Bellatrix's Judgment

Several hours later, Bellatrix examined a book on the ancient healing arts for the third time in a row. There was nothing there that said that her crazy idea on how to heal the Longbottoms would not work. Then again, there was nothing there that said it would work. Making the magic element of the cure work would be the key. Fortunately, Harry would be able to help her in that area greatly.

Bellatrix was just putting her texts away in their proper places when Captain Nailoff entered the library and gave a deep nod of respect to her.

"Can I help you, captain?" Bellatrix asked, not sure whether she should be worried about the captain of Harry's bodyguard coming to speak with her.

"We captured a trespasser earlier this evening, milady. Count Trazkaban ordered her to be locked up in the dungeons to await your pleasure as Lord Polairix is currently unavailable." Nailoff said neutrally.

Bellatrix raised her eyebrows. Someone had worked hard to find the island and then to trespass on it. "Who is this trespasser?"

"Hermione Granger." Nailoff answered. "The count identified her as a member of the Order and a potential spy. She claims that she has come to talk to Lord Polairix."

The first emotional response to the announcement of Hermione's presence was anger. That little girl had created trouble and emotional pain for Harry. Then there was of course the little incident back at the small town that Voldemort had framed Harry for attacking. Bellatrix blushed when she realized that the 'little girl' was her husband's age. Finally she gained control of her emotions. "Have you locked her up in the dungeon?"

"Yes, milady." Nailoff answered respectfully before going into an account about processing the prisoner. Bellatrix was very amused by the part that took place in the torture chamber.

The next debate that took place in Bellatrix's mind was what to do with the Granger girl. Should she just leave her for Harry to deal with, should she go and beat the snot out of her and then let Harry deal with her, or should she do something else?

Bellatrix decided on something else. Though it was tempting, the impulse to abuse the teenager was no good. However, there were some things she wanted to talk to the girl about and then what Harry did with her was irrelevant as far as she was concerned.

"Take me to where you've locked her up." she commanded Nailoff.

"As you wish, milady." Nailoff said.

Together, Nailoff and Bellatrix made their way down to the dungeons. Bellatrix noted with some amusement that Hermione had been placed in one of the deepest levels that the dungeon had to offer. This pleased her as it demonstrated that the guards felt a sense of loyalty to Harry.

Eventually, Nailoff led her to a cell where she spotted the half-naked girl huddled in a corner of the cell. Hermione had spotted them and was looking at her specifically with some hope in her eyes as well as a great amount of trepidation.

Bellatrix was about to enter the cell when Nailoff held his hand in front of her. "Pardon me, milady. If you mean to interview her in the cell, I must make sure she is restrained. This could be a ploy to assassinate you or Lord Polairix."

Shoving aside self-declarations that she could handle a prisoner, Bellatrix nodded which signaled Nailoff to see to having Miss Granger restrained. If something were to happen, Harry would never forgive himself and not only that, there was no reason to worry Harry about what could have happened. There was also the baby.

Nailoff entered and Hermione rose stiffly from her crouching position. She was still wearing the heavy shackles from earlier so Nailoff made use of them and used them to raise her arms above her head and attached them to a hook that appeared from nowhere as things often did in Nair'icaix. Nailoff then exited the cell with a bow for Bellatrix and then stationed himself a short distance down the hall.

Bellatrix then entered the cell and made eye contact with Hermione. One of the interrogation tips learned long ago came to mind. 'They'll talk on their own and reveal what is important.' Bellatrix took this to heart and while waiting for Hermione to start talking conjured a comfortable arm-chair and sat down.

What Granger said first would be key in figuring out what was the most important to her. She would save the Legillimency for Harry in this case. Bellatrix sat back and then cooly looked Hermione in the eyes. Hermione was clearly nervous, but made a valiant effort to return the gaze.

Finally, she began to talk on her own as Bellatrix had predicted. "I've realized that Harry is innocent and I've come to apologize and do whatever it takes to win back his friendship."

Taking Hermione's declaration of Harry's innocence at face value, Bellatrix zeroed in on the last two parts of the statement. "How do you apologize for a betrayal that caused someone immense pain and indirectly helped Voldemort in his quest to kill and torture?"

This caused tears to run down Hermione's face. "I know that being sorry isn't enough, but what more can I do?"

"Nothing." Bellatrix answered bluntly. "That's why it's hard to apologize. It's bad enough that you gave Voldemort the advantage, but do you realize that Harry will still think himself responsible for those he couldn't save?" This caused Hermione to hang her head in shame as she realized how true Bellatrix's words were.

"How fortunate for you that Harry is a non-confrontational person." Bellatrix continued on. "Knowing him, as soon as he returns from his business, he will promptly tell you that it's okay and send you on your sorry way just to get you out of his way. After that, he'll avoid you and pretend that nothing ever happened. You'll be expected to avoid him as well of course.

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