It was two weeks until the Christmas break and things around Hogwarts were changing. Bellatrix sat behind her desk awaiting for the 7th years to come in. She sat and thought about the past few months. After the trip to Hogsmeade with Hermione, their relationship had changed to that of a friendly nature. They spent every Friday night together either in the library researching memory magic or in one of their rooms practicing. Bellatrix was most fond of the communication with the younger witch. They spent a lot of time just sitting in the other's presence talking about their past and current experiences. Bellatrix helped Hermione with preparing for her NEWTS even though she thought it was useless since the brunette knew the material inside out. They also spent a good amount of time with Hermione teaching Bellatrix about life as a muggle. One Friday night, Hermione dropped a television off for Bellatrix with a DVD player. She had said that it was for when she came over to visit but Bellatrix wouldn't lie. She often was found watching that damn contraption even when Hermione wasn't around.

They were getting close to being ready to venture to find Hermione's parents. Bellatrix was confident that between the two of them, they had enough information to return most if not all the memories that Hermione removed prior to the war. She had plans to suggest doing this over Christmas break.

Bellatrix was brought out of her thoughts when the students all started to pour into the room. She saw Hermione and Ginny talking as they came to sit in their seats. Hermione smiled at Bella and the older witch felt warmth flowing through her veins. She saw Ginny talking wildly with her hands so she ventured over to see what the conversation was about.

"So are you going to go?" Ginny asked.

"Well. I don't know. That's not really my kind of thing." Hermione responded shyly noticing the approaching woman.

"Oh shove off of it Hermione. You went fourth year and had an amazing time minus my idiot brother. You have to go. This is our last year and you can't miss this experience."

"What isn't Ms. Granger going to that you are so convinced she needs to attend?" Bellatrix asked with a curious eyebrow raised.

"The Christmas Ball of course… Didn't you read your note from the Headmistress?" Ginny looked at her professor handing over a slip of parchment.

Bella took the parchment and it read:

Please join us in the Great Hall for a Christmas Ball Celebration.

24/12/2000. 8:00pm

It is mandatory for Teachers to Chaperon.

Student participation is not mandatory but highly suggested.

Let's celebrate this joyous time together.

Bellatrix rolled her eyes and handed the note back to Ginny. "Well I guess I need to find an outfit and it said that my presence is mandatory."

Ginny smiled looking over at Hermione, "see now you have to go or else Professor Black will be lonely without you."

Hermione's eyes widened at her friend's forwardness. "I'll think about it." Hermione looked down at her text.

Bellatrix chuckled slightly walking back to the front of the class. "All right kids, settle down. As the Christmas break is nearing, I thought it only fair to let you know what you will need to know to pass your NEWT in my class. It's no surprise that your defensive maneuvers have improved slightly. There will be two parts to the test. First, everyone will be expected to individually duel me. While it is not expected that you will win, I expect everybody to put up a good fight with at least 10-20 offensive and defensive spells. I suggest you find a sparing partner and start practicing. I will not be going easy during the test. Of course, if you are lucky enough to successfully disarm me before the time is up then the test will cease and you will pass that portion with an outstanding."

Bellatrix gave the students a few minutes to talk among themselves as she knew that this new information as probably a lot of absorb. She looked over to Hermione and saw that the younger witch was just looking at her smiling. At that moment, Bella wanted to push into her mind to see what she was thinking but had to get back to business.

"The second part of the test will of course be your ability to produce a full bodied patronus. I expect everybody to be able to do this by the end of the year." Bellatrix looked out at the students and noticed a few worried looks. "Show of hands, who here has produced at least a silver streak when trying to conjure a patronus."

Almost the entire room raised their hands save for Draco and the other few Slytherins in the room.

Luna's hand went up.

"Go on Ms. Lovegood."

"I was just wondering if you've tried to conjure a patronus since our first class."

"No I have not. That doesn't mean I won't be able to. Everybody needs to be able to think of a happy memory. It doesn't necessarily even have had happened. It just needs to be a thought that brings you immense joy and a feeling of overwhelming happiness." Bella looked to the back of the class where the Slytherins were sitting. "Talk amongst yourself for a few minutes." She called as she took a seat on the table of the Slytherins.

