The day had started as ordinarily as any other. Hermione had waken first and headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Bellatrix had once confessed that being raised as a pureblood, she had no knowledge of cooking. As a child, if it wasn't a house elf, it was her mother that did the cooking. She had insisted that her three daughters be treated as princesses, so they were often catered to, rarely lifting a finger to work themselves. At present, the eldest Black lay in bed, sleeping in as she so often did.

Hermione began making what she knew to be one of Bellatrix's favorite breakfast foods, pancakes with a side of eggs and bacon. Her arm itched where her scars lay etched forever into her skin. Each was a ragged, angrily formed letter spelling out, 'Mudblood', She chuckled to herself. Had they only known then what they would come to be now, after the final war in which Voldemort was defeated. Years after.

Minutes later, when a voice came from behind her, Hermione was burned by a splash of hot grease that escaped the pan she had carelessly dropped a piece of bacon into in her fright. The grease landed on her arm. "Ow, shit!" She shook her arm and attempted to blow cool air onto where the grease had landed.

Then her arm was seized, and a kiss placed on the same spot as the grease. "Sorry," came Bellatrix's voice, laced with sleep. "Are you alright?"

Hermione nodded. "Fine. Can I have my arm back?" she asked with a small smile. Her arm was released and she was able to concentrate on cooking once more.

The most peculiar part of the relationship was the age difference between the two. There were thirty years between them, though upon looking at them the difference would seem only ten years, tops. This was due to a gift granted after the fall of Voldemort. At the very last moment, the famous Death Eater second in command under Voldemort switched sides. It was a moment of clarity, she later said, in which for the love for self preservation, she realized she would rather see the Dark Lord fall than fall herself. In fact, the sudden switch had Voldemort stunned long enough for the Golden Trio to take him out. In that respect, Bellatrix had become as much as a war hero as they were. The gift rewarded was an elixir that rewound cell production, taking years off the drinker's appearance. It had rewound Bellatrix to look more suiting to her pre-Azkaban days.

Once finished, the food was slid onto two plates. "Coffee?" the younger witch asked.

Bellatrix shook her head. "No, no thank you." If she got thirsty she'd have orange juice. It was one of those days.

"Alright." Hermione placed the two plates on the kitchen table. "Sleep well?"

The raven haired woman shifted uncomfortably before sitting down in her seat. "Not necessarily." She picked up her fork and stared at her food as if it had grown legs and started tap dancing.

Frowning, the Muggle-born slid into her own seat. "Bad dreams again?" She started cutting up her own pancakes.

The troubled witch nodded. "Azkaban." Poking at her eggs with the fork, she added, "More like bad memories."

"Anything you want to talk about?" Hermione knew certain touchy subjects were off limits.

"It's nothing you'd particularly understand."

"Alright." She ate a piece of her pancake. "I'm sorry you didn't sleep so great, honey."

"It's not your fault, Muddy." The shortened form of Mudblood was now used as a nickname and term of endearment, as opposed to its original use of belittlement, insult, and offense. "Unless, of course, you happened to place a hex on me, though I don't know why you would."

Hermione chuckled at that. "I certainly didn't hex you. Though maybe there is a magical solution to the nightmares."

"We tried that already, it didn't work."

"That was an enchanted dreamcatcher. Enchanted objects don't always work. Perhaps there's a potion."

"I honestly don't think there are any potent enough to keep dreams of such power away. It's the thought that counts, though. I appreciate it."

"Maybe you're right. Oh well, can't say I didn't try." She took notice of Bellatrix's untouched plate. "Bella, would you please eat? I don't think I can go through the scare of one of your anorexic phases again."

The elder woman made a show of shoving a piece of bacon into her mouth. "See? Eating."

"Good."

The two finished their meal in near silence. Bellatrix was the first to break it,

"Thanks for breakfast."

Hermione smiled warmly at the woman who had become family. "You're welcome." She gathered the used dishes and placed them in the sink. Once finished, she turned. "How about I help you forget those bad dreams? If only for a moment."

"What did you have in mind?"

Hermione marched over to where she sat, straddling her and pinning her to the chair.

The former Death Eater smirked. "So far, I approve."

"Is that right?" Her hands rand up her curvy sides gently.

"Yes." A smile spread across Bellatrix's face.

