mickume/harry_potter_tiny · Datasets at Hugging Face

text stringlengths 12 10.4k
Bellatrix sighed, looking out at the world. She was quiet; her jaw clenched as if a fury was bubbling to the surface.
Slowly, Hermione reached out and took her hand. "You’re learning," she assured. "You like my family."
"But that could change," Bellatrix said. "It took one evening, apparently, before I decided to join some shitty murder cult."
"It didn’t take one evening," Andromeda frowned. "Look, I can’t tell you that you won’t become that person again. I think we can all become the worst versions of ourselves if the right circumstances happen. But I think we’re capable of being the best versions of ourselves if we try."
"And what would that be?" Bellatrix asked. "Do you really think I could become some delighted person going out of their way to say griffin cubs from trees?"
"You? No," Andromeda laughed. "But I think you love the people closest to you very fiercely, and the best version of you will protect them no matter the cost. My sister used to protect Narcissa and me from Mother. My sister had a temper but didn’t hurt people who didn’t deserve it. You are an ambitious, cunning woman, and the hat was right to put you in Slytherin all those years ago. But I believe you’re also courageous and have a lot of loyalty, so I believe Dumbledore was right to place you in Gryffindor this time to give you a new chance at becoming someone else."
Sirius sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, it might not be much, but the fact that you can let Hermione touch you tells me that there’s a good fucking chance you’re gonna turn out fine, alright?
Bellatrix turned to look at Bellatrix before her eyes flicked away. Slowly, she let go of Hermione’s hand, moving to sip at her coffee.
There was a conflict on her face. Hermione knew that. But there was a relief to it, too. Perhaps, in the end, they would all be okay.
"I’ll talk to Dumbledore," Sirius said, scratching his chin. "See if I can convince him to let you visit at Easter. You can see how fucked up the house is if you want?"
Bellatrix didn’t smile, but there was something there, nonetheless. The rest of the afternoon, they chatted for a while about small things because Andromeda needed to leave for errands, which left Harry and Sirius needing to return home, as well.
When Bellatrix and Hermione eventually returned home, Hermione was happy to see that the witch's agitated mood had simmered down.
Later that evening, Hermione asked, "So...how did you find it?"
Bellatrix turned to look at her. "They were different," she admitted. "What’s your opinion of Sirius?"
"Well, he’s a little odd. He’s Harry's godfather, and I think he sometimes looks at Harry and sees Harry’s father instead of him. But I don’t think Harry cares since Sirius is basically the only family he has left that doesn’t treat him like an inconvenience."
Bellatrix’s expression pressed. "So you think he’s...."
"Don’t get me wrong," Hermione said hastily, realising that honestly was probably not the best policy at that moment. "He’s charming and well-meaning. A bit of a drama queen at times, though he seemed more mellow today."
Probably, Hermione realised, because he’s been allowed out of the house as a free man. Now that he no longer has to worry about things and has been able to reconnect with Andromeda, Hermione suspected that he was slowly able to return to normal. Whatever normal was.
Still a drama queen, Hermione affirmed.
"Thank you, Hermione," Bellatrix said, and she leant forward, kissing her cheek. "It means a lot that you were there. I would have probably left if you hadn't been there and..." she trailed off, looking aside. "Andromeda seemed nice."
"She did," Hermione agreed. "She’s Tonk’s mother."
Bellatrix paused, a strange expression passing over her face. "So...I’m Tonk’s Aunt?"
"And Draco’s," Hermione added.
To that, Bellatrix laughed. "Good to know all that hexing was me doing my Aunty duties then," she said, smiling at Hermione. And then it seemed to fracture as Bellatrix took a breath. "I don’t know why I had a psychotic break, but I liked to believe it won’t happen again."
"I think it was because you were made to do terrible things. I think He became your mentor, and you wanted to impress him. You were clearly in awe of his power, and your father liked him enough. It stands to reason that you would have done things he said, especially to prove you were as capable as any wizard. And to do any of that, you must have needed to convince yourself that you’re the hero. It would drive anyone as intelligent as you to madness."
Bellatrix frowned, looking aside. "She seems like a different person now. That Bellatrix. I like being Bella."
"Like being a Gryffindor this round?" Hermione teased.
Bellatrix gave a mock huff before she laughed. "You and Ginny are alright. Not sure about the others."
It was enough. Hermione felt the pride in her chest expand at the words.
In the new year, they returned to Hogwarts. Bellatrix had begun to spend more time with Daphne, though it usually appeared to be in the times that Hermione was absent. Each moment stung, and Hermione felt the bitterness burn inside her chest every time Ginny and Bellatrix spoke.
She had other things to distract her, though. Harry had been provided with a task by Dumbledore––to obtain memories from Slughorn. Together, they sat thinking of different ways to go about it.
"Ron thinks I should just hang back after Potions," Harry said as they walked back from Hagrid’s Hut, having had morning tea with him.
