On one side of the large forest, a castle stood proudly. Within the walls, a ball was being thrown, and people dancing and drinking having fun enjoying themselves paying no mind to the icy eyes of the princess. The cold winter winds rattled the windows one of the princess’s servants informed her of a visitor. Getting up and grumbling while following her servant she was soon stopped, the servant warned her that the visitor was a beggar and wasn’t the prettiest. Pushing past her she walked down the stairs getting closer and closer to the ugly beggar. Her lips sneered in disgust. The beggar woman lifted her head and asked for a room just for the night, and in return, she offered her a rose. The servant hung her head as the princess laughed. Grabbing the beggar by her hood she dragged the woman outside.
“Leave. I will never allow such a creature to stay in my home, and a silly rose for a payment even.” The princess scuffed.
The beggar looked at the servant who was shaking in her boots. Apologizing to her, her ugly self began to fall away, and in place was a beautiful woman now standing in her place. The princess fell on her butt staring up at the woman.
“There is neither kindness nor love in your heart,” she began, “for that, I will curse you and your castle along with anyone else within these walls.”
The servant watched as the party guest ran outside screaming, she watched her friends run outside and turn into household items. Turning to the witch she felt herself become smaller and turn into a candle. The princess now on her knees begged the witch for forgiveness.
“For you, I wish you the best.”
The candle servant watched her mistress groan and growl, her hair grew and thickened much like a dog, her fangs grew sharp enough to cut steel, horns grew and curled on top of her head, a tail shot out from her backside, feet became paws while her hands became beast-like. Looking up at the witch the princess launched herself back into the castle. The candle woman watched her run with an odd sense of understanding.
“She must love someone and earn their love in return before the last petal falls. Once the last petal falls you will all become regular objects and she will stay like that for all of eternity.”
Nodding with determination she hopped to the rest of the servants telling them the news, the clock threw his hands in the air yelling how this was the “greatest” news he had ever been told. The rest of them ignored him and made a plan. The witch erased the memories of the party guest and the village on the other side of the forest. Sighing at herself she transformed herself again to a middle-aged woman and went back to her home.
Years passed and the beast became angrier destroying everything that wasn’t alive and ripping up every oil painting of her family and herself. The petals continued to drop and she became restless and gave up. Everyone who stumbled across her never came back or tried to kill her. Honestly, who could ever love a beast?
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In the small village on the other side of the forest, the town was just beginning to awake for the day, even dearest Hermione, the village bookworm. The villagers thought of her as odd and funny, not the good kind of funny. While the boys went to school and the girls cleaned she often visited the bookstore and read. The shopkeeper knew her very well. Her father was an inventor and people thought she got his craziness. Though she was different people still greeted her with kindness. That doesn't mean she doesn't hear all the whispers.
“But behind that fair facade, I'm afraid she's rather odd.”
“Very different from the rest of us.”
“She's nothing like the rest of us.”
“Yes, different from the rest of us.”
“Look there she's strange but special.”
“It's a pity she doesn't quite fit in.”
The village’s “hero” Ron is a pain for her. He tries day after day to get her to fall for him, but at last, she feels nothing for him.
“Hermione! How are you today?” Ron asked.
“I’m fine, how are you?”
Ron’s face lit in excitement. He loves to talk about himself.
“Great, I killed two bucks, five ducks, one fox, and managed to throw a beggar out of a store…” and that's when Hermione stopped listening.
Picking up from where she left off in her book she and Ron walked side by side up to her little house. While he talked about beating up the old and beggars she reread her favorite book. Romeo and Juliet.
“So what do you say? Dinner tonight at six?”
Hermione stopped at her steps, turning to him with a sad smile.
“Tonight no… I’m rather busy.”
“What about tomorrow?” he asked hopefully.
“No that won't work either. It won't work ever.” awkwardly she walked inside and leaned against the door. Hermione felt pity for Ron. She did not feel the same as the other women in the village. Her little pity party ended as a bang echoed throughout the house with smoke following it.
“Papa?”
“I’m ok!”
Downstairs and coughing through the smoke she found him stomping on the metal and wood pieces of his newest project.
“Damn thing! I ask you to do one thing and that was not to blow up!” He kicked it once more for good measure.
Hermione shook her head. She knew how he was, his project would not work then he would yell and get back to work and it would start working.
“Come on Papa take a break and tomorrow you’ll fix it before leaving for the fair.” Hermione smiled.
Wendell scratched his head, he followed his daughter upstairs and helped open the windows. He knew she was right after all she was just as smart as her mother and father.
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The following day Hermione was right, as always. Getting up early Wendell fixed his newest gadget and with Hermione’s help was on the road around nine.
“You can come with me,” Wendell said looking down at Hermione from the wagon.
“I’m fine staying here.”
“Well, do you want anything?”
Smiling Hermione told him she would like him to return home. Chuckling he bid her goodbye and clicking his tongue the horse, Philippepepepepepe headed down the road. Ron watching Wendell leave thought this would be the best time to try and woo Hermione and get for her to marry him. Hermione saw him walking towards her swiftly turned and headed back into her home. He smiled and knocked on the door, Hermione putting on a mask opened the door with a fake smile.
“Ron, hello.”
“Today is your lucky day Hermione.”
“And why is that?”
He walked past her sitting at the dinner table and leaning in the chair placing his feet on the table, mud splattering the top and the book they were resting on.
