A/N: It's been a while I have been an awful Fanfiction author and generally a bad writer in all. I haven't been writing for a while, a lot has happened in the last year, 2019 was a shit year and this year has not started of much better. I've been through a lot and currently grieving. I wanted to try to get back into writing and HP is always my go to place. I know I have some unfinished stories and for that I'm sorry. I already have some chapters written for this story so it's definitely going ahead. I don't know how many people are left in the Bellamione community but I hope some are still kicking. Given that we are all facing some turbulent times ahead, I have found myself with time to write. I assuming quite a few people will be house bound for seable future, and although most my stories are not generally fluffy stories. I like to imagine they give a sense of hope and this story is not just about overcoming adversaries, but love comes from all places and together we can conquer what we set our minds to.

Brief: This story is A/U, I won't say too much most you will learn through the story itself. Hermione was born years before the trio, she attended school with Lily Evans. I've merged the years slightly to make the story work better, if you think people are out of age then it's been altered for the story to run smoothly. Any questions please do ask but this story has a similar vibe to Fractures. I was mostly inspired by Les Mis for this story, it influenced quite a bit. Please bare in mind this story will not be for the weak of heart it deals with very strong violence from the start.

Warning: this story will deal with violence, sexual mentions and rated for over adults. TAGS: Corruption, violence, mentions of rape, murder, child abuse and illnesses. Warnings will be in place from the star of each story.

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters and no money has been made from this.

Enjoy...

Silence

Part One

"It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live."

― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

She didn't expect a fanfare, would have hated to receive any fuss. It's not in her nature to be in the spotlight, she prefers to lurk in the shadows. No, Bella wasn't expecting anything from her colleagues. The relief was instant when no one turned to look at her, to acknowledge her arrival. Tinged with a brief sadness, did none of them notice her absence?

Get over it, what did you expect? Did you want them to weep or cheer on your arrival? Get over it you're a Black, head up, you need no approval from anyone. Berating herself improved her mood slightly, she was being foolish. Dropping her cloak at the back of her chair, she stares at the pile of reports. Wincing at what the night will hold, a backlog of evidence, reports and witness statements to go through.

Please tell me someone took my cases on. Rubbing the bridge of her nose, she wonders if she can sneak back out maybe no one noticed. She could pretend there was a delay in returning, delay it for one more day. After all, this is the first vacation since she started this job, no one complains. Her fingers dance over the damp cloak, she could just disappear for a while.

"Finally," A voice breaks her reserve, a crooked finger plucks a report from her desk. "Finished this bastard of a case for you."

Releasing a sigh, she pulls her chair back staring at the crumbs on her desk. Someone has been using it while she was away a quick scrougify cleans the desk. Making Rod jump frowning at the use of wandless magic. He hates the unpredictable maybe he should have rethought being an Auror. Nevertheless, they need his planning without it, most of their raids would have failed.

"Taking the piss with your leave," He continues, crushing the shell of peanuts in his spare hand. "Honestly, do you have any idea how much shit we had when you were on your jollies. Your welcome by the way."

"I had a great time, thank you for asking." Bella drawls leaning her hip against the desk.

"Where did you go anyway? Tan your tits while drinking whiskey?"

"Went to Greece, helped hunt wild Grashiop, filleted them with my knife and used their fur to keep me warm through the night."

His left eye twitches the way it does when he thinks too much when he mulls through information. He's not sure whether to believe her or not, it's farfetched but not for her. She is sure as hell isn't going to say she spent a fortnight at her sister's villa in France drinking wine and reading.

"Regardless, I'm not doing your workload next time."

"Too difficult?"

"Ha, you wish, anyway there's been a lot of riots, you've come back to a shit storm."

"I can see that." The run down Aurors, the food lying around, the snoring from exhausted Aurors, the piles of cases being left.

"Activists or some shit like that mudbloods looking for equal rights. If they got a job, they wouldn't be wasting our time." He throws the report on to the desk as he chews loudly on the nut. "Interview room three, one of the rioters, needs interviewing, things got a little out of control."