"I think you should be careful," Hermione said. "And really choose your moment. If you’re too direct, you’ll only make it harder for yourself.
"And what would the right moment be?"
Hermione sighed, "Probably something like the Christmas Party. Wait until he’s drunk or something. I don’t know Harry, but this afternoon seems like a bad idea."
Needless to say, Hermione was right. During potions, Slughorn had them make an antidote for different poisons. For once, Hermione had been certain that Harry wouldn’t be able to trick his way into success, given that devising an antidote was something based on skill.
Throughout the lesson, Hermione flicked through the potions book and glanced at Harry, satisfied as he and Ron both seemed to flounder with the task. However, as it came time to present, Harry grabbed a Bezoar stone and presented that.
Hermione balked, watching with horror as Slughorn went from staring at the stone to laughing, finding amusement in it! She knew Harry had stolen the idea from the book, that he hadn’t even thought of it himself.
Hands clenching at her side, she fought to push away and watched as Bellatrix looked at her, arms folded beneath her chest as she raised an eyebrow. "You alright?"
"Fine," she said. But when the end of class was called, Hermione banished her antidote from the cauldron before packing her stuff up and leaving without another word. She knew Harry would attempt to speak to Slughorn following that and would fail, and Hermione wanted nothing to do with Harry at the moment.
However, as she stormed through the halls, Bellatrix grabbed her. "Hey!" She said. "Why are you running off?"
"Because I’m sick and tired of Harry getting all the credit for being the first in the class!" She said.
Bellatrix’s expression shifted, amusement breaking through, and Hermione scowled. "No, sorry," Bellatrix said, managing to school her features. "I mean, it just sounds like your jealous."
"I am," Hermione snapped, looking at her. "I am because I have worked hard for that. I worked so hard to be first. I do the homework, I read the textbook, I read ahead, I get extra textbooks to be further ahead and then by pure, blind luck, Harry manages to get some stupid textbook, and now suddenly he’s the best?"
Bellatrix frowned, looking at her. "Why does it matter? You know your the best. Slughorn knows your good, Hermione and sure, now these tricks work for him, but when the final exam comes, he’s not allowed to bring his textbook. He’ll have to do it by skill, and if he’s been coasting off someone else’s work..." she trailed off, looking at her. "You’re going to be fine."
"It’s all a lie. He’s winning out of a lie."
"He’s your friend, isn’t he?" Bellatrix offered. "So you can either tell on him or let go."
Hermione sucked in a breath, nodding. Fine, for the moment, she would let it go, but it didn’t mean she would stop telling Harry to give the book up.
"Why don’t we go to the library?" Bellatrix offered. "Find some book you can stroke."
Hermione’s face warmed at the comment as she stared at the woman. "Why must you say it like that?"
"Because it makes you turn a pretty shade of pink," Bellatrix teased. "Now...?"
"Fine, but I need to research anyway," she declared. All of her homework was up to date, and ever since Harry had mentioned Horcruxes she was curious to discover what they were. However, it was only when they’d arrived at the library and Bellatrix enquired as to what they were looking for that Hermione realised that there was one person who might know outside of Dumbledore and Slughorn.
"Bella, do you what a horcrux is?"
Bellatrix flinched, her expression paling. "Why would you want to know about that?"
"I...heard about it. In passing."
"Liar," Bellatrix hissed.
Hermione balked, pressing back against the library shelves as her breath tightened. For the first time, in a long time, Bellatrix looked like...that Bellatrix. But as quickly as the malice look crossed the witch’s face, it faced, Bellatrix was looking away, shivering.
"Where did you hear that, Hermione?"
Hermione swallowed. "Harry was asked by Dumbledore. It’s for research...to know more about...him."
When Bellatrix met her eyes again, there was dark, hollow look. "Don’t look for the answer. You don’t know what it is."
"I know it means something."
"You know the unforgivables? Crucio? That spell came from the word crux. Horcrux literally means abhorrent torture. If you don’t want nightmares, I would suggest that avoid looking for the answer."
Hermione listened to Bellatrix for the first night, and then later her curiosity overtook her and she took her permission slip for the Forbidden Section of the library and scoured the Dark Arts textbooks. The only mention she came across was in Magick Moste Evile, and all it said was "of the Horcux, wickedest of magical inventions, we shall not speak nor give direction."
It should have been enough. To have Bellatrix pale in such a way, to know that even that dark textbook, which had horrible things like a potion for turning someone inside-out, wouldn’t dare mention it was something Hermione should have taken as to leave alone.
But it annoyed her.
Here was the first thing she couldn’t find any answer on and she knew that Bellatrix knew what it was. She knew that if she pushed the issue, Bellatrix would blow-up at her and she didn’t want that, but she didn’t know where else to find the answer. If Harry needed it, she was going to find it.
