Captured
~ September 3rd 1997 ~
Hermione let's out a tired sigh as she sits at Cedrics bedside. She's glad to see her friend looking better than he did the day before but she cannot help but feel responsible for him getting splinched.
Everything had been going so well, they had got a lead on the horcruxes almost as soon as they had apparated away from the Burrow over a month ago. It had however taken time for the trio to track down and organise a plan to get Salazar Slytherins locket. Hermione felt quite sickened by the realisation that Voldemort had taken items from the hogwarts founders and used them for his own gain. She almost felt wrong in the knowledge that they would have to destroy the priceless artifacts because the likelihood that Voldemort had used them was quite high. He was well known for craving power and Hermione didnt think he could have made much of a bigger claim to power than utilising items from the four founders of Hogwarts. The only item that she knew he hadn't used as a horcrux was the Sword of Gryffindor. Harry had used it before akd was certain it wasn't one and she believed him. It just left the cup of Helga Hufflepuff and Rowena Ravenclaws lost Diadem as possibilities that they had to track down and explore.
They had already destroyed the diary horcrux and Dumbledore had destroyed Marvolo Guants ring which was also a hurcrux. They had the locket, they just had to work out how to destroy it. Which was three out of seven. She suspected the diadem and cup which brought the total to five. Harry had also brought up the snake Nagini, which Hermione thought was a possibility, she just had no idea what the seventh could be but she knew they could not torture to Hogwarts until they did. They needed every possible chance they could get to gain some ground against the dark man. She just hoped her mama was keeping the rest of her family safe and she knew she would be doing everything she could to help Hermione from the inside.
However getting the locket had required the trio (the new and improved golden trio Ginny had informed her) to break into the Ministry of Magic, which was now under the control of Voldemort. The trio had to search the Ministry for it amd eventually found it around the neck of Delores Umbridge or toad face as Hermione still thought of her. They had barely escaped the ministry when they were spotted and as a result of her own panic she had splinched Cedric when she apparated them out of the ministry.
She was quietly relieved that she had had the foresight to ensure that she had packed healing potions, essence of Dittany and pain potions before she left the burrow. Her organisation being the only thing that had saved Cedrics arm. The boy didn't half grumble though. He had spent the last 24 hours resting because they knew they couldn't leave if Cedric wasn't completely healed. They were already running out of supplies, malnourished from lack of food and desperately could not go on without Cedric. The three of them needed to stick together if they were to survive this.
Hermione had kept in touch with her Family and friends via the diaries she had given them when they began training with her aunt. Her grandmama was now back at Hogwarts. (Horrified that Severus Snape of all people had been appointed headmaster because that was her grandmama's role and everyone knew it). She was also sickened to learn that Snape had brought in the Carrow twins to teach the Dark Arts (formerly known as Defence against the Dark Arts) and Muggle Studies. She just knew that whatever it was they would teach could not be a good thing.
Her Aunt Teddy had rounded up as many Muggle-born witches and wizards of all ages that she could and was now residing at Delacour Manor in France where she along with the Delacour elders where training all those willing to fight. Her Aunt Meda and her mates had gone back to her aunts home but were in constant contact with the Weasleys and the Order of the Pheonix (Or order of the chickens in Hermione's opinion because they were useless. They hadn't done anything to prevent this war while they could and now were effectively sitting back and allowing children to fight a war for them that they should have no part in). It was only a few days ago she had heard from Andromeda that the death eaters had appeared at her home searching for Teddy and had warned Andromeda that the only reason they wouldn't torture the information out of her or her daughter was because they were Blacks and it was up to Bellatrix when and where they would be brought in. They were also informed that the consequences of hidding the 'mudblood' Teddy Tonks would be signing their own deaths. Her aunt had told her that they had 'dealt' with the Death eaters that had appeared and Hermione had a funny feeling that it was her aunts polite way of telling her they were dead which was something she wouldn't complain about, the less death eaters in the final battle the better for everyone.
As she sat by Cedrics bedside, monitoring him as she looked through her advanced transfiguration textbook she felt her diary warm beneath her hands. Finishing her chapter she placed the textbook down gently and picked up her diary, pricking her finger and drawing a thin trial of blood across the lock to open it. She took a deep breath and began to read.
~
Mia,
Just a quick update for you all, everyone is doing okay. Things are tense at Hogwarts but everyone is still alive. Fleur and I are travelling to check on my mum and the others. We will let you know how things are. We hope you are all keeping well baby, you have no idea just how much you are being missed here. Fleur and I feel like we are missing half of ourselves but we shall cope. Just please stay safe little witch. We miss and love you with all we are.
