Author's Note: Back with another chapter! Any French from here on out will be translated in an Author's Note at the end of the chapter. Since Christmas has passed I decided to bring their Christmas to you as well. Enjoy!
HUGE DISCLAIMER; I don't own any of these characters, unfortunately. ~1stSoulVamp

IN OUR DARKEST MOMENTS

Chapter 15: A Very Happy Christmas

A week and a half had gone by and Christmas was right around the corner. Christmas Eve found Hermione reading in her room before dinner, quietly studying the ancient Arithmancy of the Egyptians. She had gotten over her cold four days ago and ever since then her relationship with Bellatrix had only grown closer. Bella, for one, was ecstatic to find out that it wasn't just her mental state of illness. Rather that Hermione really did have feelings for her. This was proven when four days ago she had raced out of her room, feeling a lot better, and planting a sound kiss on the tantalizing lips of the dark witch as her friend Draco stood behind, surprised. As was his mother too who had witness the public display of affection standing at the top of the stairs to retrieve the black haired witch for something.

Since the public confession of love, Bellatrix had practically moved out of the guest room and back into her room to share with Hermione. The brunette in question did feel a bit out of place at all the things starting to move fast. But she couldn't deny her feelings for the Dark Lord's servant and even if it was a bit odd that her first crush was going along swellingly. Draco didn't seem to be bothered by it. Almost too unbothered, that Hermione felt like he was up to something, but decided to ask him about it later. Neither did Narcissa or Lucius seem to think that everything was moving a bit fast and it was weird that the girl was practically dating Draco's Aunt. At first she wondered if it was merely because they were too polite to say anything, but the brunette had scrapped that from her mind. She was a mudblood. Surely they would push past politeness to remind her of her place and that mudbloods don't get to date Purebloods.

But none of that old traditional way of thinking came to her. Certainly Bellatrix didn't seem bothered by it either and Hermione thought she would be the hardest to convince if it ever came to that. She supposed she would ask the family after Christmas but now was not the time to worry. She was too excited about the Holidays seeming as she would get to properly celebrate for the first time. Her past years had been anything but kind or expensive. Her past Holidays were spent with beatings or meager hand-me-downs even though she knew Ms. Evangeline was just trying her best. She tried not to flinch at one particular Christmas where Mr. Granger had had too much spiked eggnog and visited her that night in her bed. One she would never forget which made her feel virtually sick and outwardly shuddered at the sad memory.

She was pulled out of her reading by the sound of thundering footsteps on the stairs. Sitting on top of her covers, Hermione looked up from her book as Draco burst through the door with Blaise Zabini and Gregory Goyle shouting at her to come quickly.

Feeling the infectious excitement, Hermione put her book down on the bedside table and clamored down to follow the gang of boys. "What's going on?" The brunette asked as the excited teens started running down the stairs and through the hallways.

"Blaise brought over some fireworks and Mum's just said yes to lighting them!" Draco exclaimed as they passed the parlor room which sat the Malfoy Family and several other purebloods who Hermione perceived as Zabini and Goyle's parents. Grabbing the boxes of colorful fireworks, Draco loaded Hermione's arms with a lot of them. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Bellatrix smiling from her lounge sipping that infamous firewhiskey of hers.

Hermione who had never had fireworks to light was beyond astounded at the amount that Draco was loading into her arms. "We're firing all of this?!" She asked definitely happy.

The blonde boy nodded rigorously piling his own amount of fireworks into his arms. "Yeah Mum's said to go passed the garden towards the lake. The boys and I already set a plank of wood as a sort of platform. This is going to be so fun!"

Hermione couldn't agree more. Not only was she excited to light fireworks for the first time in her life, but Draco had made her feel included every step of the way and the younger witch couldn't feel more thankful. If she didn't get anything for Christmas she would still feel happy and content because whether he knew or not, the blonde boy had given Hermione the best thing of all in the span of a few short months. He had given her a family and that satisfied Hermione's soul.

Grinning at the obscene amount of fireworks, the boys and Hermione smiled stupidly and mischievously at each other. Each with their arms loaded carried the fireworks out past the fruits and flowers but not without a final warning from Narcissa that if they lit up her garden they would pay. Laughing madly with the rest of them they began to rip through the packages and set the fireworks all up. The sky was setting from lilac to black and starry and Hermione looked back towards the manor to see the adults all had drinks in their hands and were standing by the door to watch the fireworks.

"So how do you do this?" Hermione asked once everything was unpacked and lined up. They looked like the industrial fireworks that zipped high in the clouds before exploding in a flash of color.