Hermione thought about different ways to approach it, but by the time she’d thought about the best way to approach it again, she was distracted by the Apparition lessons.
"Are you going to take it?" She asked Bellatrix.
The woman frowned, looking at the sign-up sheet. "Everyone else in our year is doing it. If I don’t, it will raise more questions."
"But you already know how to do it."
"I know how to do everything," Bellatrix teased, giving her a firm look.
For a moment, Hermione puzzled over it until she realised what the woman was saying. She turned away, hoping the warmth of her skin wasn’t obvious as she flicked through her books. "Well, were there any tips you could provide? Everything I’ve read says it’s about visualising your destination clearly and imaging you’re already there, sort of willing it and then turning on the spot as you..." she trailed off, watching as Bellatrix’s eyes glazed over, though she was still watching her. "What?"
Bellatrix shrugged. "There’s too many steps. You turn and go."
"Turn and go? That’s ridiculous. You need to––"
"Yes, know where your going, but it’s not a whole process of shutting your eyes and visualising. When your apparating, your going somewhere you know. So you turn and go there."
Hermione didn’t find the advice helpful at all, but when it came to the lesson and their teacher, Mr Twycross from the ministry was going about the "three D’s’ (Destination, Determination and Deliberation) Hermione wondered if the books she read had over complicated it. The seventh year was set out across the Great Hall, lined up before hoops that was only six or so feet away from them.
When Mr Twycross permitted, they turned on their heel, casting the spell.
It came as no surprise when Bellatrix disapparated and re-apprated in her hoop. "Very good, Miss Black!" Mr Twycross said. "Very good. We’ll try a further distance for you, next time. Now, everyone else please adjust your hoops and return to your places."
Hermione felt her frustration grow as they tried again and Bellatrix, again, got it (because it was so easy for her). Only on the fourth attempt did anyone else manage, but Susan Bones had splinched, leaving her leg behind.
The teachers rushed to her, reuniting her with the leg again as Susan sobbed. Hermione knew, even with out Mr Twycross explaining it, that the splinching occurred when someone’s mind was split between one place and another.
The lesson was finished after that and Hermione was left burning with frustration. Before Bellatrix could give her a smug look, she stalked off, back to Gryffindor tower where she pulled out her homework and worked on it.
"You alright?" Ginny asked.
"Fine," Hermione said, before sighing, dropping her quill. "No," she admitted. "Apparition was hard. I couldn’t manage to move into the stupid hoop at all."
"Oh yeah, Fred and George failed their first test," Ginny said. "I think the only person who passed their test the first time was Percy. It’s tough. Mum doesn’t even do it any more, and she got her licence."
Hermione softened at that comment, feeling a little better. "Bellatrix managed to get it in the first go."
"Yeah, but she was raised with magic, wasn’t she? If you had been raised with magic your whole life, you would have got it on the first go, too," Ginny assured.
Hermione knew as well that the reason why Bellatrix was able to do it so well and easily was that she had over thirty years of experience on her, so comparing each other was a bit ridiculous, but...it made her feel inadequate.
"Why are you so fussed about beating Bella, anyway? Are you jealous?"
"No, it’s not jealousy. I know Bella’s better at a lot of things. I mean, my essays are better, but that’s only because she doesn’t care. She still gets good marks though, so that’s a bit intimidating because I don’t think I could get the marks if I didn’t try so hard, but people work differently so I shouldn’t really compare myself because maybe if she tried it wouldn’t be as good...which is ridiculous, it would probably be better than me, because she’s probably one of the greatest witches that––"
"Merlin, Hermione. You..." Ginny paused, before holding her tongue as she smiled. "Maybe you should get some private lessons from her."
"We can’t practice without the ministry official lifting the wards."
"Sure you can. You just can’t cast the spell," Ginny said. "I mean, you and her duel, right? This will be something new, and if she’s so good at it that she got it in on her first go, maybe..."
Hermione chewed at the inside of her cheek. "I already asked her for advice...it wasn’t particular helpful."
"What did she say?"
"Just turn and go."
Hermione shrugged. That was it. Some advice.
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Ask her for lessons. Or I’ll tell her that you wanted to ask but chickened out."
Hermione glowered, she would not chicken out. "Fine, I’ll ask her," she assured.
As it was, she didn’t wait long to ask. They ran into each other at lunch. There, Ginny gave an unsubtle nudge before leaving Hermione to speak for herself. Bellatrix gave an odd look before turning to Hermione expectantly, her eyebrow raised.
"I..." Hermione began, feeling a flutter rush through her. She had no idea why, all of a sudden, she was having difficulty explaining herself. She had promised to let go of her feelings for Bellatrix after Christmas when Bellatrix was shown to be interested in Daphne. Swallowing. Hermione tried again. "I was hoping that you could maybe teach me how to Apparate. I couldn’t get so much as a tingle and...I’m worried that when I do it, I’ll splinch myself."