Yours always
Dora xoxo
~
Hermione smiled sadly at the message from Nymphadora, she missed her soulmates more than she thought it possible to do so. She knew what Dora meant when she said they felt like they were missing half of themselves because she could feel it too. It was an aching in her heart that she knew was a result of the absence of her mates. It was an uncomfortable feeling, one she knew would not leave until her girls were safely at her side once more.
Summoning her quil and ink to her wordlessly and wandlessly, the little brunette began to write.
~
Dora, Fleur,
Merlin knows I miss you both more than I thought possible. My heart aches for you in the most uncomfortable way and I feel a constant absence with you both so far away but I know that I must endure. I know that we must complete our task to ensure we have a future worth all this pain and destruction.
You will probably find out soon enough so I will warn you. Harry, Cedric and I had to break into the Ministry. We got what we needed and all got out. Cedric got splinched but is already on the way to recovery. I had what was needed to heal him. I need you to ask the others to check the castle for amy sign of the Sword of Gryffindor and Rowena Ravenclaws lost diadem. Tell them not to touch or draw attention to them but try and confirm there presence in Hogwarts. It is so important.
We are doing okay, we have been able to avoid the snatchers so far and hope our luck continues.
All my love
Hermione
~
Once the brunette had finished writing she placed her things away tidily before making her way over to a sleeping Harry, it was time he took over watch duty so she could get some rest herself.
----
25th December 1997
"What news?" Minerva asked anxiously as she hovered over Fleur and Nymphadora. The four had taken themselves to a bedroom amd shut themselves away so as not to elert the others that they knew anything.
Everyone was at the burrow for Christmas. Except Teddy who remained in France for her own protection. If she were found in Britain her death was a certainty and she couldn't do that to her family. They had got word the day before from Hermione that the trio were going to visit Godricks Hallow and would message when they had gotten out safely. It was now 3 am and they had sat all night waiting on news. Their journals had just begun to hest and glow but everyone was afraid to look. They hated it when Hermione and the two boys were doing something reckless, like returning to the birth place of Harry Potter, somewhere that Voldemort was sure to be watching.
"I'm too afraid to read it" whispered Nymphadora as she glanced up at her youngest soulmates grandmother.
"Give it here" snapped Andromeda impatiently as she swooped the journal up quickly, by now she was far too worried to delay amy more. She needed to know her niece was safe and she needed to know now. The words on the page made her gasp in panic before she exhaled a shaky breath in relief, receiving fearful but curious glances from all in the room.
~
It was a trap, Nagini (his snake) was laying in wait. We were taken unawares but still managed to make it out alive. We are a little beaten up but nothing serious. We have confirmed that Nagini is one though so must work out how to handle this. I cannot write much as I am dead on my feet so I will update more tomorrow.
Merry Christmas please know that I send my love to you all. Do not threat over the three of us. Everything will get better.
Ever yours
Hermione
~
"They're safe" Andromeda whispered. "She's safe" she continued as a single tear leaked down her cheek. The sheer relief she felt was overwhelming. She hated this, hated that her sisters little girl had to continuously put herself in so much danger. She hated knowing Hermione was fighting for her life while her sisters were surrounded by viscious power hungry mad men and she couldn't do anything to help.
Minerva seeing the impending breakdown of emotion swimming in Andromeda's eyes moved swiftly to her side to guide her down onto a seat. Taking the diary out her hands, glancing at it quickly before passing it to Fleur. The oldest witch sat beside her grandchild aunt and held her hand silently as she offered the brunette some comfort.
Looking round she saw Fleur and Dora hiding each other close, tears streaming down their faces also, she could feel her own tears welling and did her best to chole them down. It would not do for her to fall apart now. She knew Hermione was counting on them all remaining strong in her absence, the little witch needed them and they had to hd strong despite how painful her not being there was for them.
"I miss her, I cannot stop worrying over her. Bella would murder me if her little girl gets hurt" Andromeda said quietly as she wiped her eyes and looked around at the other three occupants of their little room.
"Yes she would, but Hermione is smart, she is the most capable little witch I've ever known, she will make it through this" Minerva replied softly, ensuring that she made eye contact with all three witches.
"She's just a baby Min, this should not be down to three teenagers. Nor should the final battle be left to four teens. My whole family is on the line here, I could lose them all" the brunette sobbed as she looked at her daughter and her daughters other mate with so much love and fear that it broke both younger witches hearts.