“Think of this. A nice warm fire, me coming home with my newest kill roasting over the fire and my little wife massaging my feet.” He kicked his boots off and wiggled his toes. “And kids playing with the dogs. we’ll have six or seven.”
“Dogs?”Hermione scrunched her nose, his feet smelled.
“Kids. Strapping young boys like me. And do you know who my little wife will be?”
“Let me guess.” She turned to gag.
“You.”
Hermione jumped when Ron turned her around to look at him. Why can’t he take a hint… she does not like him. Walking back to the door she pondered what to say.
“I don’t know what to say.” She leaned away closer and closer to the door.
“Say you’ll marry me.” He got up following her, backing her up against the door.
“I... I,” She blindly looked for the doorknob. Finding it just as he leaned in for a kiss. “I’m sorry I can’t.” Hermione opened the door sending him flying out the door into the mud.
Ron looked at the door and found his face kissing his muddy boots. His follower, Harry, poked his head through the bushes.
“How'd it go?”
Growling he stormed off, wet mud dripping off his clothes.
A few minutes later Hermione picked her head out the door. ‘Good, he’s gone.’ She thought. Walking outside the chickens clucked and hopped away following her knowing she was going to hand out some corn. Talking to herself to calm herself down her mind drifting off to her father she wished him a safe and easy trip.
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Wendell was not having a safe and easy trip. Quite the opposite. Philippe was slowly walking down the road when a tree fell over blocking his path and startling him. Philippe reared up and ran off to the other path leading into the forest. Wendell tumbling to get a hold of the horse noticed wolves chasing them. Philippe jumped over a log forcing the reins out of Wendell’s hand and the cart to break, Wendell was thrown off and into a pile of snow. Having no time to ask why it was snowing in June, Wendell got his feet and started to run. The wolves closing in. With Philippe long gone Wendell prayed to every being he could think of asking for them to keep him safe.
He tripped over his own feet and tumbled down the small hill, once stopped he looked around and found dark gates in the distance and ran over to them. Wendell grabbed them tightly yelling for anyone to open them. For anyone to help. The gates creaked open just enough for him to enter. Wendell closed them just as a wolf snapped at his ankles.
Making sure the gates stayed closed he turned around and made his way over to the old and dark castle. “It’s ok Wendell. Just a creepy castle with snow in June. Very normal.”
Knocking on the door he took a step back when it opened by itself.
“Hello.” He called out.
Without hearing and noticing anything he continued walking around looking for the owner of the castle. The candle smiled turning to the clock started whispering about the newcomer. The clock making hissing sounds to shut the candle up. The candle waved her candle stick hands around. The clock was just being rude. Jumping down from the tabletop the candle moved quietly into the hallway leading to the fire room, lighting the other candles on the way. Wendell followed blindly.
Wendell walked into the room the only chair was in front of the fire, cautiously he sat in the chair, almost jumping out of his skin when a blanket was placed on him and a cart rolled up next to him by itself. Hot tea at the ready for someone to drink. The cup giggled as Wendell drank. Wendell quickly pulled away.
“Oh!”
The candle decided to make herself known and hoped she wouldn’t scare the man.
“Sir, please don’t be alarmed.”
The clock walked in telling no one how the mistress would be livid once she found out they allowed a man to sit in her chair and drink her tea. Wendell picked the clock up and studied it.
“Remarkable…”
“Put me down, sir!”
“Oh! I’m sorry!”
“That’s ok, it’s not every day someone goes into an enchanted castle.” The candle said hoping to calm the man's nerves.
The clock began to pace.
“He needs to leave. He needs to leave now.”
“Come on Severus have a heart. It’s cold outside and we don’t know if he has a way home.” The pot noted.
Hearing claws against tile the four talking household items froze. The fireplace was blown out as the door was thrown open. Wendell looked to his left then slowly looked to his right. Becoming face-to-face with a snarling beast. Screaming he fell out of his chair and ran to the door, the beast was faster and trapped Wendell in his place.
“You don’t belong here.” She snarled out.
“I’m sorry I was lost and I thought-”
“Lies. you've come to look at the beast!”
“No!” The talking items watched the beast drag Wendell away into the cellar. Their head hung low.
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Philippe ran back to his home without stopping. By the time he stopped, he noticed Hermione’s worried eyes trained on him. She asked where Papa was and told him to take her to him. Neighing no he laid down and fell asleep.
Hermione was worried but knew Philippe needed sleep before he could take her anywhere. Once the horse awoke she would make him go to Papa. Wherever he was hoping he would be ok. An hour later Hermione was on Philippe's back and let the horse take her to Papa. Looking around Hermione was a little nervous about the castle they were going to. Leaving the horse Hermione walked inside.
“Hello?” She asked no one.
Once again the candle and clock started to whisper at one another.
“It’s a girl!”
“Yes, I know it’s a girl.” The clock sassed back
“Maybe she’s the one, the one to break the curse!”
Hermione picked the talking candle up using her light to see the rest of the castle. She silently asked the house’s candles to light the way to the older man. Hermione thinking someone was walking away followed them hoping to talk to the person.
“Wait! Please, I need help!” She yelled out following the lights.
She soon heard coughing. Quickening her pace she found her father sitting in the cellar.
“Papa!” She grabbed his hands shocked at how cold they were.
“Hermione? No! You shouldn’t be here!”
“What why?”
“It’s not safe! Go! She’ll be back soon!”
“Who!”
Growling erupted behind her. Wendell yelled for Hermione to run. The beast stood in the shadows allowing only her profile to be seen. Wendell yelled for the beast to leave his daughter alone.