Bellatrix sighed, looking out at the world. She was quiet; her jaw clenched as if a fury was bubbling to the surface.

Slowly, Hermione reached out and took her hand. "You’re learning," she assured. "You like my family."

"But that could change," Bellatrix said. "It took one evening, apparently, before I decided to join some shitty murder cult."

"It didn’t take one evening," Andromeda frowned. "Look, I can’t tell you that you won’t become that person again. I think we can all become the worst versions of ourselves if the right circumstances happen. But I think we’re capable of being the best versions of ourselves if we try."

"And what would that be?" Bellatrix asked. "Do you really think I could become some delighted person going out of their way to say griffin cubs from trees?"

"You? No," Andromeda laughed. "But I think you love the people closest to you very fiercely, and the best version of you will protect them no matter the cost. My sister used to protect Narcissa and me from Mother. My sister had a temper but didn’t hurt people who didn’t deserve it. You are an ambitious, cunning woman, and the hat was right to put you in Slytherin all those years ago. But I believe you’re also courageous and have a lot of loyalty, so I believe Dumbledore was right to place you in Gryffindor this time to give you a new chance at becoming someone else."

Sirius sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, it might not be much, but the fact that you can let Hermione touch you tells me that there’s a good fucking chance you’re gonna turn out fine, alright?

Bellatrix turned to look at Bellatrix before her eyes flicked away. Slowly, she let go of Hermione’s hand, moving to sip at her coffee.

There was a conflict on her face. Hermione knew that. But there was a relief to it, too. Perhaps, in the end, they would all be okay.

"I’ll talk to Dumbledore," Sirius said, scratching his chin. "See if I can convince him to let you visit at Easter. You can see how fucked up the house is if you want?"

Bellatrix didn’t smile, but there was something there, nonetheless. The rest of the afternoon, they chatted for a while about small things because Andromeda needed to leave for errands, which left Harry and Sirius needing to return home, as well.

When Bellatrix and Hermione eventually returned home, Hermione was happy to see that the witch's agitated mood had simmered down.

