Chapter 43: Mermish MemoriesChapter Text
They eat a very quick breakfast. So quick that Hermione has to cast more than one anapneo spell to stop Bellatrix choking, and is still chewing a mouthful of toast as she pulls on her wetsuit. Batting away Bellatrix's 'helpful' hands. In the end she sends her off to get the potions from the owl, and make sure the Bones in the bed is taken care of. Because they have a joke about that now. Bones in the bed.
What a strange life you lead, Hermione.
This is exciting though, she has to admit. Mermish. On her arm, this whole time. What had future Bellatrix decided to write?
Bellatrix appears in the bedroom with a whirl of black smoke. "Bones are taken care of. Cissy's bugging me about more occlumency lessons but that can fucking wait. We're leaving right now— uhh, if you're ready."
Hermione folds her arms. "You're ignoring the occlumency lessons? Bella. The timeline. Draco has to be able to guard his mind. Especially seeing as he knows about you and— well he doesn't know it's me, but if He sees that you— are you sure I shouldn't go by myself?"
Bellatrix pouts. "But the message! I'm the one who wrote it! Can't I— and we don't even know the timeline anymore! If I was with you this whole time…maybe I did go! How else would I know what to write?"
Oh. Oh it's even more confusing now. But…
"And if it was you the whole time…and we had this conversation…do you think we would have ignored Draco, or protected him? From a Dark Lord. Who'll be living in his house next year?"
Bellatrix collapses back on the bed with a groan and covers her eyes. "Fine. Just go. I can't look, just disappear and— stupid fucking Dark Lord. No, you know what? Tom fucking Riddle. He's the meddling old coot. If he'd just stay out of my nephew's head— everybody's head, then..."
Hermione can't quite believe it. Tom Riddle? She knew that— but to hear it. How is—
You…you're okay, Bella? This isn't too…
No! It's fucking weird. But I need to get over the fact that I worshipped a narcissistic lunatic for twenty years
"A very charismatic, intelligent and powerful narcissistic lunatic who fooled everyone he ever met into worshipping him too," she whispers, sitting down on the bed.
"Not Dumbledore. I wasn't as clever as Dumbledore," Bellatrix mumbles from under her hands.
Oh this is perfect.
Hermione grins. "You're a hundred times cleverer than Dumbledore. And about a billion times more fuckable."
The hands fall away. Bellatrix is grinning too. "I am, aren't I?" She laughs. And then groans. "Stop putting fucking in my head right before I see Draco! He's going to think I'm some kind of nymphomaniac— ha! I am a nymph. And a maniac. Oh gods I'm delirious, just go! I can't shut up!"
Hermione chuckles. "You started it. Now you're going to have to talk to Draco about Dumbledore without—"
"I know, I know it's a nightmare! At least Cissy won't be peeking into my head. She never does if she can help it. Too scared of the dark."
Scared of the dark?
I didn't think Narcissa was scared of anything. The dark?
Can't see in the dark. Can't read people. Things can surprise you
Oh. Oh she sometimes forgets that…
Bella…was Narcissa…did they…no. No, I'm sorry. It's really not my business, and you shouldn't have to think about—
Bellatrix sits up tiredly. Rests her elbows on her knees and her head in her hands. "It's okay to ask. In a way it's— I can finally tell someone. I don't have to keep it all locked away and— and I— I think—they might have hurt her. But not as much. Because of what she does. Manipulates people. She showed them the face they wanted to see. Every time."
Hermione puts an arm around her. "And she had you…"
Bellatrix leans against her. "Not as much as I would have liked," she whispers. "She's younger, remember? She…when I left for Hogwarts…she was five. Then Andy looked out for her for a year but…then it was her first year at Hogwarts too. Cissy was alone with them for five whole years. I came home every Christmas. At Easter, and there was the summer but…do you see now? Can you see why…why she has to…"
Yes. Yes it makes complete sense. Read people. Fast. Read their minds, and their moods, and what they want. Show them the face they want and cover the rest of you in ice. So nothing will get in. Never let your guard down. Don't let people in.
And no more orders. She's followed enough orders.
She kisses Bellatrix's head. "Well then. She's not alone now. Go and help her son. And maybe give her a hug or something, if she'll let you. Blacks love each other, remember? That's what she said. She knows you love her. And she loves you. She doesn't blame you. She loves you."
You always know exactly what to say
Hermione smiles. Gives her one last squeeze before getting up. "Guess we know each other rather well by now. Soulmate."
Bellatrix gets up with a stretch. "Guess so. Off you pop to unravel the next mystery. Maybe I'll give Cissy a big kiss from you. Make her shriek. Show you the memory later."
Ha! "Careful, you might get blasted across the room. She's scary."
Bellatrix chuckles. "Yep. My scary little sister. Did you think I was the scary one?"
"Well I did, but now I'm not so sure. Makes me wonder about An—"
She stops. Is it okay to talk about Andy yet? Opening up the past all at once is—
Bellatrix sighs and starts pulling off her wetsuit. "Andy. It's alright, pet. I need to forgive myself for that too. And her for— she—"
She left them. Managed to escape, but left them behind.
"She still loves you too, Bella. Remember? She said. Said she loves you, and remembers you, and forgives you."
Bellatrix nods, putting on her dress. "I remember. I was so relieved when she said that. When you showed me that. I shouldn't have been surprised. She always loved me. She was always there. Usually hidden behind me whilst I…but she'd secretly hold my hand under the table. Or bring me food when…or water. That's why it hurt so much when— when she was gone. She used to draw smiley faces on the bathroom mirror for me. Sneak in whilst I was in the shower, don't know how I never spotted her. One face didn't even fade away…for months after she'd left. Eventually I smashed the mirror."
Oh.
Bellatrix is dressed now. Ready to leave. Ready to go open her mind to…
Hermione steps closer to her and strokes her cheek. "I was thinking of going to the Burrow tomorrow. For Harry's birthday. Just to watch. Do you want— we could go and see what Andy's up to too. Invisible. Just see how she's getting on. I miss my friends and— and it might be nice for you to see her."
Bellatrix takes a slow breath. "I…maybe. I don't know if I'm…ready for that. But yes. I'll come with you to see Potter. It must be hard for you not to— he's a nice kid too. One of us brave kids. Shame I have to…"
She's drifts off. And then steps back, running her hands through her hair and making it more crazy. "Right. Get your head on straight, Bella. Death Eater. Can't go to Draco thinking about Potter, now that would be a nightmare."
Hermione snorts. "Yes, focus. There'll be enough of Harry in Draco's head. So remember. You're a Death Eater. You just killed Amelia Bones and you're very happy about it. Proud of yourself. And you got to spend a few hours alone with the Dark Lord so you're even more excited. And you want Draco to live up to the family name. You want Dumbledore dead."
"Dead Dumbledore, got it. I'll suggest Draco poisons him. Give him a few idea— oh. When does he go to Borgin and Burke's? Has that happened yet?"
Oh. Oh when was—
"No. No it was the Saturday after Harry's birthday that we went to Diagon Alley for our school things. That's when we saw Draco. Maybe…if he hasn't thought of the cabinet idea yet, maybe you should subtly mention it. In case it's you he gets the idea fro—oh! And it was Harry's birthday when we found out about Ollivander and Fortescue. When were they—"
"Already happened, pet. Two days ago. Whilst you were guarding Bonesy. Both of them are locked up under the Riddle House. He sent Snape for Ollivander, and Greyback for Fortescue."
Snape?
"But Snape's undercover! Why send—"
"Ollivander's powerful. Sneaky. Needed to send someone bright. Plus, if Ollivander thinks Snape's on the light side, then there doesn't need to be a fight. Snape can walk right up to him. And it doesn't matter if Ollivander knows he's a spy now. He can't tell anyone."
Right. Oh how horrible, poor Ollivander and—
No. Can't save everyone. Ollivander was in the cellar, so…
"Okay. Well. I don't want to distract you any longer, so I guess I'll see you later then."
And with a nod, they both set off to their separate tasks.
No one's in the cave, so Hermione dives straight into the water, casting a bubblehead charm over her head, and a lumos from her fingertips. Genius.
And no one in the tunnel to the lake. Hmm.
Well she hopes she'll just run into someone eventually. Leagore would be ideal, or Thetis. Even Autonoe or Oreithye.
