Here you guys go! Another update already! I've been on a serious Bellamione kick so I've been writing a good bit. I hope you all like the new chapter. Also, if interested at all, you can check out more of my works by heading to my tumblr, love-order-chaos-repeat. You can find my redbubble, teespring, and my novels there!
As always, reviews are welcomed and encouraged.
Hermione awoke to the smell of sandalwood and pine right in her face. She blinked her eyes, chasing away the last remainder of sleep. A sea of black was in her way, tickling her nose. She sighed happily and burrowed her face into the head of curls in front of her, inhaling the smell that was distinctly Bellatrix.
The witch in her arms stirred a little and Hermione couldn't resist placing a kiss to her neck. She peppered the smooth skin before her, feeling a jolt run through her body when Bellatrix moaned low in her throat.
"What a way to wake up," Bellatrix murmured, her voice husky with sleep. She rolled over and cupped Hermione's face and placed a quick kiss to her lips. "Good morning."
"Morning," Hermione replied happily. Then the headache set in. She groaned and shut her eyes tightly—groaning again when Bellatrix laughed.
"Someone's hangover is setting in I see."
"I shouldn't have drank so much," Hermione admitted. "I have to go back today too."
At this, Bellatrix's face fell. She had forgotten that they were both leaving for Christmas break later today. She would be heading back to Narcissa's with Draco, and Hermione would be off to her parents'.
When Bellatrix didn't respond, Hermione opened her eyes. She took in the crestfallen expression on the witch's face and reached up to guide her eyes to meet hers.
"Break isn't that long. I'll see you in a month."
Bellatrix nodded, attempting to swallow the lump in her throat.
Truthfully, she knew a month wasn't that long. What she was struggling with was that she would be away from Hermione for a month and would be subjected to the feeling of what life would be like without her once she returned to her time. She knew that returning would be a completely different type of pain. She would have to wait so many years for Hermione to even be born into the world…a month with the knowledge she would definitely see her at the start of term was hopeful. But the reminder of what was eventually coming was disheartening and painful.
As if realizing what Bellatrix was thinking, Hermione's mouth fell open slightly and her eyes widened.
"Bella," Hermione whispered.
Bellatrix looked up, demanding to herself that she not start crying. She could feel the damn tears welling up.
"Bella, I don't want you to go either," Hermione assured. She pulled the other girl against her and held her tight to her body.
Bellatrix broke. She let the tears fall, silently, onto Hermione's shoulder. She tucked her face in her neck and breathed her scent in, hoping that it would calm her—instead it brought on more tears.
She wasn't sure how long they laid there, but when she finally pulled back Hermione was looking at her so tenderly that Bellatrix forgot how to breathe for a moment. Hermione pulled her up to a sitting position and wrapped her arms around her as she leaned back against the headboard.
"I'm sorry," Bellatrix said softly. Her apology came out timid and Hermione gave her a squeeze.
"You never have to apologize to me for your feelings, Bella," Hermione stated. She threaded their hands together and sat in silence.
Bellatrix's gaze flickered down to Hermione's arm. The words Mudblood were visible against her skin, and Bellatrix sucked in a breath.
"I cursed it yes?" Bellatrix asked.
Hermione was confused, but then realization dawned when she saw where Bellatrix was looking. The glamor had worn off.
Hermione cleared her, now suddenly tight, throat. "Yes."
Bellatrix nodded and stood from the bed. She walked over to the dresser and grabbed her wand, then came back to the bed. She gently picked up Hermione's arm and took a deep breath. She tapped the wand to the word and muttered a spell under her breath, dragging the tip of the wand along the span of the words.
A burning heat seared Hermione's arm and she sucked in a breath through her teeth, hissing at the pain. Her instinct was to pull her arm away, but Bellatrix held firm.
She continued speaking the spell and tracing the wand along the words, then went back to the top and repeated it a third time.
Hermione whimpered at the pain. It felt like someone was holding a hot poker to her arm. Then, as suddenly as it began, it was gone.
She opened her eyes—widening them with amazement as she saw her skin was completely unmarred.
Bellatrix carefully lifted the arm to her lips and placed gentle kisses along Hermione's forearm where the scar had been.
"All better," she said softly.
Hermione felt tears of joy spill over and pulled Bellatrix to her—crashing their lips together in an intense kiss.
Bellatrix released a guttural moan and Hermione found herself growing hot. She had too many clothes on, as did Bellatrix. She ran her hand up Bellatrix's side, up her chest, briefly caressing a nipple as she passed—which earned a sharp hiss from Bellatrix at the contact—and threaded her hands in raven curls.
