you not know how to talk to someone like a normal human being? What's wrong with nice to meet you?"
Bellatrix rolls her eyes. "Yeah, because that's better. Ignoring it."
She looks this Ted bloke in the eye. "That would have been weirder, wouldn't it? If I'd been all polite and nicey-nice? We all know this is tense and strange as fuck. You know I'm the crazy sister-in-law. So? Wanna punch me in the face, or can we just shake hands before my arm goes numb?"
Ted laughs nervously. Cautiously shakes her hand. "Uhh, no. No punching. Don't think I've ever punched no one before, so this probably ain't the moment to try that. And I think you're right. Better to mention the crazy…uhh…past couple of decades."
Hmm. Never punched anyone? She's not sure if that's a point for or against him. Mentioned the crazy though, so he has some balls. Cockney accent. So that's where Tonks gets it from. He doesn't seem too scared of her—
Andy drags her a step back. "Stop it! Stop whatever you're thinking and— oh and Ted, this is Cissy."
Narcissa also shakes Ted's hand. "Narcissa, if you don't mind. It's nice to finally meet you, Edward. I'd also like to apologise for my past behaviour, and for my elder sister and her deplorable manners. Sadly something that turning from the Dark Lord cannot fix. She has always been—"
Bellatrix drags Cissy away. "Cut it out, Cissy. This isn't some high society bollocks. He's used to Andy, I'm not that bad. He probably has a fuck load of questions anyway so— look are we gonna have a drink or something, Andy? Please say muggles have alcohol, or that you have some Ogden's in, because this evening is going to—"
Ted bursts out laughing. "Gods, this is surreal. Dromeda, what the— she's just like you. Like you with even less of a filter, how is that possible? How could— I didn't figure it would be so— oh fuck it, let's get a drink. We do have Ogdens. Or 'muggle drinks' if you want. This way."
He turns his back on them and walks out of the room, muttering to himself about everything being surreal. Bellatrix follows after him. Turn his back on her? Really? Is he brave, or stupid?
What's that? On the wall? A white— and what is this material? And the pictures really don't move. Huh. Weird. Quite nice not to be watched all the time but— oh that one moves. Dora as a kid, waving at her. It's…sad. She never got to know that kid. Wasn't here for her. Now Tonks just thinks she's a psycho, and apparently fucking the Dark Lord if—
Muggle kitchen? Why would Andy choose to have a muggle kitchen? What's wrong with— that one is making a noise. Humming. A big white box.
She feels her pulse pick up, and grumbles at herself. Don't be stupid. Muggles aren't scary. Hermione knows all of this stuff. Bellatrix will need to learn it at some point. Just…
Ted flicks his wand at different cupboards, and lots of different bottles fly out onto the round kitchen table. "Right. That's all we've got. Help yourself to whatever you…oh. Oh, this takes me back. Now how did I…Oh yeah. The white box is called a fridge. It's not dangerous, it's just like…a cold cupboard. You can open it if you want and have a bit of a gander."
Bellatrix squints at him. Is he a legilimens? How did he know…
He just mimes opening a cupboard and then turns back to the bottles, shaking his head with a smile. And glances nervously at the door to the hall. Probably wondering what Andy and Cissy are up to. Why they've left him with her. He's doing well, actually. Most people would have pissed themselves by now, alone in a room with her. Or drawn their wand. His is casually tucked behind his ear.
She decides to just open the white cupboard…fridge. He said fridge, and it keeps things cold…
And there's a light inside. She sticks her hand in. It is cold. And there's a smaller…ice. A little drawer inside with ice and boxes of food. Is that how it stays cold? They put ice around it?
There's a bottle of white wine in there too. Not in the ice bit. Just sat in the door next to some milk… She picks it up. Cold. So the fridge works. Huh.
She decides to carry it over to the table. She probably shouldn't use her wand too much.
But first she slowly closes the fridge door, peeking inside as she does. She wants to see if the light source can still power itself or…hmm. Hard to tell.
She closes it, and then yanks it open really fast to try to beat the light and—
"Bella!"
She whirls around and shuts the door behind her. Offers the wine up to a glaring Cissy and shuffles over to Ted. "Watch out for her," she whispers. "Cissy's the scary sister."
His eyes widen, and she grins at him. Nods. Now this is fun.
She takes a little look inside his head. Just to try…Oh. Oh that is fucking weird. What is— ah! The floor is getting faster and— and steepening into—
She manages to pull out, and finds her arms windmilling as she tries to find her balance. "What the fuck was that?! Cissy! Cissy, look in his fucking head! That is the weirdest shit I've ever seen!"
Ted grins at her. "It worked? You saw it? You're the first person who's looked in donkeys! Not since Snape."
Snape? Bellatrix steadies herself and folds her arms. "What's Snivellus doing sticking his nose in? Don't let that bastard find out anything else. He already—ah!"
She jumps as Cissy suddenly grabs her shoulders.
"Oh! Oh, that is awfully clever. What are they called? The moving…they are used in supermarkets, are they not? And airports?"
Ted nods. "Conveyor belts. We reckoned I should use something muggle, to confuse as many legilimens as possible. I got the idea from the inside of airports, where the luggage goes. Well, films of the inside— not real. Cartoons or— shit. I forgot how hard this stuff is to explain."
Narcissa sits down at the table and pours herself a glass of wine. "I've watched films. Videos. I'm not sure what Andromeda has told you, but I am reasonably well acquainted with the muggle world. Bella is the one who is completely in the dark. And sit down, Andromeda. Here is as good as anywhere. Stop standing there like a…lemon, and sit down."
Bellatrix looks over at Andy. She is rather quiet. Oh.
She walks over and squeezes Andy's hand. Swings it.
And then just gives in and hugs Andy instead. They both need a hug. She's not sure what to say. She's just…sorry. That she's been gone for so long. That nothing was stopping this. That this whole time, they could have all been together, sat in Andy's kitchen. They should have all stayed together. When Andy said she was leaving…Bellatrix should have gone with her. Taken Cissy too and left the darkness behind.
Andy rubs her back and then pulls away. Kisses her cheek. "I know. But it's okay. We still have time. Our story isn't over yet. We can just sit down and—"
That's what Hermione said. That they were still alive. That it wasn't the end. That they'd have one hundred and fifty more years of— of—
She takes a gasping breath, and reaches for Andy as her heart skips a beat and her vision tunnels. Everything is— her head. It hurts. It— the pain is—
"…is she alright? What is—"
"Bella, just breathe. I've got you. Remember to—"
"…thread, Bella. Release. You cannot reach her. Not like that. Let go."
Let go? Of Hermione? Why would she— oh. Oh shit, let go of the thread. Stop pulling. Stop…
Everything comes back into focus. She's sat in a chair at the kitchen table, surrounded by concerned faces.
And Cissy breathes out a sigh of relief. "She's alright. It has passed."
Andy slumps down into a chair next to her. "Fucking hell, Bella. Shit. That is never going to get any less terrifying. You looked like a corpse."
Bellatrix just reaches for the Ogden's and pours herself a couple of fingers. Takes a sip and looks over at Ted. He does look as if he just saw a dead body for the first time.
She reaches over and clinks her glass against his can of…something. "Welcome to the family. Or should I say the madhouse? Whichever it is, good luck."
He sits down, shaking his head and drinking some of his…she turns her head sideways to read it. Carlsburg. Whatever that is.
She risks using her wand. Casts an aguamenti and then freezes it into ice mid-air. Snaps the stick of ice into pieces and drops it in with her firewhisky. "So. What's Andy gone and told you about little old me? Anything good?"
Andromeda quickly reaches over to cover Ted's mouth. "Don't answer that. I'll just— I told him that you've both come around to a saner world view and got back in touch with me. That I trust both of you, and that he should too. And that I'm helping you both with a…task."
Bellatrix raises her eyebrows. That's it? Fuck. That does leave a lot out. Hmm. She kind of feels bad for the bloke.
She pulls some bottles towards her so she can see the labels. Just out of curiosity. Coke. Gin. Butterbeer. Lemonade. Amaretto. Elvish wi— don't— let go of the thread. Just—
She clears her throat and ignores the headache. "Any burning questions, Ted?"
Silence. She looks up.
He's staring at her. Analysing her. Watching everything she does. She sticks her tongue out at him.
He glances at Andromeda. Then at Narcissa. Drums his fingers on the table. "Why now? After all these years, why now?"
Oh. Well that's easy. But embarrassing.
She thinks about lying. Showing weakness to a stranger, to a wizard, is never a good idea. And not fucking easy to…
But Andy loves him. So he's family now. Has been for…twenty-five years.
So she grits her teeth, holds her head high.
