"Crucio!" She tried again, this time with more anger. This time once the spell hit her target the older woman fell to her knees, hand across her chest and bent over, gasping as if winded for a moment. "that's a bit better" she spoke through gritted teeth. Hermione was already welling up slightly. Disregarding her feelings alone she had already realized she didn't like seeing this woman in pain, but she continued. Once Bellatrix was back on her feet, she readjusted her clothes slightly and took a deep breath, smirking as she did so. "that was better Granger, but I think more then anything you are holding yourself back". The dark haired woman strutted up to her slowly enough to not cause alarm. She put her finger on the end of Hermione's wand and lowered it. "why are you holding yourself back Muddy. You have an opportunity here, get back at the big bad witch that has made things difficult for you until now". She taunted her slightly but was assessing every move and emotion Hermione was making.