"Look," Bella started talking quietly so only the table could hear her. "I know you lot have to have some good memories. It's quite a daunting task to be put on the spot in front of everyone so I suggest you try to do this privately. It will make thinking of the memories easier."

"What's your memory, Aunt Bella?" Draco asked.

"Well, it used to be me and my sisters sitting together on the Hogwarts express for the first time after your mother got accepted into school." Bellatrix smiled at the memory.

"Used to be?" Pansy asked curiously.

"I say that because after Azkaban, a lot of my memories were altered. I know now that it wouldn't be enough to conjure my patronus. That's why I haven't tried. Don't worry about me though. This is about your ability to cast it."

"You seem happier, Aunt Bella. Whatever is going on with you, I think it's only time until you have a happy memory."

Bellatrix just smiled at her nephew and ruffled his hair. "Tell you what, if you guys successfully cast your patronuses and pass with an outstanding, thenI will attempt my patronus for you after the test."

"Deal." The table of Slytherins said in unison as Bellatrix smiled and walked back to the front of the class.

"All right, enough of this. Let's get back to dueling. Ms. Granger and Ms. Weasley… up front. I'd like to see a demonstration of simple offensive and defensive spells for the class. You will dismissed when one of you is successfully disarmed."

"Oh you are going down." Ginny said getting up smiling.

"In your dreams," Hermione responded fixing her with a concentrated stare.

—

Classes had ended the Friday before break which meant the Christmas Ball would be held in two days time.

"Fine, I'll go." Hermione said almost begrudgingly. "I really don't want to go. And before you say anything, no I'm not taking a date."

"Harry is coming. I'm very excited to spend time with him. Will it be weird for you to see him after two years?" Ginny asked sincerely.

"No, I expect it won't be strange. He used to be my best friend. I can't see that changing even with the time apart. I'm looking forward to catching up with him regardless of a ball. I just hope you are not going to say next that your brother is coming." Hermione said rolling her eyes.

"Oh Merlin no. He won't be anywhere near the castle." Ginny said laughing.

"I don't know why I ever thought I had a crush on him. He's not a bad guy. It's just we didn't have anything in common after the war ended. Turns out our only common interest was Harry and the war. I'd still like to attempt to be his friend but it doesn't seem like he ever wanted that."

"Yeah, he's a horse's ass all right. He messed up a chance at friendship with you." Ginny said smiling at her friend. "So is there anyone you are currently interested in?"

"No." Hermione stated quickly.

"Not, even a certain dark haired professor?" Ginny asked smiling.

"No, for the 100th time, Bella and I are just friends."

"Friends who spend every Friday night together and share smiles and notes during class. How many times have I seen Professor Black coming out of your classroom prior to my lesson?"

"That's because we are friends Ginny and we are going to go soon to bring my parents back. There's nothing but friendship there." Hermione responded. Deep in her mind though she was questioning the sincerity of her words. Bella was her friend. She wasn't the same person as Bellatrix Lestrange and everyone had been right about their assessment of her. She was a changed person and Hermione enjoyed the time they spent together. "Plus, she was married. She likes men."

"Arranged marriage and have you ever seen her engage in a conversation with any man willingly?" Ginny replied back with sarcasm.

"Well no but her options are rather limited here."

"Or maybe she just has eyes for one person." Ginny said casting her eyes to the Professor's table where Bellatrix was sitting there in conversation with Neville. As Hermione looked up at her, the older witch cast her eyes upon her and smiled. Hermione blushed and looked back at her food. "I'm never wrong when it comes to love."

"Oh Merlin, I'm done here." Hermione said getting up and walking out of the Great Hall. "Love. Yeah sure."

—

Hermione emerged from the bath and came out into her room to find her dress ready for the evening. She did a quick drying spell on her hair and decided to wear it down with her tamed curls sweeping over her left shoulder. She wore a clip to hold back her hair on the right side. She slid into her dress. It was a long, silky red dress. The dress had a slit in the front that came up mid thigh. It came up modestly around her front and connected around her neck. The back was open down to her lower back. She put on a pair of gold heels to complete the outfit. She wore a smokey eye look and a deep red lip which was more bold than she would normally wear.

Hermione looked in the mirror. She wasn't sure who the woman was staring back at her. She was a far cry from the girl that was present at the final battle. Pleased with her look, she heard a knock a the door. "Come in" She called as she made her way into the living room.