And then just shakes her head at him with a defeated sigh. "I met someone…who reminded me who I really am. Who I want to be. I…had given up. On myself. On the world. I took all of my pain…and passed it on to everyone else. I was blind. Stuck in the dark. She found me. Saved me from myself. Reminded me how to love."
Ugh that was so soppy. How pathetic. Why couldn't she just have said—
Cissy squeezes her hand. Clears her throat. "I believe Bella has summarised my own reasoning quite nicely as well. Although I stepped out of the dark many years ago. Not long after Andromeda."
Ted frowns. Looks at Andy for confirmation, and then barks out a laugh. "Love? You fell in love? Oh fuck. This means that Dumbledore has been right this whole time! The power of love!"
Andy smacks his arm. "Dumbledore wouldn't know love if it kicked him up the arse. He has nothing to do with this, Ted. If you knew their stories then—"
"Actually, Dumbledore was once in love with Gellert Grindelwald," Narcissa says calmly before taking another sip of wine.
Everyone stops to look at her in baffled confusion. Narcissa's expressions remains blank. They sit in silence.
Well she can't just do that! Deliberately— "Cissy! How do you know that? I knew from…well I knew, but—"
Narcissa casually looks up. And grins. "I've known for years. Since Hogwarts. Felt him try to look into my head…showed him some false memories…and then decided some payback may be necessary. Or blackmail. He hid that fact deep within his mind, but I found it. Close to his worst fear and deepest desire. As a boy and young man, he was neighbours with Grindelwald. Fell completely in love with him. I'm not sure if the love was reciprocated…but there must be a reason that Dumbledore was the only one able to stop Grindelwald in his tracks. To defeat him. Dumbledore's belief that love conquers all…seems to come from experience."
Ted leans over to whisper to Bellatrix. "You're right. She's the scary one. Don't leave me in a room with her, I'm begging you."
Cissy just grins wider. "She can hear you. And do not worry. I shall not share your thoughts or memories with anyone. Amusing as they may be."
Andy growls. "I knew it! Get out of his head, Cissy. He's off limits. Don't make me look in Draco's head or—"
Fuck! Bellatrix jumps out of her seat to catch Andy as she collapses unconscious, falling sideways off the dining chair. "Cissy! She won't look! Stop it!"
Ted jolts to his feet and points his wand at Narcissa. "What've you done to her? She said you wouldn't hurt no one no more, that you both—"
Merlin's balls! Right.
Bellatrix lowers Andy onto the floor, and casts a petrificus totalus over her shoulder at Cissy as fast as she can.
Narcissa thuds onto the floor. And of course Ted whirls to face her, wand held high and terrified.
Bellatrix puts her wand down on the floor. "They're both fine. Look, Andy's waking up. She's okay."
And she is. Andromeda sits up with a groan, rubbing at her temples. Smiles reassuringly at Ted and reaches for his hands to help her up. "Sister stuff. I shouldn't have mentioned Draco. Cissy is a bit overprotective and…what happened?"
And there's a whimper in Bellatrix's head. Bella. Bella, please undo the spell. I'm sorry I— let me out. I'm frozen. I'm trapped
Oh shit.
She cancels the spell and hurries over to Cissy. Pulls her up until she's sat on the floor and hugs her. "Sorry. I didn't think. I just— are you okay, Cissy? I didn't hurt you, did I? I didn't mean to—"
Narcissa tuts. "I'm fine. Let me up, Bella."
Bellatrix backs off, and they both sit down again at the table. Bellatrix picks her firewhisky back up…and then decides to just go for it and open one of the weird muggle drinks. Pulls the bottle of 'coke' towards her.
Ted makes a strange sound. "That's it?! Just back to normal and— unconscious bodies in the kitchen ain't normal. Dromeda. We've been through this. Violence ain't—"
Andy squeezes Ted's hand. "I know. It's…"
She turns to Narcissa. "Cissy, I promise I won't ever look into Draco's head unless absolutely necessary. Unless it's to protect him. So please do the same for Ted. Surface thoughts only, same as me and Bella. Oh and—shit, Bella, don't—"
Andy reaches toward her, and Bellatrix pulls her hands back from the bottle just as she opens the lid and—
And the bottle explodes. Brown liquid spurting out everywhere. Almost reaching the ceiling. Shouts fill the room as everyone casts shielding charms and vanishing spells.
Ah. It's not dangerous. Just…sticky. Bellatrix sits back, umbrella charm over her head, and watches the chaos as everyone scrambles away.
Eventually the spray stops, and she reaches for the similarly sized lemonade bottle. Leans close and watches as tiny bubbles float up inside. Hmm. Trapped air. Fizzy. So the contained pressure…
She shakes the bottle, and points it at Cissy. "Apologise to Andy. You know she wouldn't hurt Draco. And you know you shouldn't have looked in Ted's head. Not that far."
Narcissa glares at her from over by the sink. "Put that down this instant, Bella. I am perfectly within my right to defend my son from…"
Bellatrix moves her hand to the lid. Twists. A hissing sound fills the room. Andy and Ted edge around the table to stand next to Bellatrix. They're both grinning.
Cissy tuts. Folds her arms. "Fine. I apologise for…being overly harsh with my legilimency, Andromeda. I should not have rendered you unconscious, and of course I know you would never harm Draco. And…I should not have looked so deeply into your mind, Edward. My curiosity got the better of me. I did not intend any malice. I only…"
Narcissa sighs, and slowly reaches into her pocket. Pulls out…a black…what?
Ted laughs. "A mobile phone? You wanna know— wow. Blimey, okay, Narcissa Malfoy has a mobile phone. That's— where did you—"
Mobilephone? What's a mobilephone?
Bellatrix puts the bottle down and skips over to Cissy. Her feet stick to the floor a bit. She vanishes the coke. And stares at the…contraption in Cissy's hand. It has numbers on, and the word 'Nokia'. And rubber…buttons? Are they called buttons? Like the watch?
Cissy smiles at her. "It is for long distance communication. Like Hermione showed you with the tin cans and the thread. You speak into it. But you have to know the code number of the other person's device."
Oh! She grabs the device from Cissy. "It's like a thread? But with a code? Andy, do you have one? Or Ted? What's your secret code?"
Ted walks away with a chuckle, back out into the hall. "Dromeda, call the landline, love."
Andy walks over to them and takes the little black block from Bellatrix. "You and your secrets, Cissy. When did you even— right. First, you have to turn it on. Activate it. By holding down this button until the screen— the glass square, shines green and— okay, good. It works. So we have our own phone down the hall. It's not mobile like this. Too bloody expensive for some of us, unlike Miss Money Bags over here— ours is attached to the wall. So. Our phone number, the code, is 0181 932 0159."
Well that's a bloody long code. Bellatrix'd better memorise that somehow. She watches Andy press the numbered…buttons. Eleven numbers. Separated into three sections. The first four numbers were said very quickly, so maybe they're more important? Easier to remember somehow?
"And then you press this green image of a phone to begin the call. So…"
Bellatrix jumps and raises her wand as a bell—
"See? That's us calling Ted."
The ringing stops, and Andy holds the…phone to her ear. "Hi Ted. I'll pass you around. Here, Cissy. Just speak normally and hold it to your ear."
Narcissa takes the phone with a smirk. "I know. I have used one before. And it is customary to say…hello, Edward. How are you?"
They hear faint laughter through the phone, and Narcissa walks away. "Yes. Yes, muggle London. Oh, many, are you surprised?"
Bellatrix stomps after her. "Hey! It's my turn with the phone! Give it back!"
She tries to grab it, but Cissy ducks out of the way.
"Andromeda is not the only one with secrets. Oh really? Now that is interesting. I'll be sure to—"
Bellatrix pokes Cissy in the ribs to distract her. "Accio phone! Aha!"
She snatches it from the air and holds it to her ear, backing away from Cissy. "Ted? Are you there?"
"Still here. Narcissa ain't unconscious, is she?"
It works! Bellatrix grins. "No, just sulking because she doesn't know how to share her toys."
Cissy glares at her. Bellatrix just keeps grinning. "So how far can this thing go?"
Ted hums. "As far as you want, I reckon. It don't work at Hogwarts or other places with strong wards. But out and about…there are some areas where the connection ain't great, but it ain't about distance. The signal has to…uhh…well there are these big metal— shit. Bloody difficult to explain."
Hmm. How is he so calm about all this? It's suspicious. Just chatting to her as if…
She looks around. Andy has walked off somewhere.
Bellatrix leans against the kitchen wall. Looks out a window into a small garden. "Ted?"
"Yeah? Still here."