"Oui eet should not but eet iz. Ze prophecy vas clear and ve are strong enough for zis. 'Ermione iz strong enough for zis. Ve vill be alright Meda" Fleur whispered as she and Dora made their way to Andromeda, all four witches pulling into a hug, holding each other close in an effort to reassure one another. They were here and Hermione was alright.
"Its going to be alright mum" Dora added gently. Squeezing her mother tight.
"She will make it back to us, they all will"
-----
March 3rd 1998
~
Mia,
Things are getting bad, how far are you on this journey? How much longer will you be? The snatchers are everywhere. More and more people are fleeing, those that don't have locked themselves away. The death eaters are constantly tracking us down to see what we know. Mum has gone into hiding, Fleur and I are remaining at the Burrow. Hogwarts is becoming more and more like a prison. They are using the cruciatus on the students. Minerva is trying her best to protect them. We fear it isn't enough. Luna and Dean Thomas have gone missing. We are becoming desperate. The Order do not know what to do.
Please Mia, let us know you are safe. We love you.
Dora
~
Dora,
I am safe. I do not know how much longer we will be. We have successfully destroyed the locket. The Sword of Gryffindor appeared to us. It can be used to destroy them. Ginny informed us a few weeks ago that the diadem is located in the place where the lost things go, so we know where it is. We just need to locate the cup before returning.
Bad news, we worked out that Harry is the 7th. But I have a theory that may be of use. I will let you all know when I can confirm anything. Please tell everyone to hold tight a little longer. We are still moving every single day and we won't give up. Let the order know the best thing they can do right now is train. I believe things will come to a head soon. We ar emoving as fast as we can but we are tired. Food has been scarce, but we are getting by. I will write again soon.
Send my love to everyone and remember I love you and Fleur both endlessly. Kiss her for me.
Yours
Hermione
~
It had been a week since the last time she had wrote her girls. She knew she should write soon but truthfully Hermione didnt know what to say. It had been a week and they still had no clue as to where the cup could be located. They were stuck and the three of them were slowly losing hope. They knew they had to go on but they were tired and hungry. They weren't sure how much longer they could keep the momentum going and as such she hadn't replied to the last dozen messages she had recieved from her girls or her family and friends. She couldn't bring herself to lie to them but she couldn't bring herself to give them reason to fear. She was hoping they would take no news as good news, that way she didnt upset them and she could hold off writing until they had something positive to say.
"Hermione, Cedric, come listen to this" Harry suddenly called, cutting through Hermione's internal monologue. She looked up towards her green eyed best friend before sharing a confused look with Cedric. The trio had grown unbelievably close in the last few months. Having to rely solely on one another to get by meant that their bond had gone from strength to strength, they worked exceptionally well together and as such little words needed to be spoken between them often because they simply knew what the other was thinking by a simple look.
Cedric just grinned stupidly at his brunette friend who had become his little sister in such a short amount of time and shrugged his shoulders at her. He laughed quietly as she rolled her eyes in response and stood. Taking his hand and leading him towards their best friend.
"What is it specs?" Cedric said cheerfully. He felt as the oldest it was his responsibility to keep his companions spirits high and as such took every opportunity to tease them good naturedly in a bid to make them laugh. As expected it worked.
Hermione giggled playfully as she took a seat beside Harry inside their tent.
"Listen, they've created a radio channel. Potter watch, the twins are brilliant" Harry laughed cheerfully as he cranked up the volume on their muggle radio that Hermione had managed to make work with magic.
"Today on Potter watch we have a message from our very own book worm. Who has sent a message to the world by means that we don't even know" came the distinct voice of George Weasley.
"I dont think we will ever understand half of what she can do George, that little witch is the brightest I've ever seen" Fred replied cheekily.
"Too right Freddie. Im relieved she's on our side, she's an asset to the light. I know the boys are a lot better of with her by their side" George replied more serious than Hermione, Harry or Cedric had ever heard them.
The brunette smiled at that, the first time she had smiled all week. It felt good to know that her friends believed in her so much.
"So our very own brightest witch of our age has said the following 'tell everyone to hold on tightly a little longer, we are moving every single day and we will not give up'" Fred chimed cheerfully.
"Very wise words from a very wise witch. What a girl. Hear that y'all. Hold tight."
"We have no choice but to hold tight. We have one Harry Potter, one Cedric Diggory and one Hermione Granger out there fighting for us, so we gotta stand tight. Isn't that right George?" Fred asked and Hermione rolled her eyes upon hearing this. Those twins were always so chirpy and playful. Its what made her love them so much but sometimes she did wonder how they could hold on to their moral in such dark times.
