Chapter 25: Causing ConfusionChapter Text
"What did you say about my teeth when Draco hit me with a densaugeo hex last year?" Hermione asks, wand raised.
Neither Dumbledore or Narcissa will know that. It's not important enough.
Snape smirks at her.
"Ah. Not entirely inept then. I said that I 'saw no difference'. How did you force Bellatrix Lestrange to kill her cousin in The Department of Mysteries?"
Wha—
He raises an eyebrow.
Hermione folds her arms with a huff. "Amortentia, from a waterfall, happy?"
He lowers his wand. "Just confirming that you are of the correct timeline."
Yeah right. Wanting to embarrass her more like.
Oh shoot!
She hurriedly washes the invisibility over her mind. That was close. Had she made eye contact? She had!
He twitches and steps back. "So that's what Narcissa…" he mutters.
Oh yes! "Yes, speaking of which. You told Narcissa Malfoy?! What is wrong with you? I thought you of all people would understand what a secret is."
He glares at her, stepping closer and folding his arms to sneer down at her. She just rolls her eyes. She's used to intimidation tactics by now.
"I spoke no word on the matter, perhaps you should have enacted the fidelius charm as I suggested if you didn't wish to bring unwanted visitors to your hideout. This is your hideout, is it not? It appears somewhat…abandoned. Taken up residence elsewhere?"
What has Narcissa told him?
"I trusted that you wouldn't share such important information, do you share everything with Mrs Malfoy now? Is she going to suddenly arrive here too? I can't believe you— she's a legilimens! If I hadn't guarded my thoughts—"
"And how exactly are you accomplishing that, Miss Granger? You've never managed it before, practically screaming your intentions to the world at large. What have you done? How are you—"
Hermione scoffs. "And why should I tell you that? I've told you enough already. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to be— anyway. Thank you for your help, but from now on, the less you know, the better."
Snape stares at her, eyes calculating as they move over her face. She straightens her posture and raises an eyebrow.
He snorts. "Guarding your mind? Trying to hide your intentions? Baiting me? You've been spending your time with a slytherin, Miss Granger. And from your expression, I believe I know which one. What I cannot understand is how. She is dangerous. How you are still even alive, I cannot fathom, and that doesn't happen often. It would be in your interest to have someone you can trust so that you don't come to harm."
Hmm. Well from his perspective it must seem rather…
She walks over to light the fire in the living room and takes a seat. "Thank you for your concern, Professor, but I'll be fine. I'm sure Narcissa has shared some of her…well. She saw some things. What has she told you?"
He doesn't sit down. Just looms over her.
Hermione sighs. "Sit down, you slimy— umm, I mean, sorry, Professor. Gosh, maybe I have been— it must be catching."
His eyebrows raise, and he slowly takes a seat in an armchair. "You…spend time…with Lestrange? Converse with her?"
Hermione frowns. "Mrs Malfoy…Narcissa hasn't told you anything? I assumed…"
"Assumed what? That a witch living amongst snakes and criminals willingly shares information concerning her only sister? Such a wise conclusion."
She groans. "No! Of course not. Not with all of them, just with you. And what do you mean only sister? Andy is still—oh!"
"Hermione!"
She's calling. Tugging on the thread.
And Snape's beady eyes have snapped to hers.
Oh dear, well is it important, or…?
Can she call back? That might be too risky to figure out right now.
"Miss Granger? What is the—"
"One second, Professor. Expecto patronum!"
Now what to say so that Snape doesn't—
"Take this message to Bellatrix when she is alone: I'm busy at the moment. Unless it's urgent, it would be best if we meet later. Snape is listening."
The otter spins around her, and then flies off out the window. She watches it go.
"You…she allows you to…"
She looks back at Snape and can't help but chuckle. She's never seen the man so visibly puzzled. Maybe she is a mystery now.
She grins at him. "You know, I should thank you really, Professor, for your advice about Bellatrix. About imagining myself as her. Seeing her. And about control! That was very helpful."
His eye twitches.
And then the fire roars green.
Oh for the love of—
"Bellatrix! What did I just say?!"
Bellatrix turns to glare at her, stepping out of the floo, and Hermione snaps her mouth shut.
Oh. How are they playing this? How much do they want Snape to—
"Shut your filthy mouth, mudblood. I'll deal with you later."
Well. That answers that question.
They all wait in silence, watching each other. How much does Snape know? What does he want? How much does he think Bellatrix knows? She'd been unconscious the last time he was here. Does he think she'll tell Voldemort he's a spy? Does he know that she knows he's a spy?
What does Hermione even want to get out of this?
To leave, basically, with Snape none the wiser. She shouldn't have come. Now everything she does will be—
"You're unusually quiet, Bellatrix. Nothing to say? No…mudbloods being tortured? Words of...accusation?"
Hermione glares at Snape. Shut up! Don't make her—
"Why should I waste my breath, Snivellus? Your act is up. I've caught you here with the girl. If the vow didn't prove your disloyalty, then—"
Snape lets out a low hum, adjusting in his seat and tapping a finger to his lips. "Are you implying I'm hiding something from the Dark Lord? That I have ulterior motives? How…hypocritical."
