The overly intimidating building of Onyx Industry loomed over Hermione Granger as she stood outside its large glass doors, honey tinted eyes watching men in pressed suits and women in ironed knee high skirts bustle back and forth, their heads down and focused. All of a sudden Hermione felt out of place and almost underdressed in a pair of jeans, a baggy knit burnt orange jumper and a woolly brown winter hat that kept wild chestnut locks at bay. Autumn was in the air, nipping colour into two freckled cheeks.

It was only last week her phone had rung after another thrilling class, a rather over enthusiastic woman making herself known down the line.

"Hello, is that Miss Hermione Granger?"

Hermione picked out the sounds of fingers racing over a keyboard as she shuffled several books from one hand into the other, phone squashed against her cheek. "Yes, hello, that's me!"

"Oh, perfect. My name is Charity Perkins, I'm calling from Onyx Industry on the behalf of Bellatrix Black. I heard you had replied to the advertisement online?"

"Yes! I did. Thank you for getting back to me." A book dropped to the floor in Hermione's excitement. Honestly, I really should get a new backpack one of these days.

The low buzz of a very busy office sounded in the background of the call. "No problem at all, Miss Granger. I just wanted to let you know that you've been short listed for the position and Miss Black desires to meet with you in person. Are you free to come to the office on Wednesday at 2pm?"

Suddenly a thrill, warm and buzzing with a mixture of intoxicating thrill and fear, shot through Hermione's body. It was one step closer to her dream, a chance to get a foot in the door and have experience stamped across her CV. "Wow.. yes, I can do that! Thank you, thank you so much for getting back to me. It.. It would be an honour.."

"Splendid. I will email across our location to you, just make sure you are not late. Just pop to the front desk and someone will show you the way. Good luck Miss Granger, and congratulations."

One week later Hermione made her way through the busy car filled streets of restless London, arrived twenty minutes before the scheduled time, pushed open the nearest glass door and made timid steps across a large marble covered foyer towards a large oval desk near a wide staircase.

"Hello!" Hermione flushed at her own squeaky tone, the heat rising to her cheeks as a large security officer stared back down, his expression bored and meaningless. "My name is Hermione Granger, I'm here to see -"

"Tenth floor. Take the lift to your right."

"Oh.. thank you." It took all the will power in the world not to run away, shoes slipping across the beautifully polished floor. The elevator pinged at the touch of a button, doors flinging open to take Hermione towards her future.

The tenth floor was a hive of computers, phones ringing every few seconds, men and women staring at bright white screens filled with emails, photographs of expensive looking cars and the company website. Everyone looked so smart, well dressed and perfectly groomed. Hermione suddenly felt very out of place. It was almost too much to take in.

"Can I help you?"

Jumping free from her panicked thoughts Hermione twisted around, finding herself face to face with a young woman, arms full of very important looking files and a steaming cup of coffee grasped between steady fingers.

"I was.. I'm... I'm looking for Bellatrix Black."

"Oh! You must be Miss Granger?" Hermione quickly nodded, pulling at the collar of her jumper. It was hot on the office floor to the point of being almost unbearable. "I'm Charity Perkins, we spoke on the phone. I'm glad to see you're nice and early, Miss Black will be pleased. I'm on the way to her office right now, if you would just like to follow me?"

Hermione kept a few steps behind, eyes taking in the view on London through large windows that stretched the length of the room, before both women came to a halt in front of a frosted door.

Bellatrix Black, CEO, Co-Founder was stamped across the glass. Hermione couldn't stop the way her stomach churned when Charity knocked twice and was greeted in return with a sharp, "Come in."

"Your 2:30 is here, Miss Black, nice and early." Charity swept into the open plan office, waltzing over to a dark metal desk at the far end. A large computer monitor covered the woman Hermione was here to meet, though the young student caught sight of a few curls of ink black hair. "Here are the files you requested and a fresh cup of black coffee. Is there anything else I can get you?"

A pale hand flicked upwards, dismissing Charity without a word. Hermione watched her leave with a small smile, hands ringing together as a frozen silence swept over the office. There was a seat in front of the desk. Should she take it or stand like a patient solider?

Oh god, this is so uncomfortable.

That same pale hand wrapped around a computer mouse and several sharp clicks had Hermione's heart racing. It would be so easy just to turn and leave. Surely there would be other jobs, people who needed their children taken care of that wouldn't leave Hermione stood like a lost cause in the middle of their office.