Later that evening, Hermione asked, "So...how did you find it?"

Bellatrix turned to look at her. "They were different," she admitted. "What’s your opinion of Sirius?"

"Well, he’s a little odd. He’s Harry's godfather, and I think he sometimes looks at Harry and sees Harry’s father instead of him. But I don’t think Harry cares since Sirius is basically the only family he has left that doesn’t treat him like an inconvenience."

Bellatrix’s expression pressed. "So you think he’s...."

"Don’t get me wrong," Hermione said hastily, realising that honestly was probably not the best policy at that moment. "He’s charming and well-meaning. A bit of a drama queen at times, though he seemed more mellow today."

Probably, Hermione realised, because he’s been allowed out of the house as a free man. Now that he no longer has to worry about things and has been able to reconnect with Andromeda, Hermione suspected that he was slowly able to return to normal. Whatever normal was.

Still a drama queen, Hermione affirmed.

"Thank you, Hermione," Bellatrix said, and she leant forward, kissing her cheek. "It means a lot that you were there. I would have probably left if you hadn't been there and..." she trailed off, looking aside. "Andromeda seemed nice."

"She did," Hermione agreed. "She’s Tonk’s mother."

Bellatrix paused, a strange expression passing over her face. "So...I’m Tonk’s Aunt?"

"And Draco’s," Hermione added.

To that, Bellatrix laughed. "Good to know all that hexing was me doing my Aunty duties then," she said, smiling at Hermione. And then it seemed to fracture as Bellatrix took a breath. "I don’t know why I had a psychotic break, but I liked to believe it won’t happen again."

"I think it was because you were made to do terrible things. I think He became your mentor, and you wanted to impress him. You were clearly in awe of his power, and your father liked him enough. It stands to reason that you would have done things he said, especially to prove you were as capable as any wizard. And to do any of that, you must have needed to convince yourself that you’re the hero. It would drive anyone as intelligent as you to madness."

Bellatrix frowned, looking aside. "She seems like a different person now. That Bellatrix. I like being Bella."

"Like being a Gryffindor this round?" Hermione teased.

Bellatrix gave a mock huff before she laughed. "You and Ginny are alright. Not sure about the others."

It was enough. Hermione felt the pride in her chest expand at the words.

In the new year, they returned to Hogwarts. Bellatrix had begun to spend more time with Daphne, though it usually appeared to be in the times that Hermione was absent. Each moment stung, and Hermione felt the bitterness burn inside her chest every time Ginny and Bellatrix spoke.

She had other things to distract her, though. Harry had been provided with a task by Dumbledore––to obtain memories from Slughorn. Together, they sat thinking of different ways to go about it.

"Ron thinks I should just hang back after Potions," Harry said as they walked back from Hagrid’s Hut, having had morning tea with him.

"I think you should be careful," Hermione said. "And really choose your moment. If you’re too direct, you’ll only make it harder for yourself.

"And what would the right moment be?"

Hermione sighed, "Probably something like the Christmas Party. Wait until he’s drunk or something. I don’t know Harry, but this afternoon seems like a bad idea."

Needless to say, Hermione was right. During potions, Slughorn had them make an antidote for different poisons. For once, Hermione had been certain that Harry wouldn’t be able to trick his way into success, given that devising an antidote was something based on skill.

Throughout the lesson, Hermione flicked through the potions book and glanced at Harry, satisfied as he and Ron both seemed to flounder with the task. However, as it came time to present, Harry grabbed a Bezoar stone and presented that.

Hermione balked, watching with horror as Slughorn went from staring at the stone to laughing, finding amusement in it! She knew Harry had stolen the idea from the book, that he hadn’t even thought of it himself.

Hands clenching at her side, she fought to push away and watched as Bellatrix looked at her, arms folded beneath her chest as she raised an eyebrow. "You alright?"

"Fine," she said. But when the end of class was called, Hermione banished her antidote from the cauldron before packing her stuff up and leaving without another word. She knew Harry would attempt to speak to Slughorn following that and would fail, and Hermione wanted nothing to do with Harry at the moment.

However, as she stormed through the halls, Bellatrix grabbed her. "Hey!" She said. "Why are you running off?"