"Simple, just light these wicks with your wand. You go! It's your first time." The blonde boy encouraged.

Looking at the silhouettes of all the parents waiting, the brunette didn't wait another second before firing an, "Incendio," and lit the wick of the nearest firework. Launching into the air it made a large whizzing sound before a loud bang of shimmering green and red light.

After the first one was lit and exploded, it sent the teens into a frenzy to light all the ones they had, resulting in a spectacular rain of color in the black sky and applause from the adults. Hermione felt a finger tap her shoulder and she whirled around to reveal Draco holding lit sparklers and they tried to write funny things in the air and try to guess the word.

By the time it was supper, all the fireworks had been lit and all the sparklers had died. The teens couldn't stop laughing at each other and for once in her life, Hermione felt safe and full. The merriment only continued as all the families sat around the table to enjoy a feast the house-elves had put together for the Eve. It still struck Hermione a bit odd that all these Purebloods didn't seem to mind that a mudblood was in their midst but maybe Hermione proved herself with her brain rather than her blood status. For now it would have to do because the brunette didn't want anymore negative thoughts staining her mind when she was having such fun on the night before Christmas.

That night Hermione slipped into bed with Bellatrix and immediately cuddled to the older witch's side, feeling exhaustion take over. Both witches fell asleep, tired and worn out from the celebrations and alcohol, in no time.

In the late morning on Christmas, Hermione woke up to dark black curls in her face. Smiling, she smoothed the hair to the side to find her older counterpart still sleeping. Taking a minute to wake up, the younger Slytherin cupped the older witch's face and planting a light kiss on those ever so kissable lips. Feeling the gentle touches deep within the fog of her mind, Bellatrix stirred awake, opening up one eye to see Hermione trying to stifle laughter.

"Good morning, sleepy. Happy Christmas." Hermione said giggling.

"Yeah yeah, giggle all you want mon amour. I'm going back to sleep." The black haired witch turned under the covers facing away from Hermione intent on going back to sleep but the brunette just kept laughing and cuddled up to the back of Bellatrix.

Hermione kissed the back of her ear. "But it's Christmas! We should go see if the others are up."

Bellatrix let out a groan. "Retourne dormir, petite sorcière." She nuzzled back into bed against her pillow but Hermione had other plans.

Hoisting her body until she was on top of the dark witch Hermione smirked and began belting out the tunes to 'All I Want for Christmas is You'. She gently nudged the lieutenant annoyingly until the dark witch let out a 'hmph' and sat up quickly which toppled Hermione off of her. Taking advantage of the moment, the dark witch switched their positions to where she was lying on top of the brunette and Hermione's breath hitched at their closeness. "So, all you want for Christmas is me, aye little witch?"

Hermione shuddered as the deep black eyes pierced into her honey colored ones. Nervously she nodded as she watched Bellatrix's smile form into a smirk.

"All you had to do was ask." The dark witch leant in closer, their breathes began to mingle as Hermione waited with anticipation until their hungry lips could meet again. But before that could happen a sharp 'ahem' surprised both of them as Bellatrix saw who was at the door and flopped back down on the bed, her eyes rolling in annoyance. "Cissy, à quoi dois-je le plaisir?"

The blonde dressed in a simple charcoal colored dress, did an annoyed eye roll of her own before saying, "Le petit déjeuner est prêt."

Hermione who had hidden under the covers in embarrassment, looked at Bellatrix after the blonde matriarch had left. "What did she say?"

Bellatrix, still lying on her back on top of the covers, sighed. "She said breakfast was ready. Too bad it's not you, that I'll be having." She smirked and Hermione's face began to redden all the way down from her face to her chest. "Come pet, let us bathe and get ready."

Hermione took a shower first, hurrying quickly to make way for Bellatrix who had unabashly started to undress in front of her after she got out and had wrapped a towel around herself. She wasn't complaining at the dark witch's certain assets and curves, but she didn't feel like she was ready to show the black haired witch her own body. But Bellatrix seemed to understand and closed the door to the bathroom as the brunette hurried to get dressed in a simple black dress.

When Bellatrix had stepped out of the bathroom, Hermione was a little relieved to see she was wearing her signature black dress and corset. As much as she liked to see what the dark witch had to offer, she didn't want to look like an uneducated mess, right before she was to see the Malfoy Family.

In record time, both witches were out the door, talking quietly as they descended the stairs, Bellatrix's hand never leaving Hermione's waist until they had sat down at the table.