"You are early."

Bellatrix's voice was cold, wrapped in ice diamonds. The woman almost sounded bored, unwilling to give herself fully to the young girl standing like an idiot in the middle of the room. Hermione could only jump to attention.

"Yes.. I never like to be late."

"Good. I have no need for people who refuse to be punctual." The CEO had yet to pull free from the overworked screen apart to snatch up the cup Charity left behind. It was rude, unprofessional. Was this woman really worth Hermione's time? "Now, tell me why you applied? You have no references or personal experience in this field of work. Financial gain, I suppose?"

Hermione couldn't stop the snort of laughter that was only met with more earth shattering silence. Ah, she's not the joking type. Nice move, Hermione. "N-no, not at all! I'm at University and I wanted to -"

"What University?" Cold. So very fucking cold.

"Royal Holloway. I'm studying English Literature. It's my dream to go on and become an English teacher."

After another sip of scolding hot coffee Bellatrix placed her cup back down. Hermione noted a stamp of red lipstick glowing brightly against the fine white china.

"It's a good University. I went there, as did my sisters." Black curls bounced when Bellatrix shifted in her office chair, the frame squeaking lightly under the new weight. "And how does nanny work come into your goal of becoming a teacher?"

"Well.. I thought it would be good experience." The passion flowed free from Hermione's mouth. If there was one thing that made happiness peak it was her studies. There wasn't a day that went by when the student wasn't nose deep in papers and books, throwing her body and mind into the world of teaching. It was comforting, a safe way to express herself. "I thought that working with children during my studies would give me a head start, broaden my horizon, so to speak. I can teach a younger child the basics of education and in return I learn from them, how to handle certain situations and developments."

Whatever Hermione said must've been what Bellatrix wanted to hear because all of a sudden the woman herself had risen from the chair, filling the room with a blinding presence.

Holy fuck.

Bellatrix Black was the most beautiful woman Hermione had ever laid eyes upon. The company director was ghostly pale with luscious free flowing locks of black hair that tumbled over each poised, well-bred shoulder. A crisp white shirt tucked into a dark grey, above the knee, skirt showed off curves in all the right places. It was as if the woman had been carved by the Greek Gods, eyes dark and smoky, lips full, kissed blood red. And those cheekbones, that shaped jawline? They could've cut glass.

Black heels clicked, bringing Bellatrix to stand only a few metres away from Hermione. Arms crossed and the woman of power and beauty leant back against the sturdy desk. Those cat-like eyes studied the girl stood before her, dragging the length of Hermione's body. A smirk quickly caught the corner of plump lips, causing the flush to devour Hermione's face once more.

Black by name. Black by nature.

"I have one last question to ask you, Miss Granger."

"Yes? Anything."

"Do you like cars?"

What?

"Cars?" Bellatrix nodded, arms still crossed in wait. "I mean.. I have one? It's a beaten down mess and I'm surprised it's still going, but I barely know one end from the other. Why?"

"Just curious. Now," The CEO turned, reaching towards a pile of neatly stacked cards by the base of her monitor. "This is for you. It's my home address, one that you will keep to yourself. I want you to arrive in two days time at 11am. Can you do that?"

Fingertips brushed against painted red nails as the card was extended forward, its gold lettering shining brightly in Hermione's grip. "You mean I've got the job?!"

"You've got a trial shift." Bellatrix corrected without a single drop of emotion, moving back to the abandoned office chair. The way she walked.. it looked as if she were floating, like a ghost whose beauty was the cause of her untimely death. "It'll only be for an hour or two, it's all the time I have to spare. I would like for you to meet my son and see how you bond. His opinion matters most."

One step closer! Hermione couldn't stop the stupid grin spreading like a wild fire across her face, the thick card burning with hopes to come in when it was stuffed into jean pockets. It was only then she looked up to find Bellatrix staring at her, an eyebrow raised in wait.

"Well?"

"Yes! Yes! Thank you. You've idea how much this means to me. I would love -"

A raised hand cut Hermione off, choking the words in the back of an already dry throat. Bellatrix now reached for an office phone, pressed a button and waited only a split second before Charity's high pitched voice came from the other end.

"I'm done with her now, Charity. See Miss Granger out, quickly."

"So, she just gave you the job, just like that?"