Bellatrix growls and raises her wand at him. "You dare question my loyalty! I'm onto you, Snape. I knew you couldn't be trusted, and now here you are, whispering with the disgusting little mudblood girl."
Snape sighs. "To gain information on Potter, as I assume you are doing also, or is she still alive for another reason known only to you?"
Will he stop trying to get her killed! He doesn't know Bellatrix won't hurt her. Which means—
Hermione drops to her knees. "Please. Please just stop fighting I'll— we can all just leave. Don't hurt me, or him. I won't— I didn't tell him anything, I promise. Just like you said. You're in charge. I did everything—"
"I said shut your mouth, filth!"
She swallows harshly and trains her eyes on the floor. This is the only response that will make sense to Snape. He might fear for her safety, but he won't question Bellatrix's mindset. Her allegiance. Won't turn her over to Dumbledore, try to use her.
"There's a good pet. Now. If Snivellus has done enough snooping, we'll be leaving. We have plans, don't we muddy?"
Hermione nods shakily and stumbles to her feet, Bellatrix grabbing her arm roughly. They move towards the floo.
That's it. Just one more step and they can all—
The fire is extinguished with a hiss.
"I can't allow you to do that, Bellatrix. Things are not as they appear. Whatever your plans may be, the situation is too complex for you to do as you please. To harm the girl."
No! Why is he—? What does he—? He's going to ruin—
Bellatrix turns them around and then pushes past Snape, throwing herself down on the sofa with a groan, wand in her lap. "Oh fine! You persistent old— I know! Alright? And you'd better not go to Dumbledore about this, because we all know that once he sticks his nose in, we'll all be doomed. Time travel. The world. Boom!"
She gestures in the air half-heartedly.
Hermione stomps over to sit next to her. "Did you have to tell him? I was trying to be a slytherin! You said! I told you you're bad at scheming too. Now who's bad at lying?"
Bellatrix rolls her eyes at her. "He knew too much already, and that was all you, pet, so don't go blaming me."
Hermione turns away from her and folds her arms. Snape is stood frozen in shock by the fireplace.
She chuckles. "Bellatrix," she stage-whispers. "Look at him. Maybe we can just sneak past he— Oh this is amazing! Harry would love this."
Bellatrix cackles. "Forget Potter, he never had much of a sense of humour. You know who would love this? Cissy."
Hermione gapes at her. "Narcissa?! How is she the one with the sense of humour. Surely Andy—"
Oops. Shit.
Bellatrix tenses, hand gripping tightly around her wand once more.
"Sorry. I didn't mean— my stupid mouth. I'll shut up now. Promise."
Bellatrix drops her wand into her lap once more and distractedly pats her on the knee, staring into nothing. "Don't make promises you can't keep. There's no shutting you up. We all know that."
Hermione cringes. That is kind of true. Except…
She smiles excitedly at Bellatrix. "But I did, didn't I? That was good, wasn't it? He actually believed me."
She looks over at Snape, who has lowered himself into a chair, face pale and staring at them in disbelief. "You did believe me, didn't you, Professor? It was a good act?"
He nods jerkily and clears his throat.
Bellatrix scoffs. "Such a teacher's pet," she grumbles. "Do you have a praise kink? I bet you do."
Hermione whacks her in the arm. She's so embarrassing!
Snape's wand jolts up as if to cast a protego on himself. Or maybe Hermione. That's nice of him.
Bellatrix just sniggers to herself. No retaliation. So she does mean it.
"You're right, this is fun, let's keep him around. How should I shock him next?"
"Ask him about Narcissa. I think they're closer than we think. Or want to be."
"Really? How disgusting. I always thought there might be something with him and Lucy. Do you think they have a little arrangement going?"
"Lucy? You mean Lucius? Maybe…explains why he's godfather."
Snape's wand snaps to aim at Bellatrix as he lets out a strangled noise. "Who are you? What is this, this trick? Are you Potter? Or some Weasley? Think this is funny, do you Miss Granger?"
What?!
Bellatrix gags. "A Weasley? I might be sick. Potter was bad enough but—"
Snape jolts to his feet, whipping his cloak around him. "Who. Are. You."
This is ridiculous— "It's her! It's Bellatrix! Calm down, Professor. It's— Bellatrix ask him something, or tell him something only you would know."
"Only I— I don't know him. We avoid each other as much as possible, we don't—"
"Who did I catch you snogging in a broom cupboard when I was trying to hide from Black in my first year?" Snape snarls.
What?!
Bellatrix glares up at Snape. Is she blushing? Wha—
Hermione grins. Her day is just getting better and better. Ow!
Stinging jinx. She rubs at her face as the fizzing fades.
Doesn't that count as hurting?
She turns to—
Shit I'm sorry, I forgot. It was a joke it— that doesn't count it—
Hmm. Well it didn't actually hurt. Just tingled oddly. Fine.
"No, it didn't hurt, it's fine. Get on with it and tell Snape who you snogged," Hermione grins.
The relief creeping onto Bellatrix's face quickly morphs into a scowl.
