A/N My deepest apologies. I know I said I would have this posted on Saturday but I got a little caught up in my Dungeons and Dragons game. More than a little, really, but here's the next chapter.
"We cannot be more sensitive to pleasure without being more sensitive to pain."
-Alan Watts
Bellatrix was frustrated by Hermione's small chambers, pacing the length of the room repeatedly. It had been a difficult week for her, only able to leave the room in her Animagus form. She was growing restless with the lack of space for her to walk. Hermione watched from the bed, back against the wall and legs extended in front of her. Her eyes followed the dark witch tirelessly, a book forgotten on her lap. She would be addressing the world today, telling them everything that had happened during her year on the run. She supposed she was ready to do what had to be done, even if she didn't want to. The relative silence was interrupted by a sharp knock on the door, causing Bellatrix to shift and Hermione to swing her legs off the bed to open the door.
"Is it time?" she asked, Bellatrix perching on her shoulder.
"Yes. Are you sure you're ready to do this?" Minerva asked, her brows creased in worry and concern. Her mouth was a tight line, not disapproving, just worried for the young witch. Hermione just nodded, edging past the Headmistress. She strode confidently through the halls of the school, footsteps echoing through the mostly empty corridors. The majority of people had already amassed in the great hall to wait for Hermione. She took a deep breath as she entered, Bellatrix's presence on her shoulder easing her. She ignored the stares and whispers, eyes not leaving the chair she was headed to. She sat, staring out at the people in front of her, face blank. Bellatrix's grip on her shoulder tightened subtly, reminding Hermione she was there.
"Thank you all for coming. I know you all have questions about what happened last year while Harry, Ron, and I were run. I'm here to answer them," she spoke flatly, her voice carrying across the room. She didn't speak quietly, but she didn't speak loudly either. Kingsley had briefed the press after the final battle, sharing what he knew, but Hermione was the one everyone wanted to hear from.
"Ms. Granger, why has it taken so long for you to come forward to answer questions?" a reporter asked, quill at the ready.
"I took the time to grieve the loss of many close friends. The war was not something I wanted to talk about."
"How did you break into Gringotts? More specifically, how did you manage to break into Bellatrix Lestrange's vault and what did you need from inside of it?"
Hermione stiffened slightly, Bellatrix's talons digging into her shoulder at the use of her husband's last name. "I disguised myself using a Polyjuice Potion because we had reason to believe she was harboring one of Voldemort's Horcruxes in her vault."
"A Polyjuice Potion requires something from the person you are attempting to look like. How did you manage to do that?"
"It wasn't that difficult, considering Snatchers caught us and took us to Malfoy Manor where she was staying. That's how I got the idea to check her vault."
"What do you mean by that?"
Hermione faltered, unnoticed by everyone except Bellatrix. "We had the Sword of Gryffindor with us, which was supposed to be in her vault. It was, but she had the fake one in her vault, we had the real one. She thought we stole it from her and she was less than happy with us. She questioned me about it, although, I was a little preoccupied during that time and I didn't think about it until after we escaped."
"Bellatrix Lestrange is a highly unstable witch, you expect us to believe she questioned you in a calm and logical manner?"
"I never said she did such a thing. There's a reason I was preoccupied," Hermione snapped, taking a deep breath to calm herself. She was sure she was bleeding from how tightly Bellatrix was gripping her shoulder, but the dark witch managed to restrain herself from attacking the person that had asked the question.
"Preoccupied with what, exactly?"
"Screaming, mostly."
"Screaming?"
"Yes, well, that's typically what one does when they're being Crucioed," Hermione said casually, turning her head slightly to Bellatrix. The room was quiet for a moment, staring open-mouthed at Hermione. The offhandedness of the statement caught them off guard but some of them recovered quickly.
"She Crucioed you?"
"Among other things," Hermione murmured, earning a quiet caw from Bellatrix, "While I was in the Manor some of her hair got onto my clothes when she was carving the word 'Mudblood' into my arm and I managed to get her wand as we escaped. We were saved by a house elf. He was killed by a knife thrown in our direction as he Apparated us out of the Manor." Hermione's expression didn't change the entire time she spoke, but she could feel the adrenaline rushing through her system at the memory.
"While you were on the run with Harry and Ron did anything between you and either one of them happen?"
"Not that it's relevant, but no, nothing happened between any of us. We managed to find and destroy the Horcruxes and Harry managed to kill Voldemort. The war is over and it's time for us to move on. To rebuild." Hermione's face didn't betray her annoyance at the question. She had expected it, hadn't even been surprised it came from Rita Skeeter.
"What will you be doing now that the war is over?"
"I have accepted the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, starting this school year." Murmurs rose throughout the room, most of them excited.
"Are you qualified for the position?" Rita Skeeter asked.