Draco was smirking as he sipped his black tea and Hermione tried to ignore him, so as not to get embarrassed. "Sleep well Granger?"

"Yes, how about you Malfoy?" Hermione spit back gently. She could see Narcissa wince a little at the use of last names.

"Why I slept well, even though I didn't have a bed warmer." He sneered playfully.

Hermione choked on her tea. "It's a shame really."

Draco dropped his smirk. "What's a shame?"

Giving a smirk of her own as he fell right into the trap, she answered, "That you're too ugly to get a bed warmer." Feeling smug she took another sip of her tea.

Draco guffawed, "That's where you're wrong Granger. For you already know I'm the sexiest person in this room."

Hermione snorted indignantly, "Yeah right! Next to your Aunt." She countered.

Bellatrix who had been watching to two teenagers go at it, let out a loud laugh, letting the two students know she had been listening to everything this whole time. Narcissa on the other hand wasn't pleased. "Alright, enough you two. We'll have cookies and milk while opening presents so eat lightly." The blonde witch ordered.

The Christmas breakfast was anything but light and Hermione and Draco were having a hard time trying to choose what to eat and what not to. Their overactive metabolisms of youth tried to argue that they could eat all of it, but they settled for simple things like toast and eggs, washing it down with pumpkin juice and tea. After breakfast was over, everyone moved into the parlor room, where the Christmas pine had been set up in a dazzling display. It's lights helped reflect the shiny wrapping of the presents under it and Hermione had never seen so many, much less wrapped in bright tinsel.

Just as the family settled into seats, a loud pecking sound came from the front window of the manor. Annoyed Bellatrix jumped right back up from having sat down, and swiftly went to see what all the fuss was about that the owl was making. The Malfoy family chatted lightly as they waited for Bella to return, which she did with an open letter, looking a bit pale. The family sensed something wrong immediately and Bellatrix swallowed to try to get rid of the lump in her throat. Trying to not freak out she smiled before looking at Narcissa. "Cissy, chérie, tu peux me rencontrer dans le hall? Merci."

Looking worried, the Malfoy matriarch quickly got up from her seat and followed her sister wordlessly as she motioned for the others to stay in the room. Hermione turned to Draco who watched his mother leave before shrugging. As they waited in the parlor room, a hurried discussion was happening between the sisters in the foyer.

"Bella, qu'est-ce que c'est?" Narcissa asked reaching for the letter.

Instead of answering, Bellatrix just handed the letter over and started pacing as she let her sister read the scripted writing of their Dark Lord.

With her brows furrowed, the blonde looked up from the parchment, "Il veut la rencontrer? Quand?"

"Je sais pas. Il veut juste la rencontrer. Je soupçonne avant le bal." Bellatrix said exasperated. "De toute façon, ça ne peut pas être bon. Il voudra peut-être parler du passé de la fille."

Narcissa grabbed her stomach, suddenly not liking the idea. "Pensez-vous qu'elle est prête?"

Bellatrix nodded. "Elle devra l'être. Nous avons pas le choix."

The blonde shut her eyes tightly for a second and then nodded. She only hoped that Bellatrix would have made it far enough in her mission that an uncovering of her heritage wouldn't spook the brunette away from her family. The Malfoys knew what was at stake, should they fail.

Walking back into the room, the two sisters plastered smiles on their face and waved off the urgency of the letter when met with questioning eyes. Instead Narcissa announced that they would start opening presents. As tradition for the Malfoy family, Lucius passed their presents out until each person had their own stack with their names on it. Hermione was surprised to see the amount of presents she actually got and almost teared up before remembering that everyone was watching. Per Narcissa's word, everyone began to unwrap at the same time and the room was filled with awe and small gasps at the thoughtfulness.

Draco had opened his broom servicing kit from Hermione and was ever so thankful for the new wood polish. Narcissa had received a new necklace from Bellatrix that looked like it was made of real diamond. Hermione wouldn't be surprised if they were. Lucius got a new wax stamp sealed with the Malfoy family crest as well as some more wax colors from Draco. Bellatrix received a new corset from Narcissa, and Hermione received several books from Lucius ranging on topics she wanted to major in at Hogwarts.

Excited, the family began to tear into new presents resulting in more happy exclamations. Draco got a new broom from Lucius, another faster version of the firebolt, Hermione got a simple diamond ring with a gold band from Bellatrix who simply shrugged when Hermione commented about how expensive it must've been. Lucius got a couple new ties for his dress robes from Narcissa, and Bellatrix opened the book Hermione had gotten her from Flourish and Blotts, on advanced potions. Narcissa gasped at the matching new earrings to her new necklace from Draco.