“Please, let my father go.”
“Your father is my prisoner, he trespasses on my land and in my home.” Her husky voice echoed off the walls.
Hermione frowned. That sounded true yet something else had to be playing a part. “Come into the light,” She ordered.
The beast took one step at a time slowly Hermione could make out two paws, tattered black pants, a white shirt, and a torn purple cloak. What scared her was the beastly face, sharp fangs, and the horns curling on top of the head. Gasping Hermione backed up to her father’s cell and cowered. Wendell grabbed her hands through the bars. Looking at her Papa Hermione gulped and made up her mind.
She stood back up standing tall in her choice. “Take me instead.”
“Hermione no!”
“You would take his place?” The horned beast asked surprised.
“He’s my father.”
The beast glared at nothing while the human’s brown eyes welled with tears.
“Please.”
The beast growled and stomped to the cell door and opened it. Grabbing Wendell and pulling him out She then turned to Hermione and nodded her head to the cell. Hermione walked in with her head held high, the door slammed shut behind her. Turning around she watched the beast drag her father away. Falling to her knees she began to cry, the thought of never seeing her father again weighed heavily on her.
After watching the girl cry to herself for a few minutes the candle opened the cell with a heavy heart but knew if she wanted her mistress and this girl to become friends she needed to be out of the dungeons.
“Miss, would you please follow me? I’ll show you to your room.” The candle even bowed to show good nature.
“Who said that?” she asked.
The candle made herself known to Hermione, and she threw a small chair at her.
“Please, I mean you no harm. I’m here to help.” The candle dusted herself off once freed from the chair.
“What are you?” Hermione asked.
“Oh, I’m sorry, let me introduce myself. My name is Andromeda. I’ll show you around.” She turned and started to walk away.
Hermione slowly emerged from her cell and followed her. They were shortly joined by the clock, Severus. The same clock continued to tell everyone that they should not allow Hermione to wander around the castle by herself in case the mistress showed up. No one listens but Hermione did keep that in mind.
‘Be cautious around the beast.’
As if the beast knew she was thinking about her she appeared around the corner. The beast looked at the two leading Hermione with a frown. The candle ran over to her and whispered in her ear. Whatever she whispered made the beast's dark eyes look at Hermione. Nodding the beast turned.
“I’ll show you to your room.”
The beast picked up Andromeda and walked farther down the hall. Severus gave Hermione a shove hinting to follow. Shuffling along Hermione looked around the halls, they were littered with shredded paintings and old knights holding spears and swords. As she walked passed they turned their heads not believing there was a girl in these halls.
“The castle is your home now. You may go into any room in the castle except the west wing.” She told Hermione
“What’s in the west wing?”
“It’s forbidden!” The beast yelled turning to glare at the the human girl.
Once the beast was at the ideal room she stepped aside allowing Hermione to pass.
“Ask her to stay for dinner,” Andromeda whispered quickly.
“Ah, you... will. You will join me for dinner!” The beast said slamming the door and running off.
Hermione sat on her bed with her head in her head crying softly. The dresser opened her eyes and shuffled her way to the girl.
“Don’t cry, love. It’s not so bad here.”
Hermione looked up, already becoming used to talking objects.
“Not so bad? I’m a prisoner in an enchanted castle with a mad beast!”
The door opened to a cart with a teapot and cup.
“The mistress isn’t that bad. Behind her aggressive wall is a prin- good hearted woman. Now, how would you like a hot cup of tea?” The teapot said.
“Thank you.”
“Not a probable dear. I’m Naricissa, this is my boy, Draco. Now one or two sugars?”
“Two, please.”
The three talked for a while helping Hermione stay calm about being a prisoner here. With the two of them here she wouldn’t feel so lonely hopefully.
“Oh look at the time. I’m over here chatting away when the table needs to be set. Draco come along.” Narcissa and Draco left Hermione and the dresser alone. The dresser used this time to try and persuade Hermione to let her dress the human to look like a princess. Severus knocked and poked his head in.
“Dinner is ready.”
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The beast placed back in forth on all fours worrying that she’d mess up Andromeda’s and Narcissa's plans.
“Smile.”
“But don’t scare her.”
“Dazzle her.”
“But be general.”
“Shower her with confidence.”
“And be sincere.”
“And above all, you must control your temper!” They both scowled.
The dining room opened and the beast could feel her heart jump to her throat. That feeling died when Severus walked in.
“Well?”
“She’s.. she’s not coming.” Severus whimpered.
“What!” She roared.
Like a dog, she raced and jumped up the stairs right to Hermione’s door. Banging on it.
“I thought I told you to come down for dinner!” Her husky voice rang out.
“I’m not hungry.”
“You come out or I’ll... I’ll break the door down!”
Andromeda tugged on her cloak.
“I don’t think that’s the best way to earn her affection.”
“Please try and be more gentle,” Severus asked.
“How can I when she’s being so difficult!” She growled.
“Gently, gently,” Narcissa murmured.
“Would you join me for dinner?” The beast asked. Severus coughed. “Please” she added.
“No, thank you.”
The beast could help the growl and roar rumbling out of her.
“Fine then go ahead and starve!” She turned to the three. “If she doesn’t eat with me then she doesn’t eat at all.”
She stormed off to the west wing to think clearly. Her claws ripped through everything. She grabbed her silver and green mirror.
“Show me the girl.”