"Hermione," Bella moaned against eager lips.
Hermione was consuming her. She was everywhere. Their kisses were sloppy and heated, filled with burning desire and an unquenchable thirst. Bella wanted nothing more than to rip the clothes off her and fill her with her fingers.
Then she recalled Hermione was a virgin. She placed a hand on Hermione's chest.
"Love," Bella said breathlessly once she pulled back.
Hermione whimpered in response.
She received a throaty chuckle in return. "Are you ready?"
The question caught Hermione off guard. Her body was more than ready. She could feel the wetness between her thighs, causing them to stick together. Her clit was throbbing, and she felt hopelessly empty. But…her mind was racing as if it finally had time to catch up to her body.
"I…" Hermione started.
Bellatrix waited, and when Hermione was still silent she nodded more to herself than Hermione. She pulled Hermione down onto her and then rolled her off to the side so that they could face each other. Her hand came up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"I told you there is absolutely no rush. We do this when you're ready," Bellatrix began, "I didn't stop because I don't want you."
Hermione smiled. "How are you so wonderful?" she asked, her voice filled with awe.
Bella didn't smile like Hermione expected. Instead, she looked caught off guard and vulnerable.
When she spoke, her voice was small. "You think I'm wonderful?"
Hermione nodded sincerely. "If someone had asked me months ago if I thought Bellatrix Lestrange was wonderful. I would tell them to piss off." She smirked. "Bellatrix Black, however, is absolutely wonderful to me."
Bellatrix turned her gaze to Hermione's now scar-free arm. "Not that wonderful."
"That wasn't Bellatrix Black. That was Bellatrix Lestrange. Bellatrix Black has never hurt me or carved a slur into my arm. Bellatrix Black has only ever called me that when we first met and hasn't done it since." Hermione looked at her seriously. "Bellatrix Black is good."
Bellatrix's eyes swam with emotion—and not trusting herself to speak without her voice cracking—simply nodded to show Hermione she heard what she said and accepted it.
They were broken from their staring at a very loud meow that came from the other side of the door.
Hermione chuckled. "I believe he's hungry."
"I'm on it," Bellatrix said as she slid from the bed.
Hermione got up as well, following Bellatrix from the room and to the spot where they kept Crookshanks' food.
"You want num nums, my handsome boy?" Bellatrix cooed. She scooped up the cat food and placed it in his bowl before setting it on the floor.
Crookshanks gave a delighted meow and a loud purr as Bella stroked his head before he went about his meal.
When Bellatrix looked up, Hermione was looking at her with an expression that clearly said 'really?'
"What?"
"Num nums, Bella?" Hermione inquired with a grin.
Bella flushed. "He likes when I call it num nums," she defended haughtily.
Hermione hummed. "I think you just love him and enjoy taking care of him."
"Seems to be a lot of that going around lately," Bellatrix mumbled lowly. She said it more to herself than Hermione—but the other witch had clearly heard her. She was thankful that Hermione didn't comment. Instead, she walked forward and kissed her sweetly.
"I need to pack before we head to breakfast, you should as well." She disappeared into her room.
"What are you doing about Crookshanks?" Bellatrix asked suddenly.
Hermione poked her head out of the door. "What do you mean?"
Bellatrix huffed. "Well you can't let him here!"
"Why not? He always stays here during winter break. He enjoys wandering around the castle."
Bellatrix looked horrified. "You most certainly will not!" She turned and looked down at a now full Crookshanks. "Would you like to come with me for Christmas break?"
Crookshanks rubbed against her leg affectionately and purred loudly.
"Then it's decided. He will come with me," Bellatrix said with finality before breezing into her room to pack.
Hermione rolled her eyes, but there was a warm smile on her face as she did. She eyed Crookshanks, who was staring after Bella—eyes blinking slowly.
I see I've been replaced, Hermione thought to herself.
She glanced from her cat to Bella's open room. "Here I thought he was my son," she said with a laugh.
Bellatrix appeared in her doorway then, wearing black heeled boots, a black skirt, deep green corset, and a black off the shoulder long sleeve top underneath the corset.
Hermione forgot how to breathe.
She had only seen Bella in her school uniform, her sleep wear (which was rather exciting), or the one time she had on muggle clothing Hermione had given her to wear after the Andromeda incident.
Her raven curls cascaded down her back and over her shoulder, contrasting against her ivory skin and complementing the deep green and black she wore. She looked closer to her future self with the clothing, showing that Bella never changed her style. However, there was no madness in her eyes, or hatred—anything that could be associated with the Bellatrix of the future. Instead there was brightness in those dark orbs, and a smile twitching at the corner of her mouth.
