#greyhermione

[fateofblack]

Fate of Black: Chapter 9

Fate of Black: Chapter 9

A resounding pop can be heard off the walkway up to the house indicating the potion master’s arrival. The billowing black cape screamed pompous arrogance as the man strode up towards the front door. His rapping knuckles requesting invitation into the depths of the tall, imposing house. This was the sheer power behind the hands of the Black Family Legacy. After long years of being passed between several different hands it had finally made its way to its rightful ownership. Bellatrix Black was the head of the house, and Severus knew to decline an invitation, would be to bear the weight of the oppressor on his shoulders. A low groan escapes the man’s lips as he once again raps on the broad black door. Bellatrix while certainly impatient took great pleasure in her torment of him.

“Bellatrix Black, if you expect me to be summoned whilst I am in the middle of something, I expect to be given the same damned respect that I give you for showing up.” Severus snarls darkly before the door swings open revealing the black-haired woman. A smirk crossing her lips as she idly twirled a strand of her hair between her fingertips. She was leaning against the archway to the door in moments.

“Oh sorry sweet Sevvy, I didn’t hear you knocking.” Her smirk widens causing Severus to sneer and roll his eyes. “Come on in why don’t you? We have matters of great importance to discuss.”

“If this has anything to do with preparation for what is about to come within the walls of the school, I am well aware of it already.” The potion’s master refused to take another step forward until Bellatrix showed him respect. Bellatrix couldn’t stop the snort from escaping her lips.

“No, you fool, now get in here before I hex you to the damned Fates themselves.” Bellatrix snarled all pretense of sweetness being released into the air surrounding the two of them. Severus released another sigh and shook his head before stepping through the entryway. He began to remove his cloak to rest it on one of the hooks hanging from the inside of the door. Once he was relieved from his cloak Bellatrix’s impatience began to rear its head once again. “Come on already, we quite literally do NOT, I repeat, do not have any time to waste.”

The man nods his head in a singular movement and allows the dark-haired woman to lead the way to where he was needed. Upon entrance to the library Severus could see the youngest of the three Black Sisters sitting comfortably, while also deep in thought, within one of the armchairs residing in front of the fire. Snape could smell the scent of dangerous magics having been used within the past day and it caused him to shudder within. This woman was one flip of a hat ready to explode into a dangerous nuclear reaction if she did not receive her answers.

“Ah, Severus, you’re here. I do apologize for sending a letter out to you so late this evening.” Narcissa indicated to another chair alongside her for him to take a seat. Bellatrix on the other hand plopped languidly on a chair across from them. “There seems to be a…situation that has arisen.” The Malfoy matriarch waved her hand allowing the kettle on the table resting between them to lurch into action, pouring tea into three separate vessels. “Please have some tea Severus.”

“Enough with the charade Narcissa, you only act polite with me when you are looking for something in return. What is it this time? I have already agreed to protect your son through the upcoming year. As I have the years past.” Severus allowed an eyebrow to arch, still reaching down to grasp one of the dainty tea mugs within his palms. He took a sip after allowing a puff of air to escape his lips cooling the topmost part of the liquid. A fruity essence he savored caused him to once again lift his eyebrow waiting for the woman to say something.

“Ah, yes, and I thank you dearly for that Severus.” Again with that tone. Giving Severus the upper hand in knowledge she was after something. “You see, as I have previously stated, we have a delicate matter on our hands. And you would happen to be the best person to play a part in this matter.”

“Out with it you damn woman.” Bellatrix snarls at Severus’ attitude towards her baby sister. No one talked to a Black in that manner, let alone her baby sister.

“I would recommend you keep that tongue of yours in check Snape. Else there will be no hesitation with me ripping it out with my bare fingers, and making you scream.” Another shudder rushes though his insides once again.

“Now Bellatrix, that is not how we treat our guests, and you damn well know it.” Narcissa snaps at her eldest sister causing the snarl on Bellatrix’s lips to disappear. Her dark eyes looking towards the floor, duly chastened. Severus couldn’t help the smirk that crosses his lips before catching the icy cold eyes of Narcissa. The smirk disappears instantly.

“As for you Severus, you are my guest, and if you choose to treat me with disrespect, I will allow for Bellatrix to act upon her thoughts. Are we clear?” Severus swallowed hard and he nodded his head indicating for her to continue with what she was looking for.

“My deepest apologies Madame Malfoy. Please continue.” Narcissa composed herself once again to her regal stature, and a snigger can be heard coming from the direction of Bellatrix. Another look had both equally within a place of understanding. She was the one who would be in charge of this conversation, and if either of them stepped out of line, repercussions would be paid, likely in pain.

“Again, Severus, my deepest gratitude for arriving on such short notice. I imagine it wasn’t as easy as it once was on account of that vile Umbridge woman. However, before we get started, we will require you to make an unbreakable vow.” At this Severus looked taken back in horror of the idea of agreeing to something he didn’t even have a basic level of understanding what they would want.

“And why on earth would I ever do such a thing?” Severus flashed a dark look at both Bellatrix and Narcissa.

“Awe is-“ Bellatrix was cut off quickly with a sharp look and the woman continued to gaze down at the floor as if it was the most inviting thing on the planet.

“I respect that you would take caution in making an unbreakable vow without understanding of what is being asked of you. So we will make a deal, we will continue to protect your secret of being a double agent and you will keep what we speak of in this room between only us.” Narcissa’s perfectly sculpted eyebrow rose awaiting an affirmative.

“And I do believe that would fall under the label of blackmail. I am aware that Bellatrix would stoop to such low standards, I suppose you of course would be no better.” Severus set his glass down and thought on the offer he was being given. After a few moments he relented and pursed his lips. “Fine, let it be done, but I swear I will not allow you to take this lightly. Most importantly this will be done with her, not you.” Severus tilted his head towards Bellatrix indicating he had no intention of allowing Voldemort’s most loyal to hold this over his head. “Is that an acceptable term to the agreement?”

“No, I will-“ Once again Bellatrix was cut off by a sharp look.

“Of course, I respect that, and both she and I agree to this.” Bellatrix went to protest and Narcissa’s icy blue eyes turned upon her sister. “No, you do not have a say in this matter. I was subjugated to this information without any form of a heads up, and in retrospect that was equally unfair of you to put this on me.” Bellatrix’s shoulders caved inwards as the black-haired woman nodded her head pitifully. “Now stand up both of you, and I will perform the vow.” Severus stood up from his seated position and held his head high. Bellatrix on the other hand sneered at the potions master, still stood up and held out her right arm. Severus did the same thing, and they latched their arms together. Bellatrix allowed a sly smile to cross her lips as her sister began the incantation for the unbreakable vow. “Now let us begin.”

“Now, do you swear Severus Snape to keep the information we give you to yourself and not to tell anyone anything about it?” Bellatrix decided to start out tame for this time around.

“I will.” A silver leash wrapped its way around the man’s forearm as he ground his teeth together, a pain shooting down his arm as the vow began to take hold.

“Severus Snape do you swear to assist us when it comes to terms of what you are told?”

“I will.” Another silver string shoots from Bellatrix’s hand and burrows its way into Severus’ forearm. Another sharp intake of air can be heard from his as he closed his eyes against the pain.

“Severus Snape will you do everything in your power, of both the light and the dark to assist us in accomplishing this task?” Bellatrix allowed another smooth smirk to cross her lips as Severus froze at the thought.

“I-I will.” The last of the strings latch around the man’s forearm and burrows into it deeply. At this point Severus is breathing heavily through his nose teeth tightly clenched together. After a pause between the two of them Severus allows himself to relax.

“Bellatrix Black, do you swear to protect my own secrets as if they are your own?” Bellatrix’s eyes flash wide and dark. She didn’t say anything for a few moments before Narcissa looked at her.

“I will.” Severus allowed a smirk of his own to slide into place as a silvery tendril snaked its way across and into her forearm.

“Bellatrix Black will you make sure that no one will hear of the information of me playing two sides of this war, on purpose or on accident?” His eyebrow arches as his smirk widens as Bellatrix sneers at him once again.

“I will.” The tendril burrows deep into the woman’s forearm this time.

“Bellatrix, will you prevent harm or death from coming to me while in the service of assisting you during your task?”

A growl pierces the dead silence of the library and another look from Narcissa causes Bellatrix to submit to the request.

“I will.” Narcissa finished the process of sealing the vow before tapping her wand on both of their hands. Severus and Bellatrix released one another’s hands as if they had been scorched and quickly returned to their seats. Narcissa summoned more tea with a wave of her hand and looked to her eldest sister for her to begin as she poured the tea into each of their glasses.

“What do you know of the Fates?” It was a simple calm question that escaped the black-haired woman’s lips.

“That would entirely depend on how you mean that question, there are the fables, there are the gods, there are the truths. Which answer would you like?” Snape responded in an equally calm manner to distinguish how to proceed. “And before you choose to jump down my throat on this, there is a meaning behind my question as they each change.”

“Thank you for clarifying” Bellatrix snarked and rolled her eyes. “The Gods you damned idiot, I don’t have time to listen to you telling me little children’s stories.”

“What we all hear, they oversee our fates with their string winding to show the connections that single life has. They control everything, the good the bad, our lives and our deaths. They continue to do so, as because our lives are ever changing based on the decisions we make.” Severus arches his eyebrow after rattling off the average factoids all magical folk are aware of.

“And what do you know about them stepping into those strings and showing the fates that await based on decisions that are made?” Bellatrix’s question said in a forceful manner.

“From what I have heard, they do have the ability to do just that. Most often in the form of prophecies in the hands of seers.” He took a sip of his now cool tea before waving a hand to reheat the liquid. “Other times in other ways, dreams or even books that disappear from form after they are read through. However, those forms are incredibly rare when they happen.”

“Do you have any examples of those times?” Bellatrix was being incredibly cryptic in this subject.

“Myself, no I haven’t seen it, but I may have someone I can speak with, maybe two people. So long as you tell me what you actually pulled me here for. And no, not these clearly childish questions you are asking Bellatrix.” He allowed a sigh to escape his pursed lips.

“Bella, we need his help on this, you and I both know this. Now stop acting like a child and tell him.” Narcissa snapped at her eldest sister out of frustration of the pussyfooting she was going. Bellatrix shamefully looked to her baby sister and nodded her head.

“Fine, you are correct…”

“Of course I am which is why I directly told you to reach out to him.”

“Can we please move this along? I have had to deal with sniveling whelps for most of my day and you pulled me out from my relaxation time.” Severus sighed and drained the rest of his glass as he watched the mental debate the two of them were having. He decided it would be in his best interest to leave this for another day, before standing to leave.

“Wait!” Bellatrix’s shrill voice echoed the otherwise quiet library. She took a deep breath and grimaced almost as if this was painful for her. “Last night, I had a meeting…”

Severus turned his head towards her and arched his eyebrow for further clarification.

“The Fates, they came to me last night…”

[tomionefinds]

Are there any AU Tomione/Volmione fics where Hermione is the chosen one instead of Harry?

Hey Anon,I found a couple for you. The last one she’s the Horcrux instead of Harry. -JD

When the End Begins by bloomsburry

T | WIP | 20k

"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches, born to the kind of whom he so despise, born as the seventh month dies…" Both the Order and the Death Eaters are drawn to Hermione Granger like moths to a blazing flame, curious to know of the power she may possess, whether it be dark or light? Or both? (Hermione/Multi) (Hermione is the Chosen One)(GreyHermione)

Two Steps From Hell by Ssserpensssotia

M | Complete | 212k

The road to hell is often paved with good intentions. LV/HG, Complete.

[fateofblack]

Fate of Black: Chapter 8

Fate of Black: Chapter 8

Hermione sat at her favorite table tucked back in the library going over her Transfiguration essay on the Vanishing spell. Chewing on the tip of her quill as she looked over the paper to make sure she was making the necessary corrections. She briefly looked up when Ginny and Luna made their way to the table and the redhead collapsed into one of the chairs.

“Must you make so much noise?” Hermione didn’t bother looking up at either of them as Ginny puffed out air as if she had been running a marathon.

“Ah, sorry ‘bout that Hermione, I needed a break from running down the halls.” The redhead spoke up as Luna began to pull her own notes out of her bag to go over her assignments. Hermione grunted passively at the girl as she continued to go over her paperwork.

“And what was the purpose of running in the halls?” Hemione scratched out a handful of words from her paper and wrote in the corrections continuing to reread her work. She knew that she had a way to go but she was still able to multitask so long as what she was saying didn’t make it onto the paper.

“Ah! Well, I just wanted to get to you as fast as possible!” Ginny cracks a smile towards her new friend as she moves to pull out her own homework. Hermione feels the edges of her mouth begin to peak upwards.

“But of course, who could possibly wish to miss out on time with none other than myself.” Hermione’s tone begins to take on the tone of the Malfoy heir. Hands and eyes continue to work their way down the paper as she pulls out more parchment to restart the final draft of the paperwork. “Besides, I cannot imagine anything at all being more interesting than me.” At this point she looked up at the redhead and flashed a pompous smirk. Ginny let out a raucous laugh causing Madam Pince to shush them, even with them being as far back as they were. Hermione sniggered softly as she turned her attention back to the parchment paper.

“Of course, you are but a dream to me my darling Hermione.” Ginny faked a swoon in her seat causing both Luna and Hermione to cackle madly in laughter quietly.

“Oi, shush up you pain in my arse.” Hermione snarked back. Ginny grinned broadly and stuck her tongue out at her new friend before turning to her own homework.

“But I did have something real to speak with you about. On account of you missing lunch again, I imagine because of you being here rather than in the Great Hall. Which I don’t blame you for at all.” Hermione nodded her head indicating that she was listening to what the redhead was talking about and in agreement of what was said. “Well first off, apparently, I am no longer allowed to speak with you.”

“Oh? And may I ask who has made such a declaration over your own being?” Hermione arched her eyebrow and looked over at her friend.