She's not sure if she's revolted by the loud chewing or the glee that spreads across Lestrange's face. A tinge of red covers his baton hanging loosely from his belt. She can imagine how it could have got out of hand, especially with tempers running high. When will these riots end?

"They resisted arrest." He states a smirk covering his pale lips as he saunters away.

Picking up the file, she flicks through the information, the pictures it looks more of a bloodbath than an actual protest. One of the protesters threw something at the Aurors, something poisonous. Time to see who's in interview room three and what state they're in.

"Oh, and Black," Rod calls from his desk standing next to his brother. "Maybe take a blanket in with you."

Frowning, Bella walks away from the snickering brothers. She collects the reports wondering why she'll need a blanket as she summons one with her wand. Pausing outside the interview room she tries to wonder who is sitting on the other side. The blanket is heavy in her arms and apprehension builds. She wants nothing more than to go back to France to sip on wine and ignore her troubles.

The normal chatter of the canteen the clinking of mugs and loud laughter grates on her nerves. Her every bone taunt with tension, ready to spring, she can taste the friction in the air. Something has changed while she was away, the darkness lingers imprinting its pain.

Shaking her head, she clears the cobwebs, she's just out of sync. She'll be fine in a few days once normality returns. Flicking open her file she scans the name given on arrest, Jane Austin, the name rings a bell, but she cannot place a face. Has she arrested this person before? A passing Auror hands her a coffee without prompting, she inhales the bitter smell. Her apprehension melting away at the sight of the dark liquid. Her concern melting into black coffee, black like her soul.

Taking a sip, she lets the liquid burn her tongue, a reminder that she is human. She can hurt, it's good to remind herself sometimes. She's been getting reckless of late it's why she took a break. Away from work, from family and the complications that come with such responsibility.

Nudging the door open with her foot, she saunters into the room, scanning the file the description of the riots. Placing her coffee down she stops, finally taking in the suspect. She barely hides the shock and manages to place the coffee solidly down on to the table without miraculously spilling any.

Jane Austin – muggle author. Mudblood.

She remembers now, she had seen the authors name a few years back when at school. When rooting through a student's bag, bullying the student before McGonagall interrupted. The mudblood the second brightest witch of the age a year below Bella at school. Her sister Andie obsessed with the filthy bitch, her sister who moved out because of the bitch. My how six years have passed.

Here Bella was a Lieutenant Auror, a brightly burning star destined for greatness if the rumour was to be believed. Smart, Reliable, resilient and damn right stunning she doesn't mind admitting. Her old nemesis at school, equally smart she begrudgingly admits, loyal, brave and not too bad looking for a mudblood.

Finally meeting once more in an eight-foot by six-foot room, barely wide enough to swing a cat. The brothers have tried. Bella looking healthy, rested since her holiday, she had gained her weight back she lost since running herself ragged. Better than she has been in a long time.

Still, she stares half in shock, and the rest in suspended disbelief at the defiant looking Granger who bravely meets her stare. Neither flinching nor looking embarrassed. She'll give Granger merit for that, she's not sure if she were in a similar situation, she could look so cool and collected. On automatic her eyes track Grangers body, searching for weapons, searching for signs of distrust.

All a waste of time as Granger is naked. Well nearly, wearing only a white bra and boxers. She remains naked, her pale skin almost glowing in the brightly lit room. A strange contrast, the word mudblood written in blood across her chest. It's startling, almost sickening to look at she supposes that is the point. To make people take notice, to see them.

Slowly she pulls the empty chair back, swallowing as her eyes track the very bruised body of Granger. The black and blue that cover her abdomen, she knows without even checking Granger has broken rib. Can tell by the broken breathes. The split lip, the dried blood beneath her nose, the black eye Granger she could mistake for playing Quidditch. She knows differently though; these marks were caused by a baton. Can still see the red raw imprint on Granger's shoulders.

Slowly, she unfolds the blanket, releasing Granger from her chains, the girl marked enough she doesn't need angry red welts from the too-tight chains. Begrudgingly Granger accepts the blanket, painfully throwing it over her shoulders. The night has brought drizzle and a chill, the interview room uncomfortably cold. She can see the goosebumps on Granger's arms, the slight tinge of blue on her lips. She honestly could mistake Granger for a dead person, if she were lying still on the ground, she wouldn't hesitate to assume her to be passed.