"Yes well, we share custody," Bellatrix said pointedly, her eyebrow rising in challenge.
When Hermione gave no response, Bellatrix smiled seductively as she took a few, slow steps toward Hermione.
"See something you like?" she stopped in front of her and leaned in so they were a breath apart. "Pet."
Hermione groaned. Whenever Bellatrix spoke like that she immediately felt wetness flood between her legs. Her earlier horniness coming back full force.
Though Hermione was a virgin, she had certainly had experience in pleasuring herself. Even before she and Bellatrix were together, she had—more than a few times—ridden her fingers imagining it was those of Bellatrix, and came with the witch's name on her lips.
She wasn't quite ready to lose her virginity, but she knew that it wouldn't be long before she would be begging Bellatrix to fuck her senseless.
"What're you thinking?" Bella asked with a smirk, as if already knowing.
"If I show you, we probably wouldn't leave this room," Hermione replied, her voice sounding gruff to her own ears.
Bellatrix had been transfixed by the look in her witch's eyes. They were darker than their normal hazel color, and her pupils were blown wide. She was equally phased being in such close proximity to Hermione. She had never felt desire like this.
The thought scared her, but was thrilling all the same. She had only ever had conquests, making it a game in how many girls she could shag during her time at Hogwarts. They helped scratched the itch but she wasn't interested in anything more. Until Hermione, that is. Now, her desire for the witch was mixed with something warm that constantly bloomed in her chest when she thought of her or saw her. She wanted to touch her slowly—to pay attention to every muscle twitch, every expression, every moan or breath that fell from her lips. She wanted to consume her and protect her and make sure she knew she was wanted.
The flood of emotions surged through Bellatrix and she was sure that the feeling was love. But love had been something she had very little experience with, save for her sisters. But that was different from this. So much different.
When she finally came back to herself, Hermione was looking at her with concern.
"Where'd you go?" Hermione asked, her voice sounding anxious to Bellatrix's ears.
She reached up and cupped her face. "I got lost in my own thoughts about you, that's all, love." When Hermione didn't look totally reassured, she continued, "I'm going to miss you very much."
Hermione felt all the anxiety drain from her body and she pulled Bellatrix against her in a tight hug. "I'm going to miss you too. Perhaps we can see each other over the break though? I'm sure my parents would love to have you over, if you would be comfortable? I know it would be the muggle world and all but…"
Surprise colored Bellatrix's face as she processed Hermione's words. Her immediate reaction to the mention of the muggle world was disgust, and upon realizing that she shoved it down—immediately correcting her feeling.
"I won't lie, pet, my initial reaction to the mention of being in the muggle world was disgust and for that I just want you to know I'm sorry," Bellatrix explained, suddenly feeling vulnerable. "I've been trying to unlearn all of that and sometimes it's easy and others it's more difficult. But, I've been doing well in Muggle Studies and I think that some…exposure," she said the word tersely, "would be very helpful to my growth."
Hermione kissed her then—taking Bella by surprise. She moaned, unable to help herself when she felt Hermione's lips against hers.
When the brunette witch pulled back she flashed Bella a bright smile. "I know that you're trying and I know that there will obviously be lingering things. That's okay. We can take it slow," she said, repeating Bellatrix's earlier words back to her.
Bellatrix rolled her eyes but smiled softly nonetheless. "I appreciate that, pet. But I believe I will be okay…I might…need to acquire some muggle clothing though." Her cheeks grew red at the admission.
Hermione's eyes brightened. "I'll owl you some."
Immediately Bellatrix's nose creased in a snarl.
"Don't be so dramatic I will only send you colors you would approve of!" Hermione laughed.
Bella rolled her eyes again but nodded her consent. "Have you finished packing?"
"I just have a few more things," Hermione said as she pecked Bella on the nose and then darted off into her room to finish.
Bellatrix waved her wand as she approached the couch. Her trunk floated from the room on its own and sat itself by the front door. Crookshanks leapt into Bella's lap, purring loudly.
"I bet you're pleased to come home with me instead of being here all by your lonesome, baby boy," Bellatrix whispered affectionately as she scratched his head.
"Ready!" Hermione stated as she pulled her trunk from the room.
Bellatrix took one last look at their quarters before she rose from the couch and approached the door. She truly was sad at leaving Hogwarts.
"Any exciting plans for the break?" Ginny asked Draco.
They had snagged a room on the train and had crammed in. Harry, Ginny, and Ron sat on one side and Hermione, Bellatrix, and Draco sat on the other.