“That would be a Mr. Ronald Weasley.” Luna had finally taken the time to pitch into the conversation. Hermione looked up from her paperwork between the two girls.

“Ah, that doesn’t quite surprise on account of me turning him down. But pray tell, what were his excuses as to why you and I are not ‘allowed’ to speak with one another?” Hermione arches her eyebrow looking directly at Luna for this portion.

“On account of your nefarious intentions with his sister.” Luna flashes Hermione a grin as if she is attempting to not chuckle at the thought.

“Oh! Because I certainly am looking to simply have my way with you. I mean, nothing against you or any thing Luna,  I could certainly show you a thing or two.” Hermione couldn’t stop the sarcastic comment from coming out of her mouth at this point. Her own cheeky grin expressing her clear and evident amusement at the ridiculousness of Ronald Weasleys ideas. Luna laughed outright at what Hermione had said and shook her head.

“Well as much as I do not doubt that bit of information, you will indeed be required to go through me.” Luna flashed a smirk of her own causing Hermione to laugh along with Ginny who at this point was simply enjoying the conversation between the two of them.

“And I don’t get to say anything in regards to this?” The redhead arches her eyebrow and laughs loudly, causing Madame Pince to glower at the trio and clear her throat. The three of them quickly shut their mouths sniggering softly amongst themselves.

“Nope!” Both Luna and Hermione spoke up at the same time causing them to go into another fit of giggles. This caused the redhead to roll her eyes and shake her head.

“Well then I don’t suppose you would be interested in hearing how that conversation went?” Hermione was indeed curious, considering the boy had been attempting to slander Hermione in any way possible the past two weeks.

“You know, I am, but I would kindly like to request we keep the conversation down low. I do quite enjoy the privileges I have been granted.” Hermione’s head turned back towards the paper she had been working on as her hand started moving smoothly over the parchment paper. Ginny sniggered quietly and rolled her eyes at the brunette.

“Be nice, Ginny, we certainly do not wish to be on the receiving end of Hermione’s wand. And I can only imagine her losing her privileges would indeed put us on the receiving end of such a thing.” Luna moved her hand from her own homework and placed it over her girlfriends gently before returning to the book she had been reading. Hermione nodded her head slightly in affirmation while continuing with her work.

“Well then, I shall make sure to keep myself within a low range of volume.” Ginny smirked at the brunette before bringing Luna’s hand to her lips and kissing it softly. In these moments of softness Hermione would feel incredibly awkward, considering she hadn’t ever had anything that these two clearly had. Shaking her head Hermione scratched the envy and the thoughts of having a moment or two like they had.

“So, what all did your, delightful, brother have to say about me this time around?” Her quill quickly moves across the paper to continue with her own work.

“Well let’s see, aside from his typical bullshit of how you’re the enemy. He chose to go into how you were evil, considering how you’re the only muggleborn in Slytherin, so therefore that perpetuates being worse than even the vilest of Slytherins. Malfoy is in face within that list of most vile, by the way.” Hermione scoffed at that a slight shake to her head in a negative motion. “But because you are the vilest of all the delightful Slytherins, that you must also be beyond the darkness that is none other than Voldemort.”

Hermione blinked as her head snapped up to look at the redhead. “Because me…being muggleborn certainly is a directory leading me to being what? One of that vile creature’s minions?” Hermione couldn’t help the laughter that rolled out of her lips at that point. It was a mad laughter that she had released causing the other two girls to look at her in confusion. Madame Pince clears her throat again causing Hermione’s mouth to snap shut quickly. “S-sorry about that…” She starts laughing softer this time around. “Me, in league with Voldemort.” She wipes at her eyes and shakes her head. “Nah, I’m certainly not in league with that monster.”

“No, Hermione, you are far stronger than him,” Luna paused in her own thought process. “Or at least you will be, when the time is right of course.” The blonde voiced airily before resuming with her own homework leaving both Hermione and Ginny to watch her closely.

“Uh, Luna…?” The girl looked up at the two of them her own thoughts gone out the window it seemed.

“Yes?”

“What exactly does that mean?” Ginny asked looking between both Hermione, who shrugged in confusion, and Luna.

“Oh, precisely what I said, when the time comes, she will be stronger than him. Which will she need to be.” Luna shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly and turned her attention back to her work continuing with reading and writing her notes signaling the finality of her side of the conversation. Hermione had learned in the past two weeks that when Luna didn’t wish to discuss things further, she simply wouldn’t, regardless of what was asked.

“O-kay then. Well since you have all the nefarious intentions with me and happen to happen to be more evil than Voldemort himself, you also turned down his fine specimen of humanity. So yeah, he determined that I am no longer allowed to speak with you. Of course, I made a point to tell him off, but I was stopped by my own housemates before I could further lay into him.” Ginny rolled her eyes flipping through the pages of her textbook. “There is, however, another thing that I was wanting to let you know about.”

“Yeah?” Hermione arched her eyebrow as she was still working through the final draft of her essay. “What other news comes with the knowledge of me being a nefarious Slytherin.” She let out another chuckle at the preposterous thought.

“Ah, well, apparently the Toad has implemented another of her educational decrees.” This one however caused Hermione to release a groan of frustration. “Yeah, exactly, apparently there is going to be a new group, she calls it the ‘Inquisitorial Squad’. My brother had one of their little flyers.” At this point Hermione decided it would be best for her to set her quill down before anything bad happened to her well written paper.

“And what exactly is the purpose of this group?” She was intently paying attention to Ginny at this point.

“Apparently, they’re going to be looking into things that ‘don’t seem right’.” The redhead made quote marks with her fingers. Hermione let out a sigh and placed her head in one of her hands taking time to think on things. She would need to speak with Snape about this another sigh escaped her lips. Not only was she not actively learning in her classes, but she was also about to lose her out of class training as well.

“Not much can be done about it.” Ginny looked at her surprised. “After all she is the High Inquisitor, right?”

“Well what about our practices?” Ginny was curious to know what her newfound friend would come up with.

“I-I…” Hermione took several minutes to pause and breathe. “How about we discuss this over some tea over the weekend in the Room?” The brunette would need to take time to determine the best course of action for their own practice sessions. “What we can do is all work on a different angle for sessions, and come together specifically for that?”

“I think we can do that,” Ginny turns to Luna for an affirmative, and she nods her head.

“Yes dear, we certainly can.” The three of them established a meeting time for the weekend and started to work in silence on their own homework. Every so often Hermione would assist her friends with small things they would need. The time passed swiftly for the three of them in their comfortable silence. Hermione thought deeply on the fact that she would need to find a new way around the power hungry crazed ‘High Inquisitor’. It would be a struggle for her if she wasn’t able to have the conversations and training she had with Professor Snape, and even more so if she became further isolated. Once again se was gently chewing on the tip of her quill as she formulated a handful of plans for both her and her friends.

Hermione stepped into Professor Snapes office after dinner had finished with her small meal and smiled as the man gestured towards a seat with him. This room had become a safe haven to her in her first several years at Hogwarts and the warmth that it provided her never seemed to diminish.

“Tea Granger?” The man offered her a glass of her favored tea and she smiled at him. The sat In silence after he poured the hot liquid into their respective glasses for a moment. “Am I correct in assuming that you have heard of the newest addition to our extra curriculars for this year?”

The facial expression she made gave him all the answers he needed to know. She had clearly been thinking on how they would have to alter their after-dinner sessions. And he did not have any desire to actively put any mark on the girls record in disciplinary action. She was truly the brightest witch of her age, and she deserved to learn. He knew once the weight of the war was off the shoulders of the students this girl would likely be short of ruling the world. If not doing so herself, if the conversation he Bellatrix, and Narcissa had had several weeks ago was anything to go by.

“Yes, I have actively thought on this, do you have any idea of when she plans to implement this?” Hermione took a sip of her hot tea after blowing on it lightly to cool it. She held the warm class between her hands as she watched over her professor’s facial expressions. She had learned how to read the man over the past years and knew when he had already addressed a situation in his own mind. But this time something else was lingering within the man’s mind, something she knew she would gain no traction with until he decided to inform her of it. Luna reminded her of him in that aspect. They would both hold their cards closely to their chests until the ‘right time’ came.

“From what I have been hearing within the faculty she’s getting quite a bit of pushback from both the teachers themselves and the headmaster himself as well. She will likely need to get a formal declaration for her to form such a thing. That will require some time from her to write up the proposal, through the legitimate and proper lines of course. This process requires a formal letter and proposal, a vote from the council, and then the approval. She would then have to allow for adequate time for members to join, which unfortunately wouldn’t take long at all, considering this is His plan.”

Hermione released a sigh in understanding the implications of what he meant. She was one of Voldemort’s minions, likely a small pick to gain some form of control of the school from the inside.

“So she’s one of His?” Severus nodded his head briefly.

“Unfortunately, yes. This was one of his right hands delightful ideas. Though from what I have heard it was something made up on the spot. But this does not surprise me of Bellatrix.” Hermione rarely heard that name come out of the mouth of her professor.

“So what, he just asked her what he can do…about what exactly?” Hermione arches her eyebrow as she watched the dark-haired man’s thoughts move into place. He released a sigh and set his cup down, this conversation was going to be a long one.

“More tea?” He poured himself another cup and offered it to the girl he considered his little sister. She nodded her head allowing for him to fill up the cup once again. “Bellatrix Black was asked how she would go about controlling the inside of the school quite honestly. Voldemort advised at one point during our last meeting that she was quite resourceful of that, and a different conversation I had with both her and her sister Narcissa indicated the same thing. Something that was made up on the spot, unfortunately she also advised for the implementation of blood quills.” Snape watched as Hermione’s eyes went wide in disgust, her own experience and understanding of the cursed objects were something he understood. One of his students had attempted to manipulate her into using one after they had taken all of hers from her belongings. That was a tricky situation to discern after she had refused to speak with him about it for about a week. “That was my thoughts on the subject matter as well, but unfortunately there isn’t much we can do about that.”

“What do you mean nothing we can do about it?” Hermione’s eye flashed darkly at the thought of someone being hurt by the horrid device.

“I have already spoken with the headmaster on this subject, and he has assured me that nothing bad will come of it. Some hogs wash about it being for the greater good that we don’t prevent her from using it.” Severus’ shoulders slumped as he let out a sigh.

“What in the bloody hell does that mean??” Hermione slammed her cup down onto the table, causing its contents to splash violently out of the cup. Severus quickly wordlessly and wandlessly cleaned up the mess and poured her another glass.

“Simple, if something were to be said about it before she were to implement it that would mean that someone was giving the precious Order information…”

“And that would lead directly to you, which would then lead to many questions regarding your loyalty with Him.” Hermione finished for her head of house, and he nodded his head. His hand directed her towards her drink once again causing her to blush for her outburst. “I’m sorry Sev…” She grasped the cup and put it to her lips taking another sip of the warm tea.

“Not at all, I understand entirely your standpoint in this matter.” He smiled over his cup at her.

“So back to our initial topic of discussion, when would you think is most likely to be when she is able to get this new group up and running?” Hermione was always good at avoiding subject matters that made her uncomfortable, her rage and the abuse she suffered through were always the two hottest zones for her.

“I would say a month, likely two maximum.” He took another drink of his tea as he watched the brunette worked her thoughts through her process. “I imagine it won’t hardly be of any trouble if I explain that I take extra training sessions with you to assist in your schooling.” The girl nodded her head and continued deep in thought as she worried her bottom lip.

“Would  she accept that as a reason?” She looked out the window and watched the stars for a moment. He could feel the weighted presence of her own anxiety as it slipped its mask into the girls mind.

“Considering I am your head of house; I don’t see why it would be an issue. She would likely believe it considering her own beliefs with muggleborns and other forms of magical creatures.” Hermione nodded her head stiffly. “Would you care to talk about what’s going on with your mind Hermione?”

“I don’t like having the knowledge that she’s here, in part her connections with the ministry, and on the other part her connections with Voldemort. But not only that there is more to her than that. He may be evil, if only by circumstance but her, she oozes darkness and quite honestly it makes me incredibly uncomfortable. I don’t like being in the room with her and the idea of being in a room with her, something about her…” Hermione shook her head.

“Continue, I would like to understand this from your point of view.” He poured them both another cup of hot tea waiting patiently for her to continue. It took a while for her to continue speaking on her feelings for the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.

“I see this…darkness that invades everything surrounding her. I have seen His through you, but the way the darkness is with her, it suffocates any form of light, and also latches onto lighter forms and leaching it from them. It then turns that light, into another cesspool of darkness that can swim outwards towards any form of an unsuspecting victim. It makes no sense I know this, but I physically see her darkness as it encircles her, and I’ve watched its tentacles spread outwards from her singular point. She’s dangerous.”

Snape nods his head and takes the information that he has been given filing it away into a folder inside his brain. “Would you mind, if I took a look?”

She smiled at the man she considered her brother and nodded her head. “Certainly.” She allowed her walls to come down at this point granting Severus access to her mind.  The man wordlessly and wandlessly cast legilimens and delved deep into the girl’s mind.

‘Tut, tut, you will find no use if silly wand waving in this classroom Mister Potter.”

Hermione watched the interaction as he argued with the woman about her lack of desire for the students to know how to defend themselves. With each moment of the argument Hermione felt something, dark and powerful building within the woman. Slowly but surely, she began to see the same darkness seeping out of the woman making her grow more uncomfortable. She watched as the darkness began to grow whispy tendrils reaching out to grip at small bits of the lights surrounding her. The monster in the middle began to show itself. There were no glowing eyes no sickly claws gripping at the world around simply as if were a demon. No, this was darkness swelling off the woman as if she was the reason for the darkness itself. Hermione blinked several times and even shook her head, yet the darkness continued to pool around and off the vile woman.

“In this class you will learn the practice of the spells, as is required for your OWL’s”

“And what about Cedric? Did he simply drop dead of his own accord?” Harry snapped back at her against the grip of one of his followers.

