**August 2003… present day***
Two years time had passed since Bellatrix Black was declared a free woman by the Minister of Magic. Never would she have expected her life to take the turn that it did. Bellatrix Black, heiress to the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, had falle*n in love with a muggle born. Hermione Jean Granger, insufferable know it all, Gryffindor, one third of the Golden Trio, has weaseled her way into Bellatrix's heart. When Hermione kissed Bella at the Christmas Ball in December of 2000, her life had changed forever. In an instant, Bellatrix was devoted to her witch.
Bellatrix was sat in the library of Black Manor staring into the fire. She spent many afternoons alone since Hermione started working at the ministry over a year ago. She was over the moon about her job and dedicated to making a difference in the Wizarding World. This often mean late nights at the office which Bella wasn't entirely thrilled about. It lead to a lot of alone time for Bella and which she hated with a fiery passion. Bella wasn't the type of witch who likes to be by herself. Luckily, Bella had spent a lot of time reconnecting with her sisters and she grew quite a fondness for Teddy.
On this particular day, Bella was reminiscing about the past two and a half years with her love. After Hermione graduated Hogwarts, the women spent a year traveling.
*** August 2001***
Bella and Hermione landed safely outside the beach villa in Thailand. The house was just as it was the last time the ladies were there. Hermione wasted no time and stripped out of her clothes to reveal a maroon bikini. She was so happy to be back as she had been thinking about this place since their trip to Australia.
"Wasting no time I see, pet." Bella said with a predatory look in her eyes. "Had I know your swimming costume would be so… alluring… we would've had more pool time this past year."
Hermione rolled her eye. "And when would that have happened, Bella?"
Bella walked over and circled her arms around her witch's waist. "Well it wouldn't have but…" she placed kisses on Hermione's shoulder trailing over her collarbone and up the column of her neck and paused to whisper in her ear, "this outfit is my new favorite thing in the world." She felt Hermione shiver in response. "Well no time to waste, darling," she said stepping away from Hermione while unlacing her corset and pulling her dress over her head. A slight blush crept on Hermione's cheeks. "See something you like, pet?" Bella winked at Hermione and swayed her hips as she walked towards the pool. Her own swim suit was black and left very little to the imagination. "Coming?" She called as she dove head first into the warm blue waters.
Hermione hummed in response and ran full speed jumping into the pool, landing inches from Bella effectively soaking the older witch. "Oh I see. Someone is feeling awfully cheeky." Bella said splashing water back at Hermione. "What's that over there?" Bella asked knowing Hermione wouldn't be fooled but the younger witch played along anyways. Once Hermione turned away to look, Bella jumped up and pressed down on her head submerging her lover under the water. Once the witches resurfaced, they were both laughing. "That'll teach you to mess with a Black." She winked.
Later that night, Bellatrix was laying in bed wearing a silk black dressing gown and a pair of black thick framed glasses, reading a book and relaxing. She didn't even notice Hermione enter the room. Bella heard Hermione clearing her throat in an attempt to get her attention. "Yes, my love?" Bella asked not looking up from her book.
"Bella…"
The tone in Hermione's voice was breathy and soft which caused Bellatrix to quirk an eyebrow. She put her bookmark in and cast the book aside to gaze up at her witch looking over the top rim on her glasses. Bella's mouth instantly dried. Hermione was stood at the end of the bed wearing a black leather corset and thong. She had on stockings that were held up by garters.
"Well… well… well. Happy birthday to me." Bella said crawling to the end of the bed, kneeling and pulling Hermione towards her.
"It's not your birthday." Hermione chuckled softly.
"Semantics, darling. Let's have a proper look at you." She said slightly pushing her lover back and twirling her finger. Hermione bit her lower lip and turned around slowly giving Bella a view that she would remember forever. She heard Bella groan as she reached out and ran a hand up her thigh and around to cup her ass. "Exquisite."
Hermione reached down and grabbed the bottom of Bella's dressing gown, pulling it over her head. Hermione's eyes dilated when she slowly took in the sight of her naked girlfriend. Bella had an other world type of beauty that Hermione was certain would be the death of her one day. "Gorgeous…" Hermione whispered as she brushed curly hair over Bella's shoulder. Hermione pushed Bella to lay her back and she climbed on top straddling Bella's thighs. Bella started to lean up to capture her girlfriend in a needy kiss until Hermione pushed her chest back down. "No, not tonight love." Hermione grabbed Bella's wrists and held them above her head. "Tonight… I'm in charge."