Bellatrix was smack in the middle and had grumbled about the placement but Hermione could see it lacked any bite. Despite her appearing tough, she knew the witch was happy to be sandwiched between two people she cared for.
Draco shrugged. "None that I'm aware of. I'm sure my mother will have something planned though. She usually holds a party but…" he trailed off.
At this Bellatrix looked to her nephew quizzically. "What sort of party?"
Draco shifted uncomfortably. "Usually a party with all pureblood families and…well, Death Eaters."
Everyone eyed Draco with uncomfortable surprise.
"I see," Bellatrix noted with a sigh. "She held a pureblood ball."
Draco looked at her, clearly shocked. "You knew?"
Bellatrix shook her head. "Not that she held a pureblood ball, but I've been to quite a few of them."
Everyone looked at Bellatrix then, silently hoping she would elaborate.
"Pureblood balls are held for the old families to mingle and seek alliances, many of them through marriage. It's where my betrothal to Rodolphus was arranged…" She glanced out of the corner of her eye, noting the distasteful look on Hermione's face at the mention. "It's purely political in nature. My father and mother used to host them. I see that Narcissa inherited the tradition."
"That sounds bloody terrifying," Ron commented.
Bellatrix offered a tight smile. "They were never very fun by any means. It was far too stuffy. Too much ass kissing for my taste."
Draco laughed. "We'll have to ask her what you were like at the ones you attended before Azkaban."
Bellatrix crinkled her nose in disgust. "I can't imagine I felt much different. Too many old fools drunk on elvish wine and firewhiskey. I abhorred going. Andy wasn't a fan either. Cissy had only been to one…in my time. Pureblood children aren't allowed to attend until their thirteenth birthday," she explained.
"So you've been going to all of them then, Draco?" Harry asked curiously.
Draco nodded. "It was expected of me. The last one was when Voldemort rose to power again. During fifth year."
At this Bellatrix did the math in her mind, and immediately picked up on how Draco had mentioned her pre-Azkaban days.
"Was I there?" Bellatrix asked.
Draco eyed her wearily and nodded.
"I see."
"Was it bad?" Hermione inquired as she clasped Bellatrix's hand in hers.
"It wasn't good. The energy in the room was…different. There was so much excitement and fear. Excitement that the Dark Lord had returned and would be public knowledge, but fearful of what that meant," Draco explained. "And it certainly didn't ease up when auntie came."
Bellatrix waited for him to continue.
"It was the night after the battle at the Department of Mysteries, and Sirius' death." Draco chanced a glance at Harry. "My mother hosted the ball as a party for Voldemort's return and for all the Death Eaters and supporters to meet. Of course they had hoped there would have been a victory at the battle, but...well, you arrived, completely mad and in a horrendous mood."
Bellatrix was confused. "What did I do?"
"You grabbed a bottle of firewhiskey and sat by the fire and drank. You told everyone but my mother and I to piss off. I didn't approach you much, other than to greet you and say goodnight. You spoke to my mother a fair amount so you might want to ask her to show you the memory," Draco explained.
Bellatrix considered this carefully. Her drinking firewhiskey wasn't a new occurrence but her displaying a foul mood after her…lord's…return didn't add up from what she'd seen of her devotion to him.
"I must have been upset at Sirius' death," Bellatrix said softly. "From what I've seen there's no other reason for me to be so…despondent when Voldemort had returned."
Harry looked at Bellatrix as if he was seeing her for the first time. He seemed so confused but equally curious. Bella and Hermione could both see the thoughts show on his face, and Bella was sure he was piecing it all together from what Bellatrix had told him when she first arrived…that she wouldn't have killed Sirius without a reason.
Her sister, it seemed, had lied to them upon her return to the past in stating that she didn't know why Bellatrix had killed Sirius. But, Bellatrix had all break to go through the memories that Cissy had of their conversations.
"I plan on asking Cissy about this over break," she told Harry. When she received a grateful nod in return she sat back against the seat and looked down at her and Hermione's entwined fingers.
"What about you, Hermione? Anything special planned with your parents?" Ginny asked, changing the subject to lighten the mood in the cabin.
Hermione brightened. "Oh yes!" She launched into an explanation of some muggle traditions her parents and she always participated in.
Before they knew it they had arrived at the station and Bellatrix immediately felt the dread of their parting creep up her throat. They funneled out of the train, their group standing off to the side and waiting to say goodbye to other classmates before their families showed up.
"Ron! Harry! Ginny, dear!" Mrs. Weasley called as she approached the group. Her eyes landed on Bellatrix. "Bloody broomsticks, what a sight…Bellatrix Lestrange."