“I wouldn’t know, you were the only one there that night, so quite possibly he did!” That darkness was building steadily as Umbridge and Harry went at it over what the Ministry was trying to tell the people.

“Well he didn’t! It was Voldemort! He came back that night and he’s the one who killed Cedric!” Harry was now standing as he was yelling at her.

“You will cease and desist your lies and slander Mister Potter! Do I make myself clear?” The woman had stayed in the front and center of the room demanding attention of the whole classroom. “What you have been told by none other than Mister Potter and Albus Dumbledore is nothing but a lie! I have been sent here to distinguish the precise level of incompetency that this school has fallen into. Unfortunately, it turns out that this is by far worse than what we had initially expected. Which means that the minister will indeed be hearing about the sheer blatant misuse of magics that this school has been teaching and practicing.” Umbridge sneers at the Potter boy. “And you, boy, have been the worst return that this school has offered. A constant state of danger to others spreading lies and fear throughout the school with preposterous ideas of a man that is dead!” There was a scent in the air that made Hermione cringe as the whisps began to wrap their ways around the student’s bodies, entirely unnoticed.

Severus pulled himself out of Hermione’s mind and she pulled her shields back into place. She returned to her tea this time pouring for the two of them instead. Severus seemed to be deep in thought as he ruminated over what he had just seen with his own eyes. She could literally see the darkness seeping from one of the cruelest most vile individuals he had ever met.

“And you see this…every time you’re around her?” He watched as she inclined her head in an affirmative before bringing the mug back to her lips to take another sip.

“I’ve seen it around a lot of the Slytherins as well, I guess its how my magic reacts.” Hermione paused to think about it. “Luna talked to me about it a while back, she said I have a connection with magic that’s incredibly unlike what someone else would have. I’ve never heard of it honestly; in all my books I have run through. But I also didn’t really have much beyond a ball of darkness before Luna had me try this weird thing of…sensing my magics.”

“Luna is brighter than most of her peers, she would be the one to see and notice.” Snape chuckled softly. Even she is one of the few people who has noticed myself, in the long line of things. She had commented on it in your second year, her first. Something about my meeting of you and myself changing.” The man shook his head and smirked over at the younger woman over his cup. “But of course, I haven’t the faintest idea of what she means by this.”

Hermione couldn’t help the laughter that spilled from between her lips as she took in the seriousness of his look. Severus himself released another bit of laughter himself before taking another drink of his tea.

“But of course, no idea what’s so ever” Hermione sniggered again and paused in thought.

“I am curious to know what you can tell me more about what you have been working on.” He placed his cup down and allowed his arms to rest on the armrests of the cozy chair he was sitting in. Hermione took a look around the mans office, it was always the calming part of this school. The firepit was warm and comfortable keeping the room at the perfect temperature. The lack of excessive shades of green and silver had initially surprised her. Half of the walls covered to have the bottom half with a wood plating, the upper half of the walls were a dark green with the trip between the panels to be the silverly décor she had anticipated.

“You recall how I spoke to you about what Luna had showed me?” The man nodded his head listening his attention entirely. “I have been working on developing that, I have a connection with my magic that is likely unheard of. And so, in turn I have been actively working on growing that strength, to identify all the things that I am connected to. I have seen it in most of my spell work now. The newer ones that I have been building since last year that magic is stronger, that connection runs deeper. The spells that I have only used once or twice don’t show to have much of a connection but the spells that I have known since first year are entirely different.” Hermione took more time to think on gathering her thoughts. “Technically I am working to imbue myself further into my magics as well.”

Severus sat deep in thought as she speaks up. He goes over the rationality of the girl before him before making a face. “So you are actively working with magic you have absolutely no understanding of?” He released a pensive sigh and shook his head. “Can you make me a deal?”

“Ah, yeah with what Sev?” Hermione allowed her head to tilt in curiosity.

“Wait for further understanding on how this works? I can order some books for you to pick up at Tomes and Scrolls, I will also pitch in with some more parchment and quills. It would be best if you were prepared just in case you end up on the receiving end of Umbridge’s inhumane form of torture. And whatever you do, it would be best kept quiet on your true level of magic skills as we have discussed since the beginning. I am not going to prevent you from learning about your magic, I just want both of us to be better prepared. Does that sound fair?” The man watched Hermione’s brain process across her facial expressions, before turning to him and smiling.

“I think I can handle that, but I will not discontinue my creation of spells, does that sound like a fair trade?”

“I suppose if that is going to be the best we can get then it is a done deal. Now for the time being I am going to write a notice for you to continuing to visit the restricted section of the library on your own time. As for that I would recommend that you inform some mindless response that would match up to you having access to that area.” She once again nodded her head in agreement.

“Now, I suspect you should head back to the dorms, that way you can settle in for the evening. I will send for the books the next time I am required to be outside of the castle.” The two of them stood up acknowledging that the conversation was finished. The brunette-haired girl came up to her brother and hugged him tightly. His own arms returning the gesture hugging her back with equal tightness. “Now goodnight, Granger.”

“Goodnight Sev!”

[fateofblack]

Fate of Black: Chapter 7

Fate of Black: Chapter 7

It had been a about two weeks since the incident with the red-haired boy had stopped Hermione and his attempt to pressure the girl into a date with him. She continued to get dirty looks from the boy and a handful of his friends. His sister Ginny however had actively come up to her during her resting at the Black Lake later that day. That had somehow led to a conversation between the two as well as the girl’s girlfriend , Luna, that had met them out there. Since then the three of them would find time in the library between their studies and Hermione’s meetings with her favored professor.

“Hey! You must be Hermione, right?” Hermione looked in the direction of the sound of the voice to find another of the redheaded children heading in her direction. Hermione allowed for her wand to slip from its holster into her hand preparing to rebound anything that would come her way.

“Uh. Yes?” The female redhead smiled, well more like beamed at her with how bright it was.

“So, I…uh heard about what my brother did…” The girl awkwardly rubbed her neck and continued to watch her.

“Ah, yeah, that. Look, I’m not going to apologize for turning him down. Nor will I apologize for nearly removing his vital part from his body.” Hermione sighed as she looked back towards Black Lake her thoughts swimming through her head.

“No! No, that’s not what I’m here for, at all.” Ginny smiled when Hemione turned back to her in surprise. “Quite honestly, he would have deserved…uh that. From what I hear he, was being an absolute prat. He tends to do that, when he doesn’t get what he expects is owed to him.” Ginny looked over the lake in thought for a moment. “Would…would it be alright if I sat with you?”

“I don’t own the lake, nor your body. You are welcome to do as you please.” Hermione returned her wand to its holster when the redhead sat beside her. The two of them sat in peace looking out over the water of the lake, every so often they would see the giant squid up towards the surface almost as if it was waiting for one of them to either jump in or fall in.

“So, I wanted to ask you a question…” the younger girl gently chewed on her lip, like a nervous tick.

Hermione turned to the redhead and lifted her eyebrow to her. “And what might that be?”

“I’ve seen you, in the library, sometimes ya know.” The girl paused deep in thought trying to formulate what she wanted to say and how she wanted to say it.

“If you’re going to ask me out, I will have to politely decline…” Hermione started, causing the redhead to start laughing loudly.

“No! Gods, no!” Ginny continued to laugh as if what the other girl had said was entirely preposterous. “Nothing against you, at all.” Ginny had to take time laughing more before she was finally able to calm herself. “Sorry, don’t get me wrong I guess technically you are my type to an extent…just I’m…kinda dating someone already.”

“Alright, so now that we know you are not here to ask me on a date. What can I assist you with?” Hermione looked the redhead over and smiled softly in relief if knowing that there wouldn’t be a repeat of the earlier incident.

“I’ve seen you sometimes in the library, literally every day. I’ve also noticed that you happen to be…good with magic. Quite honestly, bloody brilliant from what I’ve seen.” Ginny sighed loudly and sent her hands through her hair in frustration. Hermione decided to give the younger girl some time to formulate her sentences, so she sat quietly staring out over the lake. “Would you be willing to teach me?”

Hermione looked back at the girl again surprise etched across her face once more. “What do you mean?”

Ginny teased her bottom lip between her teeth again as she worked on formulating what she wanted to say again. “You are too smart for this place, like I said literally bloody brilliant. You can understand magic in a way that a lot of people don’t.” Ginny looked at Hermione and smiled softly. “And honestly, I have seen how you…work, how you function if that makes any sense…at all.” She shook her head laughing at her own words as if attempting to make sense of them herself. “I want to learn from someone…who doesn’t see magic as something that has known it since the day they were born. I want to learn how to control my own abilities in a way that…is better.”

Hermione let her knees pull up as she draped her arms over them in thought. “Would you be able to clarify…?”

Ginny lets out a frustrated chuckle and groans again her body flopping over to lay down in the grass fully. Her arms flung out at her sides. “I’ve watched you do magic; I’ve watched the wordless and wandless magic you do. In the library, not as a creepy stalker type. Honestly Luna, my girlfriend was the one who pointed it out to me.” Ginny continued to watch the sky. “And when you do that magic its…not just magic, there’s more to it. Bloody hell, I wish Luna was here to help me explain it.”

It was almost as if it was right one que when the blonde haired Ravenclaw made her way merrily down the slope to the Black Lake. “Ah Ginny, there you are. I suspected you might need me here for something important.” The girl seemed to be missing her shoes, but her attention was on the redhead. Ginny sat up abruptly the smile on her face making it clear who the blonde-haired girl was.

“Hey, what do you know! Just the girl I was hoping to see!” Ginny hopped up to stand pulling the blonde girl into her arms hugging her tightly. “Hey there snapdragon.” Ginny beams and places her head against the other girls in a comforting manner. “Did they take your shoes again love?”

“The nargles seem to have taken flight with them again.” She presses the side of her face against her girlfriends. “But more on you. I sensed you would be in need of some assistance.” Her dreamy gaze lands on Hermione, who feels awkward in being involved in such an intimate moment between the two lovers. “Hello, you must be Hemione” The girls smile was kind, and her eyes were wise for someone of her youth.

“I…well uh yeah…” Hermione nodded her head and gave the girls questioning looks. “Is…something wrong?” She blinks between the two of them and worries her bottom lip between her teeth. “I’m gonna take a guess you must be Luna? Excuse me for not getting up to shake hands or anything.” Luna smiled kindly at her once again.

“Not at all, would it be alright if we joined you?” This put Hermione off, all the asking all the kindness. Much less from a Gryffindor.

“As I told your girlfriend, I don’t own the lake, nor your body. You’re welcome to do as you please.” The two girls sit beside one another to enjoy in the silence for a moment. “Ginny here said she needed your assistance in explaining something to me, about a request to teach her.” Hermione looked out over the lake once again.

“Ah, so my intuition was right on the nose it seems.” Luna takes a moment in thought pondering her own words on the subject. “We’ve seen you, well, I have seen you in a different way than Ginny has. But we have both seen you, your magic, its different from most peoples. Let alone anyone’s here. You have a certain kind of fire within you and your aura tends to be in the purest forms of magics, old magics.”

“Would you care to expand upon what it is you mean?” Hermione arches her eyebrow and continues to look out at the Black Lake.

“Can, I ask you to do something for a moment?” Luna speaks up after several minutes of thinking on how best to explain it.

“That depends I suppose, on what it is you are asking me to do.” The brunette finally turns to the two girls looking peaceful leaning up against one another.

“I know you have no reason to trust me, not after all of your experiences. But I would like you to feel your magics. Close your eyes breathe in and cast a spell like you would wandlessly and wordlessly, envision the happenings of the spell. And tell me what you notice.”

“What in…the world are you talking about?” Hermione’s eyes flash darkly over the two girls. She is showing as someone distrustful of others ready to lash out like the snake in a pit.

“I’m not going to hurt you. Neither of us will, I understand its hard to trust others. But just this once, would you be willing to give someone the benefit of the doubt?” Luna calmly responds the kind smile still gracing her lips as she looks over at the brunette. “You can even have our wands, you know…for your own safety.” Luna holds out her wand for her to take it, before nudging Ginny to do the same, who in turn warily hands out her wand as well.

Hermione looks over the two wands being held out to her, grip end first before looking over the girls again. She reaches out and takes the wants with caution and sets them inside of her robes for safe keeping, before closing her eyes and doing as was asked of her. Taking a deep breath, she smells the scent of something distinctly lake water. The air surrounding her holds a twinge of magic scent, both of her own and the two girls beside her. She smells lavender coming from the redhead but a spiced scent mixed in. As for Luna, it is a smell of the moon itself, the wind in the night brushing over the treetops. As for herself it was the scent of parchment and fresh ink scrawled over the pages. Upon casting a simple lumos she was able to see something from behind her eyelids beyond the light. It was as if a red string was reaching out from the center of her being directed towards the center of the same ball of light before her. Hermione’s eyes flew open quickly the string disappearing from her view.

“What….what the fuck was that?” Hermione asked to the two girls that still sat staring out over the lake. The ball of light disappeared from the sky as the brunette looked around.

“You have a deeper connection with magic than most others. I’ve seen it in you. It took longer for Ginny to see it, but when she did, she tried to do magic the way you have. I’ve even tried it, but it never happens. But for you, every moment of magic is as if it is tied to the Fates themselves.” Luna smiles in thoughts. “You have the highest scores across the boards, even with taking on the extra classes for your third year. You have mastered both wandless and wordless magic, you had those mastered in your third year.”

“Yeah…what of it?” Hermione had begun to feel uncomfortable with the knowledge this girl had.

“We, both Ginny and I, would like for you to teach us.” Luna looked directly into Hermione’s eyes, her eyes showing nothing but kindness and truth when she did so.

“Me? Teach you, what? Why?” Hermione was even more confused at this point. “I’m not a teacher…I’m just some muggleborn nobody, who just happened to end up in the wrong place.” She shrugged and looked back out over the lake again thinking quietly. The silence between the three of them passing comfortably as they enjoyed the peace sitting out by the lake.

“So what do you say, Granger?” Ginny smiled over at her, “To be quite honest its not like the crazy pink toad is teaching us much of anything.”

