// 011. [video]

[lestrangestone]

[Yeah, so she looks more than a little put out, but at least she brushed her hair. This video is brought to you by confused irritation, and the discovery that EVERY LAST BIT OF FOOD is absent from her pantry

Comments

[Voice]

[femininehermes]

[At first, Hermione flinches and tucks herself away from the Forge. She is almost too afraid to even breathe much less attempt to communicate with this woman. But, then, some of Bellatrix's words start to sink in.

"...could someone at least tell me my name?"

Heart thudding and palms sweating, the witch reaches for the Forge and shakily turns on the voice function. There. That should be safe enough.]

You...don't remember your name? [She licks her lips, trying to keep her voice steady.] I know it.

[lurk]

[lumenrelegandus]

[In total shock. Watches/listens.]

[Video]

[lestrangestone]

[Annnnnnd she doesn't have the faintest idea who you are, other than you sound ...also British! Great help, that.]

I know what I've been ...told. [Lower. A hissing whisper.] But he could be lying.

...you do?

[Voice]

[femininehermes]

[She sounds (and looks) genuine. This could be very helpful.]

What did he tell you?

video//

[brothercumface]

I...don't know your last name, Miss... I - I'm sorry.

video//

[lestrangestone]

[Slightly irritated sigh.]

But you know my first?

[Miss? So she's unmarried, then.]

video//

[brothercumface]

[or this little bint is just formal.]

I think it's... Bella?

video//

[lestrangestone]

[Frown. Then he probably is telling the truth. At least about that part.]

Hngh.

...thank you...

[...]

...Mina, I believe?

[voice]

[threedoctorates]

[There's a moment of silence, before he speaks. He's trying to keep his voice even and steady.]

You don't remember your name?

[voice]

[lestrangestone]

[Another huff. How many times did she have to repeat this?]

I'd like to make sure. Do you ...know it?

[voice]

[threedoctorates]

I don't believe that you ever told it to me.

[Even when you were torturing him.]

[voice]

[lestrangestone]

I ...know you.

[Blink. Slow remembrance.]

...are you a spy?

[Why else would she recall...]

[JDLKJALK !!!]

[video]

[lumenrelegandus]

[Still no words, but has to know.

Switches to video. Just to meet her eyes.]

[video]

[lestrangestone]

[Wait. Another one that looks fami---]

You.

[It's a mixture of hatred and confusion on her face. Several blinks later, she still can't manage a clear thought. Or word. Because what she remembers is horrifying. But there's (displaced) joy along with it and she has no idea why.]

Is this your doing? Did you steal my memories along with whatever other crime you've committed against me?

[video]

[lumenrelegandus]

[Crime he'd committed against her.

Tonks's eyes widened, turning firecat-amber in her rage, and she sprang clear through the forgescreen to hex Bella sideways.

James started plotting how to use this newfound amnesia against her. (Lure her out with promise of information then expel some entrails…)

Sirius was on the floor laughing like mad.

Lily closed her eyes with sadness. (It doesn't change.)

Lupin, silent, turned off the video.]

---

[some time later]

[text]

I'll consider this your move.

[text]

[lestrangestone]

This is a game, then?

[in_leatherpants]

[here's a Draco who looks more than just a little bit alarmed still]

You were the one that took me into your house! Can't you even remember something like that?

[video]

[lestrangestone]

[She's peering just a little suspiciously back at him. Can't be too careful.]

I do remember that. [She also remembers that she doesn't hate him which must count for something.] It's just that I don't remember anything about your parents...

...and if you are indeed my nephew, why would I not remember my own...

[Brother? Sister? UGH. GOD WHAT IS THIS.]

We are both possessed of magic.

[She's bitten her lip now, trying very, very hard remember something else.]

[private]

I have memories of...

[This is Bella looking slightly squicked. Look closely, Draco, you may not see it again.]

...did I encourage you to do terrible things?

[in_leatherpants]

[he's eying her a little because... well, she's never really been all that stable in the first place, so he'll be careful to watch what he says]

My mother was your sister, you were both Blacks. Don't you remember that much? Or the fact that you're a pureblood?

[he decides not to mention the whole part about her years in Azkaban, that's probably not the brightest idea, and he switches to private as well]

Things that the Dark Lord would have asked of me, only. [she ought to remember him, he figures]

p-private

[lestrangestone]

[this isn't the worst of it, Draco. She's probably more stable now than she has been in the last twenty years. BUT NOT FOR LONG.]

I do remember being a pureblood, yes. [Draws herself up into her usual disdainful manner.] I just ...don't recall what it ...means. But I know that I take pride in it.

Do we ...rule this place? Did we used to? Were we ...deposed? Overtaken? Was there a revolt of some sort because I remember trying to kill a man.

I was unsuccessful.

The Dark Lord. [Pause.] Voldemort. [Longer pause.]

Of ...course I...

...I remember that I serve Him in all things. But I do not know why. You do? What has he asked of you?

[He is her nephew? Then they must be close. She must care what has been asked of him, and of his well being in general, right? Right?]