Royal Holloway cafeteria was a hive of students, teachers and the on going clattering sounds of cutlery hitting off china plates. Circle tables that sat five were dotted around a large open hall, excluding friendship groups of the outside world as students filled one another in with the never ending gossip of the day. By one of the large windows Hermione had taken up her usual table, honey coloured eyes staring out onto a small courtyard below. Leaves had started to fall from the trees, leaving a swirl of reds and oranges against the cobblestoned floor. Everything would've been peaceful, perfect, if it wasn't for Ginny Weasley chewing loudly next to her.

"No Ginny, she's given me a trial shift." Hermione sighed, turning her attention down towards a rather boring looking cheese sandwich. After Bellatrix's rather rude dismissal Hermione was in dire need to let her best friend know all about the dark haired woman and the dream she dangled right in front of the students eyes. "But it's a start. Hopefully I can impress her, gain the trust of her son and -"

"Is she rich?" Words chewed through the handful of crisps Ginny was shoving into her mouth.

Charming.

"Rich?"

"Well, you said she was running this big business and had an assistant, that must mean she's rolling in cash!"

A scowl flashed across Hermione's bright eyes. She was no longer interested in her boring packed lunch and Ginny's mind seemed to be running away with her. Again. "Yes, she seemed like she had money, but that's not the point! I have a real chance of experience here Gin, and I intend to keep this as professional as I can. Though..."

"Yes?" That grabbed Ginny's attention.

"She did question me about financial gain. I thought she was joking at first, but god, you should've seen the look on her face when I laughed about it. I don't know. Perhaps she's just being safe?"

Ginny only hummed, diving into the bottom of her bag to find something else she could devour before next class. Silence washed comfortably over the best friends till two strong arms wrapped around Hermione's shoulders, a jolt of surprise rippling through her body.

"There's my two favourite girls. I thought you would both be hiding here."

A warm, barely there, Bulgarian accent kissed the shell of Hermione's ears. The smell of grass, strong male deodorant and the tiniest hint of sweet sweat invaded the students' scenes before a stubble covered kiss pressed against her cheek.

Viktor Krum. Exchange student, top of his sports class, lower league rugby player and Hermione Granger's boyfriend for the past year. The two had met in the university library one evening. Hermione had struggled to reach a book from the top shelf and the sports student was there to save the day with a charming smile and flexing muscles.

"What are you two gossiping about?"

Hermione couldn't stop a grin catching the corner of her lips at the hint of an London accent Viktor had started to pick up, his body settling down into the free seat beside his girlfriend.

"Hermione's new job."

"Ginny! It's a trial shift. I haven't got it, not yet."

"The nanny job?" Viktor's full attention was now on his partner as he threw his heavy sports bag onto the table, searching for lunch. "Oh, yes, your interview! How did it go? I need the full update."

He's so sweet. What did I ever do to deserve him?

"It went well, better than I thought." Hermione picked at her sandwich, cheeks burning once more when all the unwanted attention was turned on her. "I have a trial shift tomorrow for a few hours. Though the woman that interviewed me was very intimidating. She had this aura about her, like everyone else in the world is shit on the bottom of her shoe. She has this big company in the city centre.. something to do with cars, I think."

"Cars?" Viktor's lunch was always the same. Plain chicken and brown rice kept secure in a plastic container. Rugby was Viktor's whole life and the reason he had moved from Bulgaria a few years ago. There wasn't a day that went by when the sport student wasn't out on the pitch or sweating hours away in a gym. But as much as Viktor loved rugby, he was also a big car fan. The first time Hermione had visited his dorm room she couldn't help but suppress a giggle at all the posters of different models of Audis, BMWs and Nissan Skylines spread across each wall. "Wait, what was her name?"

"Bellatrix Black."

"No fucking way! Hermione! You might be Bellatrix Black's nanny?" Exhilaration had her boyfriend bouncing around like a child in his chair, a look of pure glee spread across his very handsome face.

"Yes? Is that a bad thing?"

"No! She's one of the biggest car dealers in London! She has business deals with so many companies, sport car racers and once even sold a Jaguar to your Royal family. The cars that woman has in her possession, I would kill to see them! That woman is crazy rich." Viktor's passionate speech had Ginny reaching for her phone, fingers typing away like her life depended on it. "Do you know that she owns a 1961 E-Type Series 1 Jaguar?! That's one of the rarest cars Jaguar ever made. They're like gold dust.. and she has one!"