Hermione let out a laugh and shook her head. “Are all of you Weasleys so persistent?”

Ginny let out a full laughter her head falling back as she shook her head. “Hey now, I’m nowhere near as bad as my brother. Honestly, I feel like you are the best bet for someone like me, someone like Luna here. Not as a guardian –“

“Me a guardian to you, a great fireball of energy. No, no, you’re not the type to need a guardian. I’ve heard you across the Great Hall pounding into your brother before.” The sun had begun to set and the time for dinner was falling upon them. Standing up Hermione brushes off her robes and holds her hand to help her…companions(?) up. “But, I suppose I have no reason to say no.”

Ginny allowed a bright smile to cross her features once again and nodded her head. “Yes!” Her excitement overwhelmed the brunette but thankfully Luna held the girl back from attempting to hug her.

“Easy, Ginny, remember what I have told you.” Luna turned to her partner calming her moment of excitement as Hermione stood awkwardly out of reach from the exuberance.

“Ah, yeah you likely wont be wanting hugs from a redhead so soon after my prat of a brother this morning. But thank you.” Ginny nodded her head still beaming.

“And, I suspect you’ll want these back?” Hermione allowed the wands to float in front of the two girls wandlessly and wordlessly.

“Thank you” Luna bowed her head to the brunette as if she was royalty before tugging her girlfriend away to return to the Great Hall. Hermione watched them leave before following closely after them to make her own way to the great hall.

Her meeting that night had ended rather early on account of Severus receiving an urgent notice to meet someone outside of the school.  While she had fussed with him momentarily over the state of his quick exit of the room.

“Oh do you have a date Professor?” he scowled at her and rolled his eyes as he rushed out of the room telling her it was time to leave. Honestly she had simply assumed that it was something to do with the so called Dark Lord with his urgency. So she assisted him in cleaning up the area and left him with a comment to be careful.

He had returned the next morning with a look of nothing happened. He didn’t have any further late night calls but he had continued conversation with whomever had called him out that night.That is was confused her even more, as she knew that he wouldn’t be able to have conversations with that man under the watchful eye of the Ministers watchdog. While his refusal to discuss something as sensitive as what had happened that day or during those conversations, he did inform her that when the time came he would discuss the information with her.

With that promise she accepted what he offered her, worry still clouded some of her moments during practice. Her new companions didn’t make a point to bring her discomfort up they accepted that she had her own battles and demons to handle.

The three of them instead worked on how Hermione understood magics in her ways. She would go over the grueling factors that pushed her to where she was, only towards the first part of her fifth year. She explained her initial accidents during her first year and the Headmasters response to the behaviors that pushed her down the path she was currently encapsuled in. She laughed about her childish attempts at performing far too advanced for her level  out by the black lake the first year.

“Ah yes, that was certainly an embarrassing moment for certain. I had attempted to perform Augue, fried the shit out of my hand.” Hermione shook her head at the memory. “Sev….I mean Professor Snape was furious with me. Honestly that is how we started with our evening training sessions.”

“You mean the same potions master that we as Gryffindors must endure?” The redhaired girl chuckled softly.

“The one and the same.” Hermione laughed softly causing Madame Pince to shush them. “Sorry!!” Hermione bowed her head to the notes she was going over with the two girls and they snickered to themselves.

It was a new thing for Hermione, but there was no judgement from the two of them. And they had slowly began to talk more about other things. Ginny herself talking about the poor homelife she suffered under the arrogance of the youngest son. She did comment on how she missed her older brothers Fred and George and their once closeness. Hermione didn’t speak up about much of her own life, as she still didn’t feel safe, or comfortable around others. They never judged her about speaking as little as she did beyond her training. Luna was the more curious of the two in Hermione’s mind, each time she would address her as ‘celsitudinem tuam’. Hermione would ask her about it, and she would only receive a knowing look. Luna never answered her directly, and their conversations would continue to where it was beforehand.

[fateofblack]

Fate of Black: Chapter 6

Fate of Black: Chapter 6

Upon arriving at Black Manor, Bellatrix and Narcissa quickly made their way through to the library. The two of them would need to put their heads together to come up with a plan. Narcissa was aware of the doubt that Bellatrix had in her mind regarding what the Fates had determined would be the best course of action. Narcissa, however, held no doubt in her mind that they would need to seek out both their sister Andromeda, as well as the girl she saw in her mind. Something would also need to be done to prevent the Dark Lord from peering into either of their minds and establishing what was actively going on. Concern flashes through Narcissa’s mind as she thinks of the dangers behind what the Fates have done. Her, her sisters, even her son Draco would be put down like rabid dogs. In His mind they would be as such, they were fated for a muggleborn, someone who was intended to be stronger and far more powerful than both Him and headmaster Dumbledor.

“What are we going to do Cissy?” Bellatrix looked over to her sister watching the emotions play out in her eyes. Concern, fear, and finally resolve Bellatrix knew what the looks in her sister’s eyes meant. “We will keep him safe Cissy. We will make it out of this whole mess alive. I promise I will do everything within my power to keep the two of you safe.” Narcissa sent her a sharp look causing Bellatrix to flinch.

“This is no longer going to be about just Draco and I. This is about you and Andy as well.” Bellatrix went to say something only to have Narcissa hold up and hand to stop her. “No, Andy is our sister as well, and you damned well know this. Despite your anger, your disappointment, and your disbelief. Andromeda is still a Black. And there is not a damned thing you can or will do about it. She belongs with us. Just as much as my son does.”

Bellatrix nodded her head and swallowed harshly. “And what of…the girl?” Narcissa let out a sigh of relief with Bellatrix’s acknowledgement.

“There, are a multitude of problems with this whole thing. We don’t even know who she is, let alone how to find her. I suspect the first course of action is to shield our minds. Beyond that we will need to obtain contact with Andy…and somehow find this…girl.” Bellatrix could feel her body become tense at the thought of all the things that could go wrong. “While we happen to be some of the strongest in the ways of mind magics, He is on par with us. We will need to fortify any information on what They have shown you. Along with putting something in its place. If we have a large chunk of our minds blocked off, He will know that something is out of place. Unfortunately, this whole thing will have to be shut off from his mind tricks.”

“We can put small things into a pensive?” Bellatrix suggested as she plopped into a chair surrounding one of the large desks within the library. “But we would still need to put something in its place.” Narcissa wandered through the large bookcases within the library seeking out specific books. Tipsy certainly knew her way around magic, considering several hours earlier she had demolished this room. Nothing was out of place, the shelves, and the book had been put back into their correct order. Bellatrix smiled at that, she would have to remember to thank Tipsy later when they were alone, Narcissa didn’t need to know she had gone soft. Bellatrix allowed her chair to tip back as she rocked it back and forth on the rear legs her mind working out all the possibilities.

“So that begs to question what would we replace with those memories?” Narcissa’s voice came from further back in the library as she continued to search for whatever she was looking for.

“I haven’t the slightest clue.” Bellatrix sighed ruefully as she began to work on what to replace all the memories with. Narcissa rounded the corner a moment later with stacks of books in her arms. “You could always call Tipsy to assist you in that Cissy.” Her eyes watching as her youngest sister began to shuffle the books onto the table.

“And risk Him finding out what we’re looking for?” Narcissa’s eyebrow arches up as she puts the last of what she collected onto the table. Most of the books were about manipulating memories, others were books containing information on the Fates. Bellatrix grabbed the first one off the stack and began to flip through the pages. This one had apparently been information on the Fates, causing Bellatrix to sigh. Narcissa wasn’t going to let this go. “We however have more than enough ability to take care of this through ourselves.”

“And what of Draco?” Bellatrix shut the book with a bored expression on her face.

“That is something we will have to figure out, at a later point in time unfortunately. If we tell him too soon, we may end up in a position we are attempting to avoid.” Narcissa’s face went sour at the thought. Bellatrix let her chair settle to stand and circle around to where Narcissa was hunched over, hands on the table leaning into them.

“I’m sorry Cissy.” Bellatrix pulls her sister into her wrapping her arms tightly around her youngest sister. “I understand how hard this is on you.” In that moment, Narcissa’s willpower snapped as she began to cry. She clung to Bellatrix’s dress as her older sister hugged her close to her, running her hand up and down her back. “I promise you; I will do everything in my power to keep both you and Draco safe. You will not suffer under Him.”

“That’s just it, Bella, He wants to mark Draco, turn him into one of his little pawns.” Sobs wracked her lithe body as she allowed the tension in her body the reprieve. Tears streaming from her eyes as she held them tightly closed. “He has plans of marking him with that ghastly mark over the summer.”

“I will make certain that Draco does not take the mark. Which means we have a year, to connect with Andy, and…” Bellatrix paused eyebrows furrowing at what she was going to say next. “Find…the girl.” Bellatrix grimaced at the thought of having to connect with a mudblood. Narcissa pulled away from her sister and wiped her eyes while taking a deep breath to stabilize herself.

“First, we need to make sure that monster has no access to what we’re going to be doing. She needs to win. We need to win.” Narcissa took a few moments putting on her mask once again before grabbing one of the books she had selected. Mind Magic of the Masters, while Narcissa was one of the most capable legilimens the wizarding word had seen they would still need to find a way to mask their plans. “I will likely meet Draco on one of the weekends for Hogsmeade, thinking on that meeting you had she may still be a student at Hogwarts, she was rather young, and she clearly knew both him and that boy. Whole I will not reveal any information to him I would still like to investigate what the possibilities may be.”

“That would be for the best, I can also slip into my Animagus form to go with you, lurk around, maybe even attempt to slip into the castle?” Bellatrix returned to her seat and began to flip through the book she had been skimming through. “I may be able to speak with Snivellus regarding our predicament as well.” Bellatrix let out a petulant sigh at having to speak with the man she cared nothing for. Narcissa shook her head at her eldest sister’s childishness and sat down at the table as well grabbing a different book from the stack. Mind Magics of the Masters, a book going into detail about how to manipulate the memories. While Narcissa happened to be one of the most mastered in the ways of leginimens, she would need to be able to put a blocker on both hers and Bellatrix’s minds without either of them forgetting what needed to be done. Her own understanding on the subject was highly sought out, but knowing His tactics, she would need to be better.

Day sunk into night over the course of hours as they researched several topics Narcissa’s primary focus being that of memory magics and manipulating them. Bellatrix slowly began to show her impatience as the time ticked by, her the bouncing of her foot and the sighs escaping her lips every so often. The blonde-haired woman looked up to her sister and arched her eyebrow, a finger on the page to mark her last position.

“Is there a problem dear sister?” Bellatrix startled out of her own thoughts and looked at her sister.

“This is incredibly drab; don’t you think Cissy?” Bellatrix dropped her head into her hand, her elbow resting on the table between them. “All of this research, and yet all I have been able to find are various mythology on the Fates. Nothing really concrete, aside from theories on seers and prophecies.” Unfortunately, the lack of understanding on how to classify the situation at hand did not help. It certainly wasn’t an office meeting at some high-end company. It wasn’t attached to some form of a seer, that disassociated into a deep rumbling voice of what Bellatrix would consider doom ang gloom. No this was a dream, but it was also more than that, one did not simply dream of the Fates, they chose you and showed you what they wanted you to see. Nothing more, nothing less.  Narcissa sighed to herself in her own mind at what Bellatrix was saying. She looked out through the windows seeing that darkness had fallen and nodded her head.

“I suppose we can put this to rest for the time being. I will connect with Lucius and inform him that I will be staying with you here for a while. Let him know we are having some well missed sisterly time. To prevent him from attempting to pull me back to the manor.” Bellatrix grinned broadly and stretched out languidly her shoulders popping as she did so. Narcissa rolled her eyes at her eldest sister before snagging a piece of parchment from their research stack, verifying that it was empty and wrote a quick note on it. “Tipsy!” the house elf appeared next to the blonde-haired matriarch.

“Yes, Mistress Malfoy?” The timid thing kept her head down eyes glued to her feet as she spoke.

“I would like for you to get this to my husband at Malfoy Manor, would you do that for me dear?” Narcissa held out the letter to her husband for the elf to take.

“Yes Mistress, right away Mistress.” The took the letter and went to bow.

“Afterwards please, ready our evening meal for us.” Bellatrix spoke up startling the pitiful creature. Tipsy in turn nodded her head rapidly her ears flopping as she did so.

“Y-Yes Mistress Black.” With a pop the elf left to accomplish her tasks.

“In the meantime, I believe it would be best if you were to contact Severus about our predicament.”  Bellatrix chuckled softly and looked to her sister.

“Is my baby sister telling me what to do within my own home?” Narcissa simply nodded her head and returned to her book.

“You should know better by now, Bella, it is best to not question me. Regardless of who’s home we are in.” Her finger was removed from the section where she had initially stopped as she returned to her research. “You should know that by now.” Her eyes flit across the page she had been reading  continuing on her research before marking down some more notes on the parchment beside the book.

“I would recommend getting the information to him as soon as possible, wouldn’t you agree?” This time Narcissa didn’t bother to look up from her book as she continued to work. Bellatrix let out a huff and snagged a piece of parchment to begin writing a letter to the potions master. “And do try to be respectful about it dear sister. We will need him on our side for this delicate matter.”

“But Cissy….” The woman on the other side let out a huff and began to pout but proceeded to do as her sister asked of her. Scratching out her original notice Bellatrix sneered at the thought of speaking with the greasy haired man on a respectful level. It took her a while before she succeeded in her attempts and slipped the paper across the table for her sister to read over. Narcissa looked up from her book and quickly skimmed over the letter and nodded her head.

“That is appropriate, now do us both a favor Bella and go take a bath, you are in dire need of it.” Bellatrix huffed at the blatant dismissal of her but stood to leave the library to do as requested of her. Narcissa let out a sigh and sat back in her chair and let her shoulders slump looking over at the letter to Severus once again.

