Chapter Text
The bell rings, tearing the girl out of her sleep. The third night without nightmares in a week, almost a record. She gets up from the creaking bed, stretches sweetly, working out her sleepy muscles. She still has two hours to spare, but she has no right to waste even a minute on unnecessary things. She has a strict to-do list, a huge schedule. Approaching the old sink, she opens the cold water, filling her palms with it, rinses her face to remove the remnants of drowsiness. Wiping her face with a towel, she notices a new hole in the fabric, another addition to the three old ones, there is still not enough time to sit down and mend.
The girl changes into a work uniform, consisting of a loose shirt of the color of a delicate cream with a couple of patches on the right shoulder and side; dark green trousers and a white apron. She urgently needs to prepare breakfast and brew a potion, and also serve firewhiskey, which her Mistress loves so much. Hermione opens the heavy door of the basement in which she lives, the rising sun immediately hits her face, forcing her to cover her eyes with her hand and wince. It is slightly frosty outside, it is still very early morning, the usual chirping of birds is not heard; blissful silence reigns in the yard. This sends a herd of goosebumps down Hermione's spine.
While the basement is being aired out, filling with fresh air, the girl goes back down. She goes around several dusty shelves, excluding the one where several of her books are, there is never any dust on it, goes to the stairs and goes up into the house.
The first thing she does is head to the kitchen. For the morning, Hermione decides to make something simple that won't weigh her down. Porridge should be perfect. Then a couple of slices of toast, one with a fried egg on top and the other with butter. A light breakfast for the Mistress is what she needs to keep her full until lunch, while Hermione does other things.
“Teggy,” the girl calls quietly into the void.
There's a faint pop behind her. Hermione turns around, looks down, and sees a house-elf standing in front of her.
"Will you help me make breakfast for the Lady?" she says with a smile.
"Certainly."
And so their work together begins. Hermione loves spending time with Teggy, he is a smart elf, a thinking elf, a seeing elf, a knowing elf. He always tells some funny stories and tales, it seems that he is the only friend that Hermione can call that.
There is another one, but she appears in the house very rarely and, as is customary, does not stay longer than three days. Her name is Nymphadora Tonks, she is the daughter of the sister
Mistress, that is, her niece. Mistress also has a nephew, a son from her second sister, his name is Draco Malfoy. However, Hermione has never seen him in person and has never even heard of him ever appearing in the mansion.
Having finished preparing breakfast, Hermione put the food on plates, not forgetting to prepare the necessary utensils. Then she opened a bottle of firewhiskey and filled a faceted glass, about three fingers high. Having put everything on a tray, closed it with a lid, the girl headed for the exit of the kitchen.
Turning around and looking at the elf washing the dishes, Hermione said:
"Wish me luck, Teggy. "
"Good luck, Hermione."
Sighing, she went upstairs. Trying not to make any unnecessary noise, she walked slowly, quietly. The Mistress had sensitive hearing and she could get angry if she was woken up earlier than expected. Hermione still remembered that terrible pain from the Cruciatus, she did not want to make new mistakes.
The interior of the mansion is rather gloomy. There is little light, dark curtains that do not allow the sun to penetrate inside. Dark furniture and many pictures covered with fabric. The floor is made of dark wood, which Hermione likes, it is not slippery and there is no chance of accidentally slipping and falling.
The exception is her own legs, but Hermione is not that clumsy.
Stopping at the massive oak door, she cleared her throat and knocked exactly three times. Three measured knocks, four seconds apart. That was enough for the Lady to wake up, get her thoughts in order, and be ready to have breakfast.
"You may, pet," a hoarse female voice comes from the bedroom. "Come in." Plucking up her courage, Hermione opens the door and steps inside.
"Good morning, Mistress," the girl says, bowing. "Your breakfast is ready."
Would you like to enjoy it in bed or go to the dining room?
Instead of answering, the Lady waves her hand, beckoning him to her. In this way, she says that she will have breakfast in bed.
Hermione carefully places the tray down, moving it towards the Mistress's hands. She removes the lid and feels how the delicious aroma immediately fills the room. The maid moves to the entrance, giving the Mistress space and patiently waits for her to eat.
"There was no mail?"
"No, Mistress. Your raven has not returned yet."
The mistress snorts irritably and continues her morning meal. Hermione, meanwhile, examines this woman. Bellatrix Black, head of the House of Black. The only one of the three sisters who has kept her last name. Her raven-colored hair falls down in a cascade of curls; sharp cheekbones are just trying to pierce the thin pale skin; there is no usual red lipstick on her plump lips yet; dark onyx eyes examine the long nails on the fingers of her left hand.