"Black," Bella corrected. "Nice to see you again, Prewett…well…Weasley now, I suppose."
Molly nodded to her in acknowledgment and turned to Hermione. "Hermione, dear, I heard that your parents' memories are back. I'm so glad, but we will miss you at the holiday this year."
"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said with a smile.
"Molly, dear," Molly corrected. Her eyes finally noticed the entwined hands of the pair.
Hermione blushed before meeting Mrs.—Molly's eyes again. The look she was giving Hermione was one of confusion and concern.
"You can have Harry, Ginny, and Ron fill you in," Hermione stated.
She heard her name called and turned, a wide smile blossoming on her face as she let go of Bellatrix's hand and ran to her parents. She embraced them tightly.
Bellatrix looked back at the older woman. "What?" she barked at seeing the stare directed at her.
"If you hurt her—"
Bellatrix cut her off, face morphing into a snarl. "I do not hurt people I love," she said with finality. She barely even registered what she had admitted when she heard her name.
"Bellatrix, it's wonderful to see you again!" Mr. Granger greeted excitedly.
"Mr. Granger, Mrs. Granger," Bellatrix said, her snarl morphing into a smile in an instant.
"None of that, dear. Call me, Ian, please."
"And me, Jean," Jean added with a pleased smile. "After what you did for our daughter and us, there is no need for such formality."
"What did she do?" Molly asked, butting into the moment.
"Molly! Wonderful to see you again!" Ian smiled brightly.
"I heard you two were in Australia last," Molly commented.
"Yes well, we were thanks to our brilliant and protective daughter. Unfortunately, we didn't remember her since she," he gestured vaguely to his head, "did something to our memories. But then Bellatrix and her sister—Andromeda was it? Well, they came and reversed the spell and we came straight back."
Molly looked completely floored. Her eyes turned to Bellatrix who stood firm and met her stare with her nose tilted upward. Though Molly was much older than this Bellatrix, she still had to glance up a tad to meet her eyes due to their height difference.
"You made them remember?" Molly asked, completely baffled.
Of course she knew all about Bellatrix being summoned to the future because of a plan Dumbledore had hatched prior to his death. But she had been incredibly suspicious, despite her daughter's defense of her former classmate.
"She did," Hermione breathed, her voice filled with gratitude as she looked to Bellatrix softly.
Bella pulled her eyes away from Molly's to meet Hermione's shimmering, hazel ones. She always seemed to forget how to breathe when Hermione looked at her so…adoringly. It made her heart clench deliciously.
"Bella."
Bellatrix turned and saw Narcissa approaching with Draco.
"I see we are having a gathering," Narcissa commented with a slight smirk. She looked to Molly. "Molly."
"Narcissa."
The tension was thick between them until Narcissa turned her gaze on the two muggles standing next to Hermione. She took in their features, noting the similarities to her sister's paramour.
"Mr. and Mrs. Granger, I presume?" Narcissa asked, holding her hand out to shake theirs.
"You presume correct," Ian said with a smile. "Please, call me Ian and my wife here is Jean."
"Narcissa Malfoy, I'm Bellatrix's sister," Narcissa introduced politely.
Draco looked to Hermione and then his aunt, completely shocked at his mother being so…cordial with muggles.
"Younger sister," Bellatrix corrected with a smirk.
Ian chuckled. "Yes this is quite a lot but Hermione informed us of the situation."
"She did?" Narcissa asked, surprised.
"Of course!" Jean replied. "We needed to be completely caught up on everything we missed this past year. We met your other sister, Andromeda, as well when she assisted Bellatrix. We couldn't be more grateful for what they did."
Narcissa nodded, clearly surprised but accepting it for what it was. "I'm glad that the Black family could be of such assistance. I can't imagine losing memory of my child," Narcissa replied. The honesty in her voice took even Draco and Bellatrix by surprise.
Ian began, "Absolutely, and I understand why Hermione did it of course…but no parent should have to lose memory of their child."
Narcissa offered them a genuine smile. "I never thought that I could agree so strongly with muggles on something."
Jean and Ian smiled brightly at Narcissa while Draco and Bella looked to each other in shock. Though their faces didn't convey the emotion, they could clearly tell what the other was thinking.
"Bellatrix, you have the most charming family," Ian said, causing Narcissa to release a delighted laugh. "Mrs. Malfoy—"
"None of that, please call me Narcissa," Narcissa corrected.
Hermione's facial expression was…well, priceless. Bella had glanced at her and suppressed a snicker at the look of absolute disbelief on her face.