The mirror glowed for a second then an image appeared. The girl and dresser were talking, the dresser was doing her best to tell the human the mistress wasn’t that bad once she got to know her.
“I don't want anything to do with her!”
The beast closed her dark eyes and sighed.
“Who am I kidding? She'll only see me as a monster.” Placing the mirror down she walked to her balcony for fresh air. Her head turned at the sudden laughter coming from the dining room.
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Andomea laughed and chased the dusting tool. “I promise Ted, soon we’ll be human again and I’ll kiss you till we turn blue. We’ll have that child we’ve dreamed of.”
Ted smiled and kept his distance from the candle woman. “I've been burned by you before. Bitter-sweet feeling. I trust you if you believe this girl is the one then I do too.”
“Perfect. Now come here.” She pulled Ted close leaning in for a kiss. Then dropped him seeing the woman she was guarding walk out of her room. She looked down helping the broom up. “Ops, sorry love.”
The two followed the girl to the kitchen where the others were. Severus glared at Andromeda. “I was wondering where you were.” He looked at the smiling dust tool and rolled his eyes.
“Oh, you know… Hermione got hungry and we told her to head here.” She smiled.
Hermione nodded noticing the tension.
Severus groaned. “Fine, some bread and water then off you go.”
Andromeda smiled once more at Ted. “Of course. But Severus, have a heart.” She looped her arm around the clock. Moving them around the kitchen. “But what is dinner without a little music?” she shoved the clock back and hopped away to where the others rushed to.
“Music!”
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Once the whole household was done giving Hermione a wonderful dinner and show Severus ordered her to go right to bed.
“I’ve never been to an enchanted castle before.”
“I can give you a tour!” Andromeda was excited.
“No, no, no, right to bed.” Said the clock.
Hermione smirked. “Then why don’t you show me around? I’m sure you know everything there is about the castle.” She even has a sweet charming smile to sell it.
The clock man blushed. “Why yes, I do.”
She was shown over a quarter of the castle when they walked passed the west wing. She asked where the steps lead when the clock and candle stopped her.
“There’s nothing up there, just dusty old forgotten west wing.” Severus hung his head at his slip-up.
“So that’s the west wing.” She took a step up and was blocked by the two again.
“Why don’t we show you something else.”
“We have many things.”Andromeda rushed out.
“The Stables.”
“Fire rooms.”
“The- the library!”
That’s got her attention, “You have a library?” Smiling at the two they walked off excited to show her something other than the west wing. Halfway down the steps Hermione stopped and looked up the steps again. Her eyes drifted from the two walking away back to the top of the steps. Raising an eyebrow she quietly made her way up the steps. Hermione was surprised at all the broken chairs and castle bricks scattered around.
She reached an old door with a lion face for a doorknob. Taking a breath Hermione pulled it open. Inside the room was a mess, it looked like a wild animal was set free in the room. Blankets and pillows were torn and scattered along with feathers, furniture was destroyed, and even the four-poster bed was snapped and mashed up like a nest. Hermione’s brown eyes caught sight of a painting of a person with dark almost black eyes. At the bottom was a name, Bellatrix Black. The claw marks had part of the painting falling over the woman's face, bidding the rest from below the nose. Gently Hermione brushed her fingers across the painting moving the flap to the rightful place.
Before she could a bright pink light forced her to blink away and turned to a beautiful rose. Without tripping over anything she made her way over to the glass jar. With awe, she lifted the jar and reached out to the soft-looking petals. Out of nowhere the beast jumped into sight and covered the rose again. After making sure the rose was ok she turned to the human growling and snorting like an angry bull.
“Why have you come here?”
“I’m sorry.” Hermione backed up as the beast prowled forward.
“Didn’t I tell you to never come here!”
“I didn’t mean any harm.” She put her arm up in case the beast did anything
“Do you realize what you could have done!” The beast threw her arm out smashing a chair.
“Stop.”
The beast began to growl with anger.
“Get out!”
Hermione couldn’t get her feet to move fast enough.
“GET OUT!” She roared like a bear.
The beast watched the girl flee for her life huffing for a second before falling to her knees head hanging low.
“What have I done..” She asks no one.
Hermione ran past Severus and Andromeda saying she needed to leave. The clock blew a whistle yelling for everyone to close down the castle. The largest barked and ran past Hermione right out the doggie door that was large enough for her to run through. Ignoring the teapot telling her it’s dangerous out there Hermione ran outside finding Philippe in the stables.
“Oh no…” Andromeda whispered.
The three cursed beings looked up the steps at the beast making her way down the steps.
“mistress the wolves will get her before sh-“ Narcissa was cut off by a snarl and the beast was out the door.
Hermione was a decent distance away from the castle and everyone inside when the wolves began to follow them. Philippe ran in over the frozen lake he along with the wolves slipped around, his hooves cracking the ice. One of the Wolves fell into the icy water, and the sounds of whimpering made Hermione look back. The leader of the pack snapped at Philippe's back leg. Neighing he kicked back sending Hermione to fall to the snowy ground. Grabbing the nearest stick Hermione used it to swing it at the growling wolves.
Philippe got caught on a tree branch his eyes wide with fear for Hermione he couldn’t help to knock the wolves away. The leader of the wolves bit the stick and pulled it out of Hermione’s hands another snapped at her making her slip on the snowy ground. As the alpha of the pack leaped at Hermione he was caught by a clawed hand and became face to face with a snarling beast.