"Shit, you weren't lying, Vik. Look at this." A picture of Bellatrix was pressed up close against Hermione's face from Ginny's bright phone screen. There she stood next to a flashy looking car, beauty and grace, arms crossed with a deadly smirk wrapped up like a bow across an etched pale face. Hermione's stomach churned. Those dark, almost black, eyes were staring back at her with such intent. "Her company is worth 36 million pounds! Nice one Hermione."

Eyes rolled. Not the point, Ginny!

"Bellatrix Black.. company founded in 2003.. dealings with McClaren, blah blah blah.. oh, recently divorced from one Rodolphus Lestrange." God knows where that chocolate bar had come from and how Ginny seemed to be talking with such ease with it held between her white teeth.

"Divorced? She never mentioned that. Maybe that is why she wants a nanny?" Odd. Surely that was an important part of information? Children could be badly affected by divorce, especially a messy one.

"Mhm, Lestrange is -" A mouthful of rice almost came free from Viktor's mouth. How was it Hermione ended up befriending the two most messiest eaters on this planet? "- also big in the car world, but he deals with F1 cars. I think they were only married for a few years."

Ginny nodded, confirming Viktor's fanboy information, eyes still very much glued to her phone. "Guess marriage, business and pleasure never works out well, huh? They're in some sort of lawsuit with one another according to this article. He - wow!"

Bushy chestnut curls shot up as Hermione finally allowed all attention to zero in on her best friend. "What?!"

"He's hot."

"Ugh, Ginny!"

"No, seriously. Look."

The poised photograph of Rodolphus Lestrange actually made Hermione feel slightly nervous. Suited in black from head to toe, the sports car dealer had one of the most filthiest smug looks plastered across his face that not even his well kept beard and steely grey eyes could hide. He must've been close to six foot tall, well built and no doubt gave a single toss about anyone else that dared cross his path. There was a darkness about him that reminded the young student of Bellatrix. Their marriage must've been a match made in the darkest pits of hell and now there was a poor little boy suffering because of it.

"He looks like an idiot, Gin. Not my type."

"What? Tall, dark and handsome isn't your type?"

"No! I prefer -"

An arm wrapped around Hermione's shoulder, drawing the student against Viktor's strong chest. "A strong rugby player who thinks the world of you?" The Bulgarian proudly stated, rubbing heavy fingers up and down the length of his girlfriend's arm.

"Mhm. It helps you're so sweet as well." Hermione purred, tilting her head up to press a feather light kiss to a sweat dry cheek. No one could dare come close to Viktor. For all the muscles and strength the man possessed he was as equally kind, doting and worshipping the ground Hermione walked on. There was nothing in this world that could draw them apart.

"Alright, well you two are gross and I need to get to my next class." Several sweet wrappers flew out of Ginny's bag at the sound of the bell, prompting the whole hall of students to stand and head for the canteen exits. "I'm at my mums again tonight, 'Mione. Text me to let me know how tomorrow goes? I want to know everything."

"Again?" Another night alone in the flat. Hermione never did too well on her own for long periods of time.

"I know, I know. I'm sorry. But if we want to keep our flat you know I have to go and play the role of perfect daughter. Mum does pay for it after all. Just have a shower, chill out and watch a movie instead of studying, for once. Enjoy having the place to yourself. Or.. you could finally let Viktor stay the night?" Dark ginger eyebrows wiggled suggestively and a parting kiss was planted on Hermione's ever reddening cheek. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do! See you both later."

"A night alone with my beautiful girlfriend? I wonder what we could get up to." Viktor's sly chuckle had Hermione wiggling free of their embrace, hands racing to snatch up a pile of books from the table top.

The weight of the world came crashing down on the shoulders of the English student, emotions swirling in the destruction Ginny had left behind without a care in the world. Viktor was a wonderful boyfriend. Smart, respectful and head strong when it came to his studies, but Hermione always found herself at a loss whenever they spent private time together. Sex seemed to be a very important part of their relationship, but Viktor was the only one who wanted to press the matter. Their first time together had been a quick fumble around in his dorm room when the coast was clear from the student he shared the space with, and the experience yet to improve.

The mere thought of Viktor being anywhere near her bedroom, her safe space..

It could be worse, Hermione. Get it together.