Bellatrix clears her throat. "How have you…how are you okay with all this? You know who I am. You know what I— the things— the people— I'm Bellatrix Lestrange."
There's silence for a while. But she can hear him breathing, so he's still there. And she can feel Cissy watching her.
Eventually there's a sigh. "Dromeda trusts you. She loves you, don't she? You're her sister. And she says you've changed. Dromeda's the smartest person I know. Always has been. And you hurt her. She's been hurting cos of you for a long time. But now…she's happy. She trusts you. She's forgiven you. And she's forgiven herself too, I think, for what she did, or didn't do. So you coming round here, talking to me, trying. That's enough. The past's the past, ain't it? You've done your time, I reckon."
Bellatrix lets out a relieved breath. Okay. He is a good bloke. And he understands, maybe a little. He's forgiving. And kind. And trusts her sister. Loves her.
"I don't know, Ted. I don't think I'll ever have done my time. Ever made up for— I can't fix it, but I'll do what I can. And you can trust me. I promise. I won't ever hurt Andy. Or anyone, if I can help it."
She looks out at the stars. "I'm trying not to hurt people now. New rule. No killing. I think I've managed…five months without killing anyone now. Impressive, right?" That was a joke. She hopes he can take a joke. Lighten the mood.
It's also depressingly true. Five months since she killed Sirius. Since she met Hermione.
Breathe. Just breathe. You can…
She breathes through the pain.
Ted half-laughs half-groans in her ear. She'd forgotten about him for a second. "I can't tell if you're kidding or— Jesus Christ. Okay. Why don't you hang up, do you know how to do that? End the call? There should be a red button, maybe with a picture of a phone or something."
Oh. Okay, she can do that.
She presses the red button and holds the phone to her ear again. "Are you gone?"
Silence. Gone.
She looks at the green square…there are some words now. It says contacts. Is that how you contact other codes? How…
She turns her back on Cissy, and casually walks closer to the door, pressing a button with what looks like an arrow on. It is an arrow! And it moves…so how does she…
A central button. That must mean…
Contacts. Ha!
She cackles. "Cissy! What a lot of contacts. And oh look, these appear to be women's names!"
She runs down the hallway as Cissy comes after her. "Who's Victoria? Or Sophia? Rebecca?"
"Bella! Bellatrix, don't— Accio phone! Accio—"
Bellatrix holds on tight and ducks behind Ted in the hallway. Uses him as a shield and backs them into the living room. "No hurting Ted. You promised! Now tell us who they— or should I call them? Is their name their code? What happens if I press…"
The box in the living room. Light is coming from the television. And voices. A play? A story? Isn't that what Hermione said?
Cissy pushes Ted out of the way and snatches the phone back, but Bella doesn't really care. Jumps to sit on the sofa with Andy instead. Hugs her excitedly. "Show me a play. A story. One with…a happy ending. Or pirates."
Andy laughs. "Our options are a bit limited for that. Pirates? Now that was a fucking long time ago, how old were we, five?"
Bellatrix transfigures a cushion into a pirate's hat and stands up on the sofa. "It was when mother was pregnant with Cissy, remember? Captain Black and her trusty first mate and sister had to find an uninhabited island, with buried treasure of course, so that the moment their new little sibling was born, they could steal them from their bassinet and sail far away. Black Island. Our new home. And we'd take Tiggy, obviously."
She sits down on the back of the sofa and turns her hat sideways. Ties her hair into a fake beard. "And in disguise. Filthy, rotten, murderous pirates. Why do you think you swear so bloody much? Captain Black was a fucking bad influence on you, first mate Andy."
Cissy stares at her. "I never knew…all this time, you both ignored your etiquette lessons…because you'd rather be pirates? To take me away?"
Andy sits down next to Bellatrix and steals her hat. "We were co-captains, thank you very much. I never said I was first mate. Just because you were more bossy and knew more sailing and swear words didn't make you captain. I did call you Bellow though for a while instead of Bella. You were so loud, I was terrified someone would hear us. Especially with all the cursing. Bellow and Andrew Black. Sisters, in disguise as brothers. No women allowed at sea."
Oh yeah. Brothers. Hmm, now that she thinks about it, she did rescue a few damsels in distress as part of their adventures. Fucking hell. How did it take her until she was thirteen to realise she'd never fancy wizards? She was imagining kissing witches at six years old! Saving them.
She jumps down and walks closer to the box. Tiny moving people. She waves at them. They ignore her— oh. Not always tiny. Sometimes a face fills the glass square. So you can see their expressions.
Cissy comes and sits next to her. "It's fascinating, isn't it? They can't see us, but we can see them. And there are different stories, on different topics. Of all genres. Some even factual. Like a visual library. You could watch a film over and over again, and it would have the same ending. Like reading a book. A book brought to life."
"The films are on that shelf if you want to look. Videos," Ted calls from behind them.
Oh. He's right. Those aren't books, they just look like…
She looks at the titles. The covers. The blurbs. They're not as heavy as books. She pulls the box open. Another box. Muggles seem to like boxes.
Another black box inside. With two holes in.
She looks up as Cissy gasps. What is she looking at…
The Secret Garden. Oh. They made the book into a moving film? Brought it to life? So you can see the little people?
She wraps an arm around Cissy. "Do you want to see? We don't have to…"
Cissy leans against her for a second. Hides her face in Bellatrix's neck. And then nods. "It has a happy ending, Bella. Lily would have loved to…yes. Let's all watch it together. Let's sit with Andy…and…and perhaps Lily can watch too. If she's still here. Still watching, somehow. I hope she is."
Bellatrix squeezes her tight. "Course she's watching," she whispers. "She said she'd never leave you, Cissy. And it sounded like she's the type to keep her promises. She'll be keeping an eye on you somehow."
She pulls Cissy up and over to the sofa. Narcissa carefully hands the box to Ted. "This one, Edward. If you would be so kind."
Ted slowly nods, sensing the strange atmosphere. Doesn't comment. "Alrighty then. I'll pop it in. You can sit here with Dromeda, I'll take the armchair."
He gets up and goes back over to the television. Bends down and does…something with another box. Bellatrix just squeezes in next to Andy and pulls Cissy down to sit on her other side. Transfigures the pirate hat back into a cushion and hugs it. Waits for the box to come to life.
She wishes Hermione was here. Here to see this. To see this with her. They were supposed to do these things together. Every day together.
The story begins. She holds Cissy's hand instead. Right now is about Cissy. And Andy.
She takes Andy's hand too. There. Think about that instead.
About all the stories she'll have to tell Hermione once she's back.
Chapter 71: Ready and WaitingChapter Text
June, 2005
Hermione takes a steadying breath, lets go of Andy's hand…and pushes open the door to the hospital room.
Oh. Her stomach drops.
Yes. She'd expected this. But Andy is right. It's still…
Narcissa smiles at her. Beckons her over to the bed. "Hello, Hermione. You have no idea what a relief it is to see you. Come talk to Bella. I believe she may be able to hear you, and she's stable for now."
Hermione is barely listening. Just pads over to the hospital bed and…she looks so small. And horribly pale. It's like when she first collapsed from her stab wounds. When Hermione had to call Snape to save her.
Except this time, she has scars. Bruises. A broken nose and a swollen ear. Her veriform. She's not even able to hold her form…
She looks over at Narcissa pleadingly. "Please say she's just asleep."
Narcissa shakes her head sadly. "She has not been conscious in…a long time. But you're back. Everything should…go on, Hermione."
Hermione sits down on the bed and takes Bellatrix's hand. Feels tears start to fall down her face. "I'm here, Bella. I came as quickly as I could. I didn't mean to leave you. I'm here. I'm back. Can you hear me? Can you— Narcissa, Andy said I couldn't use the thread to travel. Can I— can I talk to her?"
Narcissa frowns. And then nods sharply. "Yes. Yes, attempt to contact her. If she has an adverse reaction…well, I am ready to intervene, as is Andromeda. Go on."
Adverse reaction? What could…
She feels out for the thread. Doesn't pull. Doesn't dare even— just whispers into it. Bella? Are you there? Can you hear me?
Silence.
Oh no. Is…it broken? Or is Bellatrix just…too tired to speak?
Did travelling through time break it? Was it too far? Too long? Too—
Hermione?
Bella! Yes! Yes, I'm right here!
…Hermione? Bellatrix whispers sadly through the thread.