"Stop smiling like that. It was only— it was Slughorn's fault. His bloody club. He kept filling up the wine goblets, you know what it's like. And you've snogged Weasley enough times to—"
"Who, Bellatrix? If it is you?" Snape snaps.
Hermione raises her eyebrows. "Yes, who was it, Bellatrix?"
Bellatrix spins her wand in her fingers, clenches her jaw, and then narrows her eyes at Snape. "Rita Skeeter. Satisfied, you slimy git?"
Rita—
Hermione's mouth drops open. "How on earth has thatnot ended up in the Prophet by now?"
Bellatrix turns to grin at Hermione. "Think you're the only one who knows about her six-legged little secret? Plus, you know, I'd just kill her."
Right. Always an option that. Got a problem? Kill it.
Not that Hermione would feel too sorry for the witch. She doesn't deserve death, but she deserves something after everything she did to Harry. Everything she said about Hermione.
Snape sits down heavily. "It is you…how? Why? Miss Granger, what did you do to— is she drugged? Is this amortentia? Or…the imperius curse. Surely you are not stupid enough to…"
Hermione waves her wand towards the kitchen with a sigh and puts the kettle on to boil. It seems like he needs some time to process. Looks like the merpeople will have to wait. Again. She's never going to end up in that lake at this point.
"I haven't done anything to her, I just did what you said. Let her take control…mostly. You're in control, aren't you Bellatrix?"
The witch rolls sideways to groan into Hermione's shoulder dramatically. "None of this shit storm is controlled. I bet someone else is going to want in on this soon. Time travel theory is very clear about not telling people. Not being seen. We're screwed. It's chaos," she mumbles.
Her breath is hot through the fabric of Hermione's top and her hair—
Hermione decides to ignore her and focus on Snape. Who can't seem to stop twitching.
She clenches her jaw slightly self-consciously. Why is Bellatrix suddenly all over her today? "Just ask your questions so we can get out of here. We actually do have plans. For returning me to my time? You know, so there aren't any paradoxes or—"
Bellatrix makes another vague exploding sound.
"—yes, as she said. Boom."
Snape pinches his brow. "Let me get this straight. She is Bellatrix Lestrange. Acting of her own free will. Helping you, Hermione Granger, to travel forwards in time. For no reason other than…because you asked?"
Hmm. Well…
"Well, yes, I suppose. That is rather nice of her, now that I think about it."
She gently pulls Bellatrix by the chin to face her. "I haven't thanked you, I completely forgot. Thank you, Bellatrix. For everything you've— well, not everything, there are some things that— and I'm sorry. I am sorry for dragging you into this. You're right, it's fucked up, I almost killed us all. So…"
How can she show her— Oh. That's how Bellatrix says thank you.
She presses her lips to Bellatrix's cheek in a kiss and then pulls back to look into her eyes earnestly. "Thank you. I mean it."
Bellatrix shrugs, maybe…embarrassedly?
"Well. I did— do— will torture you at some point. So I suppose we're even on the fucking up front. Not that I— I probably had my reasons, so don't start thinking— I don't care—"
Strained laughter fills the room, muffled slightly as Snape puts his head in his hands.
Hermione widens her eyes at Bellatrix. Is he alright? What is wrong with him?
Chapter 26: Far From the FamiliarNotes:I'm back again! I just can't stop after all your amazing comments, you guys!!
So. On with the story...
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The kettle whistles, and Hermione grimaces. "I think I should get him a cup of tea. Or maybe something stronger, he seems—"
Snape breaks out in another laugh. "I've gone mad. I've finally cracked. All the lies, the double life, my mind must have…I'm insane. I'm in St Mungo's."
Bellatrix growls. "Oh shut up, you whiny bugger. You're not mad."
"You're one to talk," he mumbles.
Shit.
Hermione grabs Bellatrix's arm as she moves to raise her wand. "Bellatrix! Don't hurt him! He's confused enough— Maybe we should give him some wine, or a calming draught, there might be one in the—"
"No! Enough of this. He shouldn't have stuck his greasy nose in either. There's a reason we learnt what we did, you know. Pop us out of here. Let's get going already, we've wasted enough time as it is."
Oh. Oh of course!
She lets the invisibility drip from her mind over her whole body, and then over Bellatrix too.
"Okay. I'll take us to the lake. Do you think we should stop first for—"
"Take us there. Now. I'm in charge."
Hermione rolls her eyes. Sure, Bellatrix. Whatever you say.
She takes one last look at a hysterical Snape, and pops away.
Appearing in the grounds of Hogwarts, close to the boat sheds, just in case they need to hide. They are invisible, but you can never be too careful.
Bellatrix moves to take her arm back, but Hermione clings on. "The invisibility, remember?"
"No-one's here, it's only the end of July. We have a month until—"
"I know, but Dumbledore could be here. Anyway, I need to talk to you privately about something."
Bellatrix raises an eyebrow. "Well?"
Hermione fidgets. The things Tiggy had said were a bit— well, she doesn't want Bellatrix getting the wrong idea.
"Umm, I have a memory you need to look at. That's probably best. Easier than explaining."
Bellatrix frowns. "What did you do?" Her wand comes up. "Legilimens."