"Well, Narcissa, Jean and I would love to have you over the break." He looked to Bellatrix. "Of course you are welcome at any time, Bellatrix. But, we'd love to have you all over for dinner. I know it'll be different than what you're used to with us being muggles and all, but I assure you my wife is an excellent cook."
"That sounds rather lovely. Aside from the recent dinner with Andy in her home, I don't believe I've had a truly, proper muggle dinner," Narcissa replied with a kind smile to show there was no offense in the statement.
Bellatrix spoke up then, her instinct for politeness kicking in. "That would be wonderful. Hermione can arrange an owl," she offered as she looked to her companion.
She still hadn't picked her jaw up off the floor.
Bellatrix tapped her chin. "Phoenix shit, pet," she whispered.
Hermione's mouth finally closed and she caught a wistful look directed at Bella from Narcissa at the sentiment in the words.
"Splendid!" Jean said happily before looking to her daughter. "Best be off, dear."
Narcissa then turned to her sister, meeting her gaze. "Are you ready to go, Bella?"
Bellatrix sighed and nodded, reluctantly. She turned her eyes to Hermione, clearly conflicted on how she should even say goodbye—
And then Hermione was kissing her.
It was short and sweet and rather chaste compared to the other kisses they had shared.
Bellatrix hummed happily and pulled back, lightly cupping Hermione's cheek and watching with a sweet smile as hazel eyes fluttered open.
"Be sure to write, pet," Bellatrix whispered.
"Of course. I'll see you over the holidays though. Even if I have to sneak into Malfoy Manor," Hermione whispered back with a mischievous glint in her eye.
"Wonderful seeing you again, Bellatrix," Jean said as the three of them said goodbye. Bella could see the pleased smirk on the faces of Hermione's parents as they walked off.
Hermione cast one last glance at Bella, and now Crookshanks whose carrier had appeared with Bella's luggage.
"Ready?" Narcissa asked her sister, inclining her head to the side to regard her.
"Never."
Bellatrix fell back on her bed with a loud sigh. She already missed Hermione. She grimaced at how soft she felt, but knew that she didn't hate the feeling. Her dark eyes ran over the room she was in. It was the room she always stayed in when she visited Narcissa over the years, apparently. It held many of her dresses, which she had inspected and discovered that her tits certainly grew a little larger when she was older judging by the space in some of the cups.
She considered making a trip to Black Manor over the holidays and visiting the property in this time. Narcissa hadn't sold it, wanting to keep it in the family after her future self was killed and had left it to her. From what Narcissa had told her, she didn't spend much time at the Black Manor and never the Lestrange Manor, where Rodolphus resided. Cissy had explained, even before her time in Azkaban she was either out doing Voldemort's bidding or there at Malfoy manor. Narcissa had been grateful for it, Bella knew she had always been Narcissa's favorite.
The room was perfect for her taste. The wood of the room was dark and earthy, with dark green tapestries and curtains draping the room in the feeling of being in a dark woods.
She stood from the bed and decided to head downstairs. She had finished unpacking shortly before lying down. Her eyes glanced over to Crookshanks where he was perched on a chair by the window, gazing out onto the grounds.
"What do you think, baby boy?" Bellatrix asked.
Crookshanks turned his head and regarded Bella a moment before blinking slowly.
She smirked. "I'm glad you like it." She stood from the bed. "You can do as you please and remain up here but I'm going to the library to see Cissy…and unfortunately Lucius," she said with a scoff. "He's finished all interviews with the Ministry finally I guess."
Bellatrix breezed from the room, not waiting for Crookshanks to follow. She knew if he wanted to join her, he would. She left her room, striding toward the library and assuming that's where she would find her sister.
She was startled to find that it wasn't just her younger sister here, but her middle sister as well. Her eyebrows rose in surprise when she saw there was a bundle in Andromeda's arms—swaddled and fast asleep.
"I wasn't aware we had company," Bellatrix commented, drawing her sisters' eyes to her.
"Bella, all unpacked?" Narcissa asked.
Bella gave a nod and approached Andromeda. She peered down at her great-nephew. He was cute, she would admit. His hair was dark, like Andy's—and then it was blue before returning to a shade of brown.
"A metamorphagus," Bellatrix murmured. "Leave it to happen in this family. I believe we are far too talented for our own good," she said before smiling brightly. Teddy chose then to open his eyes and meeting Bellatrix's proud stare. "Hello."
"Takes after his mum," Andromeda revealed. A pained expression crossed her face.