Ginny burst in the door and whistled. "Looking hot, lady. Are you sure you aren't trying to impress anyone tonight?" Ginny asked pulling the girl into a hug.

"Hello 'Mione." Harry said as he sheepishly entered the room. "This is a nice room."

"Harry!" Hermione threw herself into Harry's arms. "I've missed you so much. It's been way too long. Are you well?"

"I've missed you, too. Yes, just busy with work and trying to squeeze time into see Ginny. We need to get together during the break. I want to hear all about you and Bellatrix. Ginny said something about you fancying her."

Hermione went over and slapped Ginny on the shoulder. "I do not fancy Bellatrix. I would however love to get together with you."

"Brilliant." Harry responded. "So tell me about teaching…" he started as the three friends left Hermione's room and made their way to the Great Hall.

—-

The minute they walked into the ball, Hermione did a quick scan looking for Bellatrix.

"I don't think she's here yet." Luna said coming to stand next to Hermione.

"Who?"

"Well Professor Black of course." Luna responded.

"What makes you think I'm looking for Bellatrix?"

"Oh she doesn't know yet." Luna said to Neville. "You'll realize your feelings eventually. The Nargles told me. Don't worry. They think she likes you too."

Before Hermione had a chance to respond, Neville was leading Luna out to the dance floor. Hermione walked over to the table that her friends inhabited for the evening.

"What's wrong Hermione?" Harry asked.

"Just an unusual conversation with Luna about the Nargles. Nothing to worry about." Hermione was responding when she looked up and saw Bellatrix enter the room and walk toward McGonagall.

Hermione's jaw dropped. She was surely expecting Bellatrix to look wonderful as always but she never expected the sight she was currently looking at. Bellatrix was wearing a tailored black suit. The pants were fitted to her body hugging her curves. She wore a black dress shirt that was unbuttoned low enough to show ample cleavage. She had on a green tie that was untied around her neck. The black suit coat was just as well-fitted as the pants and came to rest just above her backside. Bellatrix had dark makeup on as usual and her curly hair was pinned up on the top of her head with loose curls fall around her face.

Hermione visually gulped. Bellatrix had moved away from McGonagall and Hermione couldn't stop herself. "Excuse me," was all she said to her friend's as her body betrayed her. She stood up and walked over to the older witch.

"Hi." Hermione said lamely as she approached Bellatrix who was standing alone near an empty table drinking a class of fire whiskey. Hermione blushed as she saw the older witch eyeing her up and down.

Bellatrix leaned in putting a hand on Hermione's shoulder and whispered in her ear, "you look gorgeous tonight. Breath taking." Bellatrix pulled back and saw Hermione blushing.

"Thank you. I didn't expect a suit. It's nice."

Bellatrix gave her a knowing smile. "You can eye me up, pet. I know I look good." She laughed. "I went with the suit because I'm tired of doing what's expected of me. Thought I'd change things up a bit and honestly, I could use a break from the corsets every now and then. Let my ribs breathe." She winked at Hermione.

"Do you maybe want to…" Bellatrix starting asking when Minerva walked over with a few of the other teachers.

"Professor Black, let Ms. Granger get back to her friends. Come with us. We need to talk about the upcoming break." Bellatrix look frustrated and huffed a breath of air out.

"Hold that thought." Bellatrix said to Hermione excusing herself.

Hermione made her way back over to her friends.

"Damn she looks amazing tonight. I'm not even into girl and I can't help but stare at her ass." Ginny responded.

"She does look nice." Hermione said still staring at Bellatrix. "Oh shit." Hermione said in a tone of realization. "I think I have a crush of Bellatrix."

"It's about bloody time you realized it." Neville said coming to sit down and pulling Luna into his lap.

"See the Nargles never lie." Luna said happily.

"I did not see this coming." Hermione said in a shocked tone.

"For the brightest witch of your time, you can be a little dense when it comes to feelings, 'Mione." Harry responded and Hermione glared at him. "I mean that with love, of course." He quickly added.

"Well nothing can happen, she's my professor and she doesn't think of me like that." Hermione brushed the thought off.

"Well half truths are better than no truths." Luna replied. "Let's dance."