Hermione smiles. Squeezes her hand. It's okay. You're going to be okay. I'm back. I'll fix it
Bellatrix sighs through the thread. I know you can't hear me…but I'm going to talk to you anyway, okay pet? Just— just listen. So I was at the meeting today, and then suddenly I felt this burning pain in my fingertips. It must have been when you touched that bloody book. I almost dropped my wand. Thank fuck only Snape saw—
…What? Bellatrix wasn't in a meeting today. What is…
Oh. That was the day she left. What feels like yesterday, but was actually years ago. When Hermione touched the cursed book and…
Bellatrix continues taking through the thread. Telling Hermione about her day. About how she ran after her. How she jumped out a window and…
Hermione wipes at her face and shakes her head at Narcissa. "I can hear her. But it's from before. Everything she said to me through the thread…that never reached me. She talked to me. She knew I couldn't hear but— she's telling me about the day I left. She went to you. She knew she had to find her way home, so Tiggy took her to you. After she threw a tree around a forest."
Narcissa sits down next to her on the bed and laughs. Brushes some hair off of Bellatrix's forehead and kisses it. It's so strange. A Narcissa who laughs and is so affectionate. Time really has passed.
Hi, pet. I'm talking to you again. What a fucking idiot. I know you can't hear. I just— I'm about to go meet Andy, can you believe it? Cissy is just getting ready and— I wish you were here. You'd know what to say. I need— what if Andy doesn't come? Or what if she hates me? What if— I couldn't stand it if she…here comes Cissy. Guess we're going. Okay, Bella. You can do this. It will all be okay. It will all…
Oh she hates this! Why can't Bellatrix hear her now? Why are they still in the wrong time? Why—
She pulls her shoes off and lies down next to Bellatrix in the bed. I'm here. Come back to me, Bella. Are you lost? Tell me what you need
Holy fuck, pet. You're missing some crazy shit! I can't believe— Cissy loved Lily Evans. Potter's mum. Did she tell you? Was that the secret she told you about the muggle stuff and the strange watch? And that's not even— Andy is Trelawney! She's been fucking with us this whole time! It was her! All of those divination lessons, and when you stropped off and knocked the crystal ball onto the floor—
Hermione sits up and glares at Bellatrix. "I didn't strop off! I just didn't want to waste my time— oh."
She's yelling at someone in a coma.
She looks around, cringing in apology. Narcissa raises her eyebrows. Andy grins at her from the doorway. Oh yes!
Hermione folds her arms at Andy. "Trelawney? My clouded inner eye? I was fourteen! Why did you—"
Andy walks over, grinning. "You needed to lose some of that logic and believe in magic again, little Miss Swotty. For being so smart, you didn't pay attention to me, did you? Judged me. Scorned the mystical and the unusual. Thought you knew everything. Even after I told Harry my prophecy about Wormtail, you still didn't figure it out. That needed to change. I knew you were important somehow, I just wasn't sure why. You needed to learn to believe in things that couldn't be seen. That didn't quite make sense. And look at that, an invisible thread to my sister! Soulmates. Now that takes some blind belief."
Hermione just huffs, half annoyed half…just astounded that this is all real. Is this how she'd become friends with Andy after the war? Was it all a set up? Was this why Andy kept including her in things with Harry and Teddy? She'd thought maybe she just missed Tonks and took her in, but…
Never mind. That's a conversation for another day. She needs to know more about prophecies and— "And how did Trelawney help with any of that? I didn't take divination. I left."
Andy sits down and shrugs. "Yeah. Mostly I was just messing with you. But I was memorable, wasn't I? And as soon as you found out that Trelawney made the prophecy about Harry…you would have remembered. Remembered not to judge on face value. To look more deeply at the mad witch."
Oh. Bella? It was to help her with Bella? What did Andy know? What visions did she have? How much—
I forgot to tell you, Thetis has legs! I don't know how we did it but— a baby! I'm holding a baby. In a cave. At Hogwarts. I know, sounds impossible, but all this crazy shit keeps getting even crazier, pet. Now I have to look after a baby. They're staring up at me right now. There's such…trust. I don't know if— I have to go watch over Potter later too. And Cissy. And then after that hopefully I can see Andy. We've all been busy. I'm trying to find you as well of course. Haven't forgotten you, pet. I stayed up last night reading this book about space. I was thinking that if space is infinite, and time is infinite, then surely the two are a constant that should have some overlap and…
Space? Bellatrix really did try everything…
You're so brilliant, Bella. Thinking up physics theories all by yourself. Just for me. Guess I can figure this out then, for you. You're right here. I must be able to reach you. Somehow…
Hermione blinks back to reality in the room. Takes Andy's hand. "Sorry. She just keeps talking and— so I can't pull on the thread? I can't…follow it into her mind? Find her?"
Andy takes a sharp breath and closes her eyes. "I don't know. It's a risk. I had— a couple of years ago, I had a dream. Bella was falling off a cliff. She was weak. Barely conscious. A red rope tied around her waist, so that when she fell, she was just hanging there. Swinging. Then you came. Ran to the rope. You pulled at it. Pulled her to safety. But when she was about to climb up…the rope snapped. She fell. There was a horrible scream. You jumped after her. I couldn't stop you. I wasn't even there. You just followed her off the cliff. And then I woke up."
Oh. That…
Definitely not good. Alright. No thread.
It's not fair! I— I hate this! I'm all alone and— come back. Hermione, please. Please just come back. I can't do this. I can't— it's too hard. It hurts so much. I miss you. I want— just come back. Don't leave me
No no no. No, Bella, she—
Hermione lies back down next to Bellatrix and hugs her. Holds her. She's right here. She's right— "What about normal legilimency. Can I do that? Can I go into her mind? Find her?"
And Bellatrix's body suddenly tenses…and Hermione screams. Screams in agony as her whole body burns. Make it stop make it stop make it—
Her vision blacks out, and the pain is so all-consuming that she almost feels nothing. Floating in an endless nothing.
She can't even breathe. Can't draw breath. A jolt of pain with every heartbeat. It's in her veins. Her head. Oh her head. Like a drill into her temple.
And then the pain lessens ever so slightly. Enough to breathe. Enough to open her eyes to find out what the hell is happening to her. Enough air in her lungs to plead for the pain to stop.
She watches the scene around Bellatrix's bed as if from a dream. Ears ringing and vision still coming into focus. When did Hermione leave the bed?
Narcissa's wand is a blur. Spells fly at Bellatrix, one after the other. Unbelievably fast. "Andromeda. Potions. One, four, nine and thirteen."
Andy is already pouring the first potion into Bellatrix's mouth. The two sisters seem to dance around each other, passing bottles or binding Bellatrix to the bed. Leaning around each other. Not dancing. Leaning.
And Hermione is in an armchair. Someone must have conjured it. And she can breathe now. Can think. It's agony, but the pain is easing.
Bella…Oh Bella. This is the pain? This is what she's been fighting?
Something…is wrong with me, pet. Because you're gone. It's making me weak. Not— not that I'm ever weak. Never. But…my body is sometimes. Gives out on me. My…legs. Or my magic. My heart. My lungs. You not being here…you've stopped my heart. Taken my breath away. I've lost my strength…it's…terrifying. I'm scared. I try not to think about it but…I've never been weak. Through everything, even when I had nothing, I had my body. I could always run, and jump, and…sometimes I can't breathe. Can't see. Blind. Lost in the dark
December, 1996
There, that's the dining table vanished. Didn't need it anyway.
Bellatrix takes a couple of steps back. "Alright, are you both ready? Because I won't be giving you any hints, or listening to any excuses. You do exactly as I say, understood?"
Andromeda and Narcissa both nod determinedly. No eye rolls or snide comments. Good.
Bellatrix nods at them. "Okay. It's later on in the war, and my Dark Mark just called me to him. I've activated your protean charm, and you have to take my place. So get ready for a possible meeting."
And both of her sisters begin quickly getting undressed, Andromeda just throwing her clothes on the floor, whilst Narcissa opts for vanishing her clothes and heading straight for the wardrobe, pulling on a dress.
Good. They remembered to get changed. That's step one.
Andy morphs into Bellatrix, and hurries to keep up with Cissy, already behind. Cissy morphs her features too, slowing to choose a dress and deciding whether to wear tights. This isn't a social visit, Cissy! Speed up!
But soon they're both dressed.
Hmm. Andromeda's corset isn't on as neatly. She never really wore one much and she must have forgotten the spell, the wand movement was a bit off. But she has made her hair a bit more frizzy, whilst Cissy's is way too neat. Shiny instead of—
"Ready!" Andy shouts.
Narcissa glares. "As am I. Just because you announced it first does not mean—"
Bellatrix folds her arms. "Enough. Neither of you is ready. Think."
She'd put those dresses there earlier. Checked the drawstring pouches hidden in the skirt. No knife. Or potions. Or wand.