***Present day***
Bella recalled that memory fondly. The year of traveling had been full of exploration. Not only had they explored many wizarding communities through the whole of Europe and Asia but they also thoroughly explored each other's bodies. Hermione wanted to learn about as many magical creatures as possible. Bella loved it. She always had a soft spot for animals. Though their time traveling was just full of sexual experiences and love… they did have their first argument. Looking back on it, Bella couldn't believe it turned into a fight. It was the first time in her life that she had actually, sort of, apologized to someone.
*** May 2002***
They had a month left of their vacation and the time had been perfect. At least Bella thought they were having a good time until a misunderstanding that left Hermione more pissed off than Bella had ever seen the young witch.
"I just don't see what the big problem is here." Bellatrix said following closely behind a fuming Hermione as she stormed into the kitchen, grabbing the fire whiskey and pouring herself a glass.
"That's exactly the problem Bella. You don't see why it was wrong."
Bella rubbed her face in her hands and let out a frustrated grunt. "Help me then. Help me understand why what I did was wrong."
"Where to begin…" Hermione sighed handing a glass of fire whiskey to Bella and moving to sit down at the kitchen table. "Shall I list them in chronological order?"
"Just get on with it because where I'm sitting I'm not in the wrong here and this whole angry thing you have going on…" Bella said pointing Hermione up and down, "isn't a good look on you, pet."
"Inconsiderate asshole isn't a good look on you either, Bella." Hermione snapped back and Bella's eyes went wide at the shock of Hermione's words. When Hermione saw the hurt cross Bella's face she softened her approach. She knew the dark witch wasn't used to this type of conflict or interaction and if she wanted to get through to her then she'd have to try a different approach.
"Bella…" Hermione said in a softer tone. "I feel like you haven't been taking my feelings into consideration when making all these decisions about our near future and arrangements after our trip."
"How so?"
"Well for starters, you just decided that we would be living in Black Manor."
"I thought you like it there." Bella said petulantly while slightly holding her chin up higher.
"I do. It's a lovely home. I just wish you'd have talked to me about it. That's not the real issue."
"Go on then…" Bella said taking a long drink from her glass.
"I'm fine living in Black Manor especially knowing that Narcissa took care of everything to make it safe for me to be there. I must say though I was a little put out when you invited Narcissa to move in with us."
"It's a big house. You'll never see her. And she's family."
"That's not the point, Bella. Why would you just invite her to move in with us in the first place?"
Bella sighed and looked away. "She didn't want to make a big deal out of it."
"Please, I just want to know why."
"Lucius is coming home and Narcissa doesn't want to be there. She's leaving him and he has to stay at Malfoy Manor until the end of his rehabilitation. Aurors will be there daily. She doesn't want to have to see him. I offered her a room at Black Manor until she finds a place of her own."
Hermione stared at her not expecting the story Bella had just told her. "Oh I was unaware Lucius was getting out of prison or that they weren't happy together."
"Please Lucy is a wasted layabout. She's better off without him. I couldn't say no when she flooed and asked for help."
"Is she okay?"
"She will be. I think she just needs time to process her marriage ending and Draco moving out. She said Andy told her she could move in but can you picture Cissy living with Andy and Teddy? It's just for awhile pet. She won't stay forever."
"Bella. It's not that I don't want to host your sister. It's…"
Bella hung her head. "It's the fact that our life together has barely started and I've included someone else without taking your feelings into consideration."
"Yes." Hermione whispered taking Bella's hand in hers.
"I see where I may have been wrong in that respect."
"So…" Hermione smiled and knew she would never let this moment be forgotten. "What you are trying to say is that….?"
Bella fixed her with a glare that held no bite. "I'm sorry, Hermione. Sorry for not taking your feelings into consideration and making decisions on behalf of the both of us." Bellatrix let out a sigh that sounded like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
"Apology accepted. Something tells me that might the first time you've ever said you were sorry and meant it." Hermione leaned over and kissed Bella on the cheek.
She smirked. "Don't get used to it, pet. We both know I'm hardly if ever wrong."
***present day***
Bellatrix had gotten better at apologizing as the year went on. Apparently she had a lot to learn about being in a loving relationship seeing as how it was a foreign concept to her. Still Bell didn't fancy apologizing. She did have to admit to herself though that all those muggle tv shows and movies were right… make up sex is the best sex. Bella smirked at the memory of the post fight sex on the kitchen table.
Narcissa had in fact moved in with them about a month after they returned to Black Manor. They hardly ever saw her except at tea or when they spent evenings together. Narcissa spent time going to a soul healer per Bella's recommendation and Narcissa was healing. Andy had come over one night a week with Teddy so they could all have tea together and catch up. Bellatrix looked forward it to every week because she could see Hermione and her sisters growing closer and closer. This really made Bellatrix happy.
