Willing change: revised edition

4

Hermione groaned as she sat up. She looked around and realized that she was in the hospital wing. As she moved to the side of her bed Harry walked in.

"Hermione, you're awake."

He came over and sat in the chair across from her.

"Hermione, what happened?"

Hermione looked at him for a moment before rubbing the back of her neck.

"I don't entirely know to be honest. One moment me and Draco were talking. I remember we started talking about something to do with his family then I felt like my head was being split open. I remember Draco asking if I was alright, but then everything went dark."

"So he didn't do anything to you?"

"No Harry, I don't know what happened but he had nothing to do with it."

Harry looked at his friend, processing her words. He let out a sigh before getting up and offering her his hand. She took it and they walked out of the hospital wing. Hermione thought for a moment, then looked at Harry.

"Harry, how long was I out?"

"A day, but I think most of it was just sleep."

The two friends laughed and made their way to the common room.

Malfoy manor

Narcissa walked by her sister on the sofa, plucking the glass of firewhiskey from her hand, earning her a rude look from Bella. She sat beside her and Bella instantly put her hand out for her cup.

"Bella do you really think it's wise to drink after what happened yesterday?"

Bellatrix brought her hand up to her head, lightly touching the bruised skin. Narcissa giggled at her action, causing her to huff and snatch her glass from her sister.

"I'm drinking in case it happens again."

"What do you think brings it on?"

"I don't know Cissy…"

The two women sat silent, Bella sipping her drink. Narcissa looked at Bella with a worried look and turned to face her.

"Could it have anything to do with the prophecy?"

Narcissa was surprised when Bella didn't snap at her and simply laid her head back on the sofa. Bella sighed.

"I don't know. I don't think so, or at least I've never heard of a prophecy having this kind of an effect."

Bella stares blankly into the fire before quietly talking again.

"If it is… do you think she feels it too?"

Narcissa looked at her, trying to read the emotions in her eyes. Bella looked over to her and grinned. 

"If so I hope she suffers."

"Bella…"

"I do. Life is trying to force me to go against everything I was ever taught."

"Maybe that's what you need."

Bellatrix went silent, staring coldly at her sister. Her shoulders tensed up and her jaw tightened. Narcissa noticed but it didn't phase her.

"You were so happy when we were younger. Then Tom happened. Then Rodolphus. Don't you think you deserve to be happy again?"

Bella snarled, her breath catching in her throat.

"A filthy mudblood isn't going to make me happy Narcissa."