Cissy is the first one to run back to the wardrobe, accioing the potions bag towards her and reaching under her skirt to attach it. Andy quickly copies and grabs a knife too. Replicas of Bellatrix's own silver knife.
Come on. One of you remember the wand.
Bellatrix spins her own wand between her fingers, unable to resist giving them a bit of a—
Ow. Oh she— can't breathe. Why is— she wasn't even thinking about Hermione or— not again!
She accios a dining chair towards her and sinks down into it. "I'm okay. Keep going. Just one more— think! You're me."
And Andromeda transfigures her wand. Finally!
Bellatrix grins. "Good. And do you both have the Mark? I can't see under your dresses."
They both pull up their sleeves. Looks okay to her. Right. Next step.
"Okay, you've been called to Him, and we've somehow figured out how to take you straight to Him even though you don't have the Mark. Still haven't sorted that. I'll read some— anyway. You're in a meeting."
Bellatrix struggles to her feet. She can breathe again, but she's a bit shaky. Nothing too bad. It will pass. Or she fucking hopes it does.
She mutters the spell to loosen her corset, and metamorphs into the Dark Lord. Here they go.
Andy flinches. Damn it. She can't do that! As soon as she—
Bellatrix clears her throat. "Are you ready? The next test starts now. Get your heads sorted."
Andy nods, and Cissy smiles at her adoringly. "Anything for you, my Lord. I'm always ready to serve you."
Bellatrix holds back a snort. Teacher's pet.
Well then. If she's ready.
She closes her eyes, and cricks her neck. Sighs in a cold hiss. Vanishes her now tight boots so she's barefoot. And opens her eyes. Glides over to Cissy. "Bellatrix. I have a task for you."
Cissy drops to her knees. "Anything my Lord. What is it? Tell me what to do and I shall—"
"Enough!" Bellatrix shouts. Grabs Narcissa's chin and forces her to meet her eyes. Looks into…darkness. Thank fuck. A dark mind…
It's cold, but so is Bellatrix's head so…maybe too cold. Too emotionless. Where's the passion? The burning desire for change? Her need for a better world? Anger at—
She throws Cissy onto the floor. "Are you trying to insult me, girl? Have you forgotten our cause? The very reason for our— get up."
Let's see Cissy talk her way out of this.
Cissy scrambles to her feet in horror. "Forgive me, my Lord. I am your most loyal servant. Tell me my mission. Whatever plans you may have, I will enact. Follow your every word."
She's almost in tears, face flushed with shame. Hmm. Not bad.
Bellatrix tuts dismissively. "Fine. We have no time for this. Do not disappoint me again."
Bellatrix turns to Andy instead. "Bellatrix. I have a task for you."
And Andy falls to her knees. Well, at least they both learnt that.
Hmm. Let's see what they'd do if…
She walks closer and strokes Andy's hair. Chuckles softly in his high, cold voice. Smiles. "Dearest Bella. Get up, my girl. You are my right hand. My most loyal. Come. Stand beside me."
Andy looks up at her. Frowns in confusion. Yep. Andy doesn't know this side of him. The even more dangerous side. She peeks into Andromeda's head…
Darkness. Screams. And…joy. Excitement. Eager to please. Wanting a challenge. Ready to fight. Good.
…But still on her knees. Shit. She ignored an order.
She mentally apologises to Andy. Steps back. "I said, stand, girl! Imperio!"
Stand up she orders, and Andy is lifted to her feet like a puppet.
She releases the spell, and Andy takes a shaky breath.
"Have you forgotten your manners? Listen to your elders, ungrateful witch," she shouts. "I thought you were intelligent. Understood the importance of upholding our traditions! Our society! You are soon to be the head of your noble house, and you do not heed my advice?!"
Andromeda shakes her head. "No, my Lord. My deepest apologies. I'll listen, I promise. I was merely surprised by your kindness. To have you as a mentor is an honour of which I am not worthy. Please forgive me."
Yes, Andy! So she hasn't forgotten all their pureblood— okay. Good. Good. Now the only—
Bellatrix staggers backwards and rubs her head in confusion. Hunches her shoulders and looks between her sisters. "I…where is…" She stares around dazedly. Hisses at the floor.
And looks back up. Now both of her sisters seem unsure of what to do. Come on. Be Slytherins. Manipulate him. You have to leave before he snaps. Say something. Anything.
They both just stand there watching. Fuck.
She thrusts a hand out with a roar and sends a blast of magic toward them, throwing them back onto the floor. "How dare you stand in my presence! Who are you?! Are you spies?! Sent by the old man to— where is the boy? Where is Harry Potter?!"
Andy crawls to her knees first. "My Lord, I am ready for my mission. Thanks to your wisdom we have found the perfect time to strike. May I leave to capture the boy? To finally put an end to those filthy blood traitors that protect him?"
Okay that works. Except for the bit about Potter. She can't go promising Potter all the time.
"Yes!" Bellatrix says excitedly. "Yes, Bella. Go. Quickly, my dear."
Andy sprints from the room. Get the fuck out of here whilst he's still— good. Gone. One left.
Bellatrix sits down in the dining chair again with a sigh. "There you are, Bella. It is nice to see you, my dear. It has been…was it yesterday we…"
One last chance, Cissy. Emotions. Real, raw emotion. She knows Cissy can do it.
Cissy stands up. Walks over with her head lowered. "I came as soon as you called, my Lord. Our plans are in place. May I leave? As you said, the time is right. Soon the world will be ours. No more hiding."
Oh. She looks up at Cissy. She understands that? Knows why Bellatrix…
She looks into Cissy's head again. And almost gasps.
The brave little girl. Sat in the dark. Cold. Waiting for someone to come, and slowly giving up hope. The hope turning to sadness. To anger. To hatred.
Bellatrix nods. "Yes. Go. A better world is within reach, my dear. Let's take it."
They're out in the garden now. Ready for the next challenge. Bellatrix once again stood opposite her sisters, this time with a shielding charm at the ready.
"Stupefy and reducto!" she calls.
And watches her sisters both lean in the wrong direction. Tries not to laugh. "Other way. Try again."
She throws up a shield, and two stupefys and two reductos bounce off. Now that's better. Not fast enough, but better.
She morphs into an auror, transfiguring her dress into their uniform. "Give it up, Lestrange! Incarcerous!"
She sends out two binding spells, one after the other. And both get deflected.
Andy growls. "Difindo!"
Bellatrix flicks her wrist, blocking it. Where's the crazy, Andy? Come on! No baiting? No babytalk? You have to freak them out! Be deranged!
Bellatrix shakes her head, morphing into McGonagall. "Get away from those students, Bellatrix," she shouts at Cissy, sweeping in front of some imaginary kids.
Cissy cackles. "I was only teaching them some new spells, Minnie. Didn't mean to step on any tails. You're still my favourite professor, promise."
Favourite? Uhh…please say Cissy didn't see anything about that in her head. Didn't read into anything—
Cissy freezes. Posture straightens. "You…had a dream about McGonagall?"
Argh! Cissy! Get out of—
"What?!" Andy shouts. And then bursts out laughing. "What kind of dream? A good dream?"
No! "No! It wasn't—" Crap. She still has McGonagall's voice.
Right. Get the control back. And give them a challenge.
She morphs into Nymphadora Tonks.
"Alright, Lestrange. We have you surrounded. This is your last chance to avoid the Kiss and come easy."
Andy hesitates. Cissy sends a stupefy and reducto at her.
Bellatrix deflects them with a protego. "Fine. If that's what you want. Impedimenta!"
Cissy deflects. Dances out of the way with a laugh. "Ooh. The little auror can play! Difindo!"
And a difindo comes at her. Bellatrix deflects it with a sigh. "Stop, stop, stop. Cissy. You can't hurt Tonks. If you use a difindo, you have to miss. Or aim at her leg. You're me now. Faking it."
She turns to Andy. "And come on, Andy. Join in. You're not really attacking me. You're protecting me, remember? Even if it's Dora, it's okay, she'll be fine."
Andy shakes her head. "It's not that easy, Bella. You— how can I—"
Bellatrix groans. "It was your idea! You said you could handle being me. But if you're not up to it, if this is too hard then—"
Andy morphs into Hermione, and Bellatrix clutches at her chest, legs weakening as the shock—
"Andy, stop that! That's cruel! You're hurting her, she—" Cissy hisses.
Andy doesn't change back. "I'm showing her what it's like. Why I can't even pretend to hurt Dora! Why— could you do it to Draco? It's just— I want another plan if it's Dora. That we retreat. That we don't—"
Bellatrix finds her breath, and steadies herself. Morphs back into herself. Undoes the transfiguration on her dress. And looks at Andy. At Hermione.
