To a Better End

Chapter 39

October 31st 1976

True to her word, Bella did indeed send over an entire outfit, including shoes that were charmed to fit the wearer. There was a lovely long-sleeved, green turtleneck shirt and a pair of black trousers that flared at the bottom. The shoes were ankle boots that had a thick three-inch heel. Bella included what Hermione could only describe as the most flattering set of robes she'd seen. Not only did she provide a robe for the dinner, but she included a few others for any "opportunities that may arise."

The black fabric sparkled, as though actual stars were woven into the material. Hermione slipped the robe over her shoulders, buttoning it magically. The waist was tapered in and flowed around her legs, stopping just above her ankles. The sleeves split at the elbow, showing off the emerald colour of her top.

Hermione stood in the flat of the shop, waiting for Bellatrix to meet her there to side-along to Grimmauld Place. Looking in the mirror was quite startling. With the black curls Draco had given her, she looked eerily similar to the younger Bella. Almost as if they could be family.

Pacing was all she could do while she listened to the ticking of the clock. After a quick glance at the kitchen cabinet, Hermione decided to take a page from Antonin's book and grabbed the vodka out. She took a quick swig and scrunched her face as she swallowed it. The shiver that followed was immediate, but then she took a steadying breath and took one more drink. This night was going to need a little bit of liquid courage, although liquid luck would have been better.

Admittedly, Hermione was expecting a loud and obnoxious knock. But the knock at the shop's front door was delicate. If she didn't have one of Fred and George's extendable ears helping her listen, she would have missed it completely.

With a wave of her wand, all the last-minute things were tidied, and Hermione was on her way out. Bella stood outside the shop looking like wizarding royalty. Although, perhaps she was considered as such. Her robes were a deep maroon colour, closer to blood than anything else. The fabric clung to every curve of Bella's body in a way that showed off her assets. Her mess of curls had been appropriately tamed into a half-up hairdo. To think there was a time that this witch looked presentable, and Hermione was here to witness it.

The moment Hermione stepped out of the shop, Bella stepped into her for a quick embrace and two cheek kisses. She was never going to get used to that.

Hermione locked up and reset the wards that Antonin had established after the visit from Bella.

Bella spoke from behind her as she placed the keys back in her pocket, "Those wards are something. Did you place them?"

Turning to look at her, Hermione smiled at the impressed look the witch was giving her. "No, actually. I have a friend that helped with them."

Bella took a moment to assess the witch. "You haven't gone to school for magic have you?"

"No," she lied.

Bella hummed in response and laced her arm around Hermione's. "Shall we?"

As soon as Hermione nodded, she felt the pull. It was dark and painful. It spoke volumes about the things Bella already did. As they appeared in front of Grimmauld Place, Hermione felt off balance and took a moment to grasp her bearings.

"Sorry, little dove. You'll get used to it."

She sincerely hoped she wouldn't, but she merely smiled in response.

It occurred to Hermione that she didn't know who would be attending this dinner. How many of the Blacks would be sitting at the table listening to her lies? How many old friends would sit there while she drank to their good health?