The Hogsmeade trip was upon them and Hermione was strangely excited to see the dark witch. Waiting a week had been a struggle, if she was being honest. Waiting had tested her patience, as her anticipation grew. First she and the boys were meeting up with some people at Hog's Head to talk over creating a secret Defense against the Dark Arts "club", then she would be heading to the Shrieking Shack to see Bella. It hadn't taken too much effort to convince Harry he'd be a perfect teacher, now they just had to convince some of their friends to join.

She'd already drawn up a document for those who wanted to join, bewitching it so that, should anyone snitch, sneak would be written across their face. It was a fool-proof plan – hopefully. She still needed to go retrieve the book Bellatrix had advised for her to take, but otherwise she was on top of things.

The pub was swamped with students, most curious as to what the Harry Potter wanted to talk about. He wasn't all that popular among the students ever since the Prophet decided to publicly shame himand Dumbledore, but that didn't keep them from wanting to see what he was up to. Hermione was a little surprised to see Seamus there. He and Harry had a small falling out, but if they could get past in, then Hermione saw no issue with letting Seamus join.

(Bellamione)

The meeting hadn't started like Hermione had hoped, but in the end, they had over twenty people join. They would be meeting in the Room of Requirement (when asked how she found that room, she sputtered out a lie that no one believed.) Many of the girls speculated that's where she and Viktor hooked up, but no one would ever tell her that to her face.

Hermione strolled confidently away from the pub, a smile on her face. Now, to go see Bella… "Hey, Hermione, wait up!" Ron called, hurriedly catching up to her.

Hermione sighed deeply and turned on the boy. "Yes, Ronald?"

Ron stopped a few steps away, slightly put off by the girl's annoyance. "Me and Harry were headed to The Three Broomsticks. Thought you might want to come with us," he replied hopefully.

Shaking her head, Hermione smiled apologetically, "Sorry, Ron, I have to do something. But have a butterbeer for me, okay?" She turned away and continued deeper into Hogsmeade and away from the confused ginger.

She stopped in at Honeydukes for a moment, making sure Ron wasn't following her before exiting and heading toward the Shrieking Shack.

(Bellamione)

Bellatrix was pacing around the shack, her mind racing. She was petrified that Hermione would stand

her up or tipped off the Aurors that she would be there, but she wanted desperately to have faith that the younger witch wouldn't do that to her. Swallowing her anxiety, she continued stalking about.

Hearing the shack door screech open, Bellatrix swiftly tucked away in a dark corner to wait and see. "Bella?" Hermione whispered, quietly shutting the door behind her.

Bellatrix swallowed hard. Someone saying her name had never caused her stomach to flip and her heart to pound in such a way. It was amazing.

She stepped out of the shadows and smiled at the younger woman. She was pleased that Hermione didn't enter with her wand drawn, opting to just shyly stand close to the door. It was a huge improvement from their first meeting. Bellatrix couldn't help but stare. The girl was radiant.

They stared at each other in an awkward silence before Bellatrix grew uncomfortable and decided to try and start a conversation. "How was your meeting?"

"It went rather well, actually. We had quite a few people join up. I haven't told Harry that I've found a room for us to practice in yet. I haven't been up to the 7th floor to see it yet and I don't want to take Harry until I'm absolutely positive it'll work for us." Bellatrix nodded her understanding.

Hermione stepped deeper into the shack, her trepidations all but vanished. She felt safe with Bellatrix, despite how twisted and backwards that thinking was. She knew what the older woman was capable of, yet she hadn't attempted to attack nor berate Hermione at any point in their conversations. In fact, she'd been rather praiseful and sweet (two words no one had ever paired with Bellatrix before).

"Why do I feel this way when I'm around you?" Hermione inquired, her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. The feelings she had were growing with each passing day and Hermione wasn't about to beat around the bush, especially over this.

"Feel what, exactly?" Bellatrix crossed her arms, a faint smile curling her lips.

"I…" Hermione was at a loss for words, something that rarely happened. She stalked towards Bellatrix and grasped her face gently with her hands, pressing their lips together for a few seconds before pulling away. "That. I feel like I want to do that and I feel comfortable with you and I just… I don't understand."

Bellatrix took hold of Hermione's hips and brought her closer, kissing her deeply. She couldn't help it. She desperately wanted to taste Hermione – for their breath to mix and their lips to dance together intimately.

A haze drifted into Hermione's brain, halting her thoughts and worries. She'd never felt something so fully before. When she and Viktor kissed, it felt nothing like this. She hadn't wanted to melt into himlike she did Bellatrix. It was such a strange experience.

Regaining herself, she forced herself away from Bellatrix, putting some distance between them.

Bellatrix's eyes seemed to glow with want, her lips curled into a wicked smile. If she didn't know the witch, it would be rather terrifying but in that moment, she found it ridiculously sexy.

"Do you want the true answer?" Bellatrix asked; her voice husky and low.

Hermione had to shake herself from her desires and focus. "Yes! This… I don't understand this!"

Bellatrix exhaled heavily and took a seat at the table, gesturing for Hermione to sit across from her. "Hermione, we've grown closer in the last month and you seem to trust me, so I need you to trust me now. You must come with me to see the Dark Lord. I know you're opposed to the idea, but it's very important. What I know will only make things more complicated. He can explain to you what I cannot."