"Because I’m sick and tired of Harry getting all the credit for being the first in the class!" She said.

Bellatrix’s expression shifted, amusement breaking through, and Hermione scowled. "No, sorry," Bellatrix said, managing to school her features. "I mean, it just sounds like your jealous."

"I am," Hermione snapped, looking at her. "I am because I have worked hard for that. I worked so hard to be first. I do the homework, I read the textbook, I read ahead, I get extra textbooks to be further ahead and then by pure, blind luck, Harry manages to get some stupid textbook, and now suddenly he’s the best?"

Bellatrix frowned, looking at her. "Why does it matter? You know your the best. Slughorn knows your good, Hermione and sure, now these tricks work for him, but when the final exam comes, he’s not allowed to bring his textbook. He’ll have to do it by skill, and if he’s been coasting off someone else’s work..." she trailed off, looking at her. "You’re going to be fine."

"It’s all a lie. He’s winning out of a lie."

"He’s your friend, isn’t he?" Bellatrix offered. "So you can either tell on him or let go."

Hermione sucked in a breath, nodding. Fine, for the moment, she would let it go, but it didn’t mean she would stop telling Harry to give the book up.

"Why don’t we go to the library?" Bellatrix offered. "Find some book you can stroke."

Hermione’s face warmed at the comment as she stared at the woman. "Why must you say it like that?"

"Because it makes you turn a pretty shade of pink," Bellatrix teased. "Now...?"

"Fine, but I need to research anyway," she declared. All of her homework was up to date, and ever since Harry had mentioned Horcruxes she was curious to discover what they were. However, it was only when they’d arrived at the library and Bellatrix enquired as to what they were looking for that Hermione realised that there was one person who might know outside of Dumbledore and Slughorn.

"Bella, do you what a horcrux is?"

Bellatrix flinched, her expression paling. "Why would you want to know about that?"

"I...heard about it. In passing."

"Liar," Bellatrix hissed.

Hermione balked, pressing back against the library shelves as her breath tightened. For the first time, in a long time, Bellatrix looked like...that Bellatrix. But as quickly as the malice look crossed the witch’s face, it faced, Bellatrix was looking away, shivering.

"Where did you hear that, Hermione?"

Hermione swallowed. "Harry was asked by Dumbledore. It’s for research...to know more about...him."

When Bellatrix met her eyes again, there was dark, hollow look. "Don’t look for the answer. You don’t know what it is."

"I know it means something."

"You know the unforgivables? Crucio? That spell came from the word crux. Horcrux literally means abhorrent torture. If you don’t want nightmares, I would suggest that avoid looking for the answer."

Hermione listened to Bellatrix for the first night, and then later her curiosity overtook her and she took her permission slip for the Forbidden Section of the library and scoured the Dark Arts textbooks. The only mention she came across was in Magick Moste Evile, and all it said was "of the Horcux, wickedest of magical inventions, we shall not speak nor give direction."

It should have been enough. To have Bellatrix pale in such a way, to know that even that dark textbook, which had horrible things like a potion for turning someone inside-out, wouldn’t dare mention it was something Hermione should have taken as to leave alone.

But it annoyed her.

Here was the first thing she couldn’t find any answer on and she knew that Bellatrix knew what it was. She knew that if she pushed the issue, Bellatrix would blow-up at her and she didn’t want that, but she didn’t know where else to find the answer. If Harry needed it, she was going to find it.

Hermione thought about different ways to approach it, but by the time she’d thought about the best way to approach it again, she was distracted by the Apparition lessons.

"Are you going to take it?" She asked Bellatrix.

The woman frowned, looking at the sign-up sheet. "Everyone else in our year is doing it. If I don’t, it will raise more questions."

"But you already know how to do it."

"I know how to do everything," Bellatrix teased, giving her a firm look.

For a moment, Hermione puzzled over it until she realised what the woman was saying. She turned away, hoping the warmth of her skin wasn’t obvious as she flicked through her books. "Well, were there any tips you could provide? Everything I’ve read says it’s about visualising your destination clearly and imaging you’re already there, sort of willing it and then turning on the spot as you..." she trailed off, watching as Bellatrix’s eyes glazed over, though she was still watching her. "What?"