Throwing the wolf aside she stood over Hermione protectively snarling at the six wolves Hermione watched both the fanged begin to attack one another. Finding the right moment she managed to run to and free him. They both watch the beast and wolves roll about snarling and growling a mix of barks and bear-like roars fills the forest. They leaped on her back clawing everything they could, the beast would roll and throw them off.
The beast threw one of the wolves at a tree and stood on all fours letting out a loud and powerful lion roar. The six wolves whimpered and forced their legs to carry them away. The alpha watched his pack run away with one final glare at the beast he followed them. The beast turned to Hermione her eyes heavy. She couldn’t remember the last time she used this much energy for this length of time. Her legs gave out and her hot skin cooled by the icy snow. Hermione got ready to get on Philippe and run away but something held her back. Hermione looked back at the beast, she was lying there, injured. Walking to the beast she combed her hair back revealing dark eyes.
“I need you to help me.”
The beast pushed up on her arms and with Hermione’s help got on the horse and rode back to the castle.
The three household items watched from the sideline as Hermione helped their mistress to bed. Narcissa left and returned shortly with hot water. Hermione poured the hot water into a bastion and wet a cloth down. Gently she patted the beast's upper arm. The beast roared in pain.
“That hurts!”
“If you would hold still it wouldn’t hurt as much.”
“Well if you didn’t run away none of this wouldn’t have happened.”
“If you didn’t frighten me I wouldn’t have run away!”
The beast looked away, thinking she pointed out, “Well you should have gone to the west wing.” The beast smiled knowing she had her there.
“You should control your temper!” Hermione shot back glaring at her.
The beast looked defeated and rolled over. Hermione stopped cleaning her cuts. Stepping out of the room the objects thanked her for bringing their mistress home.
“Why do you care for her? She cursed you somehow.”
The three looked at one another Narcissa was the one to explain things.
“It’s our fault she’s like this. We all stood by while her father turned this sweet little girl into what she is now.”
“What happens when the last petal falls? There must be something I can do to help.”
Severus got cut off by Andromeda’s elbow. Narcissa gave them a look.
“It’s our problem, not yours. We made our bed and now we must lay in it. Now off to bed.”
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Back in the village, Ron sat in the tavern sulking about. Harry made his way over to him with two beers.
“Gosh, it deserves me to see you like this looking so down in the dumps,” Harry said.
Ron turned his back on his friend.
“Everyone is odd and inspired by you and it’s not very hard to see why…” Harry gave three guys a pointed look.
They each shouted out things they liked about Ron. Soon the whole tavern began to tell him what they liked about him. Ron smiled and thanked his friend. Wendell ran inside yelling for anyone to help him get Hermione from the beast’s castle.
“Slow down Wendell who’s got Hermione locked away in a tower?”
“A horrible monstrous beast!”
A few people started laughing. “Is it a big beast?”
“With a large ugly snout?”
“Yes!” Wendell agreed.
“And sharp cruel claws?”
“Yes! Will you help me?” Wendell was begging anyone to help him.
Ron smiled. “Calm down Wendell we’ll help.”
“You will!”
Laughing the other men grabbed Wendell’s arms and threw him outside. Ron started to ponder over an idea.
“Harry, I’ve been thinking.”
“That’s not good.”
“I know. But listen.”
He pulled Harry closer and whispered his plan. Harry knew the plan was evil but went along with it. Wendell stomped back to his home telling himself if no one would help him he’ll go alone.
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The beast looked down from the ledge, she watched Hermione and Philippe walking in the courtyard. Placing her hand over her now bandaged arm, the beast looked at the candle and clock.
“I want to do something for her. But what?”
The clock started naming off things, “Flowers, chocolates, promises you don’t tend to keep..”
Andromeda’s eyes sparkled with an idea.
“No, I got it!”
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The beast was leading Hermione down a hallway. Stopping at the large door she turned to Hermione with a small smile.
“Close your eyes.”
Hermione looked at her funny before doing as she was told. The beast waved her hand over Hermione’s eyes, pleased she opened the door and grabbed Hermione’s hands helping her into the dark room.
“Wait here.”
The beast started opening the curtains casting light into the dark room. The beast noticed Hermione worrying her bottom lip. Gulping and praying Hermione likes the gift she told her to open. Hermione gasped her eyes glowing. This was the most books she had ever seen. The tall walls were lined with books, there were ladders available so someone could reach the very top. The beast watched at a safe distance Hermione giggling and twirling, she was happy Hermione liked her gift.
“This is amazing!”
“Well,” the beast rubbed the back of her neck. “If you like it so much it’s yours.”
Hermione looked at the beast with surprise.
“Have you read all these?”
The beast shrugged and looked away and started walking around the room.
“No, some of these are in Greek.”
Hermione laughed.
“Was that a joke? Are you telling jokes now?”
The beast blushed and started talking about her favorite books that were hidden away here. Hermione giggled and asked for help getting books. Thinking Hermione would want to be alone she ended up stuttering over a simple. “Yes, I’ll help.” The beast slightly helped, holding the many books Hermione gave her. There were a lot of books. The cursed household items stood by watching something begin to grow between them.
“Ah, do you see this?” Andromeda gasped
“Yes, we see it. Come let’s leave them.” Severus said shooing everyone away.
At dinner, Hermione ate on one side of the dinner table while the beast was on the opposite. Each had a book with them reading. Hermione looked up from her book a smile ghosting over her lips. She awkwardly looked away as the other girl ate like a starving wolf. The beast blushed and used a napkin to clean herself. Draco pushed a spoon closer to her hand. Almost forgot how to use one. She held it wrong and slurped her soup. Hermione smiled at her.