She forgot how creepy it is out in the reeds. Even with a light, the water is so murky it—
"Hello? Witch? Are you…Kalypso's mate?" A timid voice calls.
Oh.
Hermione turns around. Emerald tail…
"Agaue? We haven't had a chance to meet yet, but I loved your story. It's nice to meet you. I'm Hermione, Hermione Granger."
Agaue ducks back out of the light. "What are…are you allowed here? I'm not…perhaps I should…"
They seem…scared. Retreating behind some rocks.
"It's alright. I'm just looking for Leagore. Or Thetis. Someone who can…I have a question about mermish…a magical message."
"I…I should go home. If you— I don't—"
"Agaue? What is that li—oh." Another merperson. Grey tail. Pronoe.
Agaue shoots away in a burst of bubbles. How peculiar. She doesn't remember them being this skittish. They narrated the tale of their ancestors so well. Smiled at Bellatrix. Why are they—
"Ah. Hermione. So you've come to find out more, I thought you might. Leagore and Thetis have both mentioned that you would soon be visiting. And I assume your mate is busy once more?" Pronoe clips, gliding to hover before her.
Oh that's right. They'd reminded her of McGonagall. Oh dear— but it's true! They're just quite firm and severe but in a…practical way. It's got nothing to do with—maybe it's the hair.
"Umm, yes. Yes, that's right. Leagore told me about the archives. But she mentioned a fidelius charm so—"
The corner of Pronoe's mouth twitches into a smile. "And who do you think is secret keeper? I suppose you do not yet know my role. My name."
Name? Pronoe…
Pro means before…
Noe means…
Hermione sighs. "I'm sorry, I don't speak Greek. What is…"
Pronoe takes her hands and begins swimming backwards, propelling them quickly but steadily through the water. "Pronoe means forethought. I think ahead. Plan ahead. Make predictions and calculations so as to best serve the needs of the whole race. Totus generis parere. Thetis sought my council before accepting this agreement with the headmaster. After some thought…I gave my verdict. And offered to be secret keeper. Here we are."
They're deep in the lake. Nothing but the vast seabed before them.
Ah. "So…what's the name? The address? The location?"
Pronoe raises an eyebrow, and clears their throat. "Come seek us where our voices sound, with this song it shall be found. To know our past just take a look, for now it's written in a book."
Hermione gasps. It's so beautiful. It was— did Pronoe sing— oh! And there's the— a building. A white marble building lit by torches that— with columns and—
Pronoe chimes with laughter. "As predicted. You have lost your voice to our beauty."
Hermione turns to gape at them. "It was your voice in the egg? For the tournament?"
Pronoe nods with a smile. "In mermish. Autonoe found it terribly exciting, all the witches and wizards in the lake. I recognise you. I don't think the others do though."
Why on earth did they ever participate in— wait! Mermish!
"That's why I'm here! Mermish! I have a message in mermish on my arm. Tiggy told me!"
Pronoe swims closer and studies her…face? And nods once more. "I see. Come. Let us enter the archives where you shall be able to breathe freely and see in the light. Leagore shall return from patrol momentarily, so I'm sure he will join us. And Oreithye not long after, for some 'obscure reason'. Silly child."
Child?! How old is—
Can people just look their age! "How long do nymphs live?!"
Pronoe pulls them towards the archive building with a tinkling laugh. "It's quite simple. The Forest People live twice as long as Wizardkind. We live twice as long as the Forest People."
Oh.
Oh that is a very long—
Wizards, on average, live until they are one hundred and thirty-seven and three quarters. Hermione had looked it up after the whole Nicolas Flamel situation.
So, say a hundred and thirty-eight years. So elves live…to two hundred and seventy-six. Which means nymphs live to—"Five hundred and fifty two! But that's— Hogwarts was founded a thousand years ago! That's only two generations! You—"
And Pronoe closes a door behind them. Pulls it down from the ceiling like a shutter. And the…what? "This is like…a canal lock. How…"
The entrance to the archive building, now that the exit has been blocked, is like a sealed cube room. Stone walls on every side. Except there must be some kind of drainage system, because as they wait, the water level slowly lowers.
"A canal does run though the floor of the archives, you are correct. Only Leagore is able to travel like the Forest People, so there is no way for us to move without water. A few more moments and I shall be able to open the next door and show you."
Incredible. "Where does this water go? There must be a—"
"A room of the same size below us, yes. The water is transferred between the two. When we exit into the lake once more, this room shall refill, allowing us to swim freely into the depths. Aha. Here we are."
And as Hermione gets to her feet, the water only at her waist now, Pronoe opens the second stone door.
Oh it's— oh goodness. An underwater library. With canals between the bookshelves. Like Venice but— but in a building, in a—
"But the books! The water! It would be a disaster if—"
Pronoe floats into the building, on their back and tail swishing them along. "Waterproof books and scrolls, child. Magic. You are born of muggles, aren't you? So quickly you forget your magic."
Oh. Right. Of course. She swims after them.
How is there daylight? She looks up. Glass ceiling showing the sky…that can't be right. It must be charmed. Like the Great Hall. Maybe Dumbledore—
"Do you have magic? I still don't understand—how do you not know the true story of Kalypso if— I thought generations had passed, not— surely your own grandparents knew Kalypso!"
Pronoe stops, and hops out to sit on the side of a stone platform, tail in the water. "When our ancestors arrived here, they were already old. Generations have passed since, and so much was unfortunately forgotten. Go have a look at our ancestral tree if you are curious, whilst we wait for Leagore. I can't reach, you shall have to fetch it. Over by that table."
Table? And chairs? Oh. For Dumbledore. And Leagore.
She pulls herself out and wanders over, casting a drying spell over herself even though— it feels wrong. Water near books.
And there is a book. A thick golden book, on a pedestal at the edge of the room. She can't read the title. Mermish.
She cast a featherlight charm on it, and carries it over to Pronoe.
Let's see…
Oh. A family tree. But…
She raises her eyes to Pronoe in confusion.
Who nods. "Now you see. Mammals and fish."
Hermione nods back. So that…that's a bit of a relief. Explains the whole…not sisters. And no…
She looks back down. Sounds out the symbols. Eleven names. That she recognises very well. And dates in Roman numerals.
So. Eleven 'sisters' arrive at the lake around the year 1000 AD. And they are old, Pronoe is right. All of them already in their four or five hundreds. Kalypso is the youngest. Four hundred and forty-five years old. Gosh.
And then…a line down from each of their names. Except Kalypso. The space beneath Kalypso is bare. No children. But the others…straight lines down from each one…and the same names once more. In the same order. But a new birthdate. So…the Thetis who arrived here in 1000 AD…aged five hundred and forty-six...had a child also named Thetis. But there's no other parent. One parent.
Mammals and fish…
Fish can sometimes reproduce asexually. Their offspring is like— a clone!
So— So each new generation is a clone of the generation before! That's why wizards think they're immortal! That they kept their soul in a golden egg! Because their child is a clone of themselves! Born in an egg! They give birth to a clone of themselves.
How many generations…this is the seventh. Oh, that is quite a lot.
So…generation one, Kalypso leaves, and they're left with tails.
Generation two, the adults all die of old age when the children are in their forties and fifties at the most. That's the equivalent of being…twelve year olds in wizard years!
And it goes on until now.
Oh.
The Thetis they know…is…two hundred and forty-eight! And Autonoe is the youngest…one hundred and thirty-six!
Pronoe… "You're two hundred and fifteen years old?" Hermione whispers in shock.
Pronoe smiles. "Two hundred and sixteen come Yule. Still young. Not middle aged quite yet."
It's just…mind blowing! "You were born in 1780! You— that's just—"
And Hermione jumps out of her skin as Leagore appears with a pop on the chair at the table.
"Ah!— oh, Hermione. Gods you surprised me. Pronoe, you didn't tell me you…you're looking at the ancestral tree."
Hermione closes the book uncomfortably. "I hope that's alright. I was just…mammals and fish."
Leagore smiles. "Ah, I see. No, it's fine. Perhaps you shall be added to the book in time…once we have discovered the mystery of how Kalypso birthed the House of Black. Bellatrix mentioned a family tree of their own back to the Middle Ages…not quite far enough for us."