They can't retreat. Bellatrix Lestrange never backs down. It would be too suspicious. It could put everyone in danger. If anyone finds out…
She points her wand at Andy. At Hermione.
Clenches her jaw. Rolls her shoulders back. Holds her head high. A Black. Doing what has to be done.
Hiding.
"How dare you stand before me, you filthy mudblood!" she roars. "Your kind should bow before us. Be on their knees. Be crushed under my feet with the dirt."
She crowds closer. "Tell me where you're hiding Potter, girl! Tell me!" she shrieks, voice harsh and breaking.
Andy takes a fearful step back. "Bella, I—"
Bellatrix snarls, skin crackling with magic, eyes burning. "Get my name out of your disgusting mouth! You are not worthy of— silencio! Incarcerous! Expelliarmus!"
Three in one. She catches Andromeda's wand as she thuds onto the floor, bound tightly. And softly. She'd cushioned the ground. Four in one.
She stands over her sister. Smiles sinisterly. "There. Where you belong. Crucio!"
And casts the tickling charm. Watches Andy writhe on the floor. Stupefy!
And she falls unconscious. Good.
She looks up. Cissy has backed away. Face blank. Walls up. Wand in a tight grip and ready to run.
"That is how you pretend to be Bellatrix Lestrange," Bellatrix mutters tiredly. Loosens up. Unclenches her jaw.
Not real. "Rennervate. Relashio."
Andy sits up. Morphs back. Stares up at her.
Bellatrix hands her back her wand and helps her to her feet.
And smiles at her sisters sadly. "This isn't a game. You don't get to choose. Don't get to turn your back on the darkness. To hide. Run away. If I'm not there…you are going to have to be me. To take it. Fake it, until you're almost fooling yourselves."
She throws an arm over Andy's shoulder and walks towards the house. "You can do it. It's the same as Trelawney. It's fake. Just hide as me. Right under the Old Coot's nose. Keep an eye on Draco."
And darts out a hand to pull Cissy towards them. "And you're getting fucking good, Cissy. Even creeping me out. As long as you have your head on straight, you'll be fine. Always planning five steps ahead anyway."
Her sisters are still pretty quiet. Cautious. Guess seeing the old her was a bit of a shock.
Bellatrix takes both of their hands and tugs them along towards the library. Starts running. "Tiggy, can we get some tea! Real tea!"
Andy laughs. "Slow down, Bella! You're gonna pull my fucking arm off!"
"Language, Andromeda," Cissy tuts. "We are not pirates. I cannot believe the both of you, no sense of decorum. We're still an ancient and noble house. But she is right, Bella. I have done enough running around today. Especially in a corset. I cannot for the life of me understand why you dress in this manner if not for tradition."
Andy snorts. "To make her tits look good, duh."
"Andromeda, don't be obscene!"
Bellatrix chuckles. Sounds like the shock's worn off. And her tits do look great…but…
"Have you both not figured it out yet?" she huffs, wandlessly opening the library doors with a nod of her head. "The corsets are charmed to repel low-level wandfire. Armour, duh."
She pulls them both down onto the sofa by the fire.
Honestly. As if she's wearing a corset just to be crazy.
Chapter 72: Festive TearsChapter Text
Bellatrix lies on her back on the sofa and stares up at the chandelier, frowning in thought. This is tricky. And could go very wrong if she isn't extremely fucking careful.
She lolls her head sideways.
Still there. Draco is still sat by the window, staring out melancholically at the snow. Merry fucking Christmas. Well, not yet. It's his first day home from Hogwarts for the Yule holiday. Andy seems to think the timeline is still on track, but with Cissy down in her lab, it's up to Bellatrix to keep an eye on him. Just in case.
What the fuck would Bellatrix Lestrange have said to him? Is she the nice aunt? The crazy aunt? The scary aunt? Would she have interrogated him? Asked him how the task is going?
Oh no. He looks like he's going to cry. Shit.
Fuck it. Just be nice in a crazy way.
She takes her emergency bar of chocolate out of her newly-expanded drawstring purse, and throws it at his head.
"Ah! Wha—"
He rubs his head and turns to look at her. She just pretends to fall asleep. Can't say the wrong thing if you're asleep.
And she is quite tired. It's nice to just lie down after swimming so much yesterday. If she'd thought Thetis was a handful, then Dexamene is a nightmare. Right hand. More like won't leave her right hand without screaming their head off.
And it's fucking freezing in the lake now. Alright for some. Cold blooded. Blood of my blood isn't quite literal enough. It's much nicer in here with the fire…
"…Aunt Bella?" Draco whispers, close to her ear.
Oops. Did she actually fall asleep?
She peeks an eye open. He's crouched next to her. "Mm?"
She feels him try to look into her head. Legilimency? When did he learn that? And by himself? Smart kid.
But not subtle. Like the Hogwarts Express charging right into her mind, whistle and steam and all.
She darkens her mind. Smirks at him. "Nice try. What do you want to know, Drakey?"
The probing stops, and he looks away, head ducked. "Sorry. Nothing. I'll retire to my bedchamber and—"
She grabs hold of the back of his belt before he can leave, and drags him to sit next to her on the sofa. "Bedchamber? It's four in the fucking afternoon. You're sixteen, not a hundred and sixteen."
He folds his arms. "You were sleeping."
Is he sneering at her? Really?
She stares him down. Waits for him to realise how stupid he's being. And then throws an arm over his shoulder. "I was not sleeping. I was resting my eyes. There's a difference. Now. I'm bored. Entertain me. Tell me about your little boyfriend."
And Draco suddenly is a lot less pale. Excellent. He was looking half-dead. This is much better.
He scoffs and rubs the back of his neck uncomfortably, eyes darting to the doorway. He's so like Cissy…
"I'd appreciate it if you discounted the letter I sent you, Aunt Bella. I must have been…unwell. Feverish. Hallucinating. I assure you that I hold no such…feelings…for wizards. For any wizard."
Hmm. Denial.
She scoots away from him, turns sideways on the sofa and crosses her legs. "So you think you have to be unwell to fancy a wizard? Disturbed? Crazy? Do you think I'm crazy for fancying witches?"
His eyes widen in panic and…maybe disbelief that she's not hiding anything. She grins at him. It's a bit evil. What can he say…that she's not crazy?
For a moment he doesn't say anything. Just stares at her.
And then he puts his head in his hands. "You're married."
Huh?
Bellatrix shrugs. "Yep."
He looks up. "But…you don't like wizards?"
She winks at him. "Nope. Not one."
And then she cringes. Oh wait. Hiding. "…Except the Dark Lord, if he asked it of me, of course."
Ugh. Would she have? Before? If he'd asked…
Don't fucking think about that.
At least Draco doesn't seem to think that's too strange. Just nods. "Does Mother know? About your…interests?" he asks quietly.
Ah.
You listening to this, Cissy? she thinks very clearly.
No reply for a few seconds. And then…
…Yes. Tell him. The truth
Uhh, which truth? About you?
No! No, he cannot— if Lucius or anyone even suspects— no. Please don't tell him about me
Fair enough. It's alright for your mad aunt to beat for the other team, but a bit complicated if your own mother…yeah. Draco might freak out. And if anyone found out about Lily, then Cissy would be in a hell of a lot of shit.
Bellatrix stands up and stretches. Gives the kid some space. She knows how intimidating she is. "Cissy's always known," she shrugs, skipping over to play with the fire. "She couldn't care less. So if there was anything you wanted to tell her…it would be fine. It's not a big deal."
"Not a big deal?" Draco hisses from behind her. "What about continuing the Malfoy name? Father wanted me to marry Pansy. Or a Greengrass. Or—"
"And as you said, I'm married. To a Lestrange," Bellatrix snaps coldly. Because she has to. She has to—
She whirls around. "What you do in your personal life is no one's business. As long as you're not fucking a filthy mudblood or one of their bloodtraitor friends then— you can even love a wizard. Love is allowed. You just have to love the right sort, and marry a pureblood witch to produce an heir. Keep our magic running in your veins and into the next generation. You're a Black by birth. Cissy taught you the words, didn't she?"
Fuck, she hates this. And she can see him closing up. Like Cissy does, but…not hiding anything. His lip trembles. Eyes widen and tears gather.
He blinks them back and steps towards her. Clenches his jaw and raises his chin. Stands tall. A Black.
He clears his throat. "Blood of my blood. I greet you as kin. May our fore-bearers guide us, our des— descendants provide for us, and our hearts beat as one."
Yes. Yes, little Draco is a Black.
Bellatrix lets herself smile. Genuinely smile. She's allowed. She's supposed to be happy about this. A proud Black.
She's never been prouder of being a Black.