Severus,

There is something that has come up that both Narcissa and I feel would be best discussed in person. Please meet us at Black Manor. Do not let either of them know your presence is being requested. It is best if for the time being that no one is to be aware of this situation.

B.Black

To Narcissa’s surprise the invitation was polite, knowing that the original message was nothing of the sort. She folded it neatly and let out another sigh the difficult part would be finding a way to get it to the potions master soon. She stood from the table stretched out leaving the book she had been reviewing open for her to return to easily when the two of them continued their research. Narcissa stood staring out the windows for a moment in thought before turning to leave the library and make her way to the small owlery.

[fateofblack]

Fate of Black: Chapter 5

Fate of Black: Chapter 5

Bellatrix Black knew that she had to make things up to her baby sister, especially after the incident this morning. Unfortunately, that would have to wait until after her meeting with the Dark Lord. Bellatrix had woken up to a sharp pain shooting through her left arm. He was summoning her; something must have come up as the pain was incessant. Thankfully this time she had managed to make it through the sleep she had gotten without any further occurrences. Taking her time getting herself ready to meet Him, she slowly began to build the walls up around that memory inside of her own mind. If He ever found out, any plans that she and Narcissa were to make would be entirely pointless, He would kill her slowly and painfully.

Pulling herself out of her thoughts she looked herself over in the mirror, signature black corset in place over her flowing lacy black dress. Her black curls hanging around her shoulders, she smirked at herself in the mirror reveling in the bright red lipstick on her lips. She spun on her heals and disapparated into a plume of black smoke as she released a cackle.

Within moments Bellatrix reforms standing at full 5’2 inside the Foyer of Malfoy Manor. She knew there would be hell to pay once the meeting with Him was over. Taking a deep breath she strode through the doors to the entrance hall, her heals clacking loudly through the empty area. Bellatrix looked up the steps to find her sister standing watching her closely, steely eyes flashing. She made a point to slightly nodding to her to acknowledge that she knew what was expected after the meeting. Narcissa didn’t make any sign of acknowledging it before she spun around to return to her initial activities.

The snake had always put Bellatrix on edge, as she did with the others within the ranks of Death Eaters. It was an intentional power play that He would use, causing that stretch of anxiety before slipping into your mind. This had managed to put people on edge and release any form of vital information that they may have. Thankfully Bellatrix had grown accustomed to his tactics as they hadn’t changed since the first war. These tactics would make it easier for them to react to his actions, and any plans that he would make during this war.

“My Lord!” Bellatrix quickly dropped to a knee and bowed her head. While the world had painted her a crazed fanatic, it was hardly the truth of the matter. She played the part well, realistically she was a genius strategist who was able to create and execute plans as expected. Which is precisely why she was His right hand; she had earned that place.

“Bellatrix, I require an update on things. From what Draco tells me, things on his end aren’t running as smoothly as anticipated. We will need to gain traction on the inside of that school beyond the crazed pink toad. She is a means to an end.” His voice echoed through the ballroom. He looked into her mind easily slipping back out not finding anything out of the ordinary. His red eyes piercing into her own when she looked up.

“Yes, My Lord.” Bellatrix allowed for her head to fall forward in thought regarding what to do. “First off, I would give the old bat further control of the school. Allow her to make formal decrees, slowly at first, we don’t want the children to suspect anything right away. As for the not learning anything about proper defense techniques, continue down that path. The less they have, the easier it will be to start demolishing them from the inside.” Bellatrix began to quickly put together more thoughts. “When the time comes, I would suggest she create a group, an exclusive group, that would have more power to punish and react.”

“Who would you choose to be a part of this group?” He continued to watch her thoughts as she formulated the things. He had always found her quick reasoning a fascinating thing to watch and understand.

“Those loyal to the cause, regardless of which house, those who are loyal should be allowed to sign up. Grant them special privileges.” He nodded thinking on her words breaking for a moment.

“And what of punishment?”

“Have her be the head of administering the just punishments, the best thing to regarding that would be blood quills. Each time a student chooses to step out of line will be required to learn, respect is something that will happen.  If they choose not to, push the punishments harder.”

“Very well Bellatrix. Now tell me how the hunts for my Horcrux’s are going” He shifted in his seat as Nagani awoke from her slumber to slide her way into the man’s lap.

“As of right now, we have two of them located. Dolohov and the Lestrange brothers are still on the move as we speak. They did uncover the location of one that has already been removed. Slytherin’s locket was removed by Regulus, by the looks of it some time ago. He did replace it with an astonishing replica, however I did direct them to leave the replacement where it is located. Give the old man something to work for after all.” Bellatrix could hear Voldermort release a dark laughter at the thought of Dumbledore suffering for nothing.

“Very well Bellatrix. You are free to return to your duties. I will have the messages about the inside school information passed along to Umbridge, have her suggest it to Cornelius Fudge as if it were her own idea.” Voldermort waved his hand at her in dismissal. Bellatrix stood from her position on the floor and held her fist over her chest  before turning to leave the ballroom.

One down, one to go. Bellatrix thought to herself as she entered the entrance hall and turned to ascend the steps to the second floor. Taking a deep breath, the woman began to seek out her sister to pay her retribution. Thankfully she was able to find her youngest sister in a matter of moments as she stepped into the open space of the drawing room. Narcissa didn’t look up from the drawing she had been working on as Bellatrix stepped into the room.

“Close the door.” The sharp tone of her sister caught her off guard, but she followed the instruction and shut the wide double doors to the room and locked them. “Good. Now tell me Bella, to what do I owe the pleasure?” The pencil in her hand continued to work its ay across the paper. Bellatrix eyed her sister warily as she went to take a step forward deeper into the room. “Did I give you permission to move Bellatrix?” Frozen in place the eldest sister shook her head abruptly.

“No, Cissy. I’m sorry.” Bellatrix’s voice cracked slightly as she spoke requiring her to clear it before she continued. “I am here to produce the apology that you deserve from me.”

“And what is this apology for exactly Bella?” Narcissa asked returning to the drawing in hand. The pencil made a handful of sharp marks, as she refused to look at Bellatrix directly. Narcissa had been both hurt and angry since leaving her sisters place earlier this morning.

“I am here to apologize for lashing out at you.” Bellatrix watched as Narcissa’s eyebrow arched with the expectation for her to continue. “I should not have done such a thing, nor should I have said what I did this morning.”

“And tell me dear sister, what did you say this morning that upset me.” Bellatrix always hated this part when it came to her sister. This punishment was meant to sink in and to have a lasting effect on her. As were most of the punishments she received from her sister. Narcissa knew how to play a lasting game and tended to be quite fond of them depending on the damage done. Today, Bellatrix made a mistake, and she would be required to learn from this, before she would be granted the forgiveness.

“I spoke on expectations that I have not been forced or required to be placed into, entirely disregarding your own situation. I lashed out in a cruel unforgiving manner that you did not deserve to face.” Bellatrix swallowed harshly.

“Continue.” The icy tone in her sister’s voice sent chills down her spine.

“You are correct, in all the things that you stated this morning.” Bellatrix found herself chewing on her lip nervously. Narcissa nodded her head once allowing Bellatrix to relax a small amount.

“You may come closer.” Bellatrix took a few steps forward and hung her head. “And how do you plan on making it up to me Bella?”

“However you deem necessary my dear Cissy.” Bellatrix’s voice had grown quiet at this part fidgeting on the spot she now stood a few steps away from her sister.

“Very well then, I want you on your knees. Now.” Narcissa had yet to look up from her current work in progress. Bellatrix slowly fell to her knees before her sister and bowed her head. This was always the hardest part, Narcissa would keep her in this position until she decided she had earned her forgiveness. The minutes began to tick by as Narcissa continued to work on her drawing in silence, the sound of the pencil scratching on paper sending chills down Bellatrix’s back. Every so often Narcissa would shift in her seat to change the angle or to erase something she was not satisfied with. After a while, Bellatrix began to fidget, she never liked this part, she was not a patient woman after all. When Bellatrix allowed her body to relax, Narcissa finally looked up from the pad of paper she had in her hands. She discarded it onto the table and turned to look directly at her sister on her knees.

“I have always admired you on your knees Bella, were you aware of that?” Narcissa spoke softly as she looked her sister over.

“Yes Cissy.” Bellatrix didn’t dare look up from her knees.

“You are such a powerful woman, you know this, and yet here I have you in such…a…” Narcissa paused on her train of speaking to think about the correct words to use. “Submissive state. All for me, isn’t that right Bella?”

“Yes Cissy.” Narcissa stood up from her seated position to walk around her eldest sister to examine her. Each step she made was measured every touch of her had was intended to elicit a reaction. Bellatrix let her eyes fall shut at the feel of her sisters’ hands on her shoulders. She had stopped behind her, one of her hands weaving through the thick mane of curly hair the other had made its way to the front of her neck. In one motion Bellatrix’s head was sharply pulled back by the hair and the hand on her throat tightened. Narcissa smirked at the groan that escaped Bellatrix’s mouth at the sharp movements. Steely blue eyes met deep brown eyes.

“Would you like to earn my forgiveness dear sister?”

“Y-yes Cissy.” Bellatrix attempted to swallow again but the hand around her throat made that a difficult feat to accomplish.

“Good.” Narcissa smirked dangerously as she released Bellatrix’s hair and neck and returned to the state she had been in when her eldest sister had entered the room. “Now stay.”

Bellatrix couldn’t stop the whimper that escaped her lips as she watched the blonde-haired witch. She swallowed thickly and shifted on her knees as the sound of a pencil scratching on paper was heard once again. Bellatrix’s head fell, leaving her to look down to her knees, thick curly black hair cascading down around her face. Today Narcissa would be playing the waiting game, until the time would come, and Bellatrix would be granted the permission to move from the spot. Time seemed to pass slowly for the black-haired witch what felt like hours would only be minutes before her sister looked up from the pad of paper in her hands.

“Bellatrix, look at me.” Dark eyes snapped to the steely blue. “Remember this is not to be a pleasurable experience.” Her eyebrow arched having noticed her sister squirming beneath her gaze.

“Yes Cissy.” Those words made Narcissa smirk. She knew exactly how much control she had over her sister and she took pleasure in it. The eyes returned to the drawing she had been working on resulting in more scratching on paper. A groan of displeasure escaped Bellatrix’s lips unintentionally causing her sister to arch an eyebrow without looking at her.

“Now what did I say my dear sister?” The icy coldness in her voice resulting in chills to shoot down Bellatrix’s body. That was a mistake. Now her punishment would endure longer.

“This is not intended to be a pleasurable experience.” The heavy tone in her voice gave understanding that she had managed to misbehave.

“Precisely, and yet you behave as a petulant child in the face of your punishment.” Narcissa finally set her sketchpad down on the table once again. Her eyes were cold, the look once again sending chills down Bellatrix’s back.

“You’re right Cissy, I am sorry” Bellatrix began to toy with the strings of her dress attempting to find a reprieve in what she was feeling. Guilt swam within her, flowing freely from every pore of her body. Narcissa let out a sigh and motioned with her finger for Bellatrix to come close.

“Come here sister.” Bellatrix began to shuffle closer to her younger sister shamefully her head ducking down once again in the face of her punishment. Upon reaching Narcissa the blonde-haired witch gently tapped her knees, granting Bellatrix permission to rest her head upon them. Lithe fingers made their way through the thick mane of curly hair. “This morning, you hurt me. The words that you spoke were untrue and you are fully aware of this, are you not?”

“Yes, I know Cissy. I am sorry for my behaviors, then and now.” Another sigh escapes Narcissa’s lips as fingers continue to drag slowly through hair.

“You are forgiven, for this time.” Bellatrix realized there were wet streams of tears falling down her face into the cool dress beneath her. The release of emotions was something she rarely accepted, but within the hands of her baby sister she would accept them.

“I-I don’t know what I am expected to do Cissy. I’m scared.” A whimper escapes after the statement and more tears flow freely down Bellatrix’s face. Her eyes shut tightly as if working to block out the emotions. Narcissa’s cool hands removed themselves from her hair and gently lifter her face from her dress. Thumbs brush gently over her cheeks capturing the tears that were flowing.

“And I understand that, but does that give you the right to lash out at me?” Narcissa’s voice had lost the icy coolness and had been replaced by tender love.

“No…” Bellatrix shook her head sharply and whimpered. “You have done nothing wrong. I’m sorry for lashing out at you my sweet Cissy.” Bellatrix relaxed into the cool hands and gently nuzzled them seeking a much-needed comfort.

“As I have said you are forgiven for this incident.” Bellatrix relaxed into her sister more and took a calming breath. “For the time, I believe it is best if we were to return to yours and we will work on something about our….little problem. You are done with Him, yes?” There was a slight nod from Bellatrix. “Then come along Bella we have things to do.” Narcissa assisted Bellatrix in standing from her knees and stood herself, her hands working smoothly down her body to fix the non-existent wrinkles.

“Yes Cissy.” Was the last thing that was heard as the two of them disapperated from the drawing room.

[fateofblack]

Fate of Black: Chapter 4

Fate of Black: Chapter 4

“Professor, do you mind if I ask you a few questions about this evening’s assignment?” Hermione asked as Professor Snape released the students from his double potions class. The Slytherin students sniggered to themselves as they began to collect their own things, causing a pointed look to be sent their way from the professor. The look shut them up quickly as they began to follow behind the Gryffindor students as they left the classroom.

“Very well, Miss Granger.” Hermione allowed her things to rearrange themselves wandlessly and wordlessly as she waited for patiently for the students to file out of the classroom. She kept her head down as she mindlessly began tracing the worn knife marks that marred the old desktop. When the classroom had cleared, she finally turned to her dear friend and smiled at him briefly before a frown took its place. He returned the smile and nodded to her. “What can I help you with today, Granger?”

Hermione gave him a dirty look quickly and stood from her desk to throw her bag over her shoulder. “Will it be allowed for us to continue our meetings under Umbridge’s watchful eyes?” She shifted her bag and leaned against the desk watching the man continue to clean up. The question caused Severus to pause in his motions to think about it.