"Harry, Cedric, Hermione if you happen to be hearing this then please know we are proud. Blackbirds army will stand tall. We are backing you" George replied to his brother. His words sent a sliver of reassurance through the trio as they huddled together. It made them more determined to find a way to bring Voldemort down.
"Any clue as to where the cup is?" Cedric asked quietly as he glanced at his companions. Hermione could see the tiredness on both his amd Harry's faces.
"No idea, so let's go over what we do know" Harry suggested, standing to make a pot of tea.
"Good idea Harry" Cedric replied as he too stood, offering his hand to Hermione. Over the months the three teens had soon got into a habit of holding onto each other in some way. It comforted them and helped reassure them that they were in this together.
Hermione took his hand gratefully, standing up and tucking herself under his arm. Needing the closeness to help ward off the dispare she was feeling.
The trio took up seats at their dinning table in the centre of their tent, spreading all their notes and information out across its surface as they poured their tea and took a sip.
"There was seven, we know that three have been destroyed." Harry began.
"The fourth is at Hogwarts, Ginny has reassured me that your grandmother is helping her retrieve a basilisk fang from the chamber and will help her destroy the item." Cedric continued, looking at Harry then Hermione.
"Good now thats four out of seven dealt with. That leaves Nagini, the cup and Harry" replied Hermione factually. Distancing herself from the emotions she was feeling. It was the only way she could work through this. As she spoke Harry opened his journal as he felt it warm beside him. He smiled briefly before spinning it around to face his two best friends.
In capital letters stood three words that brought a grin to Hermione's face.
"ITS DONE - GINNY"
"She did it. That's a relief so its definitely just three we need to deal with" Cedric replied hopefully.
"Yes, we cannot take out Nagini or myself before the final battle. But the cup we must find before hand." Harry replied thoughtfully. Grimacing slightly at the knowledge that he carried a part of the most feared wizard in the worlds soul within himself.
"It's alright Harry. Dumbledore gave us the resurrection stone for a reason. I am of the belief that as long as you are holding on to it and let yourself be hit by his killing curse it will not kill you but kill the horcrux he created within you. He won't be expecting you to survive a second time and won't know he is killing his own horcrux" Hermione comforted her green eyes best friend gently. She knew that it would grate at him to know what Voldemort had done to him and no amount of reassurance would make what her best friend was to face any easier.
"I trust you Hermione I know it has to be this way, I just don't like knowing that apart of him is in my head. Vold..." Harry began to reply but his words were cut off by Hermione as she launched herself at him, trying to stop him saying Voldemorts name. It was a taboo after all and saying it would alert his death eaters to their location.
"Dont say his name" she hissed before going pale as she heard the tell tale sound of aspiration around their tent.
"Too late" she whispered as she gestured towards the tent entrance. Thinking quickly she pulled her wand and cast a stinging jinx at the boy who lived before altering his hair colour using wandless and wordless transfiguration.
She turned to cedirc and changed his hair colour to Weasley ginger and his facial features slightly. Trying her best to disguise the boys. If they were about to be captured she did not want to risk them being recognised straight away.
As Fenrir Greyback and several other snatchers surrounded the trio they began to fight back. Slinging curse after curse at their would be captors. However Hermione couldn't concentrate enough on the snatchers as she was too bust trying to defend Harry and Cedric who were under heavy spell fire.
As she felt herself be bound by an 'incarcerous' she couldn't help but look to her boys in fear. She just hoped that their disguises would be enough.
----
Bellatrix couldn't believe her eyes when she walked into the drawing room of Malfoy Manor. She didnt once think she would ever be in this situation. Surrounded by death eaters as her only child and two of her friends were bound and held by disgusting snatchers. What really chilled her blood though was the sight of Fenrir Greyback holding her child too tightly as his hand began to slip down towards her girls jeans.
"And what do we have here" she cackled. Startling the three teens and their captors. The later of which obviously not expecting her to arrive so soon.
"We captured them, its the boy. Or at least we think it is. The girls definitely the right one" Fenrir said maliciously as Hermione tried to pull herself out of his arms.
"You think its the boy?" She asked sarcastically as she cast an appraising eye over the trio of hostages standing in her sisters drawing room.
"Well we can't be sure, something happened to his face, dunno, was like that when we captured them" an unknown snatchers replied, his voice filled with pride.
"What did happen to his face?" She asked studying him curiously.
"Was like that as we said might be poison ivy might be a stinger" another man called.
"Hmmm, a stinging jinx may be." Bella said thoughtfully.
"Check the girls wand Narcissa, what was her last spell" the dark witch demanded as she looked sharply at her sister. Who until that point stood looking nervous beside her useless husband and her son.
