Senses

Chapter 43

Hermione pressed herself tight to the rock side, the path that had led up to the cave had become impossibly narrow. She didn't want to jump down to the next ledge for fear of running into whomever she'd heard walking. No, it was broad daylight, her concealment charm would be easily spotted by a keen eye. She had to be careful and move with purpose.

A soft feminine whine ran her blood cold. At first, she thought she was about to have another flashback when the sound of dragged feet finally met her ears. With her heart in her throat, she cautiously peeked around the next bend, she was just about level with the path below and she could now make out a figure in the shadow of the cliffside.

When they stepped into the light her adrenaline kicked her in the teeth. She knew that hair, she knew those crazy eyes. Bellatrix Lestrange. Hermione pressed herself back behind the corner. Her breath stuck in her chest as the woman walked past. She was dragging her feet and mumbling something profane before she turned on the spot, looking directly at her for a split second before completing her turn.

"Well come on then. I haven't got all day."

"Yes, dear." A gruff defeated sounding man appeared next, carrying a bag around his shoulder. It appeared heavy by the slump in his shoulders but he seemed able to carry it well enough.

"Hmph." Bellatrix turned back, her eyes narrowing just a little as her nostrils picked up a soft scent that didn't seem to belong. She paused for only a moment before continuing on down the path, "Couldn't make the wards any larger could they? Ridiculous."

Hermione could no longer hold the breath in her chest and let out the air as silently as she could. With great hesitance, she took a silenced step just far enough to see where'd they'd gone. Another cautious step brought her further around the bend, she could make out their backs through the small haze that was beginning to form and a tunnel entrance. Then, just like that, they were gone. No sound, no apparation just, gone.

Her hand came up to the pendant on her chest, unknowingly covering the picture that it produced. She was supposed to be finding Harry, but why would Bellatrix be so far away from 'home'? What could have possibly brought her here? Was this where Voldemort had hidden his Horcrux? Had she been sent to move it? Guard it?

Her fingers slipped down to her hip, where she took the hilt of her cursed dagger tightly in her palm. Could she possibly stand a chance against one of the most insane yet competent witches the dark side possessed? Did she dare to think herself capable of fighting two to one? No, she'd have to be creative. There was no way to fight Bellatrix head on, she'd have to be...Slytherin, in her tactics.

With the knowledge that her concealment charm was sufficient, she crept forward. Her ears and eyes sharp as she entered the mist. It felt cold, yet alive somehow. The further she walked, the more sound came into focus. A soft murmuring of voices, distorted and unintelligible, but definitely in mass. Had she stumbled across a Death Eaters' meeting? Was the Dark Lord there?

So many questions, only one answer. She had to go into the shimmering wall. She had to see what laid beyond the veil. With a glance behind, she found herself bringing herself up tall. The pendant on her chest felt warm, the pin on her lapel would be her safety net. Untraceable, she could be gone in seconds. Possibly before anyone even got a look at her.

A stern nod to affirm her plan and she was moving, her shoulders straight and her head held high. She was a warrior, a demon. Someone to be feared. Her eyes closed for only a moment as she walked through the icy-cold invisible wall. Sound and footsteps greeted her ears and her eyes snapped open to an entirely new world.

The small entrance she'd walked through had opened up to a grand cavern. Fire burned, lighting the impossibly dark space with an orange glow. People—of obvious dubious intent—were moving about between different make-shift stalls. Some in pairs, others alone. Their voices were low, but their eyes were sharp.