"So," Bella's voice rings loudly in the small room she winces. "Miss Austin."

A flash of something in Granger's gaze, respect? No maybe amusement at the mention of the alias. Who knows, perhaps Granger has a concussion, perhaps she should call a healer lord knows the witch could do with one. But no, it's not her place to care, she has questions.

"Talk me through the events of the day," Bella says folding her hands together.

"I woke up about six," Granger starts her voice croaky, no doubt thirsty as her eyes keep darting towards the coffee. She can keep dreaming for all Bella cares. "I fed my cat, read a book about eight I ran some basic errands, some shopping. At ten I met some friends in town spent most the day there and was jumped by Aurors."

"Jumped?" Bella replies sceptically. "Who were your friends you met."

"Can't recall their names."

"you don't know your friend's names?"

"no, sorry."

"Not there for the protest that turned to riots?"

"There was a protest?"

Pursing her lips, Bella taps her nails on the table. She had interviewed many a protester, she knew their games. Their answers, some were good some were bloody awful and spilt too much. Granger was something new, calm, collected and almost fearless.

"You're in a lot of trouble you understand, Granger." Barely a flinch at the name.

"Miss Austin, I think you'll find, I haven't done anything wrong."

"Miss Austin…"

"Jane if you prefer." Oh! Butter wouldn't fucking melt.

"Jane." The word barely makes it passed clenched teeth. "You seem very calm for the predicament you're in. You're facing a lot of trouble one might say your fearless or could it be foolish?"

"Miss?" The question hangs and Bella recline in her seat, oh Granger was good.

"Black." Bella hisses the word.

"Auror Black, I was merely shopping with friends when everything seemed to happen at once."

"I'm assuming you want to press charges against the ones who caused you injury?"

"Oh, heaven's no, it was all very chaotic. I'm sure they meant well."

Rubbing her tongue against her teeth, Bella glares at the sweet smiling witch. "What of your clothes?"

"Taken for evidence I assume."

No, it clearly states Granger was picked up naked except for underwear. She's sure in the next few days her picture will appear in the file.

"And the writing on your chest?"

"This slur?" Granger asks looking down at the writing. "Truly breaks my heart someone could write such nastiness."

"You didn't write it yourself?"

"Why would I brand myself with such an ugly word?"

Why indeed? Leaning forward, Bella studies the witch in front of her, no tell, no signs of apprehension. Nothing.

"Miss Austin. You are aware of lying to an Auror during an investigation is a criminal offence, you could face time?"

"I haven't lied about a thing."

"So, you would willingly take truth serum?"

"We both know that's illegal Auror Black. I don't know what more help I can be."

"We don't have an address down on your form."

"I'm between places at the moment."

"Nothing current?"

"No."

"The charges for false impersonation…"

"Auror Black, I have answered your questions given you everything I know. I'm not stupid." No, Bella thinks to herself with a withheld sigh. Granger most certainly is not stupid. "I wouldn't willingly withhold evidence. After all, I am just a casual bystander."

"Interview terminated, eight forty-seven PM. Miss Austin, I believe a friend is here to pick you up."

"I hope so I don't fancy walking back like this." Oh, that smile fucking sweet smile.

"Quite."

"Auror Black," Granger calmly calls her back forcing the witch to turn around. "You think I'm fearless?"

Frowning, Bella wonders if Granger had slipped past her defences seen in her mind. She couldn't have no one has been able to, no one ever will either.

"You appear that way, or foolish."

"It's hard these days to fear something," Granger states as a noise in the hallway grows closer loud arguing heading to their room. "Fear anything, because you have to have something to lose to fear."

"Your life?" Black fires back folding her arms.