"Won't be much use, they fought back" Fenrir chuckled.
"Fine" the dark witch spat as she moved to stand infront of her daughter. Hermione on her part looked up and made eye contact with Bellatrix and the dark witch was impressed with her girls courage. Sure she knew her girl wouldn't be afraid of her but she didn't even seem afraid of the death eaters or snatchers. She just seemed mildly irritated. Bellatrix could also see the longing in her little girls eyes as they stared at one another.
"Draco, is this the Potter boy, his stupid friend and the mudblood girl?" Bellatrix sneered as she grabbed Harry and dragged him towards her nephew.
Draco gulped as his father pushed him forward and it took everything in Draco not to turn and hex the smug looking troll that was his father. He moved unwillingly to kneel infront of Harry and peered at his face intently. Fiegning confusion as he looked back at his aunt.
"Cant tell, his face is wonky. The other boy looks nothing like Cedric" he replied. Deliberately not saying anything about Hermione.
"Call the dark lord" Bellatrix demanded as she released the boy with the disfigured face. Her daughter was rather clever. Bellatrix knew it had to have been Hermione that cast the spell. She knew her girls intelligence and magical ability surpassed her peers and meant she was the most likely culprit for the disfigurement.
As she watched Lucius smugly lift his robe sleeve she cast another look around the room, her heart freezing as she spotted an unknown man with the sword of Gryffindor.
"WAIT!" she screeched. Halting all movement.
"What is that?" She hissed pointing at the sword.
"Sword ma'am recon its mine" the man replied arrogantly.
"Where did you get it" she spat.
"Was in the girls back, I found it, its mine" he replied defensively.
Bellatrix did not give him or any of the other snatchers time to react as she cast stunner after stunner at them. Calling the sword to her wordlessly as she looked back at the captured trio.
"We cannot call him. We will all perish if we do. I must know. Draco put them out side..." she hissed, glancing wildly at the three teens.
Bellatrix was celebrating silently. The sword gave her the excuse to get her girl alone and talk to her. She needed to figure out how to help her daughter and her friends escape undetected.
"Put them in the cellar..." she demanded, turning to her sister as she gestured to the captured trio.
"Do not tell me what to do in my own house Bella" Narcissa snapped, trying to stand her ground.
"You do not understand, we are in danger. Get them in the cellar" she shouted back before pausing.
"Except.. except the mudblood" she spat as she stalked towards her daughter and grasped her hair.
"Me and the mudblood need to have a chat, girl to girl.." she said as she wordlessly cut the chords that tied her little girl up.
She glanced at her daughter apprehensively. She was going to have to hurt her girl or everyone would know.
As Narcissa led the boys down to the cellar and draco and Lucius gathered the snatchers together to take them outside she took the opportunity to talk to her daughter.
To keep up appearances she gently pushed her girl onto her back on the drawing room floor and straddled the girls waist.
'Its okay mama, do what you need to, ill play along.' Hermione's voice filter into her mind and the level of trust her little girl was placing on her was enough to break Bella's heart.
'I do not want to hurt you baby, I dont want to do this' Bella replied, anguish clear in her tone and in her eyes as Hermione looked up at her mother.
'Its okay, I can take it mama I am a Black' Hermione replied in her mind.
"Now little witch we can do this the easy way or the hard way. Tell me where you got the sword" Bellatrix said aloud, lacing her words with venom, knowing that Lucius and Draco where on their way back into the room.
"We found it" Hermione replied flatly. Her voice emotionless.
"LIAR!" Bella spat as she pushed her wand into her little girls chest.
"You've been in my vault, tell me the truth. TELL ME!!!!" the dark witch screeched.
"We found it!" Hermione replied again as she clenched her jaw, fieghning defiance.
"Liar!!! Crucio" Bellatrix hissed as she let lose the unforgivable curse on her daughter. Hermione screamed out in agony. Her body going rigid and shaking with the pain that coursed thorough her body.
"Tell me the truth filthy mudblood. What else did you take from my vault"
"We weren't in your vault. We found the sword" Hermione replied breathlessly as she regained control of her body when Bella ended the curse.
"Liar!! Crucio!!" Bella spat, leaning over her girl more, her hand slipping to the back of her daughters head to stop her from banging it off the floor in her agony. She didnt like doing this to her baby, she had to hut it didnt mean she wouldn't do her best to ensure it did as little harm as possible.
"Please... please... we found it" Hermione begged as tears streamed down her face.
"Filthy mudblood, tell the truth" Bella spat as she slapped her across the face. Aware of her audience who stood around to watch the dark witch torture the girl.