She is too beautiful, Hermione thinks, it is surprising that no one has asked her to marry yet. The maid can swear that a woman like her Mistress must have an immeasurable number of suitors. So why is there no gold ring on her dainty finger yet?
"Pet," - Hermione was pulled out of her thoughts by the Mistress's commanding voice. - "Today your schedule is slightly different. Now you clean up here and go prepare two guest rooms. Then you go down to the greenhouse, Teggy should have already prepared everything, there is a flower there, you must bring it to one of the guest bedrooms. Is that clear?"
Flower, bedrooms... It means someone special is coming.
"Madam, if the guests are important, perhaps... we should prepare something special for their arrival?"
"Didn't I make myself clear, dog?!" the Mistress barks.
"No, no," - Hermione quickly bows her head. She is afraid, Bellatrix must not be angered under any circumstances, damn her stupid tongue. - "Forgive my impudence, I will do everything according to your instructions right now."
Snorting, the Mistress gets out of bed, throws on a robe and goes to the bathroom.
"Work, don't disturb me."
She throws it out one last time before disappearing and closing the door behind her. Hermione exhales. She managed without the Cruciatus. The scar on her forearm itches unpleasantly, the girl tries to ignore this aching sensation. She takes the empty plates and tray to the kitchen, mentally making a note to wash the dishes. Returning upstairs, Hermione makes the Mistress's bed and goes to prepare the guest rooms.
To do this, she needs two sets of clean bed linen; prepare candles; if there is dust anywhere, it must be wiped off immediately. This is what she does. She carries a set of bed linen, immediately spreading it out. She checks the cabinets and shelves for spiders, cobwebs or dust. Everything is fine, in this regard the rooms are clean.
It wasn't hard to get the candles. They were kept in the pantry next to the kitchen. The last thing to do was to bring the right flower. The greenhouse is opposite the basement doors, so Hermione always has a nice view of the plants and flowers, especially in the summer. The flower is maroon petals with something red around the edges. The maid takes it to one of the rooms, leaving it on the bedside table. The orders given by the Mistress are ready, and the Mistress herself hasn't even come out of the bathroom yet.
Her stomach growled treacherously, Hermione hadn't eaten yet. While she had some free time, she decided to fix this problem and went to the kitchen to make herself a portion. Her breakfast consisted of the remains of scrambled eggs and toast, with a few spoons of porridge. It's no wonder that Hermione had lost weight, she ate rarely and poorly.
While the girl eats, the thought keeps popping into her head that she forgot something... The Mistress went to the bathroom... A towel! Hermione jumps up and almost runs into the Mistress's room, takes a towel out of the closet, not forgetting a clean robe at the same time. She puts the things on the made bed and leaves the bedroom. Hermione exhales, just a little more... Returning to breakfast, she finishes eating, washing it down with a glass of water.
She hears footsteps, indicating that the Lady is about to come down.
While she is not called, it means she can wash the dishes, which is what Hermione does. She quietly hums a simple melody to herself, rustling a rag over the used plates.
Soon she finishes with the dishes and decides to dust the library.
Right there she bumps into the Lady sitting in a chair by the fireplace.
After watching her for an extra second, Hermione gets down to business. Bellatrix's library is huge. Many shelves with dozens of different books. Hermione has never seen a bigger and more beautiful library in her life. Each book in its own section with a signature, meticulously arranged and numbered shelves.
The floor is covered with expensive red and burgundy carpets with different patterns and designs.
"Mistress," Hermione pulled herself together, deciding to break the silence. "I apologize for wasting your time by distracting you from your reading, but... I need to know what time the guests will arrive so that I can count on dinner being prepared?"
"They will arrive around six, dinner will be served at seven sharp, and after we have finished dinner, you will disappear from sight. You will sit as quiet as a mouse until I call you."
“Yes, Mistress,” Hermione bowed, although she knew that Bellatrix was looking at the book and not at the maid herself.
Time flies very quickly. It's almost half past five, and there are still no guests. Hermione is cleaning the main hall, about to go to the living room, when she hears the sound of Apparation behind her. She turns around, startled, because the sound was sharp and unexpected.
There are two women standing in front of her.
"Mistress Malfoy, Mistress Tonks," Hermione immediately bows. "Welcome. Dinner will be ready soon. Would you like to..."
"Be silent, filth," the white-haired woman says contemptuously. Hermione immediately falls silent, not raising her head. "You were not given the right to vote."