"Cheer up, Andy," Bellatrix instructed as she held a finger out for Teddy to grasp. He blinked at her and then smiled happily. "Auntie Bella is going to make it all better."
Andromeda had nothing to say, simply staring at her sister in amazement before glancing to Narcissa as if to say, 'did you hear what I did?' She gathered herself before speaking, "I think he likes you." Andromeda smiled before she looked to an equally pleased Narcissa.
"Draco adored Bella when he was a baby," Narcissa commented with a laugh. "She always acted annoyed but her incessant requests to hold him always gave her away. Clearly the adoration was mutual."
Bella shot her a look. She had seen the memories and knew she spoke the truth. Still, she was already showing her softness and while it wasn't…unpleasant…she didn't want them getting too cocky.
"May I?" Bella asked.
Andy carefully handed him to her. She could see the nervousness in her sister's eyes at handing him off, to her no less…she knew she was worried she would do something to him. It was written all over her face, despite her efforts to hide it—she could hardly blame her after what she did to her niece.
"Don't fret, Andy, no harm shall come to the babe," Bella assured as she walked to the couch and sat down next to Narcissa.
"I see we are having a full house tonight," a voice said as it entered the room.
"Lucius," Bellatrix greeted, looking the man over. He looked…worn. She had seen him in Cissy's memories and how Voldemort's imposition in their home had left him haggard.
He looked much better now, but she could see that there was still a gauntness to him that came with the burden of the cleanup from the war.
"Bellatrix," Lucius replied, looking her over. "Narcissa told me of the situation and I must say it is still quite the shock to see you so young and sane."
Bellatrix chuckled as he took the chair nearest his wife.
"I see you've met your great-nephew," Lucius said with a tight smile.
"I see you're still trying to change your beliefs," Bellatrix retorted.
"I appreciate it, Lucius," Andromeda assured. She looked at her antagonizing sister. "That goes for you too."
"No one invited me?" Draco asked as he strode into the library.
Bellatrix couldn't get over the influence they all seemed to radiate. Of course she was used to it with her family. But seeing her nephew, and an older Lucius—even with his worn appearance—exude the status of their families sent a proud jolt through her. Draco was wearing his outfit from earlier, an entirely black suit, contrasting against his stark blonde hair.
He came and sat next to Bellatrix on the couch, looking over little Teddy. "I can't believe how small he is."
Bellatrix grunted. "Don't let the swaddling fool you. Those Weasley's have been feeding him like a pig before slaughter."
"Bella!" Andy scolded but laughed regardless. She couldn't deny that Teddy was rather chubby, even for a baby.
"He needs the nutrients. He has Black blood, we always thin out as we grow," Narcissa supplied.
A sudden pop caught their attention as Minny appeared. "Minny has brought beverages for the Black and Malfoy families."
"Thank you, Minny," Bellatrix said immediately as Minny sat a glass of firewhiskey in front of her.
She placed the bottle on the table, as well as a bottle of elvish wine and glasses for all of them.
"Dinner will be served in one hour's time in the dining room. Does Mistress Malfoy require anything else of Minny?"
"No thank you, Minny. This is perfect," Narcissa replied. The elf was gone a moment later.
"I'm glad to see you've been very nice to your elf," Andromeda told her sister.
Bellatrix stood with Teddy and handed him back to Andromeda so that she could drink her firewhiskey.
"Yes well, after what happened with our last house elf I decided a change was in order. Plus, Bellatrix has changed my mind on some things…no doubt thanks to, Miss Granger," Narcissa explained.
Lucius hummed. "Yes I was rather surprised to hear that you're courting a mud—muggle-born," he corrected immediately. "And to further my surprise it's the Granger girl. One of the Golden Trio."
Bellatrix wasn't sure what her sister had done with her husband, but Lucius was far calmer than she had ever known him to be. However, he did glance at her rather nervously. She knew from the memories Narcissa had shown her that she and Lucius had a turbulent relationship. She had crucio'd him after all and embarrassed him in front of his family, and she was sure it wasn't the last time since she was free of Azkaban. She gave him a reassuring nod, hoping that he knew she wasn't going to behaving like she had before…well…like her future self, had.
"I was surprised having just found out last night," Draco spoke up, continuing the conversation and drawing Bella from her thoughts, "but they're actually rather sweet together." He smiled at his aunt.
Bellatrix rolled her eyes at him. "Bloody suck up," she muttered so he could hear.
He chuckled before Bellatrix fixed him with a look.
Narcissa hummed her agreement of her son's comment. "They are. And, not that it matters since the timeline will reset…but even though Miss Granger is a muggle-born, her talent as a witch and intelligence are well known in the community. It may not be a pureblood status, but it is certainly a status."