‘She’s trying and that's what counts.’
As the days went by Hermione found herself looking for the beast and enjoying their time spent together. The day she helped the other woman pet Philippe Hermione walked off thinking to herself.
‘There’s something sweet and almost kind, but she was mean. And she was coarse and unrefined. But now she is dear and so unsure I wonder why I didn’t see it there before.’
Hermione watched with amusement as the birds flew away and the woman came closer.
“Here let me help.”
She took a handful of seeds and put them in the clawed hands.
“Now, just wait and watch.”
Leading a bird with seeds Hermione and the beast stood very still as the little blue bird hopped into the clawed seed-filled hands. Touching her counterpart's arm Hermione got up and hid behind the tree.
‘New, and a bit alarming. Who’d have ever thought that this could be? True she’s no Prince Charming, but there’s something in her I simply didn’t see.’
The beast flinched as all the birds that landed on her flew away. Without warning, a snowball smacked her face, looking up she saw Hermione laughing. Picking up a bigger ball she held up but another snowball hit her making her drop hers on her head. Shaking the snow off she got up and began to chase the laughing girl. Through the middle of the chase, the beast began to question things herself.
‘She glanced this way, I thought I saw. And when we touched she didn't shudder at my paw. No, it can't be, I’ll just ignore it, but then she's never looked at me that way before.’
The beast gently tackled the girl. They both giggled as they rolled down the hill. The three cursed items smiled and talked to one another.
“We'll wait and see.” Andromeda giggled.
“A few days more,” Severus said.
“There may be something there that wasn't there before,” Narcissa said smiling.
“What’s there mama?” Draco asked.
Narcissa smiled and kissed the cup. “I’ll tell you when you’re older.”
Draco smiled and twirled, “Ok, I’m older.”
The mother laughed shaking her head.
Hermione and the beast continued their day walking around and or reading to one another their favorite book or the part their reading. They walked past the ballroom and Hermione trailed off from what she was reading.
“It’s beautiful.” She said in awe.
The beast looked at her. “Would you like to have a dance tonight?”
Hermione smiled up at the dark shocked eyes. “Yes, I would love to.”
They both made their way to their respective room to get ready. The beast was in her bath dripping with water and cringing as the living coat rack scrubbed her a little too hard.
“I don’t know what I was thinking I asked her without thinking. I don’t know if I can do this.”
Andromeda relit her candles when water was splashed on her. “There’s no time for being timid, you must be bold, dashing, daring. The last rose petal will fall soon.”
The rack pushed the scared woman into the chair and began cutting and combining the mess of hair.
“There will be music and romantic candlelight provided by myself. And when the moment is right, confess your love.”
The beast looked at herself in the mirror becoming confident.
“Yes... I can... I can- I can’t do this.”
“Bellatrix Black! Yes, you will!” Narcissa got into her face. “Because if you don’t you’ll be drinking cold tea for the rest of your life!”
“In the dark.”
“Full of dust.”
“Dark and very dusty!” The mother glared at her mistress.
The beast looked at everyone wide-eyed. Nodding her head she sat still while the coat rack dazzled her up. When she saw herself she bore her teeth and growled.
“There you look so... so..” Andromeda trailed off.
“Stupid.”
“Not what I was going to say… a little off the top.”
Hermione gave the dresser and twirl. The dresser gushed over how beautiful she looked. Then complained about how the beast hates dresses and prefers to dress like a man, she blames her father for always wanting a boy. Hermione was told to follow Severus and meet the beast at the steps.
Hermione watched the beast get nudged by Andromeda to walk down the steps meeting her at the bottom. Holding her arm out, Hermione locked arms and descended the flight of stairs. The footrest barked happily and ran in front of them. Chuckling the two walked to the dining room for supper. The coat rack played beautiful music on the violin while the two ate.
Hermione with a mix of giddiness and happiness watched the beast take her last bite before getting up and leading her to the ballroom. They both turned to one another both a little scared. The room turned to a soft glow and an orchestra scattered around the ceiling plaid softly. Narcissa rested on the cart hidden away softly singing to her son, Andromeda, Severus, and anyone else who was close by.
“Tale as old as time. True as it can be. Barely even friends, then somebody bends unexpectedly…”
Hermione smile widened as she saw the beast swallow when she placed her hand on her waist.
“Just a little change. Small to say the least. Both, a little scared. Neither one prepared.”
They watched the two dance around. The dark-eyed woman surprised Hermione by lifting her into the air and spinning around. One back on the floor Hermione placed her head on the beast’s chest. She could hear it skip a beat and start back up a little faster. The beast looked to her servants with a wide grin. No one was bothered by the show of fangs. Andromeda moved her arms and hands like a heart beating out of her chest, Severus smiled and gave a thumbs up. Narcissa gave a warm smile to the two.
Hermione looked at the three and her face became warm. She saw what Andromeda did, she thought she was signing to her, not to her dance partner. Looking up at said partner she smiled, her eyes locked on the dark ones. They both smiled as they slowed to a stop and walked out to the ledge overlooking the garden. They both sat down bodies facing one another but eyes looking at the snow-covered grass.
“Hermione,” she looked at the beast. “Are you happy here?”
“Yes..” Hermione looked down.
The beast felt her heart flutter, but looking at Hermione her smile turned to a frown.
“But?”