She steps closer. Strokes some hair off his forehead, like Cissy would. "Blood of my blood," she says softly. "I return your greeting. May the current flow strongly through our veins. As one we are whole. As one we are strong. As one we are gods on Earth."
He stares at her in confusion. She kisses his head.
"Come on, Draco. I'll teach you how to be strong. Duelling practice, in the garden! Come and get me!" she calls, and sprints away from him as fast as she can. Cackles. Lets some of the gnawing guilt out.
Just for now, Draco. It will only hurt for now.
She feels out for the thread. Talks to Hermione.
June, 2005
Hermione blinks her eyes open. Squints against the harsh light. Who's shaking her shoulder? Bella? Oh.
Oh yes. Not Bella. For a moment, she'd forgotten. It feels like only yesterday they woke up in bed together…but no. Back in the future. 2005.
She sits up straighter in her chair at Bella's bedside, and pats her hair down as Narcissa takes a step back.
Narcissa smiles tightly and turns away. Smooths down Bellatrix's bedding and then nods to herself. "My shift is over. Are you sure you wish to start legilimency straight away? And for me to teach you, not Andromeda?"
Hermione stands up and stretches. Walks closer to the bed too. Listens in…
…feel so bad for Cissy. If you'd died I— well I would have died too of course, mates and all that. I kept glancing at her when we were watching the…film. The television. She cried at the happy ending. I don't know if you've seen it, pet. The boy learns to walk in the garden. To run. To laugh. He even has his family back. And the girl thinks they don't want her anymore. Thinks that now the boy is happy, he doesn't need her. But he goes after her. They all do. Find her and bring her back. There's no bringing Lily Evans back…
Hermione looks over at Narcissa. "Can we start now? I can't stand seeing her like this, and you're the best legilimens I know, Narcissa. Probably the best in Britain. And I trust you to teach me. To be careful and…to do everything you can for Bella."
Narcissa takes a slow breath, and then tears her gaze from Bellatrix to meet Hermione's eye . "Yes. Lets not waste any more time. We'll need to go somewhere calmer, though. Where we are both not distracted by Bella. Andromeda can watch over her. Is there a place you would like to go? Where you feel safe? Where we both would feel safe?"
Hmm…well, if it's still there. She's not sure…
"Bella's house? The library?"
Narcissa walks over and takes her hand. "Yes. Yes, it's still there. Belongs to me now, actually." She laughs. "The last Black, according to the Ministry. Take me home, house-elf."
Wha—
Hermione glares at Narcissa.
She smiles.
"Kidding. Oh it is so nice to be myself with someone again other than Andromeda. I'm sure you can take a joke, Miss Granger. Come on. Pop us away."
Hermione shakes herself. Strange. So strange. Narcissa is supposed to be intimidating, and scary, and—
And can hear you. Have you forgotten your elf magic altogether?
Ah!
She washes the invisibility over her mind. How much has Narcissa been hearing?!
Hermione quickly pops them to the library.
The fire is lit. There are books scattered on the table. Narcissa sits down on the sofa. The same sofa as before. It's as if no time has passed at all…
Hang on.
She sits down next to Narcissa. "Why couldn't I have done that before? Instead of running with Andy? Just popped to St Mungo's?"
Narcissa stares into the flames. "Andromeda needed time to explain things to you. And you would not have been able to apparate straight into the room, seeing as you have never been there before, and Bella could not call to you. You could have gone straight to the top floor…but as I said. Andy needed to convey some information. We also did not know if shortening the thread so quickly would damage it. A gradual approach was necessary."
Oh. But— but surely she has to spend as much time with Bella as possible! So they don't drift asunder! Through sand and sea. Is that over? She left Bellatrix behind. Was the prophecy a warning? Did she do it wrong? Did she—
Narcissa turns to face her. Sighs. "Time is still of the essence though, you are right. Let's begin."
And she metamorphs in the blink of an eye. Into…into…
Narcissa looks like Bella. Not completely, it's still Narcissa's face. Her body. But her hair and her eyes are…oh.
This is what Narcissa really looks like? Her veriform? If she hadn't metamorphed as a toddler?
Narcissa shakes her head with a shy smile. "Here I am. My mind is open. No walls. This is your first time using this spell, so I don't want you to meet any resistance. You need to feel safe, and confident. Sure in what you are doing. I won't hide. Look wherever you want. You need to understand the layout of the mind. Come in, Hermione."
Oh.
Oh gosh.
This is what Narcissa has agreed to?
Hermione scans Narcissa's face. Tries to read her. It's…easy to read her now. She isn't hiding anything. She seems…scared. Quietly terrified.
Hermione takes her hand. "Tell me if this is too hard, Narcissa. Pain doesn't make you stronger. It just hurts. You don't have to…endure something that is uncomfortable. Bella wouldn't want you to do that."
Tears fill Narcissa's eyes. She doesn't stop them. They just run down her cheeks. "I know. Bella never wanted me to hurt. But I'm doing it anyway. For her. Let's save her, Hermione."
Okay. She'll try not to hurt Narcissa. But they need to do this.
She lets the invisibility fall from her mind, just because she's not sure what that would do, and raises her wand.
Looks into achingly familiar brown eyes. "Legilimens."
December, 1996
Bellatrix jumps as Trelawney bursts into her study, and quickly hides her reading glasses in a desk drawer. Bellatrix has found her eyes blurring every now and then now. If she reads for too long. Weak eyes. She tries not to think about it.
Thankfully, Andy doesn't seem to notice. "I've figured it out! Bella! I finally figured it out! It has to be you! And Dumbledore's away so— come on! Call Tiggy!"
She figured it out? Figured what out? She runs over to Andy. "Tiggy!"
Tiggy appears. "Yes, Mistress?"
Bellatrix just gestures at Andy.
Andy sighs, grabs hold of her, and drags her closer to Tiggy. "Could you take us to Fawkes please, Tiggy."
Tiggy raises an eyebrow. Glances at Bellatrix. "This is being what you truly want, Mistress? You is not being a silly elfling? Forgetting you has a home and a family?"
Oh. Shit.
Bellatrix crouches down. "You're my family, Tiggy. No knives. Promise. And I trust Andy, if she says we need to do this."
And Bellatrix gasps as tears fill Tiggy's eyes. What…no, don't cry! Tiggy never cries.
They tug at their ears. "Tiggy is being family? Is being a Black?"
Oh. Bellatrix smiles. "Of course. Who do you think taught me to be a Black? It wasn't the pigs in the crypt, was it?"
Tiggy chuckles. Wipes at their eyes. "No. No, they is not being Blacks, Miss Bella. Hurting elflings is not being teaching. Is not being strong. Is being weak."
Yes. They were the weak ones. She learnt more from a house-elf than she ever did from them.
Andy kneels down, and hugs Tiggy. "Oh, I've missed you. I never asked, but, did you hear me? When I tried to call you? After I left? I tried a few times…"
Tiggy grumbles. "Yes. Tiggy not be leaving you, Miss Andy. But is being forbidden to answer. But I is watching. You is being safe. Being happy. Tiggy knows this. You is a seeing elf, and a thinking elf. You is strong. You be okay. Is Mistress Bella that be most worrying Tiggy. And Mistress Cissy. Sad little elfling."
Bellatrix pulls Andy away so she can look at Tiggy. "You watched us? All of us? This whole time?"
Tiggy tuts. "Not all the time. When you is being at Hogwarts, Tiggy has to be serving Master and Mistress Black. Tiggy is a hard-working elf. No time for sneaky watching. Then you is needing Tiggy, Mistress Bella. Very demanding shouty elfling. Mind all tipsy-turvy in the darkness. But Tiggy is finding time to watch Miss Cissy. A sad elfing is being dangerous. So…Tiggy be…helping. Be…is not being matching! Is not being a thread, so is not forbidden. Is not! Is allowed."
Is Tiggy…nervous? Embarrassed? Guilty?
Bellatrix frowns. "What did you do?"
Tiggy rocks on the balls of their feet. It's somehow…childish. Yes. A child, unsure. Scared of being scolded. "Tiggy…well Miss Cissy be very unhappy. Very lonely, confused little Black. So…well, Tiggy is just nudging. Is finding another little elfing. This girl be the only one awake. Very early. She be missing her sister. Tiggy…be telling Miss Lily to go for a walk outside. To be walking in the fresh air before breakfast. That it be helping. To be walking…near the forest."
What?!
"What?!" Andy shouts. "You set them up?!"
