Hermione gripped Bellatrix