"Bella," the Dark Lord greeted with a faint smile.
Bellatrix bowed her head slightly, "You called for me, my lord?" Wormtail had brought her into the dining room of the manor and scurried out (he was petrified of Bellatrix and chose to stay away from her as much as he could).
Voldemort stood from his chair and gestured for Bellatrix to follow him through the house into the library. He didn't want one of his less loyal followers attempting to hear what he needed to discuss with Bellatrix. Rodolphus and Rabastian had been conspiring against Bellatrix since she became "special" to Voldemort's plans, which was almost a month ago and the Dark Lord was growing tired of the brothers.
"Shut the door," The Dark Lord instructed, taking a seat next to the fire.
Narcissa was seated in the opposite chair with her usual regal, hands clasped together in her lap. "I have wards set up around the room, my Lord."
Voldemort nodded his approval. "Good. Now, Bella, come stand behind your sister's chair. We have many things to discuss."
Bellatrix did as she was told, her hand falling to Narcissa's shoulder. Voldemort had always admired the dynamic of the sisters. They were close knit and he was thankful that the sisters were both on his side, because if he had to kill Narcissa, Bellatrix would probably not help bring Hermione to him.
"How are things coming with my daughter?" The Dark Lord inquired, Nagini slithering onto his chair and nuzzling his throat.
Bellatrix cleared her throat. "We've been exchanging letters for the past few weeks and we've been growing closer. She's been discussing how school's going and her friends and other things that are important to her."
"Have you talked about your connection yet?" Voldemort was pleased, but he had to make sure things were on track.
She nodded. "Yes, my lord, we've talked about it a few times. We've also discussed the Ministry's standings in Hogwarts."
"Is the connection growing?"
Bellatrix nodded and tightened her hold of Narcissa's shoulder. "Yes, my lord. I feel the urge to be around her quite often. I feel it would grow faster if we could see each other in person."
"I agree, but you can't push her into this. She must set the pace." Voldemort relaxed in his chair.
"Now, what is the issue of the Ministry in Hogwarts?"
Bellatrix scowled. "There's an ugly toad of woman who is taking over the school. According to Hermione, she's obsessed with pink and cats. She's also the Dark Arts teacher and isn't teaching her students anything about how to fight. She tortures the students she doesn't like during detentions. I'm pretty positive she was one of the people who helped put me away in Azkaban."
"Has she hurt Hermione?" Voldemort asked, his eyes narrowing slightly. There was a slight misconception to what he could and couldn't feel. She was his daughter and he did feel something familial for her.
Bellatrix shook her head, "She has never gotten detention, but she's really discontented about the fact she has no one to teach her the Dark Arts."
The Dark Lord hummed thoughtfully. "You should advise her to find a teacher; maybe start a secret club within the school. I'm sure she and her friends could train and learn. My daughter will thrive with something like that."
"My lord, wouldn't that help Potter become stronger too?" Bellatrix wondered hesitantly.
Voldemort nodded and stood, walking towards the books on the nearest table. He grabbed the top book and began flipping through it carefully, "That is true, but it is important that he and I are equals. So, this solution would help solve both problems."
"Why is that important?" Bellatrix asked.
The Dark Lord debated his options. Bellatrix was one of his most loyal followers and he truly believed divulging this information to her wouldn't be too costly. "There is a prophecy, written for Potter and me, just as you and Hermione have one. Except," he chuckled humorlessly, "this one is of war. I don't know the exact words of it yet, but I shall soon get my hands on it. From what I know, Potter and I must be equals or neither of us shall win."
Bellatrix swallowed hard and stored this information away. Prophecies seemed to be a very common thing in this impending war.
He came back to Bellatrix and handed her a book. "This book should be able to help you understand your connection with my daughter. Narcissa allowed me to comb through Lucius' library and I found a book that should help you learn and grow your connection."
Bellatrix accepted the book, her eyes scanning over the front of the book. It was faded and ancient with old runes covering it.
"I expect you to gain as much knowledge on this subject as possible."
Bellatrix nodded. "Yes, my lord."
"Good. You may leave." He returned to the books on the nearby table, taking a book and studying it thoughtfully.
Bellatrix and Narcissa left from the room, Bella's mind scattered. She was curious as to what the book would tell her. She also knew Narcissa would want to comb through the book after she finished with it. She had a tendency to catch what Bellatrix might have overlooked.
"I must respond to Hermione's newest letter, then I shall begin studying the book."
Narcissa nodded and hugged her sister briefly. She was grateful to have her sister back in her life.
(Bellamione)
It'd been weeks since Hermione and Bellatrix had begun exchanging letters and the Gryffindor was surprised at how close she and the dark witch had grown. She appreciated their deep conversations and discussions on knowledge which would otherwise be left to tread restlessly in her mind. Whatever pull she felt to Bellatrix had been growing as well. It was rather unsettling.
"Morning, Mione," Ginny greeted, taking a seat next to the brunette, a wide smile adorning her lips.