Tiggy glares. "Is not being matching! Is not being threads. Is being— Tiggy not be knowing! Is the only girl awake! She be a kind elf. A seeing elf. A thinking elf. Tiggy not be knowing the future. Not—"
Tiggy's face suddenly crumples, and they tug at their ears. "Oh, Tiggy is a bad elf. Is interfering. Elves should not be doing this. Is history. Dark history. And then— and then Tiggy be doing this again with Miss Hermione. Is seeing the thread. Is— Oh is terrible. Tiggy is not learning. Be forgetting what the Forest People is doing wrong."
No! No, Tiggy, don't—
Bellatrix throws herself at Tiggy. Hugs them close. "You're a good elf. You didn't do anything wrong, Tiggy. You're the best— thank you. Thank you for telling Hermione to stay with me. And for Lily. You did the right thing. You're the best elf we could ask for. We're lucky to have you, Tiggy. I wouldn't be alive without you. You kept me alive, Tiggy. In so many ways."
She feels Tiggy nod. Push her away.
They brush a hand over their crisp white sheet. "Well. Good. Then all is being well. If you is both ready, Tiggy be taking you to Fawkes now. But yous is being careful. Tiggy be telling you. The Forest People is being old. The merpeople is being ancient. But the phoenix…is being eternal."
Oh. Fuck, why didn't she think of— different perspective—
"Do you know anything else about phoenixes?" she blurts out. Why does she always forget to ask Tiggy first?! Bloody hell!
Tiggy considers this. Takes her hand, and Andy's. "The Phoenix is being all. All seeing. All knowing. All…being. Everywhere being. You is not being tricking a Phoenix. Is not being hiding. Either you is worthy, or you is not. You is thinking she be worthy now, Miss Andy?"
Worthy? Worthy of what? And how does Andy know?
Andy nods firmly, suddenly serious. "She's as ready as she'll ever be, don't you think? It has to be her. This has to be how we send Hermione back in time. It's the only explanation. The true master of the Phoenix. Someone who has died…and risen again. From dark to light. Someone with great strength, to carry a heavy burden. Who is loyal. Comes when they are needed. Always follows the call, even at personal risk. Someone whose tears come freely for those in pain, and only wishes to help. To heal those they believe deserves it. Someone who is brave, and honest, and true. Not touched by time, but a part of it. An important figure. Someone whose loyalty can change the course of history. Someone who has always been a bound to life and death. To fear and hope. It has to be Bella."
Master of the Phoenix? That's a thing? She knew phoenixes had all of those qualities, but she didn't know a person having those qualities was special.
She scoffs. "So…Dumbledore is this Phoenix Master? But you think I'm next? After he kicks the bucket?"
Andy huffs. "He thinks he's the master of the Phoenix. I'm not so sure. Dark to light…debatable. Honest, brave and true? Comes when he's called? Loyal? I get why he thinks so…and Fawkes is there…so maybe. I only found one book on it when I snuck into Dumbledore's rooms so—"
Snuck into his rooms? Bellatrix cackles. "You didn't! When he was there?"
Andy shakes her head. "I'm not that mad. No, he was off somewhere. I fooled the portraits though. Pretended I was there to yell at him about Firenze again. Have I told you about that? The centaur teaching divination with me? He's a right laugh. Shame I have to pretend to hate him around the kids and all the others. You know he said this prediction about Luna Lovegood the other day and—"
Gah! "Andy! Master of the Phoenix! Come on!"
Andy snaps her mouth shut. "Right. Runaway mouth. Sorry. You'll meet him in a sec anyway." She morphs back into Trelawney. "Take us to Fawkes, Tiggy!"
Meet him?
And they're in a forest clearing.
A forest clearing, under a starry night sky. Leaves rustling. Grass and moss underfoot.
A blond-haired centaur with unbelievably blue eyes turns towards them.
And reaches down to shake her hand. "Bellatrix Black. I hoped we would meet. Your kin have told me much about you, as have the stars."
Uhh…
Wait. That voice. Firenze. "You're the one from my prophecy! You— tell me what it means! Through sand and sea. What sand? What sea? Is it over? Did we drift asunder?"
Firenze frowns. Looks at Andy. "Prophecy?"
Andy grins. "Didn't foresee that, did you? Hasn't happened yet, Firenze love. Bella's getting ahead of herself. So. Is he here?"
Firenze smiles. "Ah. Humans. So impatient. Yes, yes he arrived as he does most mornings now. Though how you found out, I do not know. And I believe we are the only beings in this part of the castle. Minerva is with her brother for the winter solstice. The Headmaster away. Severus lost in his brewing. Coincidence?"
Andy takes off Trelawney's glasses, and morphs back into herself. "Sprout busy with the snargaluffs, Slughorn down the Three Broomsticks with Hagrid. Flitwick and Sinistra keeping an eye on the students who stayed for Christmas…who are all safe in their common rooms for the most part."
Castle?
This is a classroom. A charmed classroom. Made to look like a forest. And…
Fawkes. Sat on a tree stump. Fake tree stump.
Firenze follows her gaze…and lets out a trill. Like a bird. Fucking bird language! She fucking knew it!
But Fawkes doesn't move. Just stares at them.
Andy shoves her towards him. "Go on. Just be nice this time. No knives. Or threats. Or general hysterical crying. Not a good introduction."
Bellatrix glares at her. She hadn't been crying. She'd stopped by then. She thinks. She can't really remember.
And then she darts out of the way as Firenze tries to grab her arm. His eyebrows raise. "You are fast. Agile. No wonder you are a warrior. I do not mean you harm. I merely suggest that you speak with your heart and your mind, not with your words. You know what a fire bird values. Show him."
Bellatrix squints at him. Andy thinks he's a laugh? He seems pretty serious to her. But if he knows how to talk to Fawkes, then sure. Better listen.
Okay. Just…be yourself. Think about…loyalty and strength. Burden. Life and death. Rebirth. She's almost died so many times in her life. She always gets back up. If this is her moment to be reborn…she's ready.
The bird hops about on the stump. Chirps. Clicks at her.
She looks over her shoulder at Firenze. "What did he say?"
Firenze looks her over steadily. And then grins. "He said—"
And then Firenze just chirps and clicks at her. Fawkes copies back.
Firenze laughs. "Fire birds do not speak, young Black. Not aloud. The sound is nothing but playful curiosity."
Great.
She turns back to Fawkes. "If you're curious, have a look in my head. I'm not hiding. Do you want me, or not?"
Fawkes starts cleaning his feathers. Fuck. Seems like a rejection. Rejected by Dumbledore's bloody bird.
She folds her arms. "I've seen death. And life. I've turned my back on the dark. I'm loyal. I come when I'm needed, and I have a fuck ton of burdens to carry. And I cry. You've seen me cry. I hurt for everyone. What more do you want?"
The bird stops. Looks her in the eye.
And then just squawks at her. Flaps its wings. And disappears.
Perfect. Bloody perfect. Well that went bloody—
And the image of Harry Potter imprints itself into her brain with a smack. Ow. Fuck.
She clutches her head and sits down on the stump.
"Bella! Is it Hermione? Are you— Cissy said not to pull on the thread!"
Bellatrix groans. "It's not Hermione. It's Potter. Potter and that bloody bird. I reckon the kid's the next master. Not me. Not sure how though. But Fawkes seems to think so. Some kind of legilimency…"
The image zooms out, like watching a film…and Tonks is stood opposite Harry. Stood in the corridor…outside the Room of Requirement? Staring at Harry and…almost crying.
Crying?
Does…is that Bellatrix? In disguise? Does she have to…cry for Harry? Is that it? Cry for all the people she's hurt with her actions?
But that's half of Wizarding Britain! She hurt everyone with—
But she hurt Harry more. Killed his godfather. His last family member. Left him all alone.
She morphs into Tonks, and transfigures her dress into robes.
Andy frowns at her in confusion. "Uhh…hello, daughter mine. What the fuck are you doing, Bella?"
Bellatrix looks around for the classroom door through the trees. Aha!
She walks towards it. "I have to go cry for Potter. I'll see you later. Might have a look for Neville while I'm here. And…Susan Bones? Could cry for her. I didn't exactly kill her Aunt, but Bonesy is dead to the world, so…"
She pushes the door open. Ah. Classroom Eleven, opposite the Great Hall. Maybe she'll be able to cry to all the students at once.
"Wha— Bella! And Harry isn't even here! It's the Christmas holidays!"
No Potter?
Oh well. She should get practicing. Maybe she has to feel remorse, for the phoenix. Remorse for all of her bad deeds. Isn't that how you mend your soul? Maybe that's why Fawkes doesn't want her. If her soul is broken. Torn from all the killing…
She rolls her shoulders back, and begins marching down different corridors. She's bound to run into someone she's hurt eventually.
Time to fix her soul.