"Maybe another time?" Heart strings tugged at the hurt look devouring the smile from Viktor's face. "It's only because I have that trial shift tomorrow and I don't want to go in exhausted because you've kept me up all night." Nice save. "Ginny's detective work has put the pressure on and I really want this job."

"I know you do." The couple stood, gathering up their bags and left over food, before Viktor pulled Hermione into a tight hug, a kiss pressing into wild chestnut curls. "Don't ever doubt yourself. You can do anything in this world, Hermione. I know you'll impress her, get the job, and when you do I shall be taking you out for the most romantic meal out to celebrate. Ok?"

"Ok. Thank you."

"That's my girl. Now you better head off or you'll be late for class."

Bellatrix's home was almost as overwhelming as the CEO herself. The large manor style house in Keston Park was encased in high brick walls, and the only way onto the property was through solid black gates that swung open when Hermione's trembling fingers pressed a buzzer built into the wall. There must've been around six bedrooms, maybe more, from the amount of windows the student could count, each one of them hiding away the view inside thanks to drawn blinds.

Gravel crunched underneath Hermione's trainers, the path bringing her up to a circular grey stone pond with a fountain in the middle, water spouting elegantly from the top. A perfectly kept lawn, free of falling autumn leaves, on each side of the walkway gave a snap of much needed colour to the Tudor brick estate. To the right of the house was a newer looking building with a heavy metal garage door bolted to the front.

It must be full of cars. Viktor would be so jealous if he could see this.

This beautiful place was a far cry from the stuffy Camden flat Hermione shared with her best friend. It was almost as if she didn't deserve to be here, walking up to this overpriced house in a pair of well worn white trainers, a dark green sweater and black jeans. At least she had finally gotten around to buying a new backpack that held several children's books and a stuffed toy of a model car. If Bellatrix liked them surely her son would too? It was a way to break the ice and show commitment to the role.

At the big oak door Hermione was greeted by an elder looking woman with an apron tied around her waist, strands of grey hair falling free from a smart bun.

"Miss Granger?" Hermione nodded, a polite smile across her face. "Thank heavens you are here. Come in, come in. Miss Black is in her study and I will get the boy. This little trial of yours is giving me the chance to catch up on some much needed cleaning. Children and chores never go hand in hand. A nanny would be a god send right now!"

Inside was a far cry from the dark exterior. Each room was modern, awash of white painted walls, vinyl floorboards, dark furniture and several large cream coloured lampshades that emitted warm glowing pools of colour where the natural sunlight from outside had been blocked through heavy blinds twisted shut. A dark wood staircase with a black iron handrail lead upstairs. Hermione was guided through the open plan design towards the back of the house. Into the Dragon's lair.

Bellatrix's office oozed rich business woman. Dark oak panels lined three walls whilst windows ran the length of the other, showing off a breath-taking view of the back garden filled with trees and kept flower beds that seemed to go on for miles.

Is that a swimming pool?!

Several bookcases were packed full of book titles that Hermione had never heard of before. The temptation to reach out, pick them up and pull apart each well loved page was almost too much to bare. On the floor lay a thick emerald green rug that was well worn and loved. The air smelt warm, of firewood and smoky incense that made Hermione's hairs stand up on end.

"Miss Black, your trial shift is here. I'll go get Rye." The housekeeper was already halfway out of the door.

Just like before Bellatrix was sat behind a desk, eyes scanning rapidly back and forth between the desktop and a mountain of paperwork.

"Thank you, Mary." Came that cold, husky voice. Why had Hermione held her breath? "I'm glad to see you're on time again, Miss Granger. Your only competition for the position arrived two minutes late and was swiftly kicked off my property."

Competition? Hermione hadn't even thought twice that there would be the possibility of other people applying for the job.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that."

"Don't be. I need someone who I can rely on." Out of nowhere a pair of glasses had been pushed up on top of Bellatrix's head, the shimmering frames mixing perfectly with dark locks of well kept hair. "And I never give people second chances. Fool me once and what a big shame on you."

Floorboards groaned underneath the weight of office chairs wheels when Bellatrix eventually pushed herself away from the computer and came into view. Just like their previous encounter, the business owner donned a crisp white shirt that covered both arms but gave a sneaky view of a full cleavage thanks to several parted buttons. A skirt had been swapped for high waisted black slacks, material clinging tightly to all the correct places. Dark painted eyes, cheekbones, jawline and - oh fuck.