"I can't." Hermione shook her head, her mind racing. Voldemort was a nasty, vile man. There was nothing for him to explain.

Bellatrix sighed. "I can promise you that no one will hurt you or keep you prisoner. You need to discuss things with him. It's essential to know what He has to tell you."

Hermione stared deep into Bellatrix's eyes and she couldn't find any deception in them. There was just something about Bella that made her feel so calm and protected. It was so discerning. She didn't know what to think of it.

"Hermione, please…" Bellatrix implored. She was so close to getting the girl to come with her.

Standing up from the table, Hermione paced while deep in thought. If she went with Bellatrix, Voldemort might kill her or worse – use her as a spy. But, at the same time, she desperately wanted to believe Bella's words and learn what the bloody hell was going on, because nothing seemed normal. She felt so much for Bellatrix in such a short amount of time. It was mind-boggling. She needed answers more than she valued her own safety. She felt like a stranger within her own life and she needed some explanation. Ever since Bellatrix had stepped into her life, nothing seemed the same.

"I'll go with you," Hermione said after what seemed like hours to Bellatrix, though it was only a few minutes.

Bellatrix's heart stopped and she worried her mind was playing a nasty trick on her. "You will?"

Hermione nodded uncertainly, biting her lip. She was terrified, but she needed to know what Bellatrix was hiding. "But you must keep your promise. I need to understand," she gestured to herself and Bellatrix, "this."

Bellatrix's mind was racing. There is some much more to it than just "this", dear Hermione. So much more. A part of her was extremely ecstatic. She was going to be bringing the girl to her master. But another part of her was scared - for her potential relationship with Hermione and for Hermione herself. She could only hope that Hermione wouldn't hate her after this. There was so much more to this than she could have ever imagined. She just needed the other half of the equation.

She stood up and extended her hand to Hermione, noting how fearful the younger girl seemed. She tugged the girl close and kissed her, distracting her while they Apparated away from Hogsmeade. She could only pray to Merlin that it would help the girl's nerves…and Bellatrix enjoyed the feeling of the girl's lips upon her own. Besides, it'd be much easier to travel this way.

(Bellamione)

The manor was overrun with Death Eaters when the pair arrived, Hermione's hand gripping Bellatrix's so tightly that the older woman was petrified she'd have a broken hand before this meeting was over. The female Death Eater strolled confidently through the doors of the manor with Hermione trailing cautiously behind. She didn't miss how the others stared at her – some in awe, others with disgust. She inched closer to Bellatrix.

Wormtail was standing outside of the library, so Bellatrix knew exactly where her master was. "Go inform the Dark Lord of our arrival."

"T-the master says he doesn't wished to be disturbed," Wormtail responded nervously, his eyes darting between the dark witch and Hermione.

"Do as I say, toad," Bellatrix snapped, glaring at the worthless rodent. She knew how he hated to be called a toad, but she also knew how afraid he was of her.

Wormtail disappeared into the library before appearing again moments later. "Come in," the Dark Lord hissed from inside.

"You'd better have a good reason for defying my orders," Voldemort said, his back turned to the pair as they entered.

Bellatrix bowed slightly, "I do, my Lord. See for yourself."

The Dark Lord spun around slowly, his face showing no emotion at the sight of his daughter standing before him. He was very pleased with Bellatrix for having delivered him his child.

"Leave Hermione and I, Bella," Voldemort instructed. He watched with slight curiosity as Hermione shook her head vigorously.

"No. Bellatrix stays."

Bellatrix's eyes widened as she glanced between her master and her bonded. No one dare defy what the Dark Lord said and she was worried that the Dark Lord would punish Hermione for her insolence. She'd promised that nothing would happen to Hermione and if something did… She didn't even want to think of the damage it would cause their bond.

"My Lord," Bellatrix started before being halted by his hand.

"It is alright, Bella. You may stay. I can see she has much trust in you." A quick sweep through the girl's mind had shown how much his child trusted the dark witch, even if she didn't understand it or

realize it. Separating them would only make the younger girl troubled and hard headed. He needed to play his cards right from this moment on, if he was to ever get Hermione to listen and see reason.

He gestured for them to follow him as he walked (though it reminded Hermione of gliding) out of the room and into the manor's dining room.

"Leave us," he commanded his loyal followers, "Except for you, Severus."

Hermione was stunned to see her potions professor standing among the Death Eaters, though she'd suspected him of being one. So this is where he disappeared to, Hermione realized. She'd seen himenter Hogsmeade early that morning, but she hadn't seen him since. It made a lot of sense now. Harry had been right about him from the beginning.

The room cleared and the Dark Lord called for a house elf after everyone was seated – him at the head of the table, Snape on his left, Bellatrix on his right and Hermione next to Bellatrix. "Bring us some tea and some biscuits. Ms. Granger looks on the verge of passing out."

The little elf nodded and snapped his fingers, vanishing in an instant. The room was eerily silent until the elf returned. He set everything on the table before vanishing once more.

Voldemort cleared his throat and gazed at his only child, "We have much to discuss, Ms. Granger…" (