“That would be the question indeed it seems. As of this point in time, she does not seem invested in you, or myself for that matter.” He looked over at the brunette and thought on it for a moment or two, before speaking again, “However if we are to continue your extra-curricular studies, we will need to find a way to keep that mad-woman’s eyes off of you most particularly.” He stopped in his cleaning motions and turned his entire focus onto Hermione. “If Umbridge does turn her focus to you, our evening sessions may need to fall under the descriptor of detention.” Hermione’s face turned sour at that thought, to which Severus released a chuckle. “Which, I understand doesn’t suit your…scholarly expectations.”

“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean.” Snape lifted his eyebrow; Hermione felt her cheeks grow red  and huffed. “Not once in my timeframe of being here have I ever had a detention Sev, what in your right mind would make you think I would accept that?”

“Which is precisely why I said what I said. We will need to be cautious, no more blowing things up. Regardless of the reasoning behind your experimentations, if that vile woman finds out that you are working on creating your own spell work it is almost guaranteed that the attentions of the Ministry would be zeroed in on you. Asking questions as to why a muggleborn believes that she should be permitted to do so. Fudge would likely have you hunted down and thrown into Azkaban for attempting to ‘usurp the Minister of Magic’.”

“Let the foolhardy man believe as he wishes, I have no desire to usurp anything of the kind, simply to make it through this hellhole and seek greener pastures. What this government does is not of my concern as I have only the next few years before I am gone. You know this Severus. My only goal is to seek out places for new magics.” Hermione scowled at the thought of anything to do with the Ministry of Magic. These past few years they had been sorely lacking in much of anything aside from defamation cases against the so called ‘boy who lived’.

“Yes, I am aware of this child.” Severus came to stand in front of her. “You are the brightest which this school has seen in over 20 years. Myself withstanding of course” She gave him a look before laughing. “We will figure something out, that’s what we do. Now get out of here, I do believe you have a three-foot essay on Everlasting Elixirs  due next class, and I also want you to look over the effects of Fiend Fire. Before we start working to build the new spell.” Hermione nodded her head and turned to leave the classroom.

“Yes professor.” Hermione grinned and walked out of the classroom. Upon exiting the door, Hermione turned to nearly run into a small group of Gryffindors, the head of which was none other than Ronald Weasley. She knew of him, beyond him being Harry Potters minion. With him was none other than the man of the hour Harry Potter himself.

“Granger! Just the person I was waiting for.” Ronald Weasley beamed; his face as red as the hair atop of his head in what looked to be excitement. Hermione arched her eyebrow and shifted her bag slightly as she stood there uncomfortably.

“May I assist you?” She moved to walk past the boy only for him to step back into her path. “Excuse me, but I have somewhere I need to be.”

“I, uh, yes, I do have something I wanted to ask. Well, uh…first off. Hello, my name is Ronald Weasley.” He held out his hand expectantly his lanky body almost towering over her own. Hermione arches her eyebrow.

“And, I have a reason for knowing this, why exactly?” She watched as the body slumped slightly and his hand fell. His face turning a deeper shade of red in embarrassment. His friends snigger to themselves, she knew exactly who they all were. Lavender Brown, their middle person, always below Hermione on the grades scale and always the first of the Gryffindor side of things. Neville Longbottom, a quiet kid the Slytherin’s always made fun of, who looked just as uncomfortable as she felt in this situation. Along with two others she remembers by the name of Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan, neither of which she knew anything about. Finally, Harry Potter, the infamous boy who lived himself.

“Oh, uh, like I said, I have a question for you.” Ronald attempted to regain his footing and puffed up his chest.

“Get to the point Ronald, I have places to be.” Hermione sneered at the boy, as she made another attempt to step around the boy.

“I was wondering if you would be interested in going with me on the next trip to Hogsmeade, swing by the Three Broomsticks or even Zonkos?” The boy held his ground and smiled at her his hands finding purchase in the pockets of his robes. Hermione stood dumbfounded for a moment as she snorted awkwardly.

“I’m sorry, but I get the impression that you’re attempting to ask me out on a date. Please correct me if I am wrong.” She stared him down as his shoulders slumped down.

“I-I…mean, well, yeah I am…actually” He stumbled over his words as he began to lose his confidence in what he was attempting to do. Hermione took a deep breath and watched the boy squirm under her watchful eyes. “I figured you…or….I mean that we could…” She stopped him by holding her hand up.

“No thank you.” She stated clearly and firmly. The boy stared at her stunned, before blinking.

“What do you mean ‘No thank you’?” He was clearly flustered and not expecting the girl to decline his offer.

“Just as I said, no thank you. Should I have to repeat myself again?” She stared at him arching an eyebrow at him. “I have no interest in going on a date with you Mr. Weasley. Now if you would excuse me.” Hermione made an attempt to step around him once again causing the boy to lift his arm to prevent her from moving beyond her.

“And why not?” Ronald asked still preventing her from moving around him.

“Tell me, Mr. Weasley, what do you know of me?” She arched her eyebrow as she could hear Lavender snigger at the question. Ronald awkwardly shrugged his shoulders and allowed one of his hands to make hi way to the back of his neck.

“Well, I know you’re bloody brilliant with magic, top of our class. Uh…your name of course…and your House, and that you’re muggleborn.” He flushed upon his realization that he really didn’t know much about her at all. Hermione nodded at what he was saying and placed a hand on her hip her eyebrow arching.

“All of which are common knowledge, none of which explains what you know about me. Because somewhere in that small brain of yours, there must be some reason you felt it would be a fancy decision to ask a stranger out on a date. More so, someone who has never shown you any interest at all. So, Mr. Weasley I ask again, what do you know of me?” By the end of her speaking she watched as his face shifted from a bundle of nervous energy and rapidly towards one of rage.

“Well clearly, a stuck-up bitch at this point in time.” She heard one of the boys in the background mutter under their breath. Ronald was shaking at this point as another of the boys sniggered with her commentary. Hermione made another attempt to move around the small group to find Ronald Weasley’s hand wrapped around her wrist as he pulled her attention back to her.

“And what do you know of me, Slytherin Wench?” Ronald snarled at her eyes flashing darkly. Hermione sighed and wrenched her wrist out of his grip. “Its not like anyone else would be willing to pick you up, let along take you on a date, not with your mudblood status and all that.”

Hermione’s eyes flashed gleaming in excitement as she stood tall against the red head and his group of friends. She watched as both, Neville and Harry’s eyes went wide at Ronald’s words. Harry went to grab for Ronald who shook him off as fast as the boy had gripped him.

“No, she needs to hear this as she clearly thinks she’s too good for us.” His eyes flash over to his friends in warning.

“No Ronald, I do not need to hear this, and as such I will not. Now step aside boy.” Hermione snarled at the boy, his friends stepping back at the anger that sparked in the air. “Because here’s the thing Mr. Weasley, I do not think, I know I am better than you. And you, are an ignorant sod. As clearly has shown in both your words and your actions within the past few moments. I gave you a clear and concise answer to the question you have asked. In return I asked you a question, and you for the likes of it all were unable to answer with anything concrete about me aside from the basic knowledge. You have refused to allow me to pass not once but at least three or more times, and then decided it would be in your best interest to put your hands on me. Without my permission. Everything about this has indicated I have no interest in you, let alone in having a conversation with you. Now if you would excuse me. As I have stated numerous times, I have places I need to be.” This time when Hermione attempted to step around him Ronald chose to step directly in front of her and shove her back. Hermione stumbled back slightly catching herself quickly, her wand in her hand at the ready.

“Ron, no, bloody leave it alone. She doesn’t want to go out with you.” Harry muttered to him as he held the Ronald back and looked to the others. They nodded in agreement at the black-haired boy’s words and started to step aside to allow Hermione to pass. Ronald snarled at the girl and shifted out of his friend’s grip. At this point a small group of other students had begun to form and they were laughing at the red headed boy. He clearly wasn’t expecting things to go this way when he had stopped her, he looked around and snuffed at her in an arrogant manner.

“Didn’t expect her to be such a cunt.” Ronald looked around to his friends and at the other students lining the hallway to the potion’s classroom. “Forget it, lets get going” The boy and his friends turned to leave the hallway, the redhead making a point to give her one last withering look before they disappeared.

Hermione had to take a deep breath to compose herself, once again shifting her bag. Deciding it would be best for to just skip the Great Hall all together she chose instead to head towards the Black Lake to take some time for herself.

[fateofblack]

Fate of Black: Chapter 3

Fate of Black: Chapter 3

At one point in time Hermione would have look upon the castle walls with wonder and amazement. Unfortunately, since the day she had stepped foot into this building it had been an unending battle. Upon entering the Great Hall for the first time she felt the warmth she had been told she would meet at this place. Then the sorting ceremony happened, the warmth that Professor McGonagall had in her eyes quickly disappeared. The chummy greetings she had received on the train had disappeared as swiftly as well. When the hat was placed upon her head, the blasted thing had told her she was meant for more. Which then led towards it deciding to set her as the first, and only muggleborn to be placed into Slytherin House. The members of Slytherin didn’t look too kindly on what they saw as filth within their midst. The rest of the school distrusted her because of her affiliation with the house of snakes. That first year was abundant with both hatred and torment from all sides of the dining hall.  When she had initially been sorted into Slytherin House, she had anticipated things falling apart. However, the stubborn nature of the bushy haired brunette helped keep her head on her shoulders.

By the middle of Hermione’s first year the students of the Slytherin House had called her as many names as they could think of. They had even attempted to attack her in an uneven duel three of the girls in her dorm had come at her. Their voices shrill and piercing as they attempted to tie her to her bed and lash out at her. In a panic she had somehow released a solid force rebounding the girls to the sides of the room away from her. After that she had woken in the hospital wing with a severe headache. Nurse Poppy had advised her that after the incident she would likely feel such for a few days. She had been excused from classes that week, but not before a brief meeting with her Head of House, Professor Snape. They had an in-depth conversation about her lack of control, he didn’t however have anything to say about the girls that had attacked her. When she had attempted to bring it to his attention, he brushed her off as a sniveling whining mess. That had been the first time.

The second time, later that year had been more of the girls in the Slytherin House and a handful boys in the Slytherin common room. That time had been far worse they had once again attempted to restrain her and lash out on her. Again, panic swept through her body that same unfamiliar force extended from her body. This time two of the boys that were involved ended up with concussions, the girls had cracked their skulls on the tables as they bounced through the common room. When she had come to, she’d been informed that she had been out for a week. Another discussion had to be held this time with both her head of house and Albus Dumbledore. This was a far more intense conversation to be had. Parents were writing to him directly about her actions. When she had attempted to explain herself, the headmaster waved his hand dismissively.

“Hermione, if you are unable to keep your magic in check, we will have to remove you from the school.” The expression that Albus had on his face, was not one of pity, instead he simply had a look of disinterest.

“But sir I –“ Hermione started to be waved off again as Professor Dumbledore turned to Professor Snape.

“Would you be able to assist this child in that matter, Severus?” The professor looked to her and sneered at the young child.

“I suppose, so long as it means she doesn’t destroy half of the Slytherin House while she is at it.” The tone in his voice told her everything she needed to hear. Professor Snape had no desire to assist her in this matter, the look in his eyes did not show pity, but instead irritation that this task was being placed upon his shoulders.

“Very well then” Professor Dumbledore waved his hand to dismiss her.

Hermione was ushered out of the headmaster’s office as soon as the man had dismissed her. Her head of house standing beside her, his nose lifted to her as if she smelled distasteful.

“Meet me in the potion’s classroom after dinner this evening Miss Granger. Don’t be late.” He spun on his heels and left the brunette standing there dumbfounded. Her anger had begun to dig deep that day, she had been ignored by the headmaster, and blamed for the behaviors of other students. Her head of house had no desire to assist her in the issues she was clearly having.

Hermione never made it to the potion’s classroom that evening, nor did she make it the following. It took Professor Snape over two weeks to confront her about this indicating that she was expected in his classroom after dinner. It took another month and an accident down by Black Lake, while Hermione was working on her spell work alone. Then, the professor had found her crouched over holding her hand to her chest.

“Show me your hand girl” Professor Snape snarled vehemently at her. His eyes showing disdain at the thought of assisting her, but he finally understood what needed to be done.

“Why? So you can call me a sniveling whelp again? And mock me as you did the first time I attempted to come to you?” Hermione retorted through her gritted teeth. The professor didn’t flinch at the child’s behavior.

“You damned child. Show. Me. Your. Hand.” Snapes eyes flashed darkly as he gripped Hermione’s shoulder causing her to flinch and give in to his demand. She held out her hand to the man and whimpered as he began to look it over, none to gently. “You foolish girl. Follow me.” His tone left no opening to refuse his order. Hermione’s head fell as she followed behind the man, his robes sweeping the floor beneath his feet as he walked.

The walk itself was made with silence resting between the two of them and the input of snickers coming from the other students. Hermione’s head hung low her bushy brown hair covering her face as she held her wounded hand close to her chest. It was an attempt to protect both herself and her hand from the outside world. Upon arriving to the potion’s classroom Hermione was let in, as he followed behind her closing the door behind him. In this moment there was a shift in the air, he no longer held the air of arrogant potion master. It was a shift that left Hermione on edge, suspicion rising as her body stiffened.

“Wait here.” When the professor spoke, it was softer than when he had first approached her at the Black Lake. Hermione awkwardly nodded her head as she continued to cradle her hand gently. Professor Snape disappeared for a moment after gaining her conformation of her staying where he left her. This gave the young girl to ponder upon his actions, distrust sparking through her body. She heard the shifting of potion bottles from the other room as Professor Snape sought out what was needed.

The unnerving sense surrounding the tall dark man had been swept away the moment he returned from his back storeroom. He almost seemed as friendly as Professor McGonagall had when she had handed over her invitation to the school.

“Now, would you care to inform me of what you were attempting to accomplish with this, Miss Granger?” His tone surprisingly, without the usual condensation she would usually receive in the classroom.