She must've been staring for too long because Bellatrix was smirking, an eyebrow raised at the gaping expression Hermione wore. "You think me too cut throat?"

Huh? Shit! The trial. I'm here for a reason.

"N-no. No. Not at all." Hermione was an exhausted mess, barely able to form the words that Bellatrix wanted to hear. It was that damned smirk, it was far too much of a distraction, one Hermione had no desire to see ever again. "This.. this is your child we are talking about. If you are not comfortable around someone then why should he? If I ever have children one day, I would like to -"

"And do you?"

"Excuse me?"

"Want children?"

"Oh! Yes, maybe, one day. I wouldn't want to rush into anything too soon. Ever since I was a little girl I've had my whole life planned out." Here it came. The passion. It came out like word-vomit and Hermione just couldn't help herself. "My studies are so important to me and the mere thought of going on to teach another generation fills me with so much joy. I'm sure there will be a day when I would like to finally settle down, marry someone I love, and give my undying attention to a family." Bellatrix was staring, studying the young girl with a look of something that Hermione could not put her finger on. "But not for a very long time, I'm still only young and I wouldn't want to rush into anything."

Arms crossed over Bellatrix's chest, pushing together creamy flesh, body relaxing back into the office chair. Everything about the dark haired woman screamed Queen upon a regal throne. Hermione was in her kingdom now, one that came filled with rules and regulations. Should she bow? Curtsy? Either way, Hermione knew how to respect her betters, especially those who could crush future plans in a deadly pale hand.

"Dedicated little thing, aren't you?" Jesus, that made Hermione flush, heating rolling through every single nerve ending she possessed. Bellatrix was bold, daring, and it swept the ornate rug right out from underneath Hermione's feet. "Passion is nothing to be ashamed of. It'll get you far in life. But listen to your mind and keep your heart in control. Love can ruin everything if you let it."

A new wave of echoing silence broke the gap between the two women. Black eyes wandered downwards. Hermione noted the way Bellatrix suddenly filled with tension, shoulders sharp, body rigid. It lasted seconds till a shadow filled the open doorway of the study.

"Here he is! Fresh from a nap."

Perched on Mary's wide hips was one of the most beautiful children Hermione had ever set her eyes upon. Wisps of freshly growing curls very much proved the connection to Bellatrix, and the boy carried the same pale white skin, though rounded cheeks carried a sleepy glow to them. Rounded eyes, puffy and red, shone with a dark brown glow. Hints of gold danced around each iris when the boy finally caught sight of his hard working mother. It didn't take much for an adorable smile to split across his face, gleeful laughter bounding free from rosebud lips. He was still dressed in a deep blue baby grow, not that Bellatrix seemed to mind.

"There's my little Prince. Did you sleep well, darling?"

It was almost unbelievable how quickly Bellatrix's demeanour changed when she raced up from the chair, crossed the room, and gathered up her bouncing baby boy into strong arms. Mother and son connected in a bubble of lipstick red kisses and the softest little coos that Hermione never expected to hear from such a powerful omen. "Miss Granger, this is Orion. He's in charge of this trial, so you better do as he demands."

So she can take a joke.

Tiny hands snatched up black curls when Orion settled himself against Bellatrix's curved hip that bounced up and down, pulling free happy little giggles from both parties. The boy must've been no more than a year old. "Hey there, little mister. It's very nice to meet you." Hermione extended quiet fingers, playfully giving the young boy a feather light hand shake. "I promise we are going to have the best few hours together. I even got you a present!" Hazel eyes found black smoke. Bellatrix looked taken aback. "If you are comfortable with it?"

"Yes. I don't see why not." Heels shifted from side to side, the gears visibly grinding inside the car dealer's mind. "Here, how about you two play on the floor for a while and I'll get back to my desk. I have so many emails." One last kiss and Orion was sat on the floor, Hermione kneeling down at his side, pulling her bag free from her tired back.

"Now, I saw this and I couldn't resist." Zipper sounds caught Orion's attention, a squeal of pure joy following suit when Hermione produced the plush car free from the backpack. Tiny, greedy hands were already reaching, fingers all but snatching the toy from Hermione's grasp. "That's right! It's all yours."

"A car?"

Apparently Bellatrix's attention had not drifted too far. She stared down from behind her desk, fingers paused mind air when reaching for the designer glasses still placed on top of her head.