She's shaking, Hermione knows about Narcissa Malfoy's fiery temper, it's best not to cross her, but what should she do? It's just a formal greeting, as it should be, as she was taught! Was she really going to get punished just for being... Polite and a good servant?
"Don't touch her," says the second woman, but she looks much younger than Madam Malfoy. "Aunt Cissy."
"What is it, Dora?" Narcissa's face lights up with a grin. "Have you taken a liking to the mudblood?"
"No, it's just not worth wasting time on her. Let's go, Aunt Bella is already waiting for us."
With that, the women leave Hermione, leaving her alone. It seems Nymphadora Tonks has just saved her life.
***
Dinner, surprisingly, passes calmly. The room is silent and quiet. Only the occasional sounds of utensils pass through the space. Hermione has served dinner and gone to the kitchen. She waits for the hosts to finish dinner so that she can clean up after them.
Teggy is nowhere to be seen, apparently busy with other errands for the Lady. I wonder how long Narcissus and Nymphadora will stay in the mansion? Why did they come? And where is the third sister, Andromeda?
"Free?"
A pink head appeared from around the corner. Hermione smiled.
"Free, Dora. Hello."
Tonks literally flew into Hermione, squeezing her in her arms.
"I'm sorry," the girl whispers. "I had to distract Narcissa from you somehow. Otherwise, she might have cast Crucio."
"It's okay, I understand. I'm used to it. Everything's fine."
Hermione hasn't seen her friend for so long. Nymphadora Tonks plays a role for her aunts, but in reality she wants to help Hermione escape from the clutches of her family, free her from this collar. However, she can't help in any way, Hermione has already said more than once that she doesn't need help, that it's not worth risking yourself for her.
This is very dangerous and if Bellatrix or Narcissa find out about her friendship with a mudblood, then Tonks will get into trouble or disfavor with her own family. She is already staying there due to her mother, because Nymphadora herself is a half-blood.
Nymphadora is the first to pull away.
"Are you okay? Aunt Bella isn't hurting you?"
Hermione turns around more abruptly than she intended. Her tail rises, revealing to Nymphadora the angular scar on her neck.
“Wait a minute,” the girl grabs the maid by the hand and pulls back the collar of her shirt, revealing the scar even more. “What the hell is this, Hermione?!”
Hermione takes two steps back, covering the affected skin with her hand.
“It’s… It’s nothing. The mistress was in a bad mood, it’s my own fault…”
“Nothing?!”
Dora's hair turns fiery orange.
"She's torturing you! This can't be done! She can't do this to you!"
"What the hell is going on here?! I understand that Narcissa doesn't like you, but Bella... I thought she was only verbally abusing you... You don't have to put up with this, Hermione! Oh, Merlin..." - The Dora covered her mouth with her hands. - "She... knows? Knows about you?"
"Yes. I have to clean up, sorry."
Dora is scared. Hermione's secret is already known by two people, Dora herself and now Bellatrix. No one was supposed to know it!
"So what? You just allow all this?! To do this to you?" - She points to the scar.
"Dora, I just said..."
"I don't give a damn! So what if she knows about you? What next? What did she tell you? Is she blackmailing you... - Hermione looks away and Dora realizes she's hit the nail on the head. "No... Is she really blackmailing you? Let me guess, she told you she'd turn you in to the Ministry if you don't serve her?"
"Nothing happened, Dora," - the girl whispered. - And we never had this conversation. Do you understand? If she finds out, you'll get it. I'm used to pain, but I don't want to set you up. I really need to work. The mistress will be angry if I don't get everything done on time.
With these words, Hermione leaves Nymphadora, rushing to the washbasin."
"We'll meet in your room tonight. You... Still occupy it, right?" There is hope in Dora's voice. - "Hermy?"
"No, I haven't been in it for two years. I... The mistress moved me to the basement."
"The basement?!" - Nymphadora's hair turns red from her anger. - "I'll deal with them!" - the girl growls. - "I don't give a damn! I..."
She stops, feeling her hand in the grip of two cold ones.
“Don’t, Dora. Please, don’t expose yourself. I survived for two years, and I’ll survive longer. Don’t ruin your life because of me. I’m not worth it.”
Dora can't believe it. Two years ago, there was a fire burning in those eyes, blazing with strength and hope, but now... She sees only the dull look of a person who has accepted his fate. Tonks only now noticed how thin and haggard Hermione has become.