Bellatrix shrugged. "There’s too many steps. You turn and go."

"Turn and go? That’s ridiculous. You need to––"

"Yes, know where your going, but it’s not a whole process of shutting your eyes and visualising. When your apparating, your going somewhere you know. So you turn and go there."

Hermione didn’t find the advice helpful at all, but when it came to the lesson and their teacher, Mr Twycross from the ministry was going about the "three D’s’ (Destination, Determination and Deliberation) Hermione wondered if the books she read had over complicated it. The seventh year was set out across the Great Hall, lined up before hoops that was only six or so feet away from them.

When Mr Twycross permitted, they turned on their heel, casting the spell.

It came as no surprise when Bellatrix disapparated and re-apprated in her hoop. "Very good, Miss Black!" Mr Twycross said. "Very good. We’ll try a further distance for you, next time. Now, everyone else please adjust your hoops and return to your places."

Hermione felt her frustration grow as they tried again and Bellatrix, again, got it (because it was so easy for her). Only on the fourth attempt did anyone else manage, but Susan Bones had splinched, leaving her leg behind.

The teachers rushed to her, reuniting her with the leg again as Susan sobbed. Hermione knew, even with out Mr Twycross explaining it, that the splinching occurred when someone’s mind was split between one place and another.

The lesson was finished after that and Hermione was left burning with frustration. Before Bellatrix could give her a smug look, she stalked off, back to Gryffindor tower where she pulled out her homework and worked on it.

"You alright?" Ginny asked.

"Fine," Hermione said, before sighing, dropping her quill. "No," she admitted. "Apparition was hard. I couldn’t manage to move into the stupid hoop at all."

"Oh yeah, Fred and George failed their first test," Ginny said. "I think the only person who passed their test the first time was Percy. It’s tough. Mum doesn’t even do it any more, and she got her licence."

Hermione softened at that comment, feeling a little better. "Bellatrix managed to get it in the first go."

"Yeah, but she was raised with magic, wasn’t she? If you had been raised with magic your whole life, you would have got it on the first go, too," Ginny assured.

Hermione knew as well that the reason why Bellatrix was able to do it so well and easily was that she had over thirty years of experience on her, so comparing each other was a bit ridiculous, but...it made her feel inadequate.

"Why are you so fussed about beating Bella, anyway? Are you jealous?"

"No, it’s not jealousy. I know Bella’s better at a lot of things. I mean, my essays are better, but that’s only because she doesn’t care. She still gets good marks though, so that’s a bit intimidating because I don’t think I could get the marks if I didn’t try so hard, but people work differently so I shouldn’t really compare myself because maybe if she tried it wouldn’t be as good...which is ridiculous, it would probably be better than me, because she’s probably one of the greatest witches that––"

"Merlin, Hermione. You..." Ginny paused, before holding her tongue as she smiled. "Maybe you should get some private lessons from her."

"We can’t practice without the ministry official lifting the wards."

"Sure you can. You just can’t cast the spell," Ginny said. "I mean, you and her duel, right? This will be something new, and if she’s so good at it that she got it in on her first go, maybe..."

Hermione chewed at the inside of her cheek. "I already asked her for advice...it wasn’t particular helpful."

"What did she say?"

"Just turn and go."

Hermione shrugged. That was it. Some advice.

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Ask her for lessons. Or I’ll tell her that you wanted to ask but chickened out."

Hermione glowered, she would not chicken out. "Fine, I’ll ask her," she assured.

As it was, she didn’t wait long to ask. They ran into each other at lunch. There, Ginny gave an unsubtle nudge before leaving Hermione to speak for herself. Bellatrix gave an odd look before turning to Hermione expectantly, her eyebrow raised.

"I..." Hermione began, feeling a flutter rush through her. She had no idea why, all of a sudden, she was having difficulty explaining herself. She had promised to let go of her feelings for Bellatrix after Christmas when Bellatrix was shown to be interested in Daphne. Swallowing. Hermione tried again. "I was hoping that you could maybe teach me how to Apparate. I couldn’t get so much as a tingle and...I’m worried that when I do it, I’ll splinch myself."