Bella walked by the empty room that Narcissa had been occupying. It still had some of her clothes and belongings because she came to spend the night after their dinners occasionally. Narcissa ended staying six months at Black Manor before she and her Soul Healer decided that she was ready to move out on her own. The biggest shock to everyone came when Narcissa announced her decision during a family dinner that winter.
*** January 2003 ***
"Aunt Bella! Aunt Bella!" Came the voice of an excited little boy running through the front door of Black Manor.
"Teddy. What have we talked about using our polite voice?" Andy said as she followed her grandson in through the door.
"Oh Andy, let the boy live. We can't help it if I am his favorite person." Bella said smirking and bending down to sweep the young boy into her arms in a big hug. "How's my boy?"
Teddy was growing like a weed. In a few short months he would turn five and all he could talk about was brooms, flying and dragons. He was excited that after his birthday he'd finally be a big boy and be able to go to school. He was scheduled to start primary in the fall and was already showing signs of accidental magic not to mention his metamorphmagus nature.
"Good." Teddy smiled at Bella. "We go fast today?" He looked up expectantly at his favorite aunt.
"Well…" she ruffled his hair. "You have to ask your granny." She said giving him a wink.
"Granny? Can we go fast?" Teddy ran over and pulled on Andy's pant leg to stress his need to go fast.
"Granny?" Andy said crossing her arms looking at Bella.
"It suits you." Bella stuck her tongue out. "Granny!"
When Teddy turned back to smile at his Aunt Bella, Andy took the opportunity to flick Bella off. "I supposed one time around the pitch will be okay."
"Yay!" Teddy rejoiced and ran over to grab Bella's hand. "Come on." He tried with all his might to pull Bella towards the back door.
"Hold on a minute, little man. I'm going to get Hermione. She'll want to come out with us. Run in to the kitchen to see if Twiggy can get you a little snack. Remember ask nicely."
The little boy's eyes lit up. "Okay!" And he was off running through the manor towards the kitchens.
Andy walked over and gave her big sister a hug which Bella immediately relaxed into. Reuniting with her sister was one of the best parts of her adult life so far. She was grateful for the time with her and loved spending time with Teddy. He kept Bella feeling young.
Bella conjured her otter and started giving it a message to deliver to her lover. "Hermione?" Bella spoke into her patronus. "Teddy and Andy have arrived and Teddy wants to go fast. Get that cute little butt of yours down here." She sent the other off and told Andy she could join Narcissa in the drawing room while she and Hermione took Teddy outside for awhile. Dinner was still about an hour's time away. Hermione came bounding down the steps wearing a pair of light washed jeans and a black turtle neck sweater. She was pulling on a winter coat and a hat.
"Hermione. Hi! It looks like you are ready for a trek in Alaska." Andy winked and extended her arms to hug the younger witch.
"Well if I know Teddy and Bella, it won't just be one time around the pitch. I need to be prepared." Hermione said giving Bella's shoulder a playful punch.
"Oi! Watch your cheek or I'll have you up there with me." Bella said fixing Hermione with a serious look.
Hermione held her hands up in concession. "No thank you."
"Come now pet. Let's find Teddy before he eats his body weight in treats." She said grabbing Hermione's hand and pulling her through the Manor.
Bella, Hermione and Teddy came back inside after Twiggy appeared outside to call them for dinner. As Hermione predicted, the pair had gone around the pitch at least a dozen times and all she could hear was giggles coming from the pair and Teddy's voice chanting "faster, faster Aunty!" Hermione loved seeing the relationship between Bella and her Great nephew. It was heartwarming to see Bella around the kid and made Hermione hopeful for their own children one day not in the near future.
Everybody sat around the dinner table as the elves started bringing in the food. Having house elves had been a debate between Hermione and Bella when they first came to black manor. Twiggy came when Narcissa moved in and they slowly acquired more of Narcissa's elves. Hermione insisted that if the elves were to stay then they would be paid a fair wage and given time off for their families. Hermione had attempted to free the elves but it wasn't what they wanted. Hermione and the elves came to the conclusion of a fair wage and equal rights. Bella didn't care about the semantics, she just didn't want to have to make her own toast and tea every morning. She would pay the elves whatever they wanted. If paying the elves and giving them time off made Hermione happy, then Bella was glad to do it.