Hermione in the mermaid book? Oh…
That feels rather official. Like she's married to Bellatrix or—
Oh for some reason that's rather embarrassing.
She gets up to put the book back. "So you reproduce…asexually?"
Leagore chimes out a startled laugh and drops his quill. "Oh little one, you are very direct. Yes we— I'm not sure I—you are correct but—" Leagore gets more and more flustered and peals of laughter come from Pronoe, whose composure has vanished as they point at Leagore.
"Oh Leagore! You are so— how old— how have you not grown out of this embarrassment by now?" Pronoe whistles in laughter. "Oh little brother, it is just eggs! There is nothing to be ashamed of!"
Leagore clears his throat and pulls some parchment towards him. "I'm not little. I'm only twenty years younger than you so— and you are the one that cried when—"
Pronoe abruptly stops laughing. "I was a child! I didn't understand—"
Wait. Wait, this doesn't make sense. If they live to their five hundreds…where are their parents? Their children? Surely there should be three generations alive at one time?
She peeks back inside the book. No children after this generation…which is not too strange, seeing as even Thetis is not yet middle-aged. But the parents...
She walks over to the table to sit with Leagore. Who is hiding behind a book and humming to himself in an attempt to mask his embarrassment. "Umm…Leagore…why…where is your…parent?"
Everything falls silent.
"You…little one. You saw the dates."
Well yes, but… "But you live to your five hundreds, don't you?"
Leagore shakes their head, brow pinched. "We can, yes. But only if we do not birth an heir. Our long life…is because our ancestors gift their life to us in birth. As we are born…our parent dies. There is only ever one Thetis. One Leagore. One Pronoe. It is a…curse, of sorts. We must care for our sisters, because our parents have left us alone."
Oh. A curse? On the…on the children?
"A real curse? Or…a metaphor?"
"A fact," calls Pronoe from the water's edge. "As we are born, our parent dies. With eleven of us, there is always an elder sibling to care for us. When Thetis births a child, Autonoe shall care for it, in return for Thetis having raised Autonoe at the tender age of one hundred and twelve."
Right. Gosh all these dates and impossible ages are a bit—
A shifting banging sound fills the room, and the water seems to…vibrate? Wha—
"That will be Oreithye at the entrance," Pronoe smiles, giving Hermione a knowing look. She hides her own smile behind her hand. Come to see Leagore, as predicted.
Leagore glares at her. "I hope you have forgotten that nonsense about—"
Hermione rolls her eyes. "Yes, yes. You're not concealing anything. God of Assembly, I know. Anyway I— oh! The whole reason I'm here! Why didn't you tell me about the message when I showed you my arm?!"
She hurriedly pulls back her sleeve. Leagore frowns in confusion. "What do you mean? You knew this word. This slur. You showed me—"
Hermione scoots her chair closer to them. "No! Not that word, a secret one! In mermish! Tiggy saw it when they— oh! Touch it! You have to feel it!"
There's another rumble, and the sound of rushing water. And then a horrible shrieking sound. Ah! How is mermish so beautiful in water and yet— and where did it come from if they speak Greek?! Hermione covers her ears.
"—oh. Witch girl? You have let her— Leagore, I hope you conferred with Thetis before— Pronoe. You sang to her? Why have we—"
"Silence, Oreithye! I am trying to listen!" Leagore shouts.
Gosh, where's the love? How does everyone know these two are in love when they just shout at each other all the—whoa!
Hermione suddenly finds herself waist deep in water, with three merpeople crowding around her. "Leagore! Warn me next time before—"
"Hush, little one—"
"Witch girl, why do—"
"—Ah so she does learn our language, as I thought."
Everyone falls silent and turns to Pronoe, who is cupping their ear close to Hermione's arm.
"Pronoe…you recognise the voice?" Leagore murmurs.
Pronoe raises their eyebrows. "Isn't it obvious? The words are pronounced perfectly, carefully, but the emphasis is wrong. The tone. They have learnt our language, they were not born to it. This was a witch's work."
Well obviously! "Well I knew that! Bellatrix must have left this message for me in the future! That's why we want to know what it says!" Hermione cries in exasperation.
Leagore clears his throat uncomfortably. "If…if this is from your mate then…oh I am sorry, little one. It appears this is a…sad message."
Sad?
Oh no.
She pulls her arm to herself, and takes a steadying breath. "What does it say, Leagore? Tell me."
The three merpeople look between one another.
And then Oreithye sighs. "It says: When I am gone, and you're all alone, remember you can always find your way home."
Chapter 44: Never AloneChapter Text
Oh. When…when she's gone?
Hermione can go home when Bellatrix is gone? But…
That's the wrong…
Does Bellatrix…die? Is that the plan?
She hugs her arm to her chest. Gone. Alone. She feels a tear slide down her cheek.
Oreithye lets out a mournful whimper. Everyone turns to look.
Oreithye clears their throat self-consciously. "Well. I'm not surprised she leaves you. She left us. She's never here. It's what Kalypso does, runs off and hides."
Oh.
No.
Hermione's eyes snap to Oreithye's and she feels her magic begin to crackle. How dare they. How dare they say such a—
Bellatrix never hides. Never. She takes, and she takes, and she shields her own sisters with her body and her mind and—
Hermione finds her wand in her hand. Her pulse is thundering in her ears.
She wouldn't leave. She wouldn't. There has to be— Oreithye lied or—
And Leagore is stood before her. So close he fills her vision. Dark eyes. Sharp teeth. "Stand down, Hermione! You need to calm. You're not in control. Stand down. Now!"
Not in control? She—
She's so— she needs—
Bella? Can you hear me?
Silence.
No no no. She's can't be gone. That doesn't make any sense it— what have they done to her? She needs to leave, she has to—
Hermione? Of course I can hear you. But I'm with Draco so I have to—
Oh. Oh of course. Of course she's fine.
Hermione closes her eyes and lets her wand lower. Falls down to sit in the water.
It's fine, Bella. I was just— just checking. I'll stop distracting you
"I…"
What did she just do? She was so scared, and angry, it just...
Oh, she threatened Oreithye! Oh no she—
She snaps her eyes open. Oh dear.
Three dark eyed merpeople. Breathing fast and tall on their tails. And…
Cracks in the stone, running up the nearest columns. Oh no…
"Oh I'm so sorry," Hermione whispers. "I'm so sorry. Oreithye, I didn't mean to— I was scared, and hurt I— oh I've broken your building I—"
What happened to her? She's been angry before but— she punched Draco. Yelled at Ron and Harry. But she's never…accidental magic?
"I'll fix it, please! Tell me what to do and—"
Pronoe's expression calms, and they breathe out a whistling sigh. "Repair it, Hermione. And then perhaps you can tell us more about our sister. Oreithye shouldn't have…we do not know her as you do."
Okay. Okay, she can do that.
She pulls herself up to sit on the side, and cautiously draws her wand once more, raising her eyes ashamedly to Oreithye. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lost my temper, please forgive me."
Leagore moves further in front of them, opening his mouth with a harsh—
Oreithye gently moves him aside. "Leagore. I am fine. The witch girl is forgiven," they say softly.
And the atmosphere calms. Leagore takes a steadying breath and nods, Hermione whispers a reparo at the stone.
And Oreithye comes to sit beside her. "Well? Now that you have finished destroying our ancient monuments, perhaps you may tell us why Kalypso deserves such a loyal mate?"
They say it haughtily. Disdainfully. Grouchily…
A Black.
She studies them more carefully. Hmm…
Ah.
Looking at her curiously. Cautiously. Apologetically.
Hermione smiles at Oreithye. "Oh, Oreithye. You will love her, when you know her. Your youngest sister. She…she's nothing like you described. She never hides. Never cowers. Never abandons her kin. She's with her sister and nephew right now. Helping them. Teaching her sister's child to be strong and guard his mind. She was desperate to come here with me, but kin comes first. Always. She fights for them until she's so hurt that she must conceal it. That is why she's Kalypso. She hides her pain, so others don't have to witness it. Feel it. She's strong."
Leagore pops to sit at her other side. "It is true, Oreithye. I have witnessed her strength. Her determination. And she was kind to Thetis. She treated us as kin, sought our guidance and listened. She is certainly not one to hide."
Hermione smiles at him gratefully. "Sorry," she whispers, taking his hand. She'd scared him. Put Oreithye in danger.