Hermione braces herself, focuses in on this morning, trying to catch the conversation at the right moment. Tiggy had been…knitting. That was it.
There they are. Bellatrix whizzes through. And then goes back, watching more closely.
The lake comes back into view, and Hermione lets out a breath, steadying herself against Bellatrix.
"Well that was clear as mud. I suppose Tiggy usually knows what they're talking about though. Fine. From now on, you're my mate. Anything to make this simpler."
Wha—
"Simpler? Surely if anything that makes it even more complicated!" She widens her eyes at Bellatrix, who just shrugs.
"Why? We know enough about each other, we're stuck together in this, tied together. Other than fucking, what do we need to lie about?"
Well there's…they haven't…there isn't any official…
Oh dear Merlin, there isn't an issue. It all checks out. Other than loving each other…
"Umm…alright. Shall we do this then? Swimming costumes are probably appropriate, unless you agree with my wetsuit idea?"
"I'm not…familiar with…explain."
Oh. Right. She always forgets that wetsuits in the wizarding world are a more recent development; they won't find any in Diagon Alley yet. It's the nineties. How strange. And to think that Bellatrix was stuck in Azkaban for almost the whole of the eighties, she's mentally in the seventies still!
She shakes herself from her thoughts. Get on explaining, Hermione.
"All in one clothes that retain heat by allowing a layer of water to warm just under the fabric, close to the skin."
She imagines one and looks into Bellatrix's eyes. Maybe legilimency has a visual component. She'll have to ask more about it at some point. She never read enough about—
"Seems…inventive. Fine, put your elfy powers to use and get us some."
Uhh what? Can she do that? Summon something from…a surf shop somewhere? Maybe. She has been to one before, on holiday in Cornwall. Or she could just go there and steal them. Not very ethical, but it is to save the world. Sort of.
She nods. "I'll take us to get some."
"Wait, don't—!"
They're in a muggle surf shop. In the middle of the day. In summer.
Hermione pulls them flat against a wall out of the way. It's packed.
Okay, where are the wetsuits?
"Ah, over there, I can see them. Come on."
She tries to walk past some people, but she's swiftly yanked back by Bellatrix. What—oh balls.
"Bellatrix. They're just normal people. They're on holiday, don't be scared, they—"
"I'm not scared!" Bellatrix hisses, terrified.
Great. Scary Muggles. Scary children with buckets and spades, teens squealing as they reach for wetsuits and try on each other's sunglasses and hats.
She rubs her thumb over the witch's wrist. "It can all be explained, Bellatrix. They're the same as me. I've done this, been here. With my family, my friends. I can explain it all to you if want, but we don't have much time. They're just having fun. That's all it is."
She can feel her pulse. It's so fast. She's this scared? What does she think is going to happen?
"They can't see us, remember? Can't hear us. We're safe."
Bellatrix relaxes her posture, looking around with a sneer of casual disinterest even as her eyes take in every detail. "What is this place? What's that sound? How do they have music? Where is it coming from? What are those— How are they— And— it's so loud, is that normal for you people?"
Hermione runs her hand higher up, squeezing her upper arm reassuringly, careful not to let go of the witch in case the invisibility falters. "The beeping is just for the shopkeepers. Like having a bell on the door. It's all similar to what we have. They're just looking at clothes. They're excited. You did that too, right? When you were young? Looked at clothes with your friends?"
Bellatrix turns to glare at her. "I'm still young. And I was never that vain."
Oh thank Merlin, she's calmed down enough to be irritable.
Hermione smiles at her. "I don't believe that for a second. You know exactly how attractive you are. Probably always have. Now come on, we only have to walk over there and find a couple that are our size."
Bellatrix hangs back as Hermione tugs at her, still reluctant to leave the edge, apparently.
And narrowing her eyes at her slyly. "You think I'm attractive?"
Oh. Oops. Well…
Well of course she is!
Hermione rolls her eyes and then looks away. "Of course you are. Don't make that seem— You're the one who—"
The crowd parts slightly as some people move into the dressing rooms. This is their chance.
"Come on! Let's go, quickly. Forget about everyone else. Tell me more about the merpeople, you must have thought about it by now, right? Mentally mapped out the lake? Learnt mermish at some point?"
Bellatrix's eyes dart around the room, and then she nods, moving swiftly forward, head held high and wand at the ready.
"We don't need mermish. That's only useful in written form, or when speaking on land. Underwater they are perfectly understandable."
Hermione lets out a relieved breath and moves them over to a clothes rack, searching through the sizes. Keep the bookworm talking.
"And the Black Lake? What do you know?" Hmm where are the women's sizes?
"As far as I can tell, the name is a coincidence. Despite what Tiggy said, we never owned it. In fact, there have been numerous attempts over the years to rename it. Ancestors not wanting to be associated with inferior beings. As for the merpeople…the Hogwarts mer-colony is extremely isolationist. Only Dumbledore has ever interacted with them, to my knowledge. Don't know how he managed that. And that they agreed to participate in the Triwizard Tournament at all is puzzling in and of itself. It's a shame you have no memory of being in the lake. We're going to have to go in blind and— what are you doing?"
Hermione carries on holding the wetsuit up against Bellatrix, not quite able to see if the sleeve length is right as she has no hands free.
