The Truth.

Chapter 11- Clues

I groaned in discomfort as my ribs snapped back into place and healed. I hated the fact that I still had to hide my true self and knew I wouldn't hide my true self for much longer; not with this healing. I was sat near the lake. I could sense the Mythic's that are in the lake. If I remember correctly, I had read that there was Merpeople to be living in the lake from not only Hogwarts library but from Lucians extensive collection. I knew he would have updated them while I was away, they told the truth rather than speculation and I was excited to explore the new information. I wanted to prepare and be knowledgeable since I was the Keeper of all mythical creatures and sometimes that was daunting, but I was no longer phased. It had been a couple days since the first task, and I was finally able to get away from the teachers questioning eyes to heal my broken ribs. I refused to see Madam Pomfrey and she eventually agreed. But not without giving me some medicine that I ended up giving to Cedric as I didn't need it. I had also found out that Draco was tasked with keeping an eye on me for Bella and had recorded my 'battle' with the dragon and sent it to Lucian. I now knew why he was scared. Not because of the dragon but because of Bella. I had laughed and told him, "You didn't harm me Draco and besides, it was pretend." He looked at me in horror and nearly screeched "That was pretend! It did not look like it! Hermione. Bella going to kill me because you got injured!" I continued to laugh more as he said, "Then she will hunt that dragon down and slaughter it!" I eventually stopped laughing and replied seriously "His name is Trygve." He stared at me wide eyed and then said "Oh so you named the dam dragon. That's fine. You're not worried about the fact that you may get killed by my aunt but more concerned about US TO KNOW HIS NAME!" I just burst out into laughter again. That had put me in good spirits, but I was hurting from being away from my mate. I wouldn't be able to see Bella until the end of the year. The Shrieking Shack was a one off since it was still too risky to project. I was saddened so I had sent all the comfort I could through our bond. I could always tell when she was being attacked by dementors because she blocked our bond, so I didn't feel all the pain she was on and it made me rage and want to tear them limb from limb. She had sent the love back through the bond so that helped a little. I was doing my best to avoid Dumbledore the best I could to not raised suspicion. I just wanted this year to be over so I could be back in my mate's arms and it couldn't go fast enough.

Ron was being petty, and Harry was avoiding everyone. I didn't care for either and I was surprised that Dumbledore hadn't noticed my avoidant behaviour. To others it looked like the 'golden trio' had a falling out. Which is true. Ronald wasn't taking to Harry or me and was spending his time with lavender who was eating up all the attention he was giving her, not that I cared, and Harry just didn't speak to anyone. So, I spent most my time either in the library or sleeping because sleeping was the only time I connect with Bella. Our bond had strengthened, and we had figured out how to use Dreamscape magic. It wasn't well known as it was another old magic that no one used anymore. Although it took more energy out of me to use, we spent every moment we could. Though she wasn't happy when I arrived after I had gone to sleep.

Flashback

As soon as I closed my eyes, I felt myself drift off. I felt arms grab my shoulders and my eyes shot open to see worried dark brown pools. "What did I tell you about getting injured muddy!" I grinned sheepishly and replied with "Uh technically you didn't say anything about injuries, just not to die." She sent a scowl my way then pulled me into her body. Her arms wrapped around my shoulders and my arms wrapped around her waist. Somehow, I could smell Bella, but I wasn't complaining. All the stress of today just melted away. Being relaxed in with my mate's arms around me made me feel elated. "What happened Hermione?" I couldn't help the shudder that went through my body when she said my name. I knew she was serious when she spoke my name as she was worried and wanted the truth which I would give her. I pulled back with her hands still around my waist, and I filled her in on everything and by the end she was staring at me in awe. I blushed under her intense gaze and I questioned "What?" She chuckled and pulled her into her body. I melted and my mind relaxed. "You are aware that not only did you avoid most of the 'fake' attacks, but you were constantly using magic while you were casting curses and moving, all while talking to the Trygve throughout the whole ordeal." I shrugged and said, "That does explain why I have been so tired lately, even though I have gained more power since my training with Lucian." She grinned down at me and said "Oh I know my pretty. And I like it." We spent the next hour in silence, just enjoying each other's presence, even though neither of us were there in the flesh. Bella suddenly tensed up. I spun quickly in her arms and grabbed her face. "Hey, you are going to be ok. I'm here when you're ready ok love?" I felt the darkness surround my mind. The coldness seep in all's round me and settle in my bones. All the pain and the depressive thoughts took over for just a second before she blocked me out and I bolted upright in bed. I frustrated tears ran down my face and I was filled with immense sadness and pain because I was helpless. I cried for the rest of the night because was nothing I could do. My mate was hurting, protecting me even in pain and I hated that I was so useless.

Flashback end

I sighed as I made my way back to my dorm room. I knew that the full moon was coming up again and I had to pretend that I had to 'Go off' somewhere to transform. Dumbledore didn't pay close eye to that thankfully as all I did was go running in the enchanted forest. I didn't have to, but I enjoyed being in my Alpha form; it makes my restlessness settle for a while. I ran across a unicorn and it had bowed its head in respect to me. I had been shocked at first but now I wasn't really surprised after months of seeing most of the magical creatures I came across all bowing in respect or greeting me. I also ran with some of the centaurs. I was writing in an oblivious code to Lucian in case the letters were intercepted. He was posed as my distant uncle. Dumbledore had covered up my adoptive parents' death by staging it as a 'house fire' and I was livid when I found out. I had destroyed all the gym equipment and raged in the room that had training dummies. After hours of just throwing spells and destroying the room, I had calmed down but my rage simmers beneath my skin, ready to unleash at a moment's notice. It was stupid how blinded I was and how others are blinded to Dumbledores ways. Overtime, it was easier to control my temper but did not lesson the fact that I wanted to tear Dumbledore's face off whenever I saw the despicable man. It was coming up to the Christmas Yule ball, but I didn't want to go. I had even got asked by Viktor Krum but had denied him. He wasn't sad and I wasn't bothered. I wouldn't have minded going but I wasn't in the mood for it. It was Christmas time and I was sad as I couldn't see Bella, or I could but only when I was able to sleep and even then, that wasn't always guaranteed. I sighed as I knew I had to prepare for the second challenge, so I settle myself on my bed and prepared myself for research tomorrow.

I casted a muffulo and stuffed some tissue in my ears to help dull the sound. I opened the golden egg again and winced slightly as a muffled screeching permitted through the air. I strained my hearing as much as I could but couldn't make out the words that I could hear underneath the loud screeching. I knew it had something to do with the lake as I noticed stands being set up. It was still only a couple of weeks before the Second task. Suddenly an idea came to me and I grabbed the egg and headed to the girl's bathroom. If all it needs is something to muffle the sound and if it is linked to the Merpeople then maybe this will work. It was late at night and everybody was asleep. I entered the bathroom silently and smelt and scanned the room but sensed no one. As quickly as I could, I stripped down to my bra and panties and got in the already warm water. Let's hope this works. I dunked myself under the water and opens the eggs bracing myself for the screeching, but a soft and melodic voice spoke.

"Come seek us where our voices sound,
We cannot speak above ground,
And while you're searching ponder this;
We've taken what you'll sorely miss,
An hour long you'll have to look,
And to recover what we took,
But past the hour, the prospect's black,
Too late, it's gone, it won't come back."

I resurfaced and steadied my racing heart. Thinking about what they would take but the only thing or person they could take wasn't available as she was locked up. Thinking of Bella sent some pain through my chest. I felt a rush of warmth and smiled as I knew Bella was aware. I sent some warmth back as a thank you but furiously thought over what or who they could possibly take.

Updated 16/01/20