Leagore chuckles. "It is alright, little one. We are Blacks. Do you think we do not see this violence, this power, almost daily within our home? It is merely because you are…different to us that it surprised us."
Blacks. Of course.
Hermione tuts and folds her arms. "Well maybe you shouldn't be so violent! If you all just talked more about your feelings and explained yourself— I'm so fed up with you Blacks and…Bellatrix can talk about her feelings, so I'm sure you all can too! Narcissa— oh, that's your other sister, by the way. How does that work? The Blacks are only part nymph. Bellatrix has siblings. Is Narcissa Kalypso too? She's frighteningly good at hiding. At manipulation."
Leagore frowns in thought, and looks to Pronoe. "True siblings. We do not have this. We are siblings by race, not…but Bellatrix is the eldest…so she is Kalypso. We saw it. Felt it. The sea felt it."
Pronoe nods. "We cannot know for sure, but for now it is safe to assume that Bellatrix is Kalypso, and this…Narcissa…shares our metamorphosis through both blood and race. You say she is good at hiding. Well. All of us are good at hiding. We are as the sea. Much is hidden in our depths. We change form like the turn of a tide. Our currents are invisible. Our waters bringing life, but also death. Danger. We are gods of the sea."
Ancient gods…
Hermione looks at each of them. These ancient beings. Bellatrix's…ancestors…in a way. "Then…will you help me? Help us? We're rather lost in this whole…in time. In space. My knowledge of the future shows me that…Kalypso will die. She will be lost in the final battle. I don't…I don't want to lose her."
Leagore squeezes her hand. "And your time, little one? You said you have travelled in time. You do not wish to return home?"
Oh she so wants to be home. In her time. With her friends. Her parents. No longer at war. But…
"Not without her. I love her. I want to save her. And then…and then I don't know. If she survives…then she will have to hide. Maybe…maybe she can travel back to my time with me. But…it would mean abandoning her family. I can't ask her to— she already had to leave them for so long, I can't ask her to—"
Oreithye squeezes her shoulder firmly. "You are thinking too far ahead, witch girl. For now, let us solve how to save our sister from death. And how we Blacks shall unravel the mystery of time. Learn to travel, witch. And then, when the time comes, you shall be ready. Strong."
Well…she supposes they should still learn how to time travel. If there is the knowledge to do it…who knows how Hermione travelled back in time? What if she sent herself back? She might need to know how. And another way to fake death would be helpful. If Bellatrix is somehow…gone…then…
She still doesn't want to think about that.
Leagore appears at the table. "Oreithye is right. You need to plan. To prepare. To read."
Hermione snorts. Figuring things out. Books. Maybe it runs in the family, all this reading.
"I can't read mermish though, remember? And how will your songs tell me about…rising from the dead? Or timetravel?"
Pronoe taps a finger to their lips. "Leagore assembles the history…I plan ahead…Oreithye is our protector…Thetis has far too many responsibilities but…who could…ah. I'm sure Autonoe could spare the time to translate for you."
Hermione groans. "So I can't even read? How can I make connections? Research? Where to even start? I'm no help if I can't—"
Leagore tuts. "Totus generis parere. You are not alone. We shall all help to save our sister. I shall record the songs. Pronoe shall select those that contain references to death, to life, to time. Autonoe shall read them to you. And Oreithye…"
Oreithye folds their arms with a huff. "Oreithye shall patrol alone. Because apparently my rage is all I have. God of the raging sea. What use am I in this?"
Rage? How horrible to have anger as your role in life.
Except…
She nudges Oreithye with her shoulder. "The raging sea is strong. Powerful. Relentless. You will fight for your sisters. Make sure they don't come to harm. So yes, you'll have to patrol alone for a while. But whilst you do, try to think how you would survive. How you would refuse to die in battle."
Oreithye looks at her in surprise. "I…you seek my counsel?"
What had Bellatrix said? Hides their insecurities behind their muscles.
Hermione smiles. "Of course. You're a god, just like your siblings. You're my elder. When were you born, almost two hundred years ago? I'm sure you have a lot of wisdom to share. Oh! Don't you know a lot about your ancestors? This noble colony? Do you know any stories of people faking their deaths or…anything unusual about time?"
Oreithye studies her closely, confusion spreading across their features. "Wisdom? I…perhaps. I shall have to think. I—"
They roll back their shoulders. "Fine. I shall return to patrol. I'm sure Autonoe shall come asking about you, witch girl. I suppose I can send them your way. Try not to destroy any books or let the foolish child distract you from your goal."
They fall backwards into the water before Hermione can reply, and soon there is a rumbling as the door opens once again.
Hermione chuckles to herself. She's getting a bit better at reading these Blacks then. It's easier once you know the rules. She just has to pretend that they're Bellatrix. All they want is love and to protect their family.
Pronoe swims up to her. "Well done," they whisper. "Precisely the action we needed. Now, whilst we wait for Autonoe, perhaps I should teach you some mermish. Key words. Life. Death. Time. Magic."
Hermione nods. Right. Time to study. Apparently Bellatrix learns mermish. You can too. Get learning, bookworm.
Hermione? My lesson with Draco has finished. Where are you? Have you found out the message? What did it—
"—and this word means sky. Or the heavens. Because the gods live high in the clouds. I wish I lived in the clouds. Don't you think it's so much nicer than—"
Hermione clamps a hand over Autonoe's mouth and mouthes 'thread' at them.
I can't tell you where I am. There's a fidelius charm. But yes, I know what the message says. Maybe get Tiggy to take you to the lake and— hang on, let me ask Pronoe—
"Pronoe? It's Bellatrix. She's asking where I am, is she allowed to come here?"
Pronoe looks up from a pile of books further down the canal edge. "Hmm. Well. Of course she could come here…But now that she is free, Thetis shall wish to see her. She has her own task. Learning to be Kalypso."
Learning to— but surely avoiding death is more important than—
Pronoe whistles. "I have made my decision. Bellatrix will only enter the archives once she has fulfilled her duty. Her acceptance of her role as Kalypso is prophesied. It has been seen. Thetis is to be her guide. Totus generis parere. She shall learn of her gifts for the sake of her sisters, and only then shall I allow her entry."
What? Pronoe can't do that! Why shouldn't Bellatrix—
Autonoe pulls Hermione's hand from their mouth and shrugs. "Sorry, Hermione. Pronoe has spoken. You have to listen to them, you know."
They lean in to whisper to her. "No one argues with Pronoe. It's scary. Ignoring them is…wishing death. It's forbidden."
Oh. Oh dear.
Right. Well then.
Autonoe grins. "But don't worry, you have a thread! You can talk to her even if she's not allowed in here. An eternal connection, you are so lucky, Hermione."
Luck. Right.
Well? I'm in the cave. What did it say? The message?
Oh dear.
She…
"Alright. I'll let her know and…sorry to leave. I'll be back as soon as I can, it's just…"
She has to tell her…
The message. Why leave such a horrible…
Leagore looks up from their writing to smile sadly at her. "Good luck, little one. And let her know about her lessons with Thetis. Pronoe has spoken…I shall contact Thetis momentarily and tell them of this task. Where shall they meet?"
Hermione gets to her feet. "In the cave where you first held an assembly. It's where she is now. I'll…I don't know what she'll say. What she'll…I'll talk to her."
And she follows the thread to Bellatrix.
Who smiles at her excitedly. "Finally! I feel like I've been waiting forever! So? What did it say? What did I—"
Hermione throws herself at the witch. She's not gone. She's here. She's alive and she's not leaving and—
"Whoa! Careful, pet, you'll knock us over in a minute. I know I'm steady but— what— what's wrong?"
Hermione pulls back to look at her. To memorise her face. Still here.
"Bella…the message…oh it's horrible."
Bellatrix's breath catches as her muscles seem to seize up. "Horrible? I wrote something else that was horrible? Why would I…"
Hermione shakes her head sadly. "Not— not like that. It—"
She pulls Bellatrix down to sit on the floor with her. "They said the voice was a witch who had learnt their language."
Bellatrix frowns. "Well…yes. It was me. We saw the memory—"
"And the voice said— it said—When I am gone, and you're all alone, remember you can always find your way home."
Silence falls around them. Just the lapping of water and a dripping noise.
She curls closer to Bellatrix. Leans their heads together.