“I-I…I was working on something I read in a book.” Hermione winced at the sound of her voice. She felt weak for failing and allowing herself to be put in this situation.

“And what, would that be?” Professor Snape arched his eyebrow as he held out his hand for the girl to hold out her own damaged hand. “Because looking at the effects it seems to me, you were playing with fire.”

Hermione flinched at his tone, something about it caused her to feel guilty. She felt the urge to tell him, as her shoulders slumped.

“Well Miss Granger? What spell were you attempting to perform?” He began to turn her hand over in his own as he looked it over to establish the damage done.

“Augue.” Hermione whispered barely audible.

“Speak up child.”

Hermione cleared her throat and looked her professor in the eyes. “Augue.”

The man sighed softly and shook his head and pulled a potion out of his robes along with a bandage to wrap her hand. “And this is precisely why I told you to meet me.” Professor Snape began to administer the potion over her hand and slowly wrapped it with the bandaging. “You will discontinue your attempts to use that spell.” Hermione started to say something, but the man simply looked at her discouragingly. “Until you are ready for it, I will assist you in these matters, so long as you show up when I advise you to do so.” He released her hand allowing her to look it over no longer feeling pain in the bandaged hand. “It will take a few days for you to be able to use that hand again, but it will heal properly as needed.”

“Thank you, Professor.” Hermione allowed her hand to fall followed by her head.

“You are welcome child.” Professor snape paused for a moment and spoke up again. “You are to meet me in this classroom tomorrow evening. We will discuss how this will be handled; do you understand me?” His tone left no room for argument. Causing Hermione to nod her head. “Now I would advise you to eat some food and look over your homework as I know you have already finished it.”

“Y-Yes professor.” Hermione nodded again before turning to leave the classroom.

“And Miss Granger, I will advise you to make it a point to show up this time.”  That was the last thing he had said as Hermione left the classroom in a rush to get back to her dorm.

Beyond that day Hermione made a point to not miss the professors evening sessions. The two of them formed an easy rhythm of learning and teaching. Hermione found a passion in spell casting and potioneering. During their one-on-one sessions the two of them began to open to one another.

When the first year came to term, Hermione returned home to her parents had disappeared. Their house had been sold and there was a letter that was given to her by the new homeowners from her parents. The letter had indicated that with her abnormality she would be on her own and that they had no intention of being a part of the madness. It left her with a sense of emptiness, she was both unwelcome at school and now by her parents. The 12-year-old managed to make her way through England to make it back to Diagon Alley. She quickly found the Owl Post and sent off a letter through to Snape. The man appeared shortly after she had sent the owl directing her to the Leaky Cauldron to assist her in settling into a room. They spoke briefly about what would happen beyond that point, and she simply expressed she hadn’t the slightest clue. The man handled her expenses during the length of her summertime, including her school supplies. Through that first summer they slowly began to form more of a familial bond, rather than a student professor relationship. He became the older brother that she didn’t have, and she became the sister he never wished for.

Despite the rough start that the two had, the next three years were spent helping Hermione learn how to control her powers. By her fourth year she had begun to create her own spells, much to Severus’ dismay, as she tended to blow things up often. Severus knew she was bored; it was often something they would discuss during their evening training sessions. She was after all as he indicated ‘the brightest which of her age’, which is why he allowed her to work on creating spells. Severus proudly assisted her in this feat explaining his own experience in Sepumspectra. Classes with Severus as her professor ran smoothly, allowing for brief conversations about the class itself after he released them from the classroom. Which is how she had ended up being accosted by none other than Ronald Weasley one of the afternoons.

[fateofblack]

Fate of Black: Chapter 2

The Fate of Black: Chapter 2

“You called sister?” Narcissa steps out of the floo and stands at her full height looking over her outfit to make sure that none of the dust remained.  She looked up into the open space of the Black Manor Library to find her eldest siter pacing relentlessly. Moments of her thoughts peeking out through the emotions she felt into barely coherent thoughts.  “You know Bella, I can barely understand what you are thinking if you don’t calm down.” Moments of ‘mudblood’, and ‘Dark Lord’, among thoughts of ‘Fates fucking with her’ seemed to come to the forefront of Bellatrix’s mind.

“Again sister, I cannot seem to comprehend your thoughts let alone to distinguish between the small amounts that are being given.”  Narcissa arched her perfectly sculpted eyebrow as she continued to watch Bellatrix pace madly. Bellatrix looks over to her and takes a deep breath before pausing her pacing for a moment.

“Cissy, something is going to happen, something horrible in fact.” Bellatrix quickly resumes her pacing. Her mind becoming more frantic making it more difficult for Narcissa to understand. Narcissa let out a sigh and sat down in a seat around the fireplace as she watched Bellatrix continue in her movements.  She patiently watched as Bellatrix finally came to a stop and plopped unceremoniously into another of the chairs.

“Now dear sister, would you like to expand upon your thoughts and what you believe is going to happen?” Bellatrix didn’t answer her right away instead choosing to call for her house elf.

“Tipsy!!” Bellatrix screeched into the open space of the library, causing Narcissa to wince slightly at the pitch. The frail house elf appeared in the center area between the two sisters her head bowed.

“Y-yes Mistress Black?” The poor thing almost shaking as she spoke to Bellatrix.

“Fetch me my Firewhiskey Tipsy, and whatever my sister would like.” She dismisses the elf with a wave of her hand. The house elf turns to Narcissa

“Nothing for me Tipsy, thank you.” The elf nods her head and disappears with a pop, to return a moment later the requested drink upon a tray alongside a single glass. She sets it down on the table between the two and steps back to pop away leaving the sisters alone. Bellatrix let her sisters question ruminate in the air as she began to pour herself a glass of Firewhiskey before draining it quickly.

“Well Bella, care to explain why you have summoned me as early as,” She pauses in her thoughts to look at the old clock hanging above the fireplace. “Five in the morning? Rather frantically it seems as well.” Narcissa turns back to her sister, the stoic woman’s blonde hair swaying with the movements of her head.

“Well Cissy, I decided it would a delightful situation. You know to summon you in a panic after awaking from an even more delightful meeting with the Fates.” Bellatrix pours another glass of Firewhiskey before draining it quickly. She lets out a sigh hanging her head, the luscious curls falling forward covering her face. Narcissa can feel her barriers drift away as she feels her way around her sister’s doors, the only one open wide was the one she stepped into. She began to sift through the events of her meeting with The Fates quickly coming to an understanding of what she was seeing, these were the futures her sister was to be handed, and by the looks of it herself as well. Narcissa withdrew from Bellatrix’s mind and called for the house elf again, the petit creature takes order of Elf-made Wine and disappears to collect it.

“I…see” in that moment, was all she could formulate. The house elf returns quickly and sets the wine down on the same table the Firewhiskey is settling and disapperates. “Well then sister.”

Bella chuckles darkly and grabs her third glass of Firewhiskey, pausing to stare at the burgundy color. “Now do you understand what I mean, Cissy?” She takes a small drink from her drink and swirls it around her glass.

“It seems to be quite a predicament, what do you think this means Bella?” Narcissa takes a sip of the Elf-made Wine she has poured for herself. She looked at her sister pointedly.

“Which part dearest Cissy? The part that The Fates have decided that I am, in the simplest terms, fucked.” The threw back the rest of her glass quickly and plopped it onto the table between them.

“I feel you may have missed the part in which you are not the only one Bellatrix.” Narcissa lifted here eyebrow again as she watched her sister tense at the thought. “Yes, it seems you have indeed. See what I was able to identify it spoke about Three Sisters and the Queen. In fact, it seems as if you, me, and Andromeda all have been attached to this…mudblood girl.  The biggest thing about it that concerns me, however, is knowing that the only future they were able to give you while He was in charge was your own death.”

“And it in no way fazes you that the only way to prevent that death is to somehow find a Queen, more specifically a Queen that happens to be a mudblood, oh and that we somehow have to make do with our blood traitor of a sister as well?” Bellatrix cackles madly at the thought of it and throws her glass at the wall above the fireplace. “Or how about the fact that I now must find a way to keep Him out of my head? Keep this hidden from him? To prevent him from releasing an unending limit of torture before he inevitably kills me for betraying him?” At this point Bellatrix is back on her feet pacing back and forth her hands gripping into fists repeatedly. “Because what we need at this point is to have him find us unfaithful!”

“Bellatrix, what all do you remember about the second future?” Narcissa watched her pace back and forth furiously.

“To be quite honest I recall that same girl from the first one, casting some form of curse on me. Then come to find out that because of this he decided to kill me. In fact, I quite vividly recall the killing curse coming at me, if not successfully killing me prior to The Fates pulling me out of the delightful thing!” Bellatrix snarled at her sister before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. “I’m sorry Cissy, that wasn’t appropriate”

“You are correct on that sentiment Bella, now if you will allow me a moment without you snapping at me, I can add some more to your thoughts.” Bellatrix’s shoulders slumped down and she shifted uncomfortably on her feet. She looked almost like a scolded child as she dropped to her knees at Narcissa’s feet. Narcissa encouraged Bellatrix to rest her head on her knees as she began to gently massage her fingers through the thick dark curls.

“Tell me dear Cissy, what would you like to add to this predicament?” Bellatrix’s eyes began to drift shut at the feel of the long thin fingers toying with her hair.

“Well Bella, upon looking into your dream, and watching through the whole thing. There are three core things to take away from your meeting with the Fates.” Narcissa pursed her lips in an inelegant manner deep in thought. Her not speaking for more than a few moments caused Bellatrix to begin tensing up again.

“And they are what exactly?” The youngest Black couldn’t help but allow a small chuckle to escape from her lips.

“Patience Bella, I am working through how to best formulate the thoughts.” Her nails scrape against Bellatrix’s scalp causing the older woman to groan softly. “So, from what I have established; one, the Dark Lord has every intention of killing you regardless of what happens. Two, if you choose to continue down the path you, and I at this point have been taken nothing good will come of it. And lastly, three, if we are to find this young woman, we will indeed be required to restore our bonds with Andromeda.”

Bellatrix made an attempt to stand up but Narcissa’s fingers drug her back into the position she was in continuing with their ministrations. “Cissy, she betrayed us. She ran off with…with a filthy mudblood. Why do we require her for this?” Narcissa let out a sigh and shook her head.

“Bella, we were no better in betraying her by not standing by her side.” The statement that came out of her mouth this time did allow for Bellatrix to stand up. Her body tense and fists balled white knuckled. Her eyes wide with a fury Narcissa hadn’t seen directed towards her in a while.

“You DARE say that?? You DARE try to tell me that we betrayed her?” Bellatrix’s teeth mashed together in rage. “She turned her back on us. We did as we were expected to do. We became who we were required to!” Narcissa allowed her icy front to slide into place quickly.

“You want to talk about expectations sister?”  Narcissa stood squaring against her eldest sister. “I still have to suffer at the hands of my so-called husband. I still must face having that cowards’ hands on my body. When the mere thought of him disgusts me. When you dear sister got off easy, your pathetic mongrel of a husband wouldn’t DARE to lift a hand against Voldemort’s Right Hand.”

Bellatrix began to deflate as her sister returned her fury back tenfold. “See while you got far more freedom, I was placed into a cage with a wilting shaft of pathetic wizardry. So don’t you DARE speak to me on expectations. Because I am the ONLY one who has had ‘expectations’ placed onto their shoulders. Andromeda on the other hand saw what we were expected to do, and yes, she fucking ran. Just as we all should have!” She had begun to stalk forward dangerously causing Bellatrix to stumble backwards into a chair.

“Cissy, please, I’m sorry” Bellatrix looked small in the moment she sat in the chair staring up at her youngest sister. Narcissa took a deep breath and stood poised a moment later.

“Now when you come to terms on the reality of what is, you can come to mine and grovel at my feet. But until then do not expect sympathy from me. Do I make myself clear Bellatrix?” Bellatrix whimpered and winced at the icy coldness in Narcissa’s voice. “Am. I. Clear?

“Y-yes Cissy.” With that Narcissa spun on her heals to make her way back to the fireplace. Grabbing a handful of floo powder she paused.

“I am not upset with you, but at this point I believe you need to work through your priorities before we can have a civil conversation on this again. I love you Bella” She threw the floo powder into the fireplace and stepped in with ‘Malfoy Manor’.

Bellatrix sat there stunned at what had just happened. True she did deserve it, but it didn’t change that she didn’t like it. Narcissa was correct in what she was saying. That why both her and Narcissa had walked away from Andromeda. They got left behind by her when they refused to walk with her.  Bellatrix grabbed for the bottle of Firewhiskey and began to drink from the bottle not bothering with the glass. She flung a spell at the fireplace causing it to explode before mending it and repeating the action. She threw her head back and screamed loudly and manically. It felt like things were slipping away and with the new knowledge in her head she didn’t know anything else to do. Bellatrix took another long drink of the Firewhiskey and stood before dancing through the library flinging spells of destruction at the walls and the bookshelves. The bottle of Firewhiskey still in her hands as she wreaked havoc through the length of the space.

After a while, with pages up in smoke and bits of wood falling through the air Bellatrix collapsed into a wall before sliding down it. Narcissa was right, hell, she always was but the knowledge of her youngest sister being right didn’t help in this moment. She wasn’t ready to come face to face with Andromeda, there was still far too much anger and hurt. She didn’t even want to think on the knowledge that her ‘Lord’ had every intention of killing her. That was far too deep of a thought to follow. And the knowledge that somehow, she had to find a random girl to bring them to a better future. A future that Bellatrix craved after being witness to the possibility. That feeling still radiated inside of her chest, it was something she hadn’t felt since Andromeda had left, that fullness. Bellatrix hung her head her curls covering her face as she began to sob. It wasn’t fair, she had spent so much of her time under someone else. Given so much to his cause to be happy, to be the best, but all the knowledge that it was simply wasted time. Tears were falling down Bellatrix’s cheeks when she threw the remainder of the bottle across the room. 14 years of Azkaban, fourteen years of pain and emptiness while she waited patiently to come back into service of a man who had no intention of allowing her to rule by his side. Didn’t she deserve better than that from him? After everything.