"How come you're not standing? What did she do to you, Mione? How can I help you?
"Dora… Don’t you understand? I’m just a pet. I’m a thing, not a person. A thing, damn it!" Traitorous tears begin to flow from her eyes."I have no life, no dreams, no wishes, I have nothing! There are only orders! Orders that I must follow, work that I must do! What do you want to hear?! I’m a Mudblood! No last name, no home, I have nothing! I’m nobody! And it hurts me even to think that I can even imagine that I will be free… Because it will never happen! It’s impossible! Unrealistic!" She raises her hand and points to a vein. "That’s why! Because I have fucking dirty blood flowing through my veins! It can torment me, it can torture me, it can do whatever it wants to me because..." Hermione shows her forearm. The “Mudblood” scar. "I belong to her! This brand is forever! Her brand!" Having calmed down a little, Hermione continues quietly. "You have already helped me, Dora. I am alive thanks to you."
А weak smile to console the raging feeling of guilt and anger.
"Helped? I doomed you to hell, darling."
Hermione grins. If this is hell, what awaits her after death? She survived and will continue to survive for as long as she is allotted.
"Go, they will look for you. I don't want you to get into trouble."
Reluctantly, Dora pulls her hand away and, looking at Hermione again, purses her lip and goes upstairs.
Hermione sighs, quickly washes herself to remove the remaining tears and starts washing the dishes. After a while, the familiar click of heels is heard. Mistress Black enters the kitchen. The maid freezes, afraid to move, could they really have heard them?
"I heard loud voices here. Tell me quickly what happened here, dog?"
The maid turns around, bowing humbly.
"Mistress Tonks scolded me for my mistake, I learned my lesson, such mistakes will not be repeated, Mistress."
"What mistake?"
Hermione's brain starts to feverishly think of an answer, she needs to come up with something, and quickly, and also something plausible. To hell with it.
"I broke a plate out of fright, Mistress Tonks fixed it with her wand."
"I told you not to fidget! What wasn't clear?!"
Hermione flinches. She can't see Bellatrix, but she knows the woman's face is twisted with anger.
"Mistress Tonks came in here suddenly, I didn't expect it. I really was sitting quietly, like a little mouse. Please believe me, Mistress."
A snort can be heard.
"Have you had dinner, pet?"
Is Hermione imagining things or is there a hint of concern in the Mistress's head? No, that can't be it. It just seemed that way.
"No, Madam."
"Stupid dog. Eat, clean up after yourself and go to bed. The day is over."
"Thank you, Mistress. Thank you, Mistress."
"And get ready for tomorrow. Tomorrow is our hunting day," Black says with too much pleasure in his voice.
Everything inside Hermione turns upside down. Hunting Day. Is this really why Mistress Malfoy and Dora came? Does that mean Narcissa knows?!
"I hope you last longer than last time."
With a throaty laugh, Bellatrix leaves the kitchen and goes upstairs. The maid's panic begins to grow.
***
Hermione had not slept all night. She had a rare sleep, but it was only a small nap. She was scared. Panic was taking over her. Hunting Day. She knew exactly what it meant and what it promised. Did Narcissa know? Did Mistress Bella tell her? But she had promised that for her faithful service she would keep this secret to herself! If she lied here, could she lie about the Ministry? She did not want to go to Azkaban! No way! Better to endure humiliation and rare pain from the Mistress than to be devoured by Dementors!
Hunting Day. Last time, Hermione lasted seven hours, a personal best. She knows the forest like the back of her hand. The problem is, the Mistresses know it just as well, if not better. She needs to come up with a new plan ASAP. Running to the cliff isn't an option, the Mistresses will head there straight away... Along the river? Too dangerous, nowhere to hide if attacked...
There's a cave to the north, but Hermione hasn't been there and doesn't know if it's occupied or... Sounds like a plan... Or at least a small percentage of a plan. The cave option is risky. If there's a bear or grizzly in there, it'll be doubly problematic. Is it worth the risk? She won't get anything out of it anyway, even if she wins, so what's the point?! Hermione can't just run through the forest on a whim and hope to get lucky! She still remembers the immense pain she was allowed to "enjoy" because of her loss. The damn Cruciatus and Bellatrix's insane laughter.
She wonder if Dora will stop them or if she will be forced to participate? Hermione carries the prepared breakfast to the dining room. When the Mistress receives guests, breakfast in bed is out of the question. The maid learned this almost immediately. The table is set, all that remains is to wait for the arrival of the Mistress and the guests. And finally, after some time of excruciating silence, footsteps are heard.