With that, there was no time wasted before Hermione touched Bellatrix's mouth with a gentle kiss. As she felt the other woman respond eagerly, she found a pair of hands had wound themselves into her hair. The kiss lasted for several moments before the younger of the two pulled away. "Is it working?"

"Definitely." The content witch showed her appreciation with a roll of her hips, her middle brushing suggestively against the middle of her partner. After a moment, she pouted, the brunette having stopped with the advances, although remaining where she was. "Muddy, I'm not a light switch. You can't just turn me on then leave me alone."

"Aww, poor baby." Resuming her affectionate actions, she planted a kiss on Bellatrix's neck. After kissing the same spot a few more times, she started gently sucking at the soft, creamy skin. She smiled against the wet skin when she heard the moan that had escaped the eldest witch's throat. She resumed the action, making sure to leave a mark.

The raven haired witch made another appreciative noise. Her hands ran down Hermione's back, then rested on her hips. "Mione," her voice was ragged with pleasure. "Don't tease."

The former Gryffindor raised her head. "I thought you said you approved."

Bellatrix pouted at the loss of contact and wiggled her hips, rubbing them purposefully against Hermione's. "I did," she replied. "But now I want you naked."

Hermione couldn't hold back her laugh. "I think that's a new record."

A blush lightly stained Bellatrix's normally pale cheeks. "Shut up."

Amused, Hermione raised an eyebrow. "That embarrassed you?"

Bellatrix frowned. "Now you're being mean."

Hermione bit back a retort of 'look who's talking'. She wasn't about to make her regret showing her the softer side the younger witch practically pulled out of her, having known it was there, hiding under layers and layers of anger, pain, anguish, and torture. Instead, she lightly inquired, "Is it that time of the month?" It wasn't to make fun of her. Knowing came in handy, that way she wouldn't accidentally say or do something that would anger or upset her.

"No," Bellatrix answered.

"Okay, good. Maybe you'll get your wish, then. But later."

"Why?" It was frustrating when Hermione paid just enough attention to her to turn her on, then kept her waiting.

"Because there's shopping that needs to be done and there's only a few hours before everything closes."

"Oh." She had to admit that was a valid point. "In that case, I can forgive you."

Another kiss was pressed to the former Death Eater's lips, but it was brief. "And you're coming with me this time. No ifs, no buts. So come on and get ready." The younger woman slid to her feet and grabbed Bellatrix's hands, pulling her onto her feet as well. She pulled her along to the bedroom they shared. "And please wear something other than black."

"Wear something other than brown," she snapped back, throwing open the doors to her wardrobe. For herself, she pulled out a red dress. "Is this good enough for you, your highness?"

"Yes." Hermione managed to find a blue outfit to wear.

They shed themselves of their former clothing and pulled on the new. Each had a full length mirror on the inside of one of their wardrobe doors. It suited them better than having only one, for they would surely fight each other to see their reflections at length. With two, each could take as much time as they pleased.

Bellatrix frowned at the sight of her unruly mass of curls. She had once made to cut them all off, but Hermione had forbade her. They were too beautiful to be hacked away. Bellatrix didn't see it. "I am not going out in public unless my hair is presentable." She raked a hand through it helplessly.

"I'll fix it." Hermione grabbed a brush and began running it through the messy yet luscious locks. After a while, the hair had no choice but to smooth out in a manageable manner. When she was finished, the curls were neat and shining.

Bellatrix gaped at her reflection, the sight of the tame curls surprising her. "How did you do that?"

"Patiently." Hermione dropped a kiss to her cheek. "Now, are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever get."

"Come on, then." Similar to how they'd entered the room, Hermione led her out by the hand.

Out they went, leaving the comfort of home behind as they walked through the crowded streets.

"Are there always so many people?" Bellatrix asked.

"Yes," answered Hermione. "Why?"

"How do you see where you're going half the time?"

"I'm not as short as you."

She supposed that would make a difference. To her, she felt surrounded by walls on all sides, but with Hermione being as tall as those walls, she wouldn't feel as trapped.

"What do we need?"

"Nearly everything. The fridge is nearly bare, as are most of the cupboards. Toilet paper is getting low, we're out of laundry detergent, dish soap is maybe a twelfth there, and shampoo, conditioner, and body soap have maybe two showers left in them, if we're lucky."