The dark witch drew her dagger out of her thigh holster and lent over her daughters arm.
'I'm going to cut into you, it will not heal with magic, only I can heal it and I will do it as soon as this is all over I promise baby I'm so sorry' Bellatrix thought to her girl.
'It won't hurt much but I need you to scream nice and loud for me' she continued as she gently pinned her daughters arm. Glad that Hermione wasn't actually fighting her.
'Its okay, I trust you. I'm alright. Do what you have to' Hermione replied before withdrawing her magic from Bellatrix. The dark witch was slightly startled as to why this was. She was relying on their connection to communicate with her daughter but Hermione glanced quickly up towards the door and Bella followed her gaze. Spotting Narcissa come back in. She understood immediately that as her aunt amd a skilled Leglimen's, Narcissa would be able to read Hermione's mind a lot easier if her girl left the connection between them open.
As Bellatrix began to carve into her daughters skin Hermione let out the most heartbreaking scream Bellatrix had ever heard. She felt her heart constrict painfully knowing that this was because of her.
As she carved she noticed Hermione grab a hold of three charms on a bracelet around her wrist.
----
Hermione continued screaming as her mother worked, it wasn't actually painful but she knew it was because her mother was taking the pain out of her carving and needed her to play her part.
She grabbed her bracelet and thought of her mates, feeling the connection to them instantly awaken.
'Baby, baby whats wrong' came Dora's panicked voice.
'We have been captured, we are being held at malfoy Manor, send Dobby to the cellar to get the boys and help them get me' Hermione thought back.
"Merlin 'ermione are you 'urt' Fleur asked concern dripping from her voice.
'Not to badly, my mums here, she had to hurt me, but she made sure it wasn't to much and I'm fine. But you need to send Dobby quickly. He's the only one who can get through the wards" Hermione replied.
'Ze elf iz on iz way Mia' Fleur replied.
'Hang tight baby, he will take you to mum' Dora replied.
'I love you both' she thought back before releasing her bracelet and forcing herself to breath heavily as if she were in unimaginable pain.
"Please... please its a copy, only a copy" she begged, causing Bellatrix to snap her attention back to her daughters face.
"A likely story" Bellatrox spat.
"Its true, its true" the little brunette panted, her body rigid.
"Get the goblin from the cellar." Bellatrix demanded as she looked at wormtail who had arrived at some point.
"You better hope the goblin confirms your story girl" Bellatrix sneered at the girl as she got off her, leaving her daughter crying on the floor.
-----
"The same cant be said for the mudblood"
They heard Bellatrix snide as they saw her approach Hermione again.
Harry and Cedric sprang out of their hiding spot, even though they knew Bellatrix knew they were there and wouldn't actually kill Hermione, they knew that the witches words was their cue to act.
"Not bloody lilely" Cedric shouted as they emerged in the room.
"Stupify" Harry called at the same time, hitting the dark witch and disarming her. Appearing to catch Bellatrix of guard.
Narcissa, Lucius and Draco sprang into action as they began dueling the two boys who had somehow managed to get out of the cellar.
"REDUCTO" Cedric shouted as he hit Lucius Square on the chest and sent him flying across the room. He knew Hermione would thank him for that later, he was just worried about Narcissa and Draco. He knew that his bestfriend wanted her aunt and cousin safe so he had to rely mainly on defending himself against them and trying to disarm them.
Harry was in the same position. Knowing that Narcissa and Draco were in this situation unwillingly.
Cedric and Harry were so focused on Narcissa and Draco that they didn't see Bellatrix puck Hermione up until the dark witch called a halt to their duel.
"Drop your wands" the dark witch hissed as she held a knife to Hermione's throat.
"Drop them or I'll slit her open right here" Bellatrix demanded pressing the knife down slightly.
Harry and Cedric froze before slowly dropping their wands on the ground. Quietly cursing themselves for leaving Hermione undefended as Draco gathered them and went to stand beside the fire.
"Oh look its Harry Potter, he's all bright, shiny and new again. Call him" Bellatrix cooed sweetly as she held her daughter tightly. Glad that Hermione was leaning against her. Her girl was clinging on to Bella's skirt as if she was terrified of letting go.
As she watched Lucius begin to pull his sleeve again she took the opportunity to lean forward and whisper in her daughter's ear.
"I've got you baby but you need to get out of here"
Hermione chuckled silently, her mother feeling the vibrations through her child's back.
"Dont worry mama, I'd say I'm about to leave about now. Do me a favour and push me forward when you spot the danger and jump backwards" Hermione replied just as quietly.
Bellatrix pressed her cheek to her daughters and nodded subtly.