The head against hers shakes furiously. "No. No, I won't leave you. I'd never leave you. Never. It must mean something else. It…maybe it means you'll think I'm gone, but you'll find me. Or…I wrote this at the Manor. Before the battle. I wouldn't even know yet— something else must happen to us. It must be a clue, to help you."
"You'll never leave me? You promise?" Hermione whispers.
A growl. "Never. Nothing will make us drift asunder. Through sand and sea. Together. I promise."
Okay. Yes. Yes nothing will—
She pulls back to smile at Bellatrix. "Good. Because I have a plan. Or— well a plan for a plan. Your sisters have agreed to help us find a way to save you. And a way to time travel. Research, in the secret place I can't tell you about."
Bellatrix's forehead scrunches in confusion. "My sisters? What the hell does—"
Nymph sisters. The merpeople. They want to help us—oh! And guess what? They reproduce asexually! Gynogenesis! Fish!
Oh you mean—oh! So the eternal life in the egg is—
Not eternal! There have been six more Thetis' since Kalypso left! That's why they keep calling you Kalypso. Because—
—I'm the heir of Kalypso! Mixed with wizards, of course. Where did you learn this? Can I—
You can't come in. They won't let you
"What?!" Bellatrix jumps to her feet, pulling Hermione with her. "I thought I was kin! You're allowed in! That's not fair! Why—"
"Pronoe has decreed it so. You shall not enter. It has been spoken," a calm but authoritative voice calls from the water.
Bellatrix whirls around, mouth open to undoubtedly argue with Thetis.
It's true, Bella. Some kind of rule. Once Pronoe decides something you have to follow it. I think they might…kill anyone who goes against Pronoe's word. Or at least punish them
Bellatrix scowls, grumbling to herself. Something about sisters and fish and wands.
And then sighs. "And why did Pronoe…decree this?"
Thetis swims to the edge, transforming into a more masculine form. A grinning prince. "Because it's time for your lessons to begin. Are you ready, ocean-eyes?"
Ocean-eyes?!
Where did—
They'd better not be flirting, because that is strange enough with all the sisters talk. And— and besides—Bellatrix is— well Hermione is—
Thetis winks at Hermione, and dips under the water.
"Wha— Bella did I imagine that or—?"
Bellatrix turns to gape at her. "Ocean-eyes?! I— ew, they look like a male Cissy! And even if— I mean not that I— even if they weren't a fish, don't worry I wouldn't— I mean you—"
Laughter from the water. "I am teasing! Now kiss your mate goodbye, sister. Come on, it's time to play!"
They spin high out of the water, transforming mid-air into an even younger boy, and cannonball back into the rocking waves with a whoop and a splash.
Bellatrix's flustered look morphs into giddy excitement, pressing a distracted kiss to Hermione's cheek and sprinting for the water, throwing herself in with an almighty splash. Have fun with your books pet, I'm off to learn some real magic. Maybe you won't even recognise me when I come back!
Hermione chuckles. Of course. Off to play with the other children.
Well. She deserves it.
Be home by teatime, or Tiggy will worry
Laughter through the thread, and then silence.
Hermione just shakes her head. Right. Back to the archives.
Chapter 45: GoddessNotes:Hey folks! Super long chapter for you today...
...Because the second half drifts quickly into smut. Yep. It's that time again. Heed my warning this time. (I'm looking at you. You know who you are)
So yeah, I was gonna split this in half, but who wants smut on a Monday? That's asking for trouble. Plus it would be mean to leave you on a smutty cliff hanger.
Chapter Text
Bellatrix isn't back by teatime, but neither is Hermione. Time just blurs past as she learns mermish with Autonoe, and hears story after story. Pronoe even sings some of them from memory, their voice echoing through the archives as Leagore scribbles down every word.
Stories of gods and mortals, love and war, mythical and magical creatures from the terrifying sea-cave dwelling Scylla to the majestic Phoenician firebird. The Phoenix.
How strange to have yet another mythical creature living at Hogwarts. Not just ancient, but eternal. How does that work? Does Fawkes keep his memories after rebirth, or start anew like the merpeople? He could have memories of—
"Hermione, are you and Bellatrix going to live with us now?"
Hmm? Hermione looks up from her list of key vocabulary. Oh. Oh, Autonoe looks so hopeful.
"I…no, Autonoe. I'm sorry but— well we don't belong in the water. Not really."
Autonoe pulls themselves out of the canal to sit on the side. Rather tiredly. They struggle awkwardly across the stone floor towards Hermione. "Then when will Bellatrix give us legs? So I can visit you?"
Hermione sighs and walks over to meet them. It has become more and more noticeable over the last however many hours just how much easier it would be to have legs in here. The water reaches the shelves, most of the time, and jumping between canals doesn't look too difficult, but not having a way to walk over to a table must be annoying.
"I'm sure she'll learn as soon as she can, but Bellatrix hasn't known about her powers for very long at all, Autonoe. Only a few days. You'll have to wait a while before she figures out the…legs…part."
She sits down next to Autonoe, who leans against her and plays with Hermione's hair sadly. "I know. That's what the others said. I just hope it's not more than a hundred years. I just can't wait to see the world. You really are very lucky, Hermione."
A hundred— "Autonoe it won't be that long! Bellatrix won't even be alive in— well I hope she is but— I meant in a few years. She's a very fast learner."
Autonoe smiles weakly at her, and Leagore pops to their side. "Time to retire for the night, I think. You have done well today. Both of you. A lot of concentration."
Oh. Oh poor Autonoe, yes. This must be a lot to—
She wraps her arms around Autonoe. "Thank you so much for all you've taught me today, Autonoe. You've been a massive help. And— and maybe one day I can take you to watch Quidditch, would you like that? When the schoolchildren are back? I can travel like the Forest People so—"
"You will? When the red people fly?" Autonoe squeals in pure glee.
Ow! Oh it's always so high pitched and—
Hermione pulls back to smile at them. "Yes. Yes the first game of the year we'll watch together. My gift to you, if…" Her eyes slide to Pronoe. "If that's allowed?"
Pronoe frowns. And then nods. "I shall confer with Thetis closer to the time. For now, sleep. For all of us."
Yes, that probably is for the best. What even is the time? Hermione must have spent all day here. She hasn't eaten since breakfast and— oh goodness, she's starving! She always forgets to eat when she's reading. Honestly, Hermione.
"Yes. Yes, I must be going. Thank you so much for helping, and I'm sure I'll come back tomorrow. I'm visiting a friend for a couple of hours, but I'll be back as soon as I can."
Leagore nods and pops Autonoe away.
Hermione—
"Hermione, a word?"
Ah! That was close. She barely heard that, mid-apparition. She walks over to Pronoe and sits down beside them.
Pronoe clears their throat. "I…I have been making some calculations and— there is…you and Bellatrix are mates, yes?"
Oh. Umm…
Hermione fiddles with her sleeves self-consciously. "I…I think so? What does that mean, exactly? Mates? We're soulmates. And we love one another. And we…umm…have mated."
Oh gods this is embarrassing. She can feel her face heating up and— and why does Pronoe have to be so much like McGonagall?!
Pronoe looks…worried? Oh dear. Oh that can't be good.
"Then you are mates. You have both declared yourselves to be mates, honestly and wholly. And I believe you have unwittingly performed each of the passages of matehood. Tell me truthfully , yay or nay if you have each performed these acts."
They pause, and Hermione nods uncertainly.
"Have you two souls defended each other from harm, whether physical or mental?"
Umm…she had defended Bellatrix from Thetis. And from the sea, does that count? Oh and mental. She'd pulled her from the memory of Andy, and talked to her when she was claustrophobic.
Bellatrix…well she threatened Oreithye, but that doesn't really count, does it? Has she ever defended Hermione? She saved her from drowning…but she caused the drowning.
Mental…does comfort count? She had— she had spoken to her in the Manor. Calmed her. And reassured her this morning when—
"I...yay. I think. I'm not certain."
Pronoe frowns. "Have you two souls declared your love, freely and openly, to yourselves and others?"
Well, again, Hermione has. But unless Bellatrix has said anything to Thetis, she never actually told anyone else that she loves Hermione.
"I don't think so, no. Nay."
At this Pronoe looks completely baffled. "Have you shared moments of weakness and of strength? Both in speech and in action?"