"Headmistress McGonagall and Minister Shacklebolt have both given me the approval to teach the position because of my experience from the war. Though, if you doubt my ability, Ms. Skeeter, you are always welcome to test them," Hermione said, restraining her annoyance at the horrible witch. Bellatrix approved, puffing her feathers and spreading her wings at the reporter's question.
"Ms. Granger, you've long made it known that you want to work in the Ministry, why choose to teach, instead?"
"For the time being, Hogwarts is where I belong."
"How does it feel to be so young and teaching a class as intimidating as Defense Against the Dark Arts?"
"It will be a welcome challenge. Are there any more questions?"
"What about the curse?"
"What about it?"
"Aren't you worried?"
Hermione laughed a bit, shaking her head, "No. I'm not." She stood, leaving the gathered witches and wizards to stare after her. She made her way out onto the grounds. She looked up at the castle, squinting her eyes against the sunlight. The profile was nearly as it had been, some portions of it different or still not finished.
"I think that went well, don't you?" she whispered, turning to Bellatrix. Her head bobbed up and down, wings fluttering restlessly. Hermione heaved a sigh, waving her hand in a shooing motion. Hermione hissed as Bellatrix released her shoulder, feeling the talons withdraw from her skin. Bellatrix took to the air, flying lazy circles over Hermione. Hermione craned her neck to see her shoulder, faint dots of blood pooling on her shirt. She ignored it, stretching her shoulder and watching Bellatrix fly.
"Hermione?"
"Hello, Neville. How are you?" Hermione said, eyes glued to the sky.
"I'm well. How," Neville cleared his throat, "How are you?"
Hermione shrugged, eyes falling on Neville, "It's been interesting."
"That's for sure. I'm glad you're back but I don't suppose you'd be helping me with homework now that you're a professor."
"I am the head of Gryffindor house so I can guide you if you need it." Bellatrix landed on Hermione's shoulder, eyeing Neville with puffed feathers.
"I'm happy for you, Hermione. Is that your bird?"
"Oh, yeah. Her name is Polaris." Hermione stroked Bellatrix's head in an attempt to calm her.
"She's beautiful. Wonderful name, too. Where did you get her?" Bellatrix's feathers puffed with pride at the compliment, earning a smile from Hermione.
"I found her, actually. She had an injured wing and I fixed her up. She nearly pecked me to death, though."
"Sometimes to take care of ourselves we need something to take care of. It's nice to have you back, Hermione," he said, placing a hand on her unoccupied shoulder.
"It's nice to be back. Take care, Neville."
"You too." He turned with a wave, his figure growing smaller as he approached the castle. Bellatrix took to the sky again, flying back toward the castle. Hermione stayed where she was, keeping an eye on the dark witch. She didn't want to run into anyone else. Neville had been a nice surprise but not entirely welcome. She had missed him, sure, but she just wanted some time alone.
Bellatrix soared high in the air, the wind brushing through her feathers. The ground was far below her and she could just make out the lone form of Hermione. She had handled the press conference to her satisfaction and hadn't let any of their questions phase her. She made the right choice in choosing Hermione to assist her, even though she already knew that. Today had confirmed that Hermione was hers to guide. Now, Bellatrix had access to Minerva and Kingsley, the latter more indirectly, but still. She would rather have Hermione at Hogwarts for the time being, the young witch wouldn't be so closely monitored and she could have her fun by tormenting the students. It almost made up for the fact that she had to be in her Animagus form whenever they were out of Hermione's chambers or had company. It was manageable, though. Besides, it's not like she really had a plan, anyway. She would come up with something.
Hermione watched as Bellatrix slowly arced back toward her, becoming a larger speck against the blue sky. She held out her arm as she approached, steadying it as Bellatrix landed on it. Her talons scratched against Hermione's skin, leaving faint lines through the word carved on her arm. Hermione began walking back to the castle that served as a school. The halls were busier now, with people working on restoring the last portions of Hogwarts before school started. Hermione ignored the stares as she always did and Bellatrix held her wings out for balance on Hermione's small forearm. Hermione made her way to her room, weaving through the corridors and people. She wasn't sure how she would do once the halls were filled with students and faculty. It felt strange just sitting in the great hall with the relatively small number of people that were there. Bellatrix gave Hermione's shoulder a sharp peck, sensing the spiraling thoughts from Hermione's body language. It brought her back to reality sharply and Hermione smiled gratefully. She twirled Bellatrix's wand in her fingers, entering her room and lowering her arm as Bellatrix hopped off, shifting into her normal form as Hermione secured the door behind them.
"Great job today," she said, backing Hermione against the door and grazing Hermione's neck with her teeth. She was craving the metallic taste of Hermione's blood, sweet on her tongue like no other's had been before.