"Just checking this one will fit you. You're a different shape to me, wetsuits are tight. Skintight. I need to be sure…what do you think about the arms?"
Bellatrix stashes her wand in her hair, and cautiously reaches back down to feel the material of the wetsuit between a thumb and finger. And then slides her hand down it more confidently.
"This fabric, what is it? How does it stretch? And it's thick, and— what does it smell like? I've never— and there's a zip. Why is there such a long cord? And what does—"
So this is why all of Hermione's classmates got fed up with her in first year! Question after question about every little thing! It's so annoying.
And somewhat endearing.
She chuckles softly. "All good questions. But if we want to get out of here before sunset, then I just need to know if it will fit. I have mine, do you think yours is the right length or—?"
Bellatrix seems to snap out of her childlike curiosity in an instant. "Yes, yes let's get out of here. Take us back, we'll get undressed in the boat shed. There's still more I need to tell you…"
Hermione takes one last look across the lake, watching the surface of the water glisten as it ripples in the sunlight. Looks up at the sky, and then out over the hills and valleys. Distant mountains.
Okay. Here they go.
She casts a warming charm on herself, and follows Bellatrix into the lake, flinching as the cold hits her but focusing on their task. Their mission.
The water reaches her waist, and she dives under, invisible, bubblehead charm flickering into place.
They've decided that Bellatrix should appear to be alone. That way, if she gets into trouble, Hermione can be the secret back up plan. Tiggy had said they'd listen to Bellatrix. Maybe for some reason they'll make an exception for her.
The trouble with being invisible is, Hermione can't cast a lumos. And the deeper they go, amongst the reeds, the less the sunlight shines through. She keeps close behind Bellatrix, who has lit her wand. They weren't sure if wands were a good idea but…they need the light.
What was that? She stops.
A shadow or…something just out of sight.
Movement. In the corner of her eye.
She kicks harder and pulls her arms firmly through the water, trying to catch up with Bellatrix. The witch is fast, she has more stamina than Hermione and—ah!
Something grabs her leg, dragging her down.
What is—relashio! The grip falters, and she struggles upwards.
"Wand carrier!" a voice booms out from the murky depths. How did they—
"Show yourself, wand carrier. You can't fool the water with your invisibility. You're in our world now."
Should she? If she stays still maybe—
A swift tug at her ankle propels her downward, and then a knife is pressed to her throat as she stares into glowing yellow eyes. Large but focused. Catlike. The only features she can make out in the inky black of the deep.
"Swim away from my mate, pet, or you'll quickly have no limbs to swim with," Bellatrix's voice comes from above.
Hermione tries to search her out in the gloom without cutting herself on the blade.
"Two of you! Two wand carriers. What are you doing here? We won't stand for this. The treaty—"
Bellatrix laughs. "The treaty? We all know the treaty states that no violence is acceptable by either party. No act of aggression. You made the first move, little fish. You broke the contract."
Ah! What the— Hermione is spun through the water so fast that everything blurs. Which way did she come from? Where's the light? She's lost track of the surface. She's held firmly from behind and struggles as she peers through the darkness.
A light. Oh, there's Bellatrix. Upside down.
Maybe Hermione's upside down.
"I only greeted your mate. They are the one that used their power."
Greeted? "You grabbed me! You pulled me down, that is aggressive! You used excessive force!" Hermione grunts, trying to pull free of the slender arms around her waist. The knife seems to have disappeared, but she doesn't want to actually attack them.
"Oh, you speak, shielded one. Controller of sand and sea. You bring the taste of an ocean," the merperson whispers. Suddenly…soft. What happened to the booming timbre? Is this a mermaid?
Bellatrix swims closer and then stops, hair fanning out, wand pointed towards them. "Taste? You dare claim her? She is not yours. She is mine. Give her to me," she growls.
Gosh, she's rather convincing. Even Hermione is starting to believe her.
A hand strokes down Hermione's side. "She? Her? So you're presenting as female. What is it you wand carriers say…a witch?"
What? Presenting— are merpeople homophobic or something? "Yes, we're both witches. She's still my mate, let me go!"
"You are both trespassers but…you do intrigue me, salty one. You are something more than a witch. Older."
Hermione is spun around once more, slowly this time, gently.
"Show yourself to me. Don't be frightened."
Hermione scoffs. "Why should I? I can't see you either. It's too dark…which is becoming a regular problem," she adds, muttering to herself.
A melodic hum. And then, "Light your wand. You do have one, don't you? I've never seen one up close, they…"
"Autonoe! Come away from the wand carriers at once. Go home. They are dangerous. Don't let their words fool you," comes yet another booming shout.
Ah! She's flung sideways and covers her face as—
Hermione abruptly finds herself alone and floating amongst some reeds. She swims clear of them, brushing them out of the way as she heads towards a dim light. That must be where—
Shit.
They have Bellatrix.
Notes:Oh No! They have Bellatrix!
Also, side note... did I just accidentally create a Fake Mating AU? Has that been done before, or...