The women sat in the library after dinner was over having some drinks while Teddy played next door in the room Bella had converted into a ridiculously over the top play room. The conversation had been flowing fine all night until Narcissa dropped the bomb nobody was expecting.
"I'm moving out." Narcissa said looking up over the rim of her tea cup. "And I've gotten a job."
Hermione choked on her tea and the other sisters just exchanged a look of shock.
"I'm sorry. You've done what now?" Hermione spoke up when it was clear Bella and Andy were still in shock.
"I said that I'm moving out." Narcissa repeated taking a sip of her tea.
"Yes yes yes," Bella said with a dismissing wave of her hand. "You said you'd move out at some point. What you said after that though… repeat that." Bella said as Andy smirked beside her.
"I've gotten a job." Narcissa deadpanned.
"Huh. I didn't you knew what a job was." Andy said hiding a smile.
"Come now, don't be rude." Hermione said giving the dark haired sisters a stern look. "I think that's great, Narcissa. We will miss you around here."
"Yes yes yes. But more importantly where are you going to live and tell us more about this 'job'." Bella said making air quotes around the word job. Hermione rolled her eyes at her girlfriend's antics. Andy was laughing aloud by this point in the conversation.
"Well Andy, dear sister, you'll be seeing a lot more of me. I've gotten a job as a potions master at St. Mungos." Narcissa said smirking at her sister.
"That's perfect for you." Hermione gushed at Narcissa.
"Where will you be living?" Andy asked with a serious tone.
"I'll be moving to a modest house in London near where Draco and Astoria live. I haven't told him yet though as I don't think he'll be quite as excited as I."
"Pish posh." Bella admonished the thought. "That boy has always been a serious mama's boy. He will pretend to be bothered but secretly love it." Hermione tried to hide her smile.
"Well I think it'll be fun to work with you. After Teddy starts school in the fall, I'll be back to working full time." Andy smiled at her younger sister.
"I'm moving at the end of February and I start work shortly there after." Narcissa smiled genuinely.
***Present day***
Bella closed the door to Narcissa's room and headed down the hall to look at the little guest room that had been transformed into a room for Teddy. It was decorated with Quidditch memorabilia, brooms and floating dragons. Her little nephew had turned five a few months ago and was getting ready to start primary next month. Bella and Hermione had Teddy over every other weekend for a sleep over and Bella loved the special time with the three of them. This would have to be cut down to once a month once he started school. With Teddy going to school, Andy would be going back to work full time. Everybody would be occupied and Bella would be alone. This idea did not sit well with the dark witch.
***Late April 2003***
It was Teddy's birthday party. Bella and Hermione offered to have it at Black Manor but Andy insisted on having it at her house. It was all adults because none of the other attendees has any children. Andy was happy Teddy would be going to primary so he could make friends his own age. There was a white tent set up out back with tables and chairs, food was sat along one side and Hermione insisted they rent something called a bounce house for Teddy. Nobody knew what she was talking of so Hermione arranged for the bounce house to be delivered and set up in time for the party. It was castle themed with a slide down the back of an inflatable dragon. Teddy was over the moon when she saw it. He insisted that his Aunt Bella went with him and without much protest she gave in because she had a hard time saying no to Teddy. After several trips down the slide with his favorite Aunt, Teddy left the bounce house in favor of
cake and presents.
Harry came over and sat down next to Bella. "How's everything been going?" He asked trying to strike up a conversation.
"It's going fine, Potter." Bella said staring at Hermione who was deep in conversation with her other sisters and Draco.
"So what's been keeping you busy while Hermione's been working?"
"Oh you know…" Bella tried to think of something funny to say but only sighed. "Nothing. I've been up to absolutely nothing."
"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that." Harry offered. "Has Hermione told you that I left the Auror's office and took the position of department head of magical law enforcement?"
"She might have mentioned that." Bella turned to look at Harry. "Why?" She eyed him cautiously.
"Well I'm trying to build up my team. We've been trying to capture the last known death eaters who are still out there." Bella nodded and turned away again. Harry continued, "and I think you'd be a perfect addition to the team."
"Me? Work at the ministry. Are you mad?"
"I thought you'd say something like that and no I'm not mad. You'd be a great asset to the department." Harry sighed. "I knew you wouldn't say yes right away. I've brought you some stuff to read over, a few files of the death eaters were are looking for. If there's any information you can provide to help us out, i'd consider it a personal favor."
"I'll look these over, Potter. If I have any time, that is." She took the files from Potter and called Twiggy. Twiggy apparated in front of Bella with a pop.
"What can Twiggy do for mistress?"
"Can you please deliver these files to my study?"
