*Author's note*. Thank you all for sticking through to the end of the story. It is now complete. Like I said last chapter, this story is just the first part of a sequel. It can be read on it's own though. If you want to follow along for the second and third parts, you can find me on archive of our own. My username is Loislame84. I look forward to continuing the story. If you want to see what Hermione and Bella get up to after their life at Hogwarts, find me on AO3. Thanks again for reading!
It was finally the day. The day that Bella had been patiently awaiting for the past three years. Today she would face Kingsley. Bellatrix let out a stuttering breath closing her eyes. A hand reached across and patted her on the knee.
"Everything is going to be fine, dear. You are ready." Minerva said in the most soothing voice. Bellatrix immediately relaxed. The older witch had become a mentor to her over the past three years and more importantly, she had become her first real friend other than her sisters of course. "Remember what I said Bellatrix. No matter the outcome, you always have a home and a position at Hogwarts if you so choose." She looked over at the older witch to see her smiling. "Ms. Granger got the same invitation from me yesterday."
"I'm not good with this kind of thing." Bella said clearly uncomfortable with her own emotions. "I don't have the words to tell you what your mentoring and friendship has meant to me, Minerva. I appreciate it more than I'll ever be able to say." Bella said offering a small, uncertain smile.
"No thanks will be necessary, my friend." Minerva said patting Bella's knee again.
Just then the door to Kingsley's office opened signaling it was time for the ladies to enter. An elf emerged from the doorway. "The minister will see you now." The two witches stood up and made their way over when the house elf cleared his throat. "The minister only wishes to see Ms. Black, ma'am." The elf said nervously towards Minerva.
Bellatrix looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Minerva put her hand on Bella's shoulder. "Listen to me Bella. You are ready. You know that you've done everything they have asked. Now go on then. Your witch is waiting for you back at Hogwarts. It's best not to keep her waiting, you know how her mind wanders." Bellatrix fixed her gazed into a hard stare, gave Minerva a nod and stepped into the office. The elf smiled at Minerva and pulled the door shut behind him.
Bella walked into the open room and sat down in the chair across the desk from where Kingsley sat. When she was seated he looked up at her. "Minister." Bella inclined her head towards the man across from her.
Kingsley nodded back. "Madam Black, nice to see you again."
"Very nice attempt." Bella rolled her eyes. "I almost believed you."
"Madam Black. I have here the reports from Minerva, your soul healer, your sisters, a few of your fellow teachers, a handful of your students, your nephew, the Longbottoms, the Grangers and even one here from your girlfriend." Kingsley help up an impressively thick file. "Let's not slip back into our old masks."
"Of course. Sorry. Old bad habits die hard. I can't say that I'm entirely comfortable here in this moment." Bella huffed out an exaggerated sigh. "Do I ever get to see any of those reports?"
"Typically, no. It's not the procedure. However, I feel like an exception could be made in this instance." Bella made quick work to retrieve the file but Kingsley pulled it out of her reach. "I'm going to give this to you on you way out. I want you to be able to sit down and absorb everything your friends have said about you."
Bella nodded and slumped back in her seat. "So where do we go from here, Minister? Am I free and clear? Am I to go to Azkaban?" She shuddered,
"No, Bellatrix. You will not be returning to prison. There are dozens of glowing recommendations here from your peers and colleagues as to why you should acquire your freedom." Bellatrix smiled for the first time. "There are however a few incidents we need to address." Her smile dropped. "There was an incident where you set your room on fire."
"That was like within the first month or two when my soul healer pissed me off. It doesn't even count as an incident. I was barely beginning. I apologized to Minerva after she helped me fix it. And I even apologized to the poor house elves that I frightened."
"Yes. It seems that your temper will always be something that needs to be controlled."
"Oh I try. Everyday I try. I try not to smack some idiot upside their head. But on the bright side... I no longer wish to crucio everyone who pisses me off. Just a nice slap to the face. Very muggle of me. As I said, I've come a long way." Bella offered him a cheeky smile.
"While that may be true. It is recommended that you continue to see your soul healer every week going forward and over time you and her may come up some time agreement to end if she sees fit."
"That's... acceptable." Bellatrix looked away.
"There also seemed to have been an issue with a muggle appliance at the Granger's house."
"Okay but that one wasn't my fault. That one was an accident."
Kingsley laughed. Bella looked at him like he was crazy. "I'm just having a little fun with you Madam Black. You are ready. I seriously hope you take the time to read these recommendations. People enjoy having you around. Your girlfriend thinks very highly of you." Bellatrix let a little smile crest her face. "If you are in agreement to continue your soul healer appointments, then I see no reason not to return these to you." Kingsley reached into his desk drawer and summoned Bella's original wand and her dagger. "Please behave yourself. I'd hate to see you back here or worse in Azkaban."
Bella reached out for her property and clutched them to her chest. She felt the magic vibrating from them. "Never sir." Bella reached for the stack of papers and they said their goodbyes.