Chapter 27: Closer Than First ThoughtChapter Text
From the glow of Bellatrix's wand, Hermione can make out two merpeople, guarding the witch. They're not touching her, Bellatrix brandishing her wand if they get too close, but they circle her. Whirling past and keeping her in place.
Well. They've found the colony, at least. Maybe it's time to start talking.
Tiggy said show value, power. Intrigue them. Alright.
Hermione lets the invisibility fall, and casts a sonorus to amplify her voice. Let your anger out, Hermione. They've taken something that they think belongs to you. "Let my mate go, now!" she roars through the water. "Or I will have no choice but to take her by force. Let her go, and we'll talk."
Chiming laughter reverberates towards her. "Your mate has chosen an aggressive form. She wishes to fool us. To scare us. She insults us with her mockery. She shall be treated accordingly," one voice calls.
"You are no match for us. Swim away whilst you still can, legged one," another taunts.
What are they talking about? How do they know Bellatrix is dangerous?
In any case. Show strength, Hermione.
She closes her eyes and feels out for the thread. She follows it.
And appears nose to nose with Bellatrix within the swirl of slippery forms, grabbing hold of her shoulders as the current whips around them.
Perfect, so no violence necessary after all. She cancels the sonorus and slides her wand up her sleeve. "If they think you're a threat, we should leave. It's not safe. I'll pop us back to the shore," Hermione whispers within Bellatrix's bubblehead charm, hurriedly gripping her shoulder again as an unexpected current tugs at them.
Bellatrix scoffs, hands coming up to Hermione's waist to steady her. "Like I'd let them hurt me. They think I'm a threat? They don't know anything yet. They might take us to their leader. Isn't that what we want?"
Hermione opens her mouth to reply, and then stops. It's gone still.
The merpeople appear to be in whispered conversation too as they swim in and out of view, speeding through the water gracefully, side by side.
"…separate…unlawful."
"Then she should change form! You!"
One merperson swims closer, illuminated in the wandlight. Hermione can't help but keep a hold of Bellatrix. This one is rather intimidating. There's a tension to their muscles. And they are very muscular. An almost Viking-like show of brute strength, but with untamed hair, coarse and knotted. And green.
She tries to remember what the first merperson had looked like. Autonoe. From what she'd felt, Autonoe was much more slender, hair pulled back from their face. No, this is someone else as well. Two new merpeople.
This one…the barely contained rage is palpable. They point accusingly at Bellatrix.
"How dare you mock our ancient and noble tribe! You insult our ancestors with your…transfigurement! Change back, or I shall be forced to defend our heritage from your blasphemy. I would not normally fight such a weaker being but—"
"Weaker!" Bellatrix snarls, letting go of Hermione to brandish her wand. "You're lucky I held myself back rather than stomp out your miserable existence the very second you attempted to control me. Me! If you had any idea who I was you would be cowering amongst the reeds you—"
"And you have no idea who I am, pathetic wand holder. I am a direct descendent of the Ancient and Most Noble Colony of Black! How dare you threaten your betters!"
What?! Hermione gasps in shock. Actually gasps. It's good the bubblehead charm is holding up.
What the—
"Oreithye! Hold your tongue," the other merperson hisses, pulling Oreithye back from the light.
"Black?" Bellatrix frowns. "You…I am Bellatrix Black. Eldest and so head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black. Toujours Pur."
Now there is complete silence. No sign of movement.
"That is not…you are saying it wrong. If you are indeed— it is Totus Generis Parere," the unknown merperson mutters, cautiously gliding closer, just far enough away that their features aren't quite visible in the wandlight.
"Leagore, is she—"
"Shh. I said hold your tongue, you have revealed enough with your temper. This could alter— Bellatrix. Fighter star. Warrior. Beauty. You are not named for— you are the eldest? Your appearance is— is this a transfiguration, witch? Or your natural form?"
Unusually, Bellatrix appears to be speechless. She just stares.
Hermione clears her throat. "It's her natural form. Her only form. Witches don't…change. Well, except for metamorphagi but—"
Oreithye swims to join Leagore. "Metamorphosis! Did you hear? You, Bellatrix Black. Can you do this? Can you metamorphose? Leagore, if she can—"
"Stay silent and listen. Her mate said that she cannot. It does not mean anything. Not necessarily."
Oreithye laughs in an almost cackle. It's eerily similar to Bellatrix's laugh. How is this possible?
"Look at her! She looks exactly like the statue!"
Statue?
Bellatrix mutters something to herself, so quietly even Hermione can't hear.
And then her head comes up, gritting her teeth.
"Blood of my blood. I greet you as kin. May our fore-bearers guide us, our descendants provide for us, and our hearts beat as one."
The merpeople freeze.
And then reach for Bellatrix in unison.
What are they doing? "Don't touch her! Get away!"
Hermione kicks her legs out and tries to pull Bellatrix back, but she shrugs her off, folding her arms at Oreithye and Leagore, raising an eyebrow.
They slowly lower their hands, bow their heads, and speak as one. "Blood of my blood. I return your greeting. May the current flow strongly through our veins. As one we are whole. As one we are strong. As one we are gods on Earth."
Bellatrix flinches, wand cutting through the water to aim at them with a yell of outrage. "How do you know the words?" she shouts. "Our bloodline is pure. The House of Black can be traced back for centuries. None but a Black knows the words!" she pants.