Dora.
"Hello, they'll be here soon," the girl whispers. "Aunt Bella said it's Hunting Day today. Do you know what that means?"
"Yes. They'll hunt me again. I told you - a thing. Narcissa knows about me?"
Hermione is used to the way she is treated, but Dora is a different matter:
"Yes, I'm sorry. But it's okay, we'll get through this. Today I'll get you out of here.
"And you'll expose yourself? Are you crazy? And then the Aurors will come for me and send me to Azkaban, where I'll meet you too?! Don't you dare do this, Dora, I beg you! Leave it!"
"I can't just up and leave you! Not after what we... You've been through. Mione, please, let..."
The maid shakes her head. There is no help for her anymore, all that is left for her is to survive as long as she can.
"When they come down, hit me and come up with a reason."
"What?!"
"Believe me, I've been through worse. I don't want to set you up. Seeing you talking to a mudblood... Just do it."
Just in time, the footsteps of Bella and Narcissa descending are heard. “I’m sorry,” Nymphadora whispers.
Hit.
Hermione's face is turned to the side. Her right cheek is burning and seems to have already turned red. So fast. At that moment, the Mistresses entered the hall.
"What's going on here?" Bella asks, looking from Dora to Hermione. "Did you hit her, Nymphadora?"
"She's too relaxed, I don't want her to lose her tone," the girl smiles wryly. "Especially before today's hunt. And don't call me Nymphadora, Auntie!"
Hermione is inwardly proud of Dora for her acting and how she skillfully changes the masks on her face. Apparently, she learned this from a master... Narcissa.
“That’s right, the dog needs to be kept in check,” Bellatrix smirks, her eyes shining in anticipation of fun.
When breakfast was over, the Mistress gave Hermione an hour to clean up and eat herself. Which is what the girl does. She finishes washing the dishes, wiping her hands and sits down to her breakfast. In just half an hour, she will be chased all over the forest. She still doesn’t have a sensible plan except for the cave. Maybe she should just give up and run away? To hell with the Ministry.
To be on the run for the rest of your life without food or shelter... Serving the Mistress is not fun, but at least there is something here.
Hermione shakes her head lightly, driving away these thoughts. Escape does not bode well. One day she will be caught and sent to Azkaban... The maid shakes at the mere thought of ending up there. Maybe today she will finally be killed... Does she want death? Is she afraid of it? What awaits her on the other side if this happens? Darkness... Light... Heaven or hell? What?!
She doesn't want to die. Not like this. Not now. Not today. No! No! No... She shouldn't have dreams or desires, she is first and foremost just a thing, a servant. The Mistress's wish is the law. The time has come, the decision has been made.
Hermione washes herself with cold water and goes out into the yard.
Three pairs of eyes immediately look at her.
"Well, dog, - the Mistress says sarcastically. - You have a fifteen-minute head start, I advise you to hurry. Time..." she looks dramatically at her hand, where the wristwatch should be, although there is none. "Off, here we go."
"You promised that you wouldn't tell anyone about me! I agreed to serve you! I gave you my life! Why did you lie?!"
"Are you seriously considering wasting your time on this? Where did you get such determination, dog? Have you got any teeth?"
Bellatrix points her wand at Hermione. Nymphadora is nervous.
Narcissa looks at her perfect manicure with a bored expression.
"Still," Black lowers her wand, "I promised not to tell the Ministry, and my sister isn't part of the Ministry, she wasn't part of the deal. Run, little dog, run."
For the first time in a long time, Hermione feels genuine anger. She glares at the Mistress, a bright flame burning in the girl's eyes. Hermione breaks away, running past the standing trio. She runs as fast as she can, deep into the thicket. If she is destined to die today, she will not give up without a fight. To hell with everything, to hell with the disgustingly impudent Narcissa, to hell with the bitch Bellatrix, to hell with the only one Hermione sincerely feels sorry for - Nymphadora.
The girl doesn't deserve what she's going through.
Hermione runs on, the cold air pleasantly cools her skin, the feeling of imaginary, but still so desired freedom warms her heart. She wants to laugh. She stops for a second to look around. She needs to get her bearings and as quickly as possible. Hermione understands that she hasn’t run that far, despite all her speed.
Human legs are not enough.
She makes a decision. She concentrates and feels her body change. The world changes and Hermione with it. The human form is shed, replaced by the form of a beast. A dark-furred wolf with brown eyes.
Behind her, a spell flies into the sky, a pop is heard - The Hunt has begun.