“Can one truly be happy if they aren’t free?”
They both looked away. One was ashamed and the other felt like they ruined a perfectly good evening.
“My papa taught me to dance.” She told the beast.
“Would you like to see him?”
Hermione gave her a raised eyebrow. Smiling softly she grabbed Hermione’s hand and walked her back to her room in the west wing. It was cleaner than before. She gave Hermione a silver and green mirror. “You ask it to see anything you want.” The beast instructed.
Hermione looked at the mirror and pleaded to herself that it worked. “I like to see my father, please.”
The mirror glowed green and an image of her father lost in the woods showed.
“Papa!” She exclaimed.
The beast looked worried.
“He’s sick and lost. He’s all alone.”
The beast looked at the glowing rose, her eyes burned with tears knowing what she must do. “Then you must go to him.”
“What did you say?” Hermione couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“Go, I set you free. You are no longer my prisoner.”
Hermione went to return the mirror stopping when the beast told her to keep it, “so you have a way to look back and remember me.” She told her.
“Thank you.”
She was gone. The beast changed out of her dress clothes and watched Hermione and Philippe run away. She let out a loud and heart-shattering roar powerful enough to shake the castle. Hermione wiped her tears and looked back at the beast.
Severus walked in after smiling happily. “I knew you could do it! Honestly, I never did believe in love but you showed me that-”
“I let her go.”
“W-Why?” Severus couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“Because I love her.” She turned back and looked outside.
Philippe ran faster knowing the humans needed help. Pushing himself faster he and Hermione saw Wendell lying in the snow sleeping. Hermione managed to get Wendell on the horse and get them home. Once inside Hermione made Wendell a hot cup of tea and helped him drink.
“Hermione, how did you escape?”
“She let me go.”
“That horrible beast?”
“Oh, Papa she changed somehow.”
Before she could tell him all the things she had done and saw a knocking on the door pulled her attention. Opening the door she saw D’arque, the man who owns the insane asylum.
“Can I help you?”
He smiled evilly. “Yes, I’ve come for your father.”
“My father?”
“Don’t worry we’ll take good care of him.”Hermione looked behind him, the whole town was standing outside, some holding torches to light the night, others had a sower look on their face.
“My papa is not crazy.”
Ron walked up to the two. Harry on his heels. “He’s been raving about a beast,” Harry told her shyly. The villagers all agreed.
“Hermione?” Wendell came outside wondering what was happening.
“Wendell, tell us about the beast.” Harry smiled.
Wendell gladly began to tell everyone about the beast. “Well, she was...enormous. I'd say at least seven, no more like nine feet!”
The villagers laughed and yelled to lock him up. “Papa!” Hermione yelled watching them pick him up and put him in the patted cart.
Ron stood by. “Poor Hermione. It must be hard seeing your father be locked away.”
She turned to him knowing he’d help. “You know he's not crazy.”
“I might be able to clear up this little misunderstanding, if…”
“If what?”
“If you marry me.”
“What?” She gasp.
“One little word, Hermione. That's all it takes.”
“Never!”
“Fine have it your way.” Ron walked into the crowd. Harry once more on his heels.
Hermione ran back inside and grabbed the mirror. Once back outside she told everyone if they wanted a beast she’d show them. “Show me the beast!” Turning it to everyone the mirror glowed and showed the beast looking out of her castle. The crowd gasped and began asking if it was dangerous.
“No, she wouldn’t hurt anyone. I know she looks vicious but she’s really kind and gentle. She’s my friend.”
Ron looked at her face and held the same love that the woman in the village gave him. “If I didn’t know any better I’d say you cared for this monster.”
Hermione glared at the man and sneered. “She’s no monster, you are!”
Feeling angry he ripped the mirror from her hands getting a closer look at this monster. “She’s as crazy as the old man! Just look at this!” He turned and everyone saw the beast again.
The villagers started to talk about it.
“We're not safe until she's dead.”
“She'll come stalking us at night!”
“Set to sacrifice our children to her monstrous appetite!”
“She'll wreak havoc on our village If we let her wander free!”
“I say we kill the beast!” Ron yelled to the crowd.
Hermione tried to tell them they were wrong and that the beast was kind.
“If you're not with us you're against us! Lock her up also!”
She was thrown next to her father. While the villagers continued to talk about killing the beast and hanging it on Ron’s wall. Wendell hugged Hermione not believing the beast would set her free. “I need to warn her!” Hermione started kicking the doors.
“Warn her? Why did she let you go?”
“Papa she’s changed.”
Wendell looked at his daughter with a new understanding. “Fine. Ok, help.”
Hermione threw her arms around her father, thanking him over and over.
“Ok, the lock should be a piece of cake just need something to pick it with it.”
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
At the castle, the cursed servants looked outside watching the villagers coming out of the forest.
“Warn the mistress, lock the castle. We’re going to war!” Severus yelled out.
Everyone scattered. Going to different places. Narcissa had her job to tell the mistress.
“Mistress?”
“Leave me be.”
“But Mistress, the invaders.”
“Let them come.” She sighed in defeat. Narcissa walked away leaving her alone.
Hermione along with Wendell raced to the castle on Philippe’s back. Racing against time. Ron and his band of angry villagers bust through the door. All was silent. Harry chuckled at the teapot and cup, after asking if the pot was the cup’s grandmother things turned to hell. Household items came to life and jumped at everyone.
“Grab whatever you can but remember the beast is mine!” Ron said running up the steps. Getting out of a fight right away.