Oh— "Oh definitely, yes, I mean yay."
A whistling sigh. "And have you shown your love through physical intimacy of any kind, be this in touch of hand or glance of eye?"
Hermione smiles. "Yes. Yay."
"And do you two souls wish to be bonded as one until the fates themselves cut you from this mortal coil?"
Wow. That's a rather intense way of saying forever, but…
Together. Always. For the next one hundred and fifty years.
"Yes. Yay."
Pronoe nods. "Then…you are almost there. Once these events take their course, according to our customs and our magic, you shall be mates."
Magic?
"And…what does that mean?"
"It means…" Pronoe begins stacking some books and avoiding eye contact. "It means that you will begin to feel each other's emotions, and pain. You will feel each other's presence. And…and I am sorry, but if you are to part, it shall be painful. A slow death."
Oh. Oh but— but there was only one thing they hadn't done. One nay. As soon as Bellatrix tells someone she loves Hermione then—
Then if she leaves…they'll both die.
Bella? Are you still with Thetis?
Nope. Came home. In the shower
Well that's a mental image that— focus, Hermione!
Okay. Okay I'll be back soon it's just…did you…have you told anyone that you love me?
Silence.
Hermione begins hovering books onto shelves to take her mind off of it. She hadn't realised mating was an actual magical—
No, I don't think so. Why?
Oh, thank Merlin. Okay so they can still—
Oh wait, I told Tiggy. Why? Do you not believe me or something?
…
Oh dear. So— well now they're tied to each other for— is this what the prophecy meant?! They can't drift apart at all?! Without dying?!
"Pronoe…I think we might have fulfilled all the steps. How— what— but I can't feel her. Wha— and how far apart are we allowed to—ahh!"
And Pronoe launches themselves at her, tumbling them both into the canal.
What the fu—
She stands up, spluttering. "What the hell was that for? Oh I'm freezing! I—"
Pronoe grabs her shoulders. "You were panicking. I needed to shock you. So? Are you ready to listen?"
Hermione rubs some water out of her eyes with a groan. "Yes, yes I'm listening. You didn't have to—"
"Good. Because there is no need to panic. You will not die unless you are far apart for a very long time. Trapped apart, with no way of reaching each other. I was merely worried because of the message on your arm. You shall both be fine. And happy. You are soulmates. Your shared joy will be a sight to behold when you are truly one. These shared feelings and emotions will build slowly over time. You will not feel each other's happiness or anger for months at the —oh. Dexamene. I did not hear you enter."
Huh?
Hermione turns as Pronoe's eyes dart to a figure behind a bookshelf. Dexamene? Oh dear. They don't seem to like Hermione very much. Had Bellatrix noticed why? She didn't think she mentioned them…
"Leagore transported me here, at my request. I heard that the…witch…was here. And came to…greet her," Dexamene's voice calls towards them.
Well. That's the most unconvincing story she's heard in a while. More like doesn't trust her in their sacred archives. They haven't even— they're lurking behind a column!
Pronoe looks slowly between them. "Hermione…was just leaving. I believe we should shut the archives for the night. It is late." Their eyes drift back to Hermione.
Okay, even Pronoe looks suspicious of them. That can't be good. Time to leave.
She pops to Bellatrix.
Who is reading in bed. With blue eyes.
Hermione breaks out in a wide smile. "Hello, ocean-eyes. Did you have fun?"
Bellatrix throws her book down with a huff. "No! I still can't change anything except my eyes! Thetis could do all sorts of things, but it's been hours and all I have is Cissy's basilisk stare."
Hermione pulls off her wetsuit, chuckling as Bellatrix sulks on the bed. "Well it's impressive that they're still blue after this long. That's what Thetis said, isn't it? That holding a form is difficult? Just try one feature at a time."
She searches around in Bellatrix's chest of drawers for a spare nightdress. She's too tired to have a shower or go to her own room. She might even ask Tiggy to bring her some food in bed. Her eyes are beginning to blur from all the reading today.
Bellatrix is still pouting. Hermione crawls under the covers next to her. "Anyway. I'm quite glad that you look the same. I like looking at you," she murmurs, closing her eyes.
Bellatrix snorts. "Right. Because that's convincing, right before you fall asleep on me."
I'm not asleep. Just…resting my eyes. Too much reading. And I forgot to eat
Bellatrix sighs. "Tiggy?"
A pop.
"Could you bring some left over supper for the brightest witch of her age who forgot that people need food to live?"
So rude. Didn't forget. Just so busy…
"…mione? Wake up."
Huh? Oh.
Thanks
She struggles up against the pillows and takes the bowl of stew. Stew?
Stew? In summer?
Bellatrix shrugs, reading again. "I was cold earlier. Don't know why."
Cold?
Oh.
…It was cold in the archives. Deep under the lake. Sitting still in just a wetsuit. With Autonoe splashing her all the time.
Hermione puts down her spoon. "You were cold? Was it because you were in the lake?"
Bellatrix frowns at— oh she forgot about the blue eyes. It's so strange. She misses—
"No, when I got back. I cast a drying spell, but I was still cold. So I sat by the fire, but that didn't work. And then I asked Tiggy for some stew for dinner. And I don't know what's wrong with me, but I was still fucking cold. So I had a shower. Even that made me bloody freezing for a second."
Oh. Oh so—
"I…I think it was me. I was cold."
Bellatrix looks at her like she's gone insane, and Hermione continues eating. She's so hungry.
What are you talking about? Did you cast a cooling spell on me or something?
No…umm…you were cold because I was cold. Because…we're mates. Pronoe said we're going to start…feeling each other
"What?!" Bellatrix takes the bowl from her and crowds close, searching her eyes. "Show me."
What? Oh.
Hermione pulls on the thread…feels the cold darkness of Bellatrix's defence system hit her…and retreats into her own mind. Finds the memory. Here. Look. We completed some kind of ceremony accidentally…
She starts watching the memory, back in the archives. And then gets hungry.
Can she…
Hermione pulls out of the memory…but leaves Bellatrix in her head. She did that before. Slipped in and out. Can they…
Bellatrix is sat in the bed, eyes closed and still. And Hermione can still feel her in her mind.
Huh. She carries on eating her stew.
Where the fuck have you gone?!
I'm on the bed still. I'm hungry, I just lived it, you can watch by yourself, can't you?
Well apparently! How did you—oh.
Silence. Hermione finishes eating.
And brown eyes blink open.
"Okay, first of all, we need to discuss what you just did, and— no, actually, the first thing is, if we drift asunder we die?!" Bellatrix shouts, shuffling to sit opposite Hermione.
"Yes. I know it's all…I mean it makes sense. Mates. Soulmates. Together forever. And it's only if it's a long time, or— or if we're trapped but— but yes, this does put a new perspective on the prophecy."
Bellatrix takes her hands. Rubs her thumbs over them. "I was thinking about the prophecy today. I suddenly— you don't think— did we fuck it up? Do something wrong and— and that's why my message warned us about me being gone? You being alone?"
Uhh…what? "What? How did we fuck it up?
…'foundations sink if bones are not left buried'. Bones. The bones in the bed. That we dug up
Oh. Oh shit. No that— "But that meant Sirius! It came before the bit about love potions. It didn't— well I hope it—"
Hermione takes a steadying breath. No. No let's not worry about that. The world hasn't ended, it's all fine. We did the right thing. We saved her
Bellatrix leans forward and kisses her. Gods this witch. How does she make her lips tingle just by—
Okay. Okay let's not worry about all this prophecy stuff then. Or about messages or— let's just do one thing at a time
Hermione pulls back. Looks into her eye with a smile. "Okay. No more mysteries for tonight. And your eyes are back. So I'm happy."
In a flash, Bellatrix is off the bed and stood in front of the mirror, scowling. "Oh, so now I can't even change my eyes? Some metamorphagus I am. Cissy managed it at two years old, accidentally, and hasn't even flickered since! Do it! Change! Why won't you change you stupid bloody—"
Okay, forcing it probably isn't a good idea. And she'll poke her own eyes out in a minute with—
Oh no.
"Bella…"
Bellatrix turns around with a frown. "What?"