"Agreed," Lucius concurred.
Bella looked at them both like they had three heads. "I'm sorry but are you seriously discussing status right now?" she asked, not sorry at all.
Narcissa shrugged. "Habits."
Bellatrix rolled her eyes and downed her firewhiskey before pouring herself another glass.
Draco cleared his throat before beginning, "Mother, father, there's someone I want to bring to Christmas dinner, if you'll permit it."
Lucius and Narcissa shared a look.
"Is it…Potter?" Lucius asked hesitantly.
Bellatrix and Draco eyed him strangely.
Lucius glanced between the two. "Well Bellatrix prefers the company of women, would it be so strange for me to ask?" he defended.
Narcissa released a boisterous laugh that soon had everyone joining in.
"No, no," Draco said once he caught his breath. "I um—I have a girlfriend and I would very much like to introduce you all to her."
Narcissa's eyebrows rose. "A girlfriend?" Her eyes narrowed. "Who?"
"Relax, Cissy, the girl is perfectly suited for Draco," Bellatrix defended as she swirled her firewhiskey around in the glass. She took a long swig.
"Her name is Astoria…Astoria Greengrass," Draco said finally.
Bella glanced at her nephew. The poor thing was sweating he was so nervous. It beaded on his forehead as his eyes darted back and forth between everyone.
"Greengrass?" Lucius asked. "Well they're one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight," he said, clearly proud that his son was interested in another old family.
"Oh dear," Narcissa murmured as realization set in. "They suffer from a blood curse."
Draco looked to his Aunt Bellatrix with pleading eyes.
"Is that a problem, Cissy?" Bella inquired. She flashed her youngest sister a look that clearly said 'it better not be.'
It was odd to shoot that sort of look to Narcissa when she was so much older than her in this time, but she shucked the thought off and held firm.
"No," Narcissa replied coolly. "I feel for the girl. Blood curses are nasty business."
"That's what Aunt Bella said," Draco spoke up. "The blood curse has been inactive for a few generations though and Astoria has no signs of ill health."
Narcissa and Lucius nodded in tandem.
"I think it's wonderful you aren't shying away just because of a blood curse, Draco," Andromeda said seriously.
Draco smiled at her, and then turned his eyes to his Aunt Bellatrix. A silent request for her to help.
"The girl is rather bright and doesn't hold to the fanatical ideas we all did. She's part of the new generation of muggle acceptance. She's also rather smitten with Draco," Bellatrix explained. "I met her at the Yule Ball."
Narcissa hummed. "I would love to meet her, Draco. Of course she can come to dinner."
Draco released a long breath and Bellatrix wondered how long he had been holding it in.
Narcissa suddenly brightened. "Oh, Lucius, I nearly forgot. We've been invited to the Grangers for a muggle dinner over the break."
Lucius' eyebrows rose, clearly surprised. "When?"
"They're going to owl us the details," Narcissa explained. "Andy, you are included in that. I believe they want to do a proper thank you for what you and Bellatrix did for them."
"What did they do?" Lucius inquired. He had been out of the loop during the past months since the war ended. Endless meetings with the ministry to work out a pardon for him and his family had taken up all of his time. He and Narcissa barely spoke about anything other than the meetings, save for her updating him on the Bellatrix situation and how his son was doing being back at school to finish his last year properly.
Narcissa quickly explained to her husband, leaving him stunned.
"I'm not sure what I'm more impressed by; the fact that Granger had the foresight to obliviate and hide her parents, or that Bellatrix and Andromeda successfully restored their memories without so much as a hiccup," he said finally.
"Bellatrix did all the work," Andromeda spoke up, "I was merely there as a backup just in case anything happened and she needed assistance. Restoring memories is a hard business."
Lucius looked to Bellatrix. "Your talents never cease to amaze me, truly. I know that we have…well you and I never got along, Bellatrix. The most we were capable of was being civil to each other and even that was strained. That said, your talents were always a pleasure to witness, even if I was jealous of your sheer skill and power."
Everyone looked at him with shock.
"If the timeline changes…the only person to have knowledge of this will be, Bellatrix. I see no harm in being honest," he said with a chuckle.
"Quite right, Lucius." Bellatrix flashed a wolfish grin. "You seem so different from what I've seen in Narcissa's memories of me."
"War does things to us all, Bella," he replied with a tired smile. It made the wrinkles at his eyes more pronounced, as well as the dark circles underneath.
"Well said."
A/N: I hope you all liked the update! I hope to update again soon!
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