Each round of present opening, left room for merriment and laughter as they all got what they wanted. After the excitement had worn down, Hermione joined Bellatrix on the loveseat and cuddled into her dark witch, content on just laying on her for the rest of eternity. Draco went to go put his things up in his room before trying his broom and Narcissa and Lucius were set on getting everyone a drink. Coming loudly down the stairs, and a scolding from his mother, Draco hurried into the parlor room with his firebolt. "Anyone wanna see me fly? Wait, we're done with presents, right?" Draco asked impatiently.

Looking at the blonde boy amused. Bellatrix grabbed the firewhiskey Narcissa had come back with and sipped it. Peering at the tree she raised her brow, "Draco, dear nephew, there seems to be something your father missed. Go grab it."

Lucius, walked back into the room, handing Hermione a small glass of champagne and sitting down nursing his own glass of scotch. Draco walked over to the pine to try and find what his Aunt was talking about before pulling a black envelope from under the tree. "It's addressed to Hermione." The blonde leaned over to give it to Hermione who took it, confused. As Draco sat down to watch her open it she looked at the rest of the family who all seemed curious as to as it what was contained in the envelope. It seemed to the brunette that it wasn't from anyone in the room.

Breaking the dark green seal of the small envelope with slightly trembling hands, Hermione slid out the card which had three simple, elegant numbers written in red ink. Frowning Hermione said the numbers out loud to the waiting audience. "It just says six-three-nine." She shrugged as Bellatrix took the letter from her hands. If she had any indication of knowing who it was from, she didn't outwardly show it. Handing the card back to the younger witch, the brunette shrugged and put it back in the envelope near a pile next to her newly acquired things.

The rest of the day was spent with drinking and laughing as the family grew even closer to each other. The brunette was beyond excited at her gifts and had even begun reading some of the books on transfigurations to try and get ahead on her studies. Lucius and Bellatrix were belting out christmas carols obnoxiously drunk, as Narcissa sat in the corner trying not to let the two see her amused smirk at their ridiculousness. Draco would join in from time to time as he polished his new broom with his new servicing kit from the younger Slytherin witch. This was definitely one of the best Christmas' Hermione had ever had.

She was still curious to see who had sent her that letter but when she asked about it to the Malfoy family they had no idea, nor what the numbers meant. Climbing into bed, later that evening with Bellatrix slipping in next to her, she gave a sigh of content as she cuddled with the older witch. Trying to repeat what happened earlier this morning the two began an intense snogging battle as hot tongue met hot tongue, one witch trying to dominate the other. Eventually, Bellatrix won and settled on top of Hermione, both of them under the warm sheets as a light snow flurry began outside the window which started to make the room feel cold.

Both were moaning into the kisses and Hermione started to feel a warm simmer spread in her belly and she knew if they continued she wouldn't be able to stop and say no to the dark witch that was so mesmerizing. Bellatrix wanted more but had a feeling she knew the girl wasn't ready and as she pulled back she stared into the brunette's eyes with her black ones and they each seemed to reach the same silent conclusion. Still happy with how things were going, Bellatrix and her little witch continued to give each other light kisses as they fell asleep to the quiet groaning of the wind outside.

Author's End Note: Thanks for reading, I did leave translations to the French somewhere around here. As always, comments fuel my need to write and I'm glad you all enjoy the story so far. Stay tuned because there is a lot more that's coming and needs to happen. Remember all mistakes and inconsistencies are my own because I have no beta, so let me know if you see any. ~1stSoulVamp

Notes:

mon amour my love

Retourne dormir, petite sorcière. Go back to sleep, little witch.

Cissy, à quoi dois-je le plaisir? Cissy, to what do I owe the pleasure?

Le petit déjeuner est prêt. Breakfast is ready.

Cissy, chérie, tu peux me rencontrer dans le hall? Merci. Cissy, dear, could you meet me in the foyer? Thank you.

Bella, qu'est-ce que c'est? Bella, what is it?

Il veut la rencontrer? Quand? He wants to meet her? When?

Je sais pas. Il veut juste la rencontrer. Je soupçonne avant le bal. I don't know. He just wants to meet her. I suspect before the Ball.

De toute façon, ça ne peut pas être bon. Il voudra peut-être parler du passé de la fille. Either way, it can't be good. He may want to talk about the girl's past.

Pensez-vous qu'elle est prête? Do you think she is ready?

Elle devra l'être. Nous avons pas le choix. She should be. We have no choice.