Oh this is bad. This is so so—
"If I feel everything you feel…then if He hurts you…if you get hurt with them, then…"
Bellatrix's eyes widen in pure horror. "No…"
Oh no. Oh Bellatrix gets hurt all the time! Sometimes she doesn't even notice or— she throws herself into danger. How can—
Bellatrix seems to be in shock. Head shaking furiously.
No. No that means— how can I— I have to protect you. How can I—
Okay. Okay they need to— "It won't happen yet. Pronoe says it's gradual so— So we're okay. For now, we're okay. I can't—"
Bellatrix flings the doors to her wardrobe open and reaches around, pulling out—
No. No, Bella don't. Please don't—
She turns her back to Hermione, knife hidden in front of her.
So? Did you feel anything?
Hermione's heart stops in her chest. Feel what?
I…can't feel anything. What did you do?
Bellatrix's shoulders fall in relief, and she turns around, holding up her palm. Blood. A shallow cut across her hand.
"Episkey," Bellatrix mutters, and her skin knits back together until it's smooth, no sign of damage.
She walks over to the bed, slowly sits down. "Think you might need to research that tomorrow, pet. Talk to Pronoe or someone about…my life is full of pain. I don't want you to have to feel it. Any of it. But I don't think…until the war is over…"
No choice. They have no choice.
Okay Hermione. Time to just accept it. You're not weak. Be strong. For both of you.
She smiles at Bellatrix. Takes the knife from her hand.
Hermione. Hermione, what are you—
She looks at the knife. Really looks at it. At the handle, the blade. Just a knife. Sharpened metal. That's all.
You're a witch, Hermione. You have magic. Magic that can heal you tremendously fast. Pain is temporary. You're in control of it.
She holds out her hand, and brings the blade across it sharply, flinching at the sting.
"No! No what are you—" Bellatrix snatches the knife from her hand.
"Episkey," she says calmly. And the wound heals up.
She looks up at Bellatrix, who is across the room now, holding the knife out of her reach.
Hermione shakes her head, still smiling. "I'm not fragile. I can take pain if I have to. We're witches. We know healing spells."
She beckons Bellatrix back over, who puts the knife down on the dresser with a pointed look before eventually coming back.
She takes Bellatrix's hand, looking her in the eye with a raised eyebrow. "And maybe this will remind you to not put up with pain that you can easily fix. Eventually you need to learn to do that for yourself. But for now, do it for me. Pain shouldn't be a part of your life. Take care of yourself, Bella. If someone else hurts you, it's not your fault, and I won't blame you. But let's learn some healing spells, so we can be safe from harm as soon as the danger has passed. Both of us."
Bellatrix searches her eyes confusedly. And then sighs. "Episkey is for cuts. Vulnera sanentur is for internal wounds."
Hermione smiles. "Essence of Dittany for wounds. Burn healing paste."
"Dr Ubley's Oblivious Unction for mental pain like the cruciatus curse."
"Murtlap essence for abrasions."
Bellatrix laughs. "Good job Cissy gave you her potions bag, I'm going to be a walking St Mungo's at this rate."
Hermione huffs. "You should be! You're at war. I bet Snape has all sorts of potions hidden away on himself. Not everyone ignores a stab wound until they collapse on the floor, Bella."
Now it's Bellatrix's turn to huff. "I wouldn't normally. You distracted me with love potions and prophecies and time travel."
Hermione folds her arms. "No excuse. Tomorrow you're going to ask your sister for healing potions. I'm sure she'll be relieved that you've finally gone to her, seeing as she has a whole secret potions lab set up. Bella. Why do you think she's done that, hmm?"
Bellatrix lies down on her back on the bed and shrugs. "Draco? Or…Lucius?"
Idiot.
She lies down next to her. "You don't think that maybe the all-seeing Narcissa has had enough of seeing her sister hurting? That she's just waiting for you to ask for help?"
Bellatrix rolls onto her side to face her. "Maybe. And maybe I'll owl her tomorrow about some potions. For me. I'll…ask. For…help."
Finally.
There. Not so difficult. I asked the nymphs for help today, and now we have a whole world of information at our fingertips. Once I learn mermish.
Oh wait!
She rolls on top of Bellatrix with a grin. "Llo bi bavverissi."
Bellatrix lets out a yell and slams her hands over her ears. "What the fuck? How did you even shout like that? Ow!"
Hermione pulls her hands away with a chuckle. "I didn't. Mermish has this secret magic. It hurts unless you speak it. So outsiders don't listen in. Look."
She pops away to her room and grabs a pen and some paper, and then pops back.
Bellatrix jumps. "Warn me next…a muggle quill."
"It's called a—"
"Wait, wait don't tell me. I know this one. It's a…a pin?"
Hermione smiles. "Close. A pen. Now look."
She writes out the mermish phonetically. "Llo bi bavverissi."
Bellatrix snatches the piece of paper. "I heard it! What does that mean? Llo bi bavverissi?"
Hermione lies back on the bed with a sigh. "It means, ocean-eyes, You are a goddess of the sea."
The bed shakes as Bellatrix thuds down next to her. "Guess I am. That's what Thetis said. That I have to accept my role. Kalypso. I am Kalypso. My title. Bellatrix Black, Kalypso, Goddess of Concealment."
A goddess. Bavverissi.
Hermione laughs. Try to hide from me
Bellatrix leans over her, frowning. "What?"
Memory lane.
"You can't hide. You're terrible at it. So. Try to hide from me," she grins.
Bellatrix scoffs. Okay. Very funny, pet
Hermione smiles even wider. Show me. Hide your beautiful eyes. I think I'll keep your eyes for myself. No one else gets to see them. Hide them
Wha…what do you…hide them because they're beautiful?
Yes. I want you to hide them. Tell your magic to do it. Why should mortals get to see the true face of a goddess?
"…You think that will work?" Bellatrix whispers. "That I need to…of course. I like how I look. I'm not changing for others. I'm changing because…"
Her eyes turn a pale, piercing blue.
"…because you're fooling them. Tricking them," Hermione nods. "Protecting your beautiful face from the world."
And her eyes snap back to brown. Dark and burning. Drift over her hungrily.
You're too distracting, pet. No, I may be a goddess…but I think I'll make you my Queen. Would you like that?
Oh.
Yes.
Hermione closes her eyes. Kalypso. Goddess of the Black Sea. I thank you for your protection. For your strength. For guiding me on my perilous journey. You have given so much, and yet I ask for more, if you will grant it
Bellatrix takes a sharp breath. Name it. Name it and I will give you anything. Everything
Hermione opens her eyes, let's herself stare. Gods she wants…
I may be a mere mortal, but I am captivated by your beauty. I long for your touch, now and always. Make me your queen. Lie with me. Claim me. Take me
Bellatrix sits up, and pulls her nightdress off. "How shall I take you? Tell me. Shall I covet every inch of your skin? Taste you until the light of dawn breaks through the window? Or shall I show you my power? Take you with the force and will of the sea until you cannot breathe to even speak my name?"
Oh. Oh fuck that's—
She spreads her legs almost on instinct. Feels out for her magic and casts a vanishing spell on her clothes, biting her lip as Bellatrix stares down at her. Her goddess. A powerful witch.
She is drawn to power…
Show me your power, goddess. Please. Claim me as yours. I can't wait another second for your touch. Take me
And the lamplight flickers. A wind fills the air, blowing at the sheets, at Bellatrix's hair. A cold caress over her skin that makes her shiver. Bellatrix closes her eyes, takes a slow breath, and then a long sigh as she leans her head side to side. Reaches out her arms to the sides.
Oh. It's not the wind. It's magic.
She can feel Bellatrix's magic in the air, over her skin. An intense vibration that almost stings. Hermione whimpers as it travels over her like a wave, somehow heavy in its pressure.
And then it sweeps away as if it was never there. Pulled back, only her tingling skin and racing heart proof that it was ever there. Bellatrix's eyes slowly open, and Hermione can't tear her eyes away. Burning brown eyes that watch her like a predator. Like she's a feast. Like if Hermione dares move, she'll feel teeth at her throat.
Bellatrix holds her gaze, leans forwards on her arms, hands either side of her head, and lowers herself with such control that she stops a hair breadth from her lips.
Don't move
The voice is firm. A command. Hermione doesn't dare even breathe.
Eyes stare into her soul. Not searching. Waiting. Ensuring that the command is followed. And then Bellatrix grins wolfishly. Her eyes gleam as her mouth lowers. She captures Hermione's lower lip between her teeth, bites down, and tugs.