Bellatrix exited the room and Minerva stood up to meet her. Bella dropped her head on Minerva's shoulder and broken down in sobs. It was the first time in awhile that Bella could remember letting go. "It's over Minerva. I'm free." She choked out between cries. Minerva comforted the younger witch and conjured her a handkerchief.
"Come now, Bella. Dry those tears. There's a witch back at a Hogwarts waiting for the good news." They turned to head towards the fireplaces. Minerva turned to look Bella in the eyes. "I'm proud of you, Bellatrix."
—
Bellatrix and Minerva flooed together into Bella's room and the older witch excused herself to go check to see if the students were on task to leave on the train in the morning. Bella was desperate to see her witch but she needed to take a few minutes to calm herself. She was overcome with wave after wave of emotion upon leaving the ministry. Bella was certain that she had never cried that much in her life. Three years ago Bella wouldn't have guessed this is where her life would be. She would've said she belonged in a prison cell right next to Lucius.
Bellatrix summoned Winky and asked her to bring her some tea to help calm her nerves. Winky was back in a tic with the tea and a few biscuits for Bella.
"Winky. I just wanted to apologize if I ever came off as cross towards you. You have been a great elf and have become a friend to both me and Hermione. You are welcome to come visit whenever we decide where we are going to live. It would be our honor to have you as our guest."
"Oh Mistress Bella. That would be most pleasant. Winky can not thank you enough for your kindness. Winky will always appreciate Mistress Bella. I do not deserve such kindness."
Bella feeling overcome with emotions, bent down and gave the little elf a hug. When she pulled away, Winky reached up and wiped a tear from her eye.
"Take care Winky." Bella said as Winky apparated out of the room.
Bella sat herself down at the kitchen table and sorted herself a cup of tea. She was staring at her wand, the dagger and the pile of recommendations. To say she was curious would be an understatement however there were only two recommendations she was interested in reading immediately. Bella sifted through the papers and found what she was looking for.
Bella pulled out the first letter and began to read:
To whom it may concern;
My name is Andromeda Tonks and I am Bellatrix's sister. Prior to two months ago, I hadn't spoken to her in over 20 years. I had thought that she was responsible for killing my only daughter, Nymphadora. I was convinced that she was incapable of change. I wanted nothing to do with her and thought she deserved to be locked in prison along side my brother-in-law. However, with prodding from my younger sister, Narcissa and an encounter with Ms. Granger, I was made aware that I was being stubborn. What can I say, stubbornness is a character flaw that runs in the family. Bellatrix gave me the memory of my daughter's death. She had tried to save her. All those years placing the blame on Bella had been for nothing. When I had heard that she had entered into a relationship with a muggle-born, you could've knocked me over with a feather. Never in my time would I have thought the proud pure-blooded Bellatrix Black would sully the good name of Black with such "filth." When I saw her sat across from me with her arm around the younger witch, that's when I knew she had changed or at least has been trying to change. Bellatrix is lucky to have Ms. Granger on her side.
It is in my opinion that Bellatrix receive her pardon for the work she has done not only to help rebuild Hogwarts but to help rebuild our family. I want my grandson to be able to get to know his great-aunt and for us to be one big sometimes happy family.
Regards,
Andromeda Tonks nee Black
Bellatrix brushed a tear that had escaped her eye. "What a stubborn little slag." She said laughing and shaking her head while placing Andy's letter in its proper place. Bella wanted her family back more than Andy would ever realize and knowing that Andy wanted it too filled Bella with a new sense of hope.
The only other letter she was curious to read right away was written by her witch. She pulled out the letter written on gold and maroon parchment and rolled her eyes. She stared at the perfect penmanship of her lover and began to read:
Dearest Kingsley (minister of magic),
I believe it is in the best interests of the Wizarding World that Bellatrix Black be given her full pardon. Yes, I wrote that right. I, Hermione Jean Granger, one third of the Golden Trio who had been tortured by Bellatrix Lestrange herself believe that she has changed. Had you asked me to write this letter three years ago or even one year ago my answer would've been send her to Azkaban. Bella Black and Bellatrix Lestrange are not the same person. I have had the pleasure of getting to know Bella over the past year. She helped me in so many ways.
Let me go back to the start this year. Prior to returning to Hogwarts, I was living as a muggle. I worked in a muggle library desperately trying to find a way to bring my parents back. When I was offered the position at Hogwarts, I was hesitant then when I found out Bellatrix was there as well, I lost my mind. There was no way I'd be able to work along side or learn from her. However, she persisted on her ability to help me help my parents. I had to give her a shot. Not only did she help my parents but she's helped me as well. She's helped me move on from the terrible scene I left three years ago. She's helped me become a better, stronger, and smarter person. She's taught me that strength is always there. She's taught me that even those who seems most hopeless can make the biggest impact. She's showed unbelievable amounts of patient when teaching the most frustrating of students. Most importantly, she's given me hope of a positive and fulfilling future in the Wizarding World with her along as my partner.