And then growls. "Who are you? Lumos maxima!"
Light shines out around them, revealing their surroundings. Including the two merpeople.
Well they are definitely merpeople. Tails and all.
And the eyes…
But…
"Bellatrix, there is a resemblance. I mean, that one, Leagore, if Draco and Sirius were mixed together…"
"They have green hair!"
"I know, I know and they're not as pale-skinned, but you must admit, the bone structure—"
"They are creatures! They aren't even human!"
"Actually, merpeople would be classed as beings, but they deliberately call themselves creatures so as to distance themselves—"
"—from Wizarding society. I know. As it should be. They can't be…"
"Bellatrix Black. You are kin. Thought to be lost, but now returned," Leagore says astonishedly, considering Bellatrix with a rather familiar tilt to their head.
Oh no.
Then both, now lost, shall be returned.
Returned to what? Hermione had assumed Bellatrix would be returned to life, not…welcomed into the mermaids. What is happening?
Oreithye lets out some clicking noises and spins around, ducking and diving around Bellatrix. "You don't believe the nonsense that they were lost, do you Leagore? I didn't think you that naïve. They left us. Abandoned their kin for them, robing us of our—"
"Enough!" Leagore roars. "Silence, before you are trialed for breaking the oath. This one may be kin, but she is still one of them. Her mate also. Which reminds me."
Leagore's voice softens, curls around each word. "You, little one. You have spent time with the Forest People."
Forest People?
Hermione cautiously swims closer. It feels rude to speak from such a long distance.
"Hermione, stop. Come back here. We should leave. This isn't at all what we— come back!"
Hermione ignores her, too curious to even think about leaving now. What have they uncovered?
"I've never heard of forest people, do you mean muggles? Humans without magic? My parents are muggles," she says as she comes to meet the merperson. It's uncanny how familiar they seem. Draco and Sirius, but more feminine. She isn't even sure of their gender. Not that Draco or Sirius are particularly masculine either.
Leagore laughs soothingly. "No, little one. I speak of powerful magic users. You are filled with such a force. May I touch you? Feel it?"
Umm.
"Don't you dare!" Bellatrix shouts from behind them.
Hermione shakes her head in bemusement. Bellatrix sure is taking this mate idea seriously. "Sorry, she's rather protective. I…I suppose…why? In what way? Where do you want to touch me?"
"Hermione, you stupid— don't let them touch you! What are you thinking? And you! Get out of the way! You may look like kin but that won't stop me blasting you in your fishy face you—"
"And you may have the face of Kalypso, but it seems your power of concealment has left you. If it is a fight you seek—ah!"
Hermione turns around as Oreithye lets out a shout. Has Bellatrix really…oh. Not her then.
Oreithye struggles as reeds wrap around their wrists and ankles, their mouth, holding them firmly.
Another figure emerges from the deep.
Leagore breathes a whistling sigh. "Pronoe, thank the gods you are here. We are in need of your assistance."
The…mermaid? Merperson nods firmly, and reaches out their hands, one directed at Hermione, the other at Bellatrix. "I have called an assembly. They wish to speak with you, wand carriers. There is much to discuss. If you would come with me, we shall be better equipped to answer your questions. You do both have questions, I assume? You appear to be intelligent witches."
Hermione glances at Bellatrix. They certainly have questions.
A sharp click from Pronoe. "You shall be together, of course. We do not separate mates here. It is barbaric. I have asked that we meet in a higher cave rather than the agora so that you may breathe. Come, before your strength wains. You are both not of our world, no matter your descent."
Why do they remind her of Professor McGonagall? A certain practicality. Firm authority.
She can't help but obey, and Bellatrix seems to agree, swimming over.
It's time to get some answers.
They follow after Pronoe for some time, slow compared to Leagore and Oreithye who dart back and forth impatiently, tails propelling them through the water effortlessly.
Eventually they reach the opening of a cave, a cacophony of voices echoing out towards them. How many merpeople are in there?
Hermione tries to meet Bellatrix's eye, but the witch just continues on into the darkness, Hermione speeding up so she's not left behind without a light. Her wand is still secured against her forearm beneath the wetsuit. She hasn't had a chance to retrieve it yet.
The tunnel widens, and Pronoe leads them towards the surface, an orange glow breaking through. Firelight. And air. What a relief. Holding the bubblehead charm this long has been quite the challenge, especially with all the surprises leaving her so uncertain.
She breaks the surface and takes a breath, rubbing water from her eyes and looking around. Oh.
Six merpeople sit above the water, each on a different rock or ledge. Hermione searches for Bellatrix in the flickering torchlight of the cave, and spots her climbing out onto a wide, long, platform-like ledge at the back centre of the cave. Hermione swims over—
And jumps out of her skin as the water splashes high around her, a wave rolling over her head causing her to splutter and choke as she fights to keep her head up. What was—
She scrambles for the side and clings to it, coughing. Oh. Pronoe, Leagore and Oreithye have leapt from the water to take their places. So nine of them now.
A hand appears in front of her.
"Come on, pet. Let's get this over with."