"Morning, Gin. You seem rather happy this morning," Hermione noted, taking a bite out of her apple.
Ginny nodded. "Dean asked me to go with him to Hogsmeade next weekend and I said yes."
"I thought you and Dean had broken up?"
Ginny shrugged. "We did, but it's obvious the-boy-who-grew-to-be-clueless won't take a hint that I might like him, so I've decided to give Dean another try. Besides, Harry's been so busy chasing Cho that I've realized he probably doesn't like me."
Hermione smiled sympathetically and patted Ginny's shoulder. Harry was rather oblivious.
"Speak of the devil," Ginny mumbled, looking down at her food.
Hermione looked up and saw Ron and Harry walking over to them, laughing loudly about something she probably didn't want to know about.
"Morning," Ron greeted cheerfully.
Everyone exchanged greetings before settling down to eat. It wasn't too long for the owls to arrive and unsurprisingly, Nox fluttered to his young mistress' side and proudly handed her a letter. In return, she lovingly rubbed the little owl's head and fed him some of her toast. Once he'd eaten his treat, he hopped over to Ginny and chirped at her. Besides Hermione, she was the only person Nox would allow to touch him and that was because she thought he was a precious bird and always fed him some of her bread.
"Geez, you're rather popular aren't you?" Ron muttered, stabbing his eggs in exasperation. It was becoming a rather occurring theme as of late. Whenever she received a letter, Ron would grow frustrated and glare at his plate until she put it away. After the third letter, he'd become a nosey git about whoever was sending her letters.
"What's your problem?" Ginny snapped at her brother. "Jealous or something?"
Ron sputtered before controlling his reaction, "Course not. I just don't think Krum is any good for Hermione."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "It's not Viktor. And even if it was, how is that any of your business? What I do isn't up for you to decide, Ronald." She abruptly stood from the table and stalked out of the Great Hall, letter clutched tightly in her hand.
The common room was pretty empty, aside from the few Gryffindors who were playing Exploding Snaps near the fire. Seeing as it was a Saturday, most people were outside enjoying the fresh air. There was a slight chill in the air, being just before Halloween. It was rather refreshing. After she finished her letter, Hermione would probably venture out into it and go find Harry.
Heading up to her room, Hermione disenchanted the letter and began reading it carefully.
My Dearest Witch,
I might have a solution to your problems. Have you thought of teaching yourselves defense against the Dark Arts? You're a brilliant witch and I'm sure Potter could teach you all a thing or two. He did compete in the Triwizard Tournament. He's bound to be a rather competent duelist.
There's a room on the 7th floor that comes and goes, especially when it's needed. Find that room and it will hide you from Umbridge and any prying eyes. Also, there's a book hidden deep in the restricted section that may be of use to you. It has quite a bit of handwritten information in it (from yours truly) and should help you.
However, show no one that book other than Potter. I don't want it falling into another's hands. There's a reason it's in the restricted section. There are some… darker spells held within those pages. Be smart, little witch. Make no mistake, I'm not trying to help the light succeed in any way, but it is useful to have a real education.
I await your reply,
The Black Panther.
Bellatrix's letter was surprising. That was a brilliant idea, but why was the dark witch helping her? It made no sense. Bella's allegiance was to Voldemort, wasn't it? Hermione shook her head. She wasn't about to question it. It was a solid plan.
She chewed her bottom lip thoughtfully. The Hogsmeade trip was coming up, as Ginny pointed out, and while she wasn't sure she felt comfortable to meet Bellatrix at the dead of night by herself, she really wanted to see the older woman again. They had a connection…
Hermione began writing her response to Bellatrix.
(Bellamione)
"Letter for you, ma'am," Tinsley, Bellatrix's favorite elf that resided at Malfoy manor, announced late that evening, "And the owl has already been fed and caged for the night."
Bellatrix nodded gratefully at the little elf and patted her head. "Thank you."
The elf smiled brightly and vanished from her sight, leaving alone in her chambers. She opened the letter and her eyes skimmed the page before stopping at the fourth paragraph.
I wish to see you again. The Hogsmeade trip is next Saturday and if you are available, I was hoping we could meet where we met last time? I'm not comfortable with venturing to see you in the middle of the night, but Hogsmeade is rather public and I want to believe you won't attempt to kidnap me. If you don't want to meet, I understand, but it would please me greatly if I could see you again.
Bellatrix hurriedly finished reading before writing her back, two thoughts flashing through Bella's cluttered mind:
One, she would need to read up on magical bonds before seeing the young witch.
Two, that she was growing rather fond of the witch, seeing as she'd never been this excited for something in her life.
The Dark Lord would be very pleased with this turn of event. He would be one step closer to having his daughter home. Bellatrix just hoped she could convince Hermione to meet the Dark Lord rather soon. He wasn't a patient man.
Bellatrix smiled. Finally, things were beginning to fall into place.