"A life? Where everything is limited, where your choices depend on the status of your family and blood. That the likely hood of getting a job that could pay enough to put food on your table is in the chance of one out of five. Just because of the blood running through your veins. I ask you, Black, when the world doesn't see you other than for the status of which you were born. That your skills far suppress those above, but you will never wear their shoes and the chance of affording to live a normal life is less likely than the chance of winning the lottery. What is life if you cannot experience it or live it. Where falling in love is surrounded by stringent laws and the hope of happiness is just that - a hope. What do I have to fear when death offers me only comfort and life brings nothing but hardship and suffering?"

"I thought you weren't at the protest."

"I thought you were in France, drinking wine?"

The sentence strikes a chord, it plucks so hard it makes her grow rigid and the need for her wand is almost tantalising. Any form of response evaporates as the door swings open with force and Lily Evans storms into the room.

"She needs a fucking healer," Lily shouts at the flustered Auror.

"She's free to go," Bella replies wondering at the sight of Evans it could almost be a reunion if Bella didn't hate both these witches.

"She's a victim here not a suspect."

"Is she?"

"You think she chose to go three rounds with a baton or that your Aurors attacked a defenceless witch?" Lily snaps throwing the blanket given to Granger to the floor and wrapping a big fluffy drape around Granger's shoulders instead.

"She didn't want to press charges," Bella replies indifferently.

"Yeah because otherwise, she'll end up dead before the week is out."

"Come on," Granger interrupts gently guiding Evans from the room.

"Hate to see you around here again." Bella threatens. "Miss Austin"

Glaring, Evans wraps her arm around Granger's shoulders. "Come on Jane."

Rolling her eyes, Bella watches the witches slowly walk away frowning as other interview doors open and similar dishevelled and half-naked people exit their interviews. Rabastian lingers near the exit watching the protesters leave, some walking proud while others nurse their wounds.

"Safe journey." Rabastian jibes.

"Laugh all you like," Evans snaps pointing her finger at the wizard. "Just keep laughing, we'll see who's laughing tomorrow morning."

"Is that a threat red?" Rabastian glowers at the bait.

"Lestrange," Bella calls her voices holds no room for arguing Rab backs away.

"Listen to your owner." Granger snorts, a mutter of snickers breaks out from the group as they all head to the floo.

Grasping a handful of powder, Evans positions herself and Granger into the floo. The interview replays on repeat in her mind. How did Granger know she was in France? Why does she know? What use is that to anyone, there are many Aurors despite Bella being away. Why would her holiday make a difference especially now? What made the protests grow out of hand?

Listen to your owner. Her eyes snap to Rab skulking in the distance lingering next to his brother. Circling the wounded protesters like vultures, waiting for the order to launch. To continue the bloodfest. Owner. It's no secret Rab has a short fuse, no secret that the brothers can be a bit heavy-handed at times. But Bella keeps them on track keeps them focused. I thought you were in France.

Her heart skips a beat, Bella keeps the brothers in line. Bella stops them from getting out of hand. Hand twisting Bella watches the powder slowly trickle from Evan's hands, tumbling towards the grate. It was planned the whole thing. Realisation dawns on her, she wants to stop them from leaving. As an unsettling feeling fills her gut, her eyes automatically drawn to the honey-brown eyes watching her.

Understanding hits like a baton to the head, she steps forward no longer relaxed. This had all been orchestrated. Green flames erupt, roaring to life climbing up the witch's bodies, slowly engulfing them. Time slows almost stopping as the honey eyes find Bella's in the crowded hallway. An awful chilling sensation intensifies, as a frigid calculating smile settles on Grangers tinted blue lips. The blood a ghostly purple in the flame, Granger a wraith come to life.

In a blink they're gone.

"What do I have to fear when death offers me only comfort and life brings nothing but hardship and suffering?"

Granger's words repeat in her mind at a dizzying speed, and before long only she remains in the corridor. Her cold coffee in hand and her mind on fire with too many possibilities. Just one thought takes precedent, this was all planned. She fell for a trap she never knew existed. In the first time in years, fear, an unwanted, forgotten friend creeps back into her life. Spreading seeds of doubt and whispering words of terror, fear casts it's a seedy web, creating uncertainty in her mind. Bellatrix Black was played.

A/n: Any good? R&R and more chapters to follow.