"I couldn't have done it without you. Wouldn't have," Hermione gasped, tilting her head to the side slightly. Bellatrix smirked, her teeth brushing over Hermione's pulse point. As she needed to inflict pain, Hermione needed to suffer from it. She bit down, breaking the skin and collecting the blood with her tongue. Hermione's nails dug into the wood of the door, breaths coming fast. She could feel the distance between her and Bellatrix, yearned to close it but refrained from doing so. Bellatrix ran her tongue over the trail of blood on Hermione's neck once more, the iron taste mixing with a hint of salt. She stepped back, tongue flicking over her lips. Hermione's pupils were huge and she grinned wolfishly, placing one hand on Hermione's cheek. Her eyes focused on the dark witch's lips, still slightly stained with her blood.
"You never do disappoint, do you?" the dark witch whispered, leaning tantalizingly close to Hermione.
"I wouldn't be a very good Lieutenant if I did."
"I suppose not. That's not exactly what I was referring to, though," Bellatrix said, moving her head so it was next to Hermione's.
"You of all people should know I could never reject it."
"There are those that say what you have and still run. You never do. You need it like you need air. It gives you life," Bellatrix whispered harshly lips brushing against Hermione's ear.
"You give me life." Bellatrix chuckled, letting her nails dig into Hermione's cheek. She would heal it later, as she always did with the visible wounds.
"Let us hope I am the only one to do so."
"You are."
"Prove it," Bellatrix growled, possessiveness washing over her, "Prove that you belong to me and no one else." Hermione sank slowly to her knees as she had every time Bellatrix asked her to prove her loyalty. She had never hesitated and she wouldn't this time. Bellatrix gripped her chin tightly, forcing her head up, nails making half-moons in Hermione's skin.
"By my blood, I swear to you, Bellatrix Black, to never falter in my service to you and your cause. I pledge myself to you and only you so long as I breathe. I am yours to claim as you see fit. No matter the cost I stand by you," Hermione whispered, eyes not leaving Bellatrix's. They were dark and swirling with the violent possessiveness Hermione had come to love. Her heart hammered in her chest and she wondered if Bellatrix could feel it. She waited in anticipation for Bellatrix to respond, the cold cement barely registering in her mind.
"Stand." The command was hissed, and Hermione obeyed, eyes not leaving the burning darkness. Bellatrix held out her hand, closing her fingers around familiar walnut when Hermione placed it there. She backed Hermione to the door, one hand gripping her shirt collar, the other pressing her wand into Hermione's ribs. She knew what was coming, was ready for Bellatrix to utter the word. Her entire body anticipated the curse, waiting for the dark witch to cast it. Bellatrix leaned closer to Hermione, the tip of her wand digging into Hermione painfully.
"Crucio," she whispered, lips brushing against Hermione's cheek softly. It barely registered in Hermione's mind as the sensation of every nerve ending in her body being on fire overtook her. She did not scream, but her knees buckled, Bellatrix's grip the only thing keeping her upright. Hermione was no stranger to this spell, having endured it at Malfoy Manor and every once in a while since Bellatrix had claimed her. A gasp left her lips as a particularly strong wave of pain washed over her and she pressed her head into the door. She could vaguely feel her entire body shaking with pain, but mostly, she felt the tip of Bellatrix's wand against her ribs, the hand gripping her shirt collar, and the lips still barely touching her cheek. Bellatrix grinned, eyes alight at the pain surging through Hermione's body. She released the spell, murmuring in the young witch's ear as her eyes opened and steadily focused. The aftershocks of the spell still had her muscles quivering and Hermione struggled to catch her breath. It got better every time. She was more aware of what was around her with every passing second and the haze in her mind cleared.
"Satisfied?" Hermione croaked, her own eyes nearly black. She relied heavily on Bellatrix to stay upright, tremors wracking her body less frequently.
"For now," Bellatrix whispered, tongue flicking out to taste Hermione's skin. The salt lingered on her tongue, crying out for another taste. She obliged her desire, tongue tracing Hermione's jawline greedily. The young witch's breath caught, heart stuttering in her chest. Bellatrix smirked, pulling Hermione away from the door and into a somewhat standing position. Hermione's legs threatened to give out, the effort to stand taxing even with Bellatrix's help. Her head lay on the dark witch's shoulder, arms dangling at her side. Her entire body felt rubbery and she struggled to remain standing. She missed the words Bellatrix had said, the haze in her mind returning.
"I'm sorry, what did you say?" she murmured, words muffled by Bellatrix's shoulder.
"You have been claimed. Rest, that was stronger than usual."
Hermione nodded weakly, unable to move away from Bellatrix's support. She tried, willing her limbs to cooperate but they were unresponsive. Bellatrix grew impatient waiting for Hermione to move. She scooped the young witch up, depositing her onto the bed and setting a glass of water on the nightstand. Hermione was already asleep, her muscles still twitching sporadically. Bellatrix watched her, an unfamiliar feeling rising in her chest. She didn't know what it was so she ignored it, turning away from Hermione and busying herself with other things.