Bellatrix looks down at her calmly and pulls her out of the water as Hermione grips her hand. She adjusts her feet on the slippery stone, glad to have Bellatrix to cling onto. How is she always so steady? She studies the witch, searching her face, her posture. Bored expression, slow breathing…teeth clenched. Foot tapping. Wand spinning. Ah.
Not so calm then.
We can always leave. Stay close to me, and I can pop us away whenever you want.
The tapping stops, and Bellatrix rolls her shoulders back.
Alright. You too. If they get funny about something and you want to get us out of here, codeword is…Crookshanks.
Hermione lets out a startled bark of laughter, and Bellatrix grins, whirling around and striding away a few paces, arms outstretched, to spin in the centre of the platform, gazing around at the merpeople.
Who begin to make an awful screeching sound.
Hermione slams her hands over her ears. "We don't speak mermish!" she yells. "It hurts!"
The shrieking stops.
Hermione lowers her hands in relief and takes her time to really look at the beings perched around them. There seems to be some kind of hierarchy, different levels and sections. There's a small alcove directly in the centre of the cave wall, lit by torches on either side but apparently empty. Strange. No leader? Or are they just hiding?
Bellatrix seems to agree, directing her gaze to the centre and frowning.
Pronoe sits to the left of the alcove, although slightly lower, and Leagore to the right. So…right-hand man? Leagore did seem to have some kind of authority over Oreithye…where…ah. Above Leagore, glaring down at the platform and tensing as Bellatrix wanders closer.
As for the others…there are two that are so high up Hermione has to crane her neck to look at them, mostly just seeing tails, and—
Pronoe clears their throat. "As I suspected. The proceedings shall take place in wizarding English, so as not to harm our guests. I suggest that Leagore and Oreithye begin by recounting what they have witnessed, if that pleases the assembly?"
There's some flicking of tails.
"We are not the only witnesses. Autonoe was the one foolish enough to make first contact," Oreithye growls.
There are some quieter screeches as people whisper amongst themselves. Hermione moves closer to Bellatrix.
"Do we have to begin so thoroughly? Surely the main question is this so-called witch? Speak, wand carrier. Who are you?" A kind, motherly looking mermaid calls out from above Pronoe.
"Enough!" A booming shout echoes from the central alcove, and all goes still, each being turning to watch as a figure emerges.
This mermaid is…she must be a queen. One word and her voice rings with power.
She perches on the alcove ledge, calm and collected now as she looks over at the mermaid above Pronoe, who lowers her gaze, hands gripping stone.
"Leave me to my council, Kalianassa," the leader says softly with a nod of her head.
And then directs her attention to Hermione and Bellatrix.
Oh.
Oh gosh. Hermione can barely breathe, the outer world blurring as her complete focus is drawn to—
Bellatrix shifts, blocking her view slightly, and Hermione's trance is broken. She takes a sharp breath. What was that?
She moves closer to Bellatrix's back and looks over her shoulder curiously. Some kind of magical lure then, perhaps, from this Queen. She glances at Bellatrix. Glazed eyes.
Hermione pokes her firmly in the side, and the witch blinks and clears her throat.
"Stop that!" Bellatrix snaps at the mermaid, and Hermione feels the heady atmosphere clear. Oh thank goodness. And now that her brain isn't so foggy, she can actually look at the mermaid properly. Regal. Green hair piled high on her head and tail a resplendent silver that catches the firelight and— oh!
Her form changes. Her shoulders widen, hair falling from its fastenings to lay about her—his shoulders, jaw broadening, chest flattening.
Wha—
Hermione makes shocked eye contact with Bellatrix.
The merperson grins at them. "Ah. So this surprises you. I wondered if it would, or if you are able to do the same, Bellatrix Black."
Bellatrix folds her arms. "Why would you think that? I'm a witch. Why would I want to mess around with my appearance? I like how I am just fine."
The merperson raises an eyebrow. "So you do not…because you cannot? Or because you do not want to?"
Bellatrix clenches her jaw and twirls her wand.
Wait.
"Bellatrix…are you a metamorphagus?" Hermione whispers incredulously.
"No," Bellatrix growls. "Of course I'm not. I'm nothing like my disgusting little niece and her—"
"Niece? This means sibling's child. An heir? There is an heir who is able to metamorphose?" Kallianassa shouts excitedly, hands clutched to their chest in joy as a wide smile spreads across their face.
More shrieking mutters.
"Kallianassa is right! They speak of an heir!"
Bellatrix snarls, spinning to point at Oreithye. "She is not the heir! Her mother betrayed the family, and her line was wiped from the tree. She is a bloodtraitor, she will mate with a werewolf beast and die in two years time at my own hand for her stupidity!"
Hermione covers her ears once more as shouts echo around them.
"Silence!" Pronoe calls.
"She is a seer also? It cannot be, Thetis. This one must be rare to hold such a power," Leagore murmurs, eyebrows furrowed as they glance between Bellatrix and the leader, Thetis.
Bellatrix let's out an exasperated sigh. "I'm not a seer, I just know the future from her. That's why we're here."
She gestures to Hermione, who gulps as everyone turns to look at her.