"I love you Mia" she whispered. Glancing up as she heard a loud squeaking noise from the chandelier above her. She was surprised to see a house elf hanging from the light as he fiddled with the screws.
"I love you too, now push me mama" Hernione whispered as she tensed herself in preparation for getting out of the way.
Bellatrix saw the chandelier begin to fall and reacted instantly. The need to get her baby out of the way overtaking anything else as she pushed her child forward as hard as she could, surprised to feel Hermione push her back wards at the same time. Propelling them both in separate directions. Harry seeing an opening launched himself at Draco, taking the wands he had took off them and Dracos wand as well to ensure that he couldn't interfere with Dobbys rescue of them.
Hermione landed in Cedrics arms as Bella fell flat on her bum. The chandelier landing directly on the spot that they both were in moments before.
"You could have killed me" the dark witch hissed as she glared at the elf.
"Dobby is sorry, he didn't want to kill anyone, just seriously injured you" the elf said timidly.
Narcissa reacted quickly albeit half heartedly as she tried to capture the trio and the elf (although secretly she wanted them to escape) but the elf was quicker as he summoned her wand right out of Narcissa's hand.
"How dare you take a witches wand. How dare you defy your masters" Bellatrix screamed at the little elf.
"Dobby has no masters, Dobby is a free elf" the elf - Dobby apparently- bella thought said.
"Dobby is here to recue Harry Potter and his friends" the little elf said proudly as the trio took a hold of the elf and disappeared with a pop.
"What do we do now Bella, he is coming" Narcissa whispered worriedly as she went to her sisters side.
"Yesss what do we tell him" hissed the familiar voice of the Dark Lord as he appeared in the room infront of them.
Dropping to their knees the occupants of the room held their breath in fear. Or in Lucius's case shame for failing his Lord.
"Forgive us My Lord. We had the Potter boy and his friends but they escaped" Bellatrix whispered fearfully. Not daring to look up at him.
"How" he demanded.
"A house elf my Lord, a house elf rescued them" Bella replied.
"A housssse elf? The dark lord repeated in bewilderment.
"How doesss my besst ssservantsss lose to three teenagersss and a houssseee elf" he continued, his tone low and cold.
Knowing that her sister and her nephew were in very real danger Bellatrix spoke up again, hoping to direct his anger at her so that her sister and nephew remained safe.
"It was my fault my lord, I got cocky, distracted by my want to hurt the mudblood and the Potter boy managed to catch me of guard and disarm me" she whispered before pain erupted throughout her body.
"Take thissss assss a lessson, do not fail me again" the dark lord hissed as he continued to keep Bellatrix under the cruciatus curse. He glared at the other occupants of the room to ensure that they had taken his point on board.
"Yes my lord" they replied as one, not daring to rise from their kneeling positions.
Satisfied the dark Lord nodded before dissaperating on the spot. Leaving behind him a sobbing Bellatrix as her body continued to spasm with the pain caused by the cruciatus.
-----
Landing on the beach infront of shell cottage Hermione only caught a glimpse of her aunt running towards her as her whole world went dark.
"What happened Harry?" Andromeda demanded as she scooped her niece up in her arms, frowning when she felt the tremors that were still running through her body.
"We got captured, I stupidly said his name. The snatchers found us and took us to Malfoy Manor. Bellatrix was forced to torture Hermione" Harry whispered through his tears as he looked down upon the pale form of his bestfriend. He could still see the remnants of tears on her cheeks, her skin was sickly pale akd he could see her muscles continuously tensing amd relaxing.
"Merlin!" Andromeda replied as she began to carry her niece inside the house amd up to her bedroom, knowing that Hermione couldn't be left alone until she was back on her feet. She knew the signs of the cruciatus and it was a wonder that Hermione had remained conscious throughout, but knowing Bella she wouldn't have used a full force spell. She would have tried to gentle the curse. But still she knew Hermione's body would take weeks to fully heal from any length of exposure to the curse and she was at risk of having seizures for at least the first week.
-----
Hermione woke slowly, the first thing that registered in her mind as she came too was the splitting pain in her head and muscles. She opened her eyes to try and work out were she was and began to panic even more when she couldn't see anything.
A hand appeared on her shoulder, gently holding her still as she tried to move to sit up.
"Hush little witch amd lay still for me" the soothing voice of her aunt spoke quietly from the bed beside her.
"Auntie Meda" Hermione whispered in relief as her eyes filled with tears and she turned her face to try and see her aunt. Seeing her aunt, brought the agony of the past secen months soaring into her mind and she began to sob.