"I..well.. I just.." Smooth Hermione, real smooth. "When I was in your office I saw a few people looking at cars on their computers." Oh god, Bellatrix really had to stop raising her eyebrow like that. "And when I mentioned you to my boyfriend he had a sudden meltdown. Apparently he's a big fan of your work. I think he loves cars almost as much as you do."

"Observant." Hermione would take that as a compliment. "You never mentioned a boyfriend when we met."

"Um, you never asked?" The student worried her bottom lip, turning her gaze from Orion to his haunting mother. "I didn't think it would be important? And please believe me when I say, I'm not one of those girls that become completely obsessed with having a partner. Studying always comes before anything boyfriend related."

Satisfied?

"Jolly good. I'll let you two get to know one another. I really should return to my work." Wheels rolled with ease across the glistening floor that Mary must've scrubbed her heart and soul into. If you looked close enough one could see their own face staring right back at them. Childish babbling mixed with the sounds of a business woman hard at work, computers purring and phones pinging off with emails and text messages. It was no wonder why Bellatrix was so desperate for help. Alas, Hermione could not seem to shake the feeling that she was being watched. Black eyes trailed the students every move, sharp and focused like a hawk tracking its prey.

Mother lioness protecting her young cub.

Orion certainly kept Hermione on her toes. Together they played with a collection of building blocks and the toy car, flicked through the colourful (yet very educational) childhood books Hermione had stored so neatly in the bottom of her bag, and at one point they spent a good thirty minutes clapping their hands together once Orion finally figured out he could do it too.

Boyish happiness filled the once quiet study. A good sign. It was clear to see the child was very much loved, comfortable around Bellatrix and was eager to learn something new. Hermione's head raced, heart thumping in undying want for the chance to work with the sweetest baby she'd ever met.

Two hours came and went, flying by Hermione like a relaxed summer breeze. Mary made herself known once again, knocking with trained politeness on the office door.

"Miss Black? It's time for you to both take lunch. You've run over your time." Crow feet kissed eyes swept upwards as the old maid gave Hermione a worthwhile smile. Orion happily sat on his new friend's lap, shaking the plush toy from side to side. "He's taken to you, Miss Granger. And you got him a car? My, what a lucky boy."

"It was screaming out for me to buy it from the shop window, I simply couldn't -"

A sharp click on a computer mouse broke polite conversation and snapped Hermione's head back towards the desk. Bellatrix stood, brushed down her trousers to prevent the expensive material wrinkling, and filled the gap that separated mother and son. Orion was all too happy to reach up for pale hands, gripping firmly onto the car. "Food time, sweetheart. You know the rule, no toys at the dinner table. You'll have to give it up at some point."

For all the firmness Bellatrix radiated, she seemed in no real rush to part her son from his gift.

Hermione silently started to gather up the mess they'd made. Books, all in alphabetical order, were stuffed back into the safety of the backpack. It wasn't till she rose back up onto numb, tingling feet that Bellatrix finally spoke.

"Mary is correct, you two are getting on better than I dared to believe. My expectations were not that high." Ouch. "But Orion was the one in charge of this trial and his word is law. My son has not laughed so much in - hmm, it doesn't matter. As it so happens I would like to offer you the role of becoming his nanny, Miss Granger. Do tell me now if you wish to change your mind. I have no time for let-downs."

No way. No. She's lying, or playing one of those horrible mind games. She wants to see me get all excited, only to break me down after.

"I'll take your silence as a firm 'no'?"

"No - I mean yes! I would love.. I cannot thank you enough, this means - oh, how can I -" Hermione Granger, star student and bumbling idiot. All those long, hard days and sleepless nights spent studying away, pushing for a future goal that, at times, seemed to be almost impossible to reach, was now sitting firmly in the palm of two very sweaty hands.

Bellatrix Black was giving Hermione everything and more, even if the raven haired business owner scared the living hell out of the young student. Finally, a chance to prove her own self worth, to get a trainer covered foot in the door and push towards a future that started to seem possible.

"You shall start on Monday evening. I understand you are a student, but we can work around that. Does three days a week sound fair to you?" Hermione could only nod like a well trained dog, eagerness pouring through olive toned skin. "Mary will aid me when you're not around. Orion has a strict routine which I shall have emailed across to you. Do study it well, I would hate to be disappointed by another person who enters my son's life. Are we clear?"

"Crystal. Thank you so much, Miss Black."

"Good. Mary, see Miss Granger out."