With that, the group made their way to the dance floor. They danced, laughed and enjoyed their time together. Hermione was having a good time and not thinking of her professor until she spotted Cormac McLaggen approaching her. Hermione rolled her eyes and sighed loudly.

"Hey Hermione. You are looking good tonight." McLaggen said with a sleazy undertone as her eyed her up and down.

"Thanks." Hermione said not paying too much attention to him.

"Would you like to dance with me?" He asked as the song suddenly turned slow. He reached out and started putting his arms around Hermione. She tried to turn him away but he just reached out and took Hermione into his arms.

Bellatrix was standing near the refreshments and she watched closely as this 7th year went over and put his hands all over Hermione. She couldn't tell from where she was standing that this action was unwanted by the brunette. Bella felt anger rage up inside of her. She wasn't supposed to be dancing with some kid. Hermione was supposed to be dancing with her and only her.

"I need to leave." Bellatrix said through gritted teeth to McGonagall and quickly made her way out of the Great Hall. She made sure to storm past a struggling Hermione and McLaggen. "Figures." She said in an icy tone making eye contact with the brunette before leaving the hall.

Bellatrix went back to her room. She didn't want to be around that any longer than necessary.

"Why am I such a fucking fool all the time?" Bellatrix started to rant to herself while pacing her living room. "Of course she's straight. She's also only 20 and why shouldn't she be with a boy her own age. I should've known she didn't like women." Bellatrix shouted angrily. "I thought she knew my intentions when I started to ask her to dance. I don't slowly pursue people like this. God she makes me feel so weak." Bellatrix yelled again throwing her lamp across the room and it shattered to the floor. "You'd rather be her friend than nothing at all, wouldn't you?" She felt herself starting to argue back. "At the moment, no. At the moment, I'd like to push her up against my wall and shove my tongue down her throat. Seeing as how that's not the option that I thought it was, I guess a friend is better than nothing."

Bellatrix sighed and tried hard to calm herself. She needed to go back and finish her duties. "Pull yourself together Black, you don't pine. You are a Black and you are proud." Bellatrix puffed up her shoulders and downed a glass of whiskey before she opened up the door to her room and left.

Her eyes widened when she saw Hermione standing outside her room pacing back and forth. Bellatrix narrowed her eyes. "Is there something I can do for you, Ms. Granger?" She asked in a bitter tone.

"Oh so now we are back to Ms. Granger, are we?" Hermione said in a crushed tone. "I was only coming to see if you were okay. You left in a hurry and you seemed upset."

"I'm fine. Let it go." Bella dismissed her with a wave of her hand.

"What did you mean by 'figures'?" Hermione asked not letting Bellatrix move around her. Hermione had her almost pinned to the wall invading her space.

"It's nothing. Don't worry about it. I need to get back. As do you, I'm sure your boyfriend is missing you." Bellatrix spat the sentence out harshly.

Hermione was taken back by the comment. "McLaggen is not my boyfriend. I've been turning his swarmy ass down since 6th year. He can't take a bloody hint. I might have to hex him next time he touches me."

"It looked like you were enjoying it from where I was standing." Bellatrix said in a petulant tone.

"Then you weren't standing in the right place. I was trying to get him off of me." Hermione said looking into Bella's eyes. "Honestly there's only one person I'm interested in dancing with."

"And who might that be?" Bella asked in a tone so quiet that if Hermione wasn't standing so close she would've missed it.

Hermione knew that talking wasn't going to do anything to add to the moment. She mustered up all her Gryffindor courage and made up her mind. She looked deeply into Bella's eyes than down to her lips. Her own tongue coming out to lick her drying lips. Hermione placed a hand on Bella's cheek and leaned down softly capturing the shorter woman's lips in a soft kiss. Hermione poured all of her emotions into the kiss. She softly moved her lips against Bella's and within seconds she felt Bella returning the kiss with the same gentle pressure. Hermione pulled away slowly and opened her eyes to see Bellatrix standing with her eyes still closed. At that moment, Hermione had never seen a more alluring person in her 20 years of existence. Oh yeah, she had a thing for Bellatrix and this moment just confirmed it.

"You." Hermione breathe out quietly. "I want to dance all my dances with you, Bella."

Bellatrix smiled and brought her lips up to capture Hermione into another kiss.