Bellatrix screamed again loudly, the savage noise echoing through the destroyed room. It took her a while to pull herself up from the wall as she blankly looked at the ceiling above her. The thoughts swirling around in her head, how could the Fates be so cruel to her? She finally gave up in attempting to make sense of the thoughts as she stood shakily from her seat.

“Tipsy!!” Bellatrix called out for her house elf who appeared instantly.

“Y-yes Mistress?” The elf bowed her head deeply as she waited for what was expected of her.

“Clean up this mess. Make sure to have everything back in order by the time I awaken” Bellatrix slipped past the house elf to return to her chambers. More sleep would do her good, she would go by her sisters place afterwards to make amends with her.

“Y-yes mistress!” the house elf could barely be heard as Bellatrix began to skip out of the library humming a tune. Yes, she would be able to make sense of this after a nice long nap. She and Narcissa would make up a plan that didn’t consist of involving some filthy mudblood. If what her sister had said was true Her Lord had every intention of killing her, and Bellatrix was sure as fuck not going to allow that to happen. She can play the part; she can make sure he doesn’t dispose of her too soon. But when the time came, she would topple the world. The mad cackle of Bellatrix Black could be heard through the manor causing Tipsy to shiver and take a moment before returning to the task at hand.

[fateofblack]

Fate of Black: Chapter 1

Fate of Black: Chapter 1

Brown hair shines brightly as the rays of sun bounce off her face, a boisterous laughter escaping her lips at a joke as both Cissa and Andromeda stand beside the beautiful woman as they dote on the bulging stomach, before waving Bellatrix over to them to join in. Pattering of feet from small children running through the house can be heard signaling her nephew and his partner with their children had arrived. Bellatrix walks up to the three women; kissing the middle one soundly, eliciting a broad grin to appear upon her face. Bellatrix turns to see her nephew Draco standing with his husband walking a few paces behind him attempting to wrangle their two children.

“About damn time you two showed up!” Bellatrix flashes them a smile as she receives a gentle swat to her arm from the woman she had just kissed.

“Language, Bella,” the woman scolds her “There are children here”

“Is this how you’re going to behave around our little one?” Andromeda questions her as her eyebrow arches.

“They’re right, you know,” Cissa states icily.

“I know, I know, I do apologize Draco, Harry. It was a mistake upon my part.”

“I understand, Auntie Bella. Sometimes, Harry here does the same thing.” The blonde-haired boy turns to look at his partner lovingly causing the dark-haired boy to blush and awkwardly rub his neck.

“Now, come on, let’s get things set up. The rest of them will be here soon.” Cissy glides over to her son brushing her lips over his cheek gently, as they all begin to disperse to their designated tasks. Both the boys walk over to their friend and hug her in a way to avoid compressing the bulging bump in her stomach.

Both Narcissa and Andromeda stand beside her their hands on her shoulders.

“We’ve done good this time.” Cissy’s voice is one full of love and happiness.

“Indeed, we have sisters. She is, after all, our queen.” Andromeda looks over to Bellatrix and smiles. “Told you so, sister.”

This causes Bellatrix to laugh loudly causing their partner to turn to look over to them arching an eyebrow smiling full of love. “That you did Andy, that you did.”

---

The edge of the image begins to fade slowly, corners graying as tendrils of black begin to seep into the dream. Bellatrix begins to desperately claw at the image trying to desperately grasp onto it. She is now on her knees, the visions no more than sand sliding through her fingertips.

“No! No!” She wails out to the Darkness surrounding her the tears are streaming down her cheeks. “Bring it back!!”

A crackling laughter echoes through the void quickly followed by more, shifting upon the ground can be heard as if something is coming closer. Bellatrix’s head whips around to see where the noises are coming from, only for her vision to be more clouded by more empty nothingness.  The laughter can be heard again cackling sending sharp chills down her spine. There is an omniscience in the laughter, knowledge and wisdom rings through the laughter.

“Now, now child.” A hissing whisper brushes by her ears as she whips her head to where the voice was heard, more ringing laughter, cynical this time, hardened and dangerous.

“Patience, is not a strong suit of this child, sisters.” To the right of her, causing Bellatrix to whip her head the other way. Still the emptiness of the void surrounds her. Another cackle, this one less sharp yet still clearly nothing is promised from this tone.

“Show yourselves!” Bellatrix screams out into the void wildly, stumbling to her feet whipping around in circles. The cackling of the three voices is closer, sending shivers down her spine. This was not a place of peace, nor was this a place of war, but somewhere that chilled Bellatrix Black to the bones deep within. She had never known such fear, such a desperate need to escape as she had in the moment that they step into view. It was almost as if they had stepped out of the void itself. Urd, Verdandi, and Skuld, none other than the Fates themselves. To the right, Urd, skin almost as old as if it were melting from the bones themselves, eyes sunken in a wicked gnarled grin upon her face, teeth missing as her hoarse voice rattled through the old God’s chest.

“Oh, you stupid little child!” The familiar wise voice brushes over Bellatrix ears again, another chill. The middle sister stepping forward taking another part of the same string, this time younger, but still old enough to know.  Wrinkles marring her skin with a broad grin, eyes sharp as they cross over Bellatrix’s form. Laced in her fingers a red string, the red string of Bellatrix’s fate.  “Don’t you know that isn’t how this works?”

A soft giggle from what looks to be the youngest of the three, her porcelain skin shining brightly from the void. “Now, now, take it easy on the poor child.” Her haunting grin sending further shivers down Bellatrix’s spine as her gentle hands toy with the red string between her fingers before wrapping it around a single finger tightly. Bellatrix falls to her knees grasping at her chest gasping for air. “There we are, exactly where you belong”

“Oh, daughter of mine, why must you play with our toy in such a manner?” The third and final member of the trio steps beside Bellatrix, , her hand brushing over her face in a gentle manner. The callouses on her hands show to the work she has done.

“But it’s just so fun to do, mother of mine.” A pout forms upon her face showing her disapproval, eyes still shining with devious intent. The string is released from its fixed grip allowing Bellatrix to breathe properly. Her breath comes out in sharp gasps as she attempts to regain the missing air.

“What do you wish of me, Sisters of Fate?” Bellatrix closes her eyes waiting for what the fates have decided for her, head bowed. She understood that she would have no say in this matter.

“Smart child” Skuld giggles as she steps forward. “As you know I am the future, Mother here is the present, and Grandmother dearest is the past. See we have decided to let you in with a secret of ours.”

“As Skuld has stated, we have decided to let you in on what is to be known. As she has predicted many futures, and I have lived many futures.” Urd pauses in thought, “Yours, however, is one that goes many different ways based on certain…”

“Decisions that you make, all of which will change how the future ends.” Verdandi spoke up this time stepping behind Bellatrix. “And our gift to you is this.”

Urd spoke up this time:

“Seek out the queen,

Bathed in mud and born of dirt.

She shall be the one to save it all

Sisters Black with her at head

Change the fates they shall

When time comes,

Both darkness and light shall bend their knee

To The Queen and Sisters Three”

She stopped speaking and looked to, her sisters and nodded.

“Remember child, this is what must come to happen for if it does not, your world shall fall to darkness.” Skald spoke up and looked to the others.

“She is the one that will take down your lowly Lord, and she is the one that shall take on the Champion of Light.”  Verdandi spoke up before turning to Urd and nodding.

“Know this, child, if you fail to do this, your failure will bring upon a chaos far worse than you anticipate. Your false Lord shall bring shame to the people of the world. He seeks only power for himself and shall use it to devolve into the monster he must become. She will be the one to save you, she will be the one to bring forth the truth, and she shall be the true ruler of this world. She is soul of the Sisters Black. Find her, and you will know what must be done.”

“But, who is she!?” Bellatrix spoke up looking between the three. The smiles that crossed their faces was that of secrets.

“We cannot tell you; where would the fun in that be?” The three of them began to cackle as their eyes filled with dubious intent. “We will tell you, you will know when she has been found.”

“We will not wish you luck, nor will we wish you the best.” They continue to cackle wildly.

“Now, you shall be the one that finds this out and you shall be the one that saves your world, if you choose not to, the fate that beholds you will not be that which you desire.” Urd flashes her hand through the air.

---

The city was in ruins and fires continue to burn as Bellatrix stands beside Her Lord cackling madly as spells shoot from her wand in quick succession. The rebellion slowly falls as the remaining Commander stands her head held high. A grimace on her lips as she continues to deflect the attacks from all sides. Her spell work is as strong as that of Bellatrix’s herself. She has cuts down her side that seem to weaken the spell strength as Bellatrix herself stands against her.

“Filthy Mudblood, you have taken too much of our magics, to be here. And now you stand against My Lord?” She screeches loudly as she begins to cackle madly. The girl, no, woman stands fierce as she throws up a shield to deflect the onslaught of spells from Bellatrix.

“Heh, is that the best you’ve got?” The woman flings offensive spells of her own in rapid succession. “I expected more from the whore of Voldermort.” Bellatrix feels the rage swell within her, as she quickly flings the spells back towards the rubble beside them.

“You DARE speak My Lord’s name? Your filthy lips are not worthy of His name!” She screeches loudly and quickly sends a wordless and wandless Sepumspectra towards the woman. The brunette unknowingly takes the attack causing her to fall to her knees. “What a good little mudpuppet, you finally know where you belong. On your knees for the pure of blood.”

The muggle woman spits blood from her lips as she stares Bellatrix down and starts to chuckle darkly. “And, here I was thinking, it was truly your place to be upon your knees, whore.” She weakly staggers to her feet and sends out a Flippendo. Bellatrix easily flicks it away and smirks.

“Play nice, muddy, and you may be able to be a slave to the new world order.”

“What new world order? Look around you! There is nothing left to rule and your half-blooded ruler knows it’s true!” She flashes her eyes over to Voldermort and smirks. “He’s clearly using the best of the best rather than standing upon his own two feet. Looks like he’s too much of a coward to take it on his own.”

Bellatrix snarls and sends a Crucio towards her causing the muggleborn to scream out and collapse back onto her knees. “You are weak, you’re the coward, not My Lord. You shall be the one that takes on the title of a failure! Crucio!” She screams again cackling madly as the other woman screams out, her body shaking with the effects of the torture gasping out for breath. “Crucio!” The effects continue her hatred sweeping through her wand towards the woman who is now lying on the ground. “Your kind are the cause, that it has come to this! You are the impure who have taken what does not belong to you! And you shall be wiped from this world; none shall mourn your passing. Your golden boy has fallen, and your weasel followed shortly after” She cackles and sends out another Crucio towards the woman. “And now, we WILL take back what is rightfully ours!” The woman beneath her quickly sends out a spell of unknown creation causing Bellatrix to collapse.

“If I fall, so shall you!” She screams out through the pain as she grinds her teeth, body quaking as she attempts to stand and sit up. Bellatrix feels the effects of the Crucio that she has been casting upon her. Bellatrix screams out at the sudden pain coursing through her body causing her to collapse to her knees.

“How pathetic, bested by nothing more than a child, Bellatrix.”  Her Lord steps forward from his perch snarling down at Bellatrix sharply.

“B-But My Lord! S-She has not bested me! That is impossible!” Bellatrix sends out another Crucio towards the woman before feeling the effects of the Crucio, her body effectively falling as she begins to crawl towards Voldermort, his sneer causing her to cower.

“Now, that makes me curious, child, were you able to formulate this into a dual reaction?” The smirk that crosses his lips causes Bellatrix shiver as a Crucio is flung towards her. The younger woman screams out in pain causing Voldermort to laugh darkly. “Then, there is nothing else to do but simply end this here.”

“M-My Lord?” Bellatrix’s eyes go wide in fright.

“You see dear, sweet Bellatrix; this simply is a means to an end, and you have shown that you are far too weak to stand by my side.” He sneers at Bellatrix as she cries out. “Besides, it’s not like I hadn’t intended on disposing of you anyways. This simply fast forwards my plans of exterminating you.”

“N-No My Lord, that is not true, I am the strongest!”

“You are not, because that would mean that I am weaker than you.” Voldermort snarls viciously at Bellatrix. “As for you, spawn of mud, this will simply make things easier. Once you fall, the rebellion shall fall as well.”

---

The image begins to fade as the first one had, the edges growing dark as the cracks fall into place seeping into nothingness. Bellatrix gasps out loudly her hands now lying upon the ground. Sweat was pouring down her back, the darkness now falling back into place The Fates standing smiling darkly.

“Either way we have no say in what you choose...” Spoke Skald

“We did, however, decide it would be best to let you choose…” Says Verdandi

“Maybe you will be the one to fail your false Lord and lose your own life…” Urd speaks

“But maybe, just maybe, you will be the one to save it all.” The three of them speak in unison before they fade back into the darkness.

---

Bellatrix’s eyes flash open from her sleep panting heavily as the memory of what she saw courses through her mind. This would have to change, and something would have to be done. She would need to connect with the unfamiliar woman she had seen in her dream, if one could even call it that. Who was that woman, and why would she need to seek out a queen.

“Tipsy!!” Bellatrix screams out into the room. A soft pop and a petit house elf appear in the room head bowed.

“Yes Mistress?” The house elf squeaks out shivering in fright.

“Find Narcissa, bring her to me, tell her it is urgent.”  Bella snarls and stands from her bed. Her hair tumbling from her shoulders as she grasps the robe that is hanging from the bed post itself and wraps it around herself.

“Y-Yes mistress! Right away Mistress!” The house elf stutters and pops away.

Bellatrix pauses and looks at the now empty space where the house elf once was before puffing out a bit of air. Maybe with the luck both her and her sister would be able to truly understand what was intended to happen. One thing however was understood, Her Lord would betray her, he would turn his back on her. For that she would need to establish who this strange girl was, and why she would be their queen.