Bellatrix's eyebrows furrowed together. "Do you always wait 'til the last minute?"

"It's not all my fault, you know. You keep me distracted. It's hard to notice we're running out of things when you're constantly glued to me."

"So not sorry."

"Figured you wouldn't be. But now you'll get a taste of responsibility for once. It can't be fun all the time, you know."

"Whoever made up such a rule is ridiculous."

"If I didn't take care of these things, they'd never get done. It's a wonder we even have running electricity and warm water."

"You're speaking as if we're broke."

Hermione sighed. "Well, today you're helping me, alright?"

"Okay." She didn't get how that was connected, but she didn't bother questioning it. It was better to just leave some things alone.

Once they'd reached the store Hermione had in mind, they spent an hour and a half gathering the needed items. By the time they were done, they had acquired eight bags. On the walk back, they had to carry four apiece, two in each hand.

Bellatrix groaned at the uncomfortable wight. "Why did we have to get so much?"

"Everything we got, we need."

"I understand that. Really, I do. But did they have to make these bags so blasted heavy? They're as heavy as the chains Azkaban held me in. I'm not exaggerating!"

"In that case, I'll make sure to thank you extra specially when we get home."

Bellatrix liked the sound of that.

However, when they reached home, they found an unannounced visitor. Upon catching sight of the person, Bellatrix dropped all bags she was carrying. She was shocked. She hadn't expected to see that person ever again, much less in front of her home. "Andromeda."

"Bellatrix."

Hermione recognized the name. It was Bellatrix's estranged sister.

"What are you doing here?" Bellatrix asked, unsure what she was feeling. Anger, surprise, curiosity? All of the above?

"So you haven't heard, then." It wasn't a question. Bellatrix was confused by the sad tone.

"Perhaps we can talk inside?" Hermione suggested. "Once we get these bags in. Bella, can you unlock the door?"

Bellatrix did as was asked and picked up the bags she had dropped, dragging them inside. She plopped them down onto one of the kitchen counters and sighed gratefully when relieved of the weight. Then she headed to the living room, relaxing on the sofa. "So, Andy, what brings you here?" She watched as her sister took a seat in the chair across from her.

"Nothing good, I'm afraid."

Hermione joined them, sitting beside Bellatrix. She'd put the bags she'd been carrying next to the ones Bellatrix had been carrying.

"Stop beating around the bush. What is it I haven't heard?" She didn't like information being withheld from her.

"It's…" Andromeda paused to compose herself and started over. She couldn't bring herself to look her sister in the eyes. "Bellatrix, Malfoy Manor has been destroyed."

Bellatrix froze.

Hermione didn't like the sound of that. She knew that couldn't be good. She also knew there was more that Andromeda wasn't saying, that she hadn't worked up to, yet.

From where she sat, Bellatrix saw Andromeda's eyes pointed to the floor, swimming in tears.

"Bellatrix," she spoke again, brokenly. "Cissy, Lucius, and Draco… They're dead."

Bellatrix blinked, unbelieving. "What?"

"I'm sorry… but it's true. It's even in the paper. They were attacked. There was a fire as well, most likely due to a crossfire of spells. They went down fighting."

Draco dead pulled at a piece of Hermione's heart. They were schoolmates. They were in different houses, but were in the same year. He had always been a cocky bully, but they had grown up together.

"The baby!" Bellatrix exclaimed. "Cissy just had a baby! Is she alright, at least?! Is my baby niece alive?" The whole loss hadn't sunk in yet. Maybe she could prolong it if she knew her recently born niece was okay.

"Yes, she's alive," the middle Black sister answered. "The only house elf to survive saved her. The nursery had protective charms surrounding it, it was the only room left unharmed."

Hermione wrapped her arms around Bellatrix. "When did this happen?"

"A couple days ago. I came as soon as I found out. Bellatrix, I'm so sorry."

"Where is she?" Tears were spilling over in Bellatrix's eyes now. "Where's our niece?"

"The house elf gave her to me. But I can't… I can't keep her. Not after losing my Nymphadora."

"Bring her here, then. I need to see her." Bellatrix started breaking down then. "I need to."