He moved in and out of the rooms his gun aimed and ready for fire. Once he was in the beast's room, he was ecstatic, the beast was here and looked so sad and defeated. Shooting once the beast screamed in pain Ron charged and rolled them out the window. He was confused after being shot the beast should have fought back. The beast just sat there depressed.
“What’s the matter beast? Too soft and gentle to fight back!” He kicked her making her slip down the roof.
Hermione and Wendell came to the castle. Hermione saw Ron kick the beast, she let out a scared no. The beast picked her head up and looked down at the ground, blinking a few times, it looked like Hermione was running up the steps and into the castle.
“Hermione?” She whispered.
Hermione ran past everyone going right to the beast’s room. By the time she got there Ron had the beast lying on the roof, Ron held a part of the castle decor, like a club, in his hand raised and ready to hit her.
“Ron, no!” Hermione yelled.
In a snap, the club Ron had in his hand was grabbed from him and tossed away. Hermione watched the beast and Ron started to attack one another. The beast snapped her jaws at him making him slip on the icy roof and jump away hiding in the shadows.
“Come on out and fight! Were you in love with her, beast? Did you honestly think she'd want you when she had someone like me?” Ron held his pistols ready to fire at any moment.
Hermione watched with horror as the two went about. The beast lurking in the shadows almost as if playing tag with Ron. She moved to a better location yelling at Ron to stop and leave. The beast becoming provoked enough showed herself nocking the guns out of his hands. Grabbing Ron by his neck the beast lifted him over the edge. He clawed at her arms begging her to let her go.
“Put me down! Please, I’ll do anything!”
Her dark eyes cold with anger softened at the sight. Here is a man trying to prove himself in the wrong way but once he lets that mask go he is a scared broken man. Hermione watched her bring Ron back.
“Get out.”
Ron ran away slipping and sliding. The beast turned to Hermione with a soft smile on her lips. Backing up the edge of the small tower she got on all fours and leaped to where Hermione stood. Hermione and the beast smiled at one another.
“You came back.” She said not believing Hermione stood in front of her. She cupped Hermione’s cheek. Her heart was full at the sight of her.
With searing pain, the beast pulled away roaring as a knife cut into her back.
“No!” Hermione yelled and pulled the beast closer to her.
Ron lost his footing and fell down the castle tower. Hermione helped the beast to lay on the ground who grunted in pain. The bullet and knife wounds bleeding heavily.
“You’re here.” She said short of breath.
“Shh everything will be ok you’ll see.” Hermione kept one hand in hers and then continued to run her hand over the beast's furred face and neck.
“At least I got to see you one last time.” The beast smiled.
Hermione’s eyes widened seeing her dark eyes lose their light. Her hand she was holding went limp. She looked at the other woman, her hand over her mouth in disbelief.
“No, no, no. Please don’t leave me!” Hermione laid her head on the woman’s chest tears sliding down her nose to the cloth-covered chest. “I love you.”
The objects walked into the room, they looked between the two on the floor and to the rose watching the last petal fall. Andromea kept her head high while the other turned to cry realizing their mistress was dead and fate had been sealed. She was the only one to notice the same enchantress who cursed them to walk to the dead flower. She heard Hermione say I love you with a broken heart.
The enchantress lifted her hand rewinding time on the rose. Once the rose was back with all the petals she taped the glass. It burst into water droplets floating in the air drifting over to the beast. They wrapped around her like her cloak and lifted her into the air.
Hermione moved back startled. She along with the object looked up at the beast. Her clawed hands and back paws glowed becoming human hands and feet, her fur disappeared into skin, her horns curled back into her head, and her tail dropped away with the water droplets. A gust of wind blew the leftover beast-like features from her face. Gradually she was placed back on the floor.
Hermione took a step toward the woman. Her hand out, pulling it back after a moment. The person on the floor grunted and slowly made it to their feet. Thick black curly hair blocked the woman's face while she looked over her body. Hermione gripped her collar and bit her knuckle watching this woman figure out her body again. A small chuckle left the woman. Her eyes snapped up and she turned to the woman with dried tears. Hermione looked over the woman.
“Hermione… it’s me.”
Hermione looked over the taller woman closer. She combed through her black hair and fixed the stretched collar. Her brown eyes scanned everything and finally her dark brown eyes.
“It is you.” Hermione jumped in the woman's arms, who twirled them.
Laughing she placed Hermione down. They looked at one another with love in their eyes. Hermione pulled the transformed woman down into a searing kiss. The enchantress snapped her fingers with a smile. The snow melted away changing the dark gargoyles into gold and marble cherubs once again. The snow was replaced by green grass and bright colorful flowers. One by one the servants returned to their human bodies. The princess pulled away from Hermione with a dopey smile. The two lovebirds looked at the servants giggling.
“Severus! Andromeda! Oh, Narcissa!” The princess hugged them all, when the cup came in riding the footrest they wiped out turning into a kid and dog. “Draco!” The princess picked the boy up kissed his cheek and gave a hug to his mother. The dog barked happily around Hermione and the princess. The enchantress smiled at them all and disappeared once more.
The castle once more in its prime beauty held a ball. The guests allowed to be there were everyone. From the poorest villager to the princess and her love. Hermione laughed as she was spun around by her love. Those dark eyes looking at her with warmth she only read in fairytales.
“I love you, Bellatrix.” Hermione said.
“I love you, Hermione, more than you know.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~The End~~~~~~~~