"Auntie Meda" she whispered again, this time desperation and need laced her voice as she cried out for her aunt. She felt the bed move as her aunt drew closer and wrapped her arms around the young witch, pulling Hermione into her gently.
"Oh Hermione, I've got you baby, I've got you" Andromeda whispered as she sat herself up with Hermione in her arms, rocking her niece gently.
"I missed you" Hermione whispered through her tears as she used what little strength she had to cling to her aunt tightly.
"I missed you too little witch, so so much" Andromeda replied honestly, placing soothing kisses on to her nieces forehead.
"What happened Mia" she whispered after a few moments of silence. "I've seen your arm, I know the signs of the cruciatus" she continued as she reached down and traced the bandage she had wrapped around Hermione's arm.
"The scar isn't permanent, its one of mums own spells, she can remove it. But she had to out me under the cruciatus a few times because when we got caught their were other death eaters and snatchers around." Hermione replied as she buried her head into Andromeda's neck, breathing in the soothing scent of her aunt.
"She didnt use her full power and she made sure to hold my head to stop me banging it. She was silently crying as she did it. She had to keep her head over mine to stop anyone seeing how much it hurt her to hurt me" she continued, crying quietly as she remembered the anguish on her mothers face.
"She kept you safe even while having to hurt you" Andromeda whispered back as understanding of what must have occurred began to filter through her mind.
"How did you get out, how did Dobby know where you were?" Andromeda questioned again.
"My bracelet. I contacted Fleur and Dora, I told them exactly what was happening, where we were and what I needed and they got Dobby to me" the little brunette replied, tensing as another wave of pain wracked her already sore body.
"Okay little witch let's get some potions down you to help with the pain amd tremors" Andromeda instructed gently as she lay her niece down and summoned the appropriate potion to her.
It didn't take long for Hermione to slip back into unconsciousness as the healing potions numbed the pain and the sleeping draught her aunt had given her began to take effect.
-----
Over the course of a few weeks as Hermione healed both her mates had visited nearly every day, often staying for a few days, knowing that being close to their girl would do wonders in helping her heal. They also reluctantly admitted that despite the healing abilities their presence with Hermione brought the younger witch they also could barely stand to be away from her. Knowing she had been hurt had torn them apart and their instincts were screaming at them to stay as close as possible. Something that Hermione was thoroughly and eagerly appreciating.
Despite knowing they would have to part again soon the Trinity were determined to enjoy their time together. They had missed one another immensely and Hermione was glad to have them back at her side. She hadn't realised just how badly she felt without them or them without her.
The first night they had arrived had consisted of lots of cuddles and an equal amount of shouting as the two older mates worked through their upset at seeing their soulmate injured. From then on they had been by her side at every given chance. Determined to keep her close and safe.
----
Four weeks later Hermione was back in top form, the other rescued occupants of Malfoy Manor, Luna, Dean Thomas, Olivander the wand maker and Griphook the Goblin had all fully recovered from their stay at the Manor by this point too.
Hermione learnt in the weeks she was healing that the prisoners had not actually been harmed by Bellatrix and the only time they ever faced any harm was whenever one of the other death eaters or Lucius tried to harm them. Each time that happened Luna told Hermione that Bellatrix would always appear and demand she be left alone with the prisoners.
What also became apparent to Hermione amd the rest of the occupants was that Bellatrix had given them the location of the cup they had spent months searching for.
Her insistence that they had been in her vault was one that Hermione, Harry and Cedric had all picked up on and so they began to devise a plan to break into the most secure building in the wizarding world - Gringotts Bank.
They had to enlist the help of the Goblin who demanded they give him the Sword of Gryffindor for his troubles, the sword had been retrieved by Cedric just before they were aooarated out of the Manor by Dobby. The trio agreed to his terms quickly knowing that no matter who had the sword it would always appear to whoever most needed it so even if they did give it to Griphook he wouldn't be able to keep it. This bit of information however they chose not to reveal to the Goblin.
They brewed their own Poly juice potion and eventually agreed that Hermione would act as her mother. This being the safest option as Andromeda had explained to the trio that their were blood wards in place to guard the vault so they would need Hermione to enter as the blood wards would recognise Hermione as Bellatrix's daughter.
They also agreed that she would transfigure Cedrics appearance again and Harry would enter the bank with Griphook under the invisibility cloak behind Hermione and Cedric.
With everything ready and in place the trio said their goodbyes to Andromeda. Hermione clinging tightly to her aunt as they whispered their goodbyes before they set out again on their mission, determined to successfully obtain and destroy the horcrux and bring this war and Voldemorts reign of terror to an end once and for all.