Andromeda nodded. "Okay. I'll bring her here." She stood up. "I'll be as quick as I can." With that, she fled the scene, rapidly losing her own composure and unable to watch her sister do the same.

Hermione held Bellatrix, doing her best to soothe her. As an only child, she could hardly imagine the pain she was going through.

Bellatrix cried openly, sobs racking her body. Not even the worst Crucio compared to how hurt she was. Her face buried in Hermione's shoulder, only slightly muffling the sound of her cries.

Hermione rubbed her back lovingly and stroked her hair softly. She pressed gentle kisses to her head. She wished there was more she could do to help. She couldn't tell her it was okay, because she knew it wasn't and it would be a very long time before it would be again. "Bella, honey?"

Bellatrix nodded against her shoulder to show she was listening.

"Do you want your niece to live with us?"

"Yes," she choked out.

"Okay." Hermione continued to hold her. "You know I love you, okay?" she murmured. "That will never change." She kissed her cheek. "My dearest Bella."

Finally, after many heartbreaking moments, Bellatrix's tears stopped. She remained in Hermione's arms, needing to be held.

"I'm so sorry for all this. You don't deserve this. Neither did they." She kissed her temple lovingly.

"Don't you dare leave me. Not ever, you hear me? You can't leave me all alone."

"I'll never leave you. Never ever. You won't be alone, I promise." Hermione kissed her softly.

Bellatrix returned the kiss with raw need, clinging to Hermione like she was the last solid thing on the planet. To her, that's exactly what she was. The one right in a whole world of wrong. "Muddy," she murmured in a whisper that was heartbreakingly soft. "Never die."

Hermione held her tight. "Wouldn't dream of it." She stroked her back. "I love you too much."

Hours later, Andromeda returned with their niece. She knocked on the door.

"She's back," Hermione murmured and went to get the door.

Andromeda had her in a stroller. She carried a bag with her. I have some clothes and diapers for her, food and a couple of blankets. You'll probably have to find a crib on your own… Is Bellatrix alright?"

"She's calmed down. You can go see her."

Andromeda stepped inside gratefully and went to see her sister. She hugged her tightly. "I'm so sorry I had to be the bearer of bad news."

"At least Anastasia is safe."

"And you'll be able to raise her? I know you've never had children."

"We'll do our best. Thank you for bringing her."

Andromeda pulled back. "Well, I'll be off now. Despite the circumstances, it was wonderful seeing you again."

"You too. Andy… Keep in touch."

A small smile graced Andromeda's lips. "I will." And then she was gone.

Hermione entered, Anastasia in her arms. She'd broken down the stroller and had the bag slung over her shoulder. "How old is she?"

"Two months."

"That's all?" She frowned. Much too soon to be orphaned. "Poor thing won't even remember her parents. Or her brother."

"Let me see her." She outstretched her arms.

Hermione carefully handed her over.

"Hi, Anna. It's Auntie Bella. Remember me?" she cooed lovingly to the babe in her arms. She kissed her small forehead. "You'll be living with me and Muddy now. You'll love it here once you get settled in."

Hermione smiled. "You're a natural."

"Am I?" She rocked her gently, keeping her calm.

"You are."

"We need a bed for her."

"Until we get one, she can sleep between us."

Bellatrix nodded in acceptance. "Alright."

Suddenly, Anastasia started wailing.

"Sssh, Anna. Don't cry, don't cry. Are you hungry, hm? Is that it?" She bounced her a little, trying to calm her.

Hermione rummaged through the bag until she found a small container of baby food. The orange color told her it might be mashed carrots, more liquid than anything. It reminded her of applesauce. She went to the kitchen to get a spoon, then came back. She wished they had a high chair. "Do you want to feed her, or shall I?"

"Could you? I'll try to keep her still."

Anastasia had calmed down somewhat, but was still fussing.

Hermione could tell right away she was going to be a handful. Each time she put the spoon in her mouth, the food was immediately spit out. She hoped she wasn't used to mother's milk, because neither could supply her with that. The closest to that they could get would be formula, which they didn't have at the moment. "Come on, baby, please eat. Just one bite. Can you do that for me?" She held the spoon to her lips again. "Please?"

Bellatrix chuckled. "Another stubborn pureblood. Imagine that."

Needless to say, the day had become anything but ordinary.