I love Bella Black more than I could ever describe with words. She has a full future waiting for her and I promise to the best of my ability that I will help her reach her full potential in this world.
Yours,
Hermione Jean Granger
Bella folded the parchment, grabbed her old wand and her dagger and left her room. She needed to find her witch and set something straight. Bella checked all of Hermione's usual haunts, the library, her room, the Gryffindor common room and even in the Great Hall. Almost giving up her search, she exited the castle and spotted the brunette. Hermione was sat down on the side of the Black Lake with her feet dangling into the water. She was reading a book and completely unaware of her surroundings. Bellatrix smiled at the sight. This is what she wanted. She wanted a life full of nice, quiet moments with the woman she loved. As quietly as she could, Bella walked up behind Hermione and squatted down. She leaned in close to her lover's ear and whispered "miss me?" Hermione sighed contently as she wrapped her arm around behind her into Bella's hair pulling the woman into her back. Bella took this as an invitation to sit behind her with her leg's extended on either side of Hermione. She wrapped her arm's around the younger witch's stomach and pulled her back to lean against her front.
"Beautiful day for a sit down by the lake." Bella said casually. She knew her witch must be stewing waiting for news of her meeting at the ministry. "Personally I prefer winter but this weather is nice as well." She let out a little chuckle into Hermione's hair.
"Well?" Hermione asked trying to sound as patient as possible.
"I mean, it's kind of hot out here. I'm not a big fan of sweating unless it's during more enjoyable activities."
"Bellatrix Black. You tell me right now how it went at the ministry or I swear..." Bella cut her off with an open mouth kiss to her pulse point. Hermione's sentence ended in a moan as her brain experienced a short circuit.
"Impatient one, my little dove." Bella nipped at her ear which caused a shivering effect in the younger witch. "You are in the presence of a free and clear woman."
"Bella!" Hermione squealed turning quickly knocking the older woman onto her back. Hermione straddled her hips and hugged her placing a series of quick pecks all over Bella's face and neck before she kissed her lover squarely on the lips. "I knew it. *kiss* I knew it! *kiss* we are free. Free from the ministry, free from Hogwarts, free from our pasts."
"Slow down, love." Bella said sitting up but not letting Hermione slip from her lap.
"Slow down? What do you mean? Our lives can begin now Bella."
"Yes, love. I know. But there are a few things..." Bella said looking into honey eyes. "I'm to remain seeing my soul healer as normal for the time being. Apparently some people still think I have a quick temper." She rolled her eyes dramatically. "And there's one last thing I need to amend."
"And what is that, love?" Hermione asked searching for answers in Bella's eyes.
Bellatrix pulled out her dagger and her wand. Hermione's breath hitched at the sight of the dagger. She felt a phantom pain in her forearm. "Do you trust me?" Bella asked pulling up the girl's blouse sleeve to reveal the cruel word etched into her porcelain skin. The crudely etched word stared back at her. "Do you trust me?" She asked again barely above a whisper as she kissed the scar.
"With my life, Bella."
"This might hurt. I'm not entirely sure but just hold on. I need to do this." Bella said placing the girl's other hand on her bicep so she could squeeze it if needed.
She mumbled a few words above Hermione's forearm and Hermione felt her arm go slightly numb. Bella brought the dagger up between them and looked at Hermione as if asking for permission. Hermione nodded and Bella brought the dagger back down and dragged it along the scarred skin. Looking down Hermione saw blood rise to the surface of her skin but she didn't feel any pain at the moment. Discarding the dagger, Bellatrix ran her wand back and forth over the freshly opened wound mutter a spell which Hermione had never heard before. She felt warmth running through her wound and a slight pulling feeling. Hermione closed her eyes and concentrated on Bella's voice instead of the uncomfortable, slightly painful feeling in her arm. Bella finished speaking, put her wand down and placed a kiss on Hermione's forearm. "There, my love, as good as new."
Hermione opened her eyes and peered down. The scar was gone. Her skin was unblemished. "Bella..."
Bella ran her fingers over the once scarred skin. "Hermione, I'm sorry you had to know me then. I'm sorry you had to live with that disgusting word on you for so long. I can't take the memory away but at least you don't have to have the daily reminder of who I was."
"I forgave you for that long ago, Bella." Bellatrix looked away. "But thank you. See new beginnings all around." Hermione smiled and pulled Bella into a hug. She felt Bella's shoulders relax as she melted into her. Hermione pulled back but left their foreheads touching.
"I read your letter." Bella whispered. Hermione's eyebrow quirked at the confession. "You are my hope as well. I hope to never disappoint you and I want to be the person you deserve to spend your future with. I can't wait to see where we go from here."
"And where might that be? We do we go from here? Bella. We could do anything we want. We will we live? What will we do? Where we go? What will we do for work?" Hermione's mind was working overtime.
"Always so many questions." Bella said kissing her forehead. "Whatever we do... wherever we go... it doesn't matter. Cant you see? The future will be perfect as long as it's with you."
The end or is it?
To be continued.