It's not painful, but it borders on pain. It pulls. A good kind of pull. A heat, spreading from her lip and over her face as her heart pounds.
Bellatrix sucks her lip into her mouth with a chuckle, flicks her tongue against it in playful apology.
Good. Now tell me…
She pulls away, and tilts Hermione's head back, grazing her teeth along the underside of her jaw.
…who do you belong to?
Hermione almost throws her head further back at the sensation, but stops herself, unsure if she's allowed to move.
Instead she groans through the thread. You. I belong to you
And a hand cups between her legs at the same time as a hot, wet mouth sucks at her pulse point.
Yes. Yes you're mine, aren't you. Only mine. My Queen. My mate. My soulmate. My love Bellatrix husks, low and throaty and hungrily.
Hermione desperately wants to spread her legs further. To thrust into the touch. To push herself up against the witch and scratch her hands over her back, her scalp, to drag her closer.
Yours. I'm yours, Bella. I love you. I want you. Please. Let me touch you I—
No! Bellatrix growls, and Hermione feels her wrists become tied to the bed. Lips descend on hers and she almost whines in relief at finally being allowed to touch the witch.
A tongue presses into her mouth and it's heaven.
She can't help it. She bucks her hips into the teasing hand.
Hermione freezes, and Bellatrix chuckles into her mouth. She pulls back. "That eager?"
Hermione is past shame. Past caring. She just nods shakily and raises her hips once more. Bellatrix smirks. "Tell me what you want then, and I'll give it to you."
Oh thank Merlin, she— "Bella, fuck me. I need you inside of me just— and why have you tied me up? I want to touch you."
Fingers slide against her, some relief from the building ache, but Bellatrix is shaking her head. "Not this time. You wanted my power. I'm going to take you so hard and so fast that you won't even be able to think to touch me. I want to watch you strain against the binds as you writhe on the bed. Can I tie your legs too? Let me tie you up. Spread for me."
Her legs? Tied and spread and tugging Yes. Tie me to the bed. So I'm not tempted to touch you, my goddess
Lips brush against hers in thanks, soft and gentle. A sigh into her mouth even as she feels her arms and legs pull wide. Yes. Yes, I'm going to take you now
And Hermione closes her eyes in anticipation as a mouth moves over her body. Hot breath at her neck, and then over her chest.
And then the cold as Bellatrix pulls away completely. The hand gone from between her legs.
She blinks her eyes open in confusion. Oh. Bellatrix is stood at the end of the bed, looking her over. She nods her approval. Perfect. Just perfect. Hermione. Hermione, you're perfect.
Oh gods the praise. Oh gods it—
And Bellatrix is on top of her, mouth biting at her chest and hand firm between her legs, pressing against her and then inside of her. Rough but controlled and so so—
She throws her head back with a moan, pressing up against her. "Yes. Yes Bella ye— oh fuck deeper."
It's like the heat coiled within her has finally been released, spreading through her limbs and up her spine before jolting back between her legs as Bellatrix's hand just pushes further into her and moves faster and—
She can't breathe. She pulls at the bindings and god it feels so good to just pull as hard as she can. Buck her hips as wildly as she can and not hold back. She moans, loudly. It feels so good she can't— "Bella! Oh gods Bella I—"
She feels Bellatrix adjust and then—
Oh! Right there!
Yes. Yes Bella I— oh gods I— fuck it's—
Oh yes she's so close it— ah—and the— the magic it—
Lips on hers. Hot and— and she should kiss back but— fuck oh yes oh can't breathe—
Bella, can't breathe
The mouth is gone. At her chest and— around a — oh!
The sharp pain of a bite is soothed by a firm tongue and—
Bella—I'm going to—look at me—
She wants—she needs—oh gods
Bellatrix's face fills her vision, and the hand between her legs moves faster and—so fast she—
Hermione's hips jerk erratically and desperately, grind upwards to—
Bellatrix's eyes widen and she groans Fuck I can see it. I think I can feel it. You're going to—ah!
They both cry out, and Hermione loses her breath completely as her whole body seizes, a wave of pleasure hitting her that's she's never felt—oh Merlin it—
For a second everything goes dark, and she's not sure if her eyes are open or closed. It doesn't matter it— oh her muscles won't stop clenching it's—
Her hands are free. No bindings. She shakily reaches down to press Bellatrix's hand more firmly against herself. The throbbing needs— oh yes that's better it…
She opens her eyes. Still dark. Pitch black.
When did Bellatrix fall on top of her? Is she…
It's dark because all the lights are out.
Bella? Bella wha…
Don't know…energy…magic…something…
She tries to catch her breath. Shit that was—
It doesn't help that Bellatrix is a dead weight on her chest. Not that she's complaining but—
Bellatrix shifts with a whimper. Think I just fucked myself. What the fuck. I felt that. How did I— pleasure but not pain? Thank fuck for—
Oh.
You felt all of it?
No. No just when you came. I…
Bellatrix shifts again.
And again. Oh.
Do you need something, Bella? She grins, hand squeezing between their bodies to find—ah.
Bellatrix shudders on top of her. So close. Don't — Need you to—
Hermione reaches as low as she can, tries to position her fingers as far as—oh. Oh she felt that it—
Fuck, Bella. You're so close you— you only need—
Hermione…yes just…oh fuck I—
Oh she—ah it—
Hermione whines as she peaks again. Except she's not. It's not her, she's not falling she just— a jolt of pure pleasure and—
I can feel it. I can feel you
A panting laugh from Bellatrix. Oh. Oh finally some fucking good news. Double orgasms? Fuck pet, maybe this mate thing isn't so bad
How is she already talking again after—
The lights come back on, and Bellatrix sits up to grin down at her. Gods she looks incredible. Flushed and satisfied but already so energetic and cheeky and—
"Pet. We don't even need to be in the same room to fuck each other now. If I get off…you get off."
What! Oh she is just so—
Hermione rolls her eyes up at her. "Bella, you'd better not abuse this. Oh gods if I have to be horny now every time you—"
Bellatrix just grins wider. "And I can talk to you in the thread. You'll be able to hear me and feel me and—"
Hermione just laughs. Bella, you just orgasmed like two minutes ago. How are you already planning—
The lights go back out, and Bellatrix falls down next to her, pulling the bedding over them and snuggling close. "Just thinking of the possibilities. This is a silver lining in the never-ending storm that is our lives," she yawns.
Hermione yawns back. It's catching. And she is tired.
She pulls Bellatrix close. Sleepily kisses her cheek. Her neck. Finally. I get to kiss you again. Don't fall asleep yet. I didn't get to kiss you
Bellatrix turns further towards her. Tilts her head so Hermione can reach her neck better. Don't care if I'm asleep. Keep kissing me. Shouldn't have tied you up. Not enough hands. Lips
Oh no, the tying up was definitely a good idea
It was, wasn't it. You looked so fucking hot
It felt so good, Bella. I just let myself go completely. It was incredible. You should try it
A chuckle in her head. You want to tie me up? Because that's the second time you've mentioned it, pet
Hermione kisses her ear. "I don't really know," she whispers. "I've never done it before. Maybe."
I've never been tied up before. No one's dared try to control me. I've never let them. Maybe I could…with you…
Hmm…no, no that's not…
No it's not…it's not about control it…Bella. I could pull and pull with all my strength and scream and…and still it held me. It's like…letting go in a safe place. I thought you'd like that
Oh. Could you do that? So not being controlled but…giving control to you. Trusting you. The same…like when you came to me. At the cottage. Just trusted me
"Yes…yes imagine you could let yourself go completely without any consequences. Let the chaos out."
Bellatrix gasps. I could let the chaos out, and no one would get hurt. Not even me
She wraps Hermione in a tight hug. "Okay. Okay, if you can figure out how to restrain me then I'll do it. You'll need more than an incarcerous though pet. You'll have to get thinking. If I let myself go completely, that won't hold me," she whispers.
Hermione hugs her back. "Of course not. A storm. A goddess. Nothing stops you. I'll have to find out how to capture a goddess."
You already have me. You captured me days ago. Weeks
Hermione sighs. Closes her eyes and relaxes in the warm embrace. And you captured me. Came into my mind and never left
Never
Never