"Yes ma'am. Right away."
"Thank you." Bella called after the elf. "And take the rest of the day off."
"Yes, thank you for your kindness." Twiggy disappeared with another pop.
"Thank you, Bella. Any help you can provide will be appreciated. I plan to send you an owl with a formal request for you to join me at the ministry as part of the Department for Magical law Enforcement. Please consider it." Harry got up and walked away.
"I'll consider it, Potter." She gave Harry a small smile as he start to walk away, she called after him. "But don't hold you breath." She rolled her eyes and he laughed.
Hermione walked over and sat down next to Bella while putting her arms around her neck and resting her head on Bella's shoulder. "What was that all about?" Hermione asked out of curiosity.
"Nothing, Potter was just talking about work. Rather annoying actually. Now… tell me exactly how you are going to reward me tonight for getting on that inflatable muggle death trap over there." Bella waggled her eyebrows suggestively at her girlfriend as Hermione giggled.
***present day***
Bella did not cherish alone time. It brought up bad memories of her alone time in Azkaban.
Hermione had gotten a job working the in The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magic Creatures almost immediately when they returned home from their year abroad. Bella knew that Hermione absolutely loved her job. She often spent extra hours working on side projects and Bella would find herself alone come dinner time.
"Hmm." Bella said walking into the library once more to look at the clock. "6pm. She was done an hour ago. That's enough of this. Hermione needs to learn what 9-5 means." Bella said throwing on her robes and heading out the door. Bella walked to the apparation spot just outside of the front gates and apparated to the street outside of the ministry. Bella walked over to the telephone box and dialed the appropriate number to activate the booth that took her down into the guest entrance of the ministry.
The ministry was rather dark and not full of the normal hustle and bustle that was the usual scene during normal business hours. Bellatrix was caught off guard when she heard someone calling out her name. She rolled her eyes. "Potter," she said as a short, curt greeting.
"I haven't seen you around in awhile. What brings you here?" Harry asked innocently.
"Well Potter. It appears that it's six and my girlfriend failed to come home. I am
here to collect what's mine." She said in a tone Harry learned not to question. She turned to head to the elevators when Harry called after her once more.
"Did you get my letter?"
"Yes, I did, Potter."
"Well the offer still stands. We could use you as a consultation in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Think about it. You'd be here to make sure Hermione leaves at 5." Harry laughed and waved as he made his way over to the wall of fireplaces.
"Potter. I'll see you on Monday." Bella made her mind about the job on the spot and Harry beamed at her and nodded.
Bella set her face and walked towards the elevators. Once inside she pushed the appropriate button and the elevator took off.
"Level four." The elevator announced and Bella exited the box. Hermione's main office area was dark save for the light coming out from behind her office door. Without knocking or announcing her presence, Bella burst into the office. Hermione jumped and grabbed at her chest.
"Holy crap Bella." Hermione grumbled. "Have you ever heard of knocking? Or do you fancy giving your girlfriend a heart attack."
"Knocking is reserved for office hours, pet. As you can see," she pointed to the clock on the wall, "it's well past office hours."
Hermione put a hand on her forehead. "I'm sorry. I completely lost track of time. I'm on to something here and I just need another hour. I swear." Hermione said picking up her quill and turning back towards her papers.
Bella was having none of this. She walked over to her girlfriend, took the quill out of her hand and proceeded to hoist Hermione up and over her shoulder. She began to carry Hermione out of the office.
"Bella put me down. I'm not finish."
"Oh but you are, love. Work was done over an hour ago. It's girlfriend time now." Bella announced saying a quick accio to grab Hermione's belongings. "9-5 means exactly that, pet. Time to go even if I have to carry you all the way home."
"Okay. Okay. I get it. And I'm sorry if I've been neglecting you lately with my work. You can put me down. I'll come willingly." Hermione said as Bella placed her down gently. Bella made quick work to interlace their fingers together and lead her threw the door to the elevators. Once inside the elevator, Hermione rested her head on Bella's shoulder and hummed. "I really have missed you, Bella. I need to start having someone come get me at 5 so I can be more conscious of the time."
Bella nodded in response and kissed her forehead. "Home has been lonely without you and Narcissa."
"Ministry of magic. Main level." The elevator announced and when the girls exited the box, Bella started walking towards the floo. "I've missed you too, my love. Good news. I start at the ministry on Monday." Bella dropped the bomb and started walking towards the wall of fireplaces as Hermione stared at her with her mouth wide open.
"Phoenix shit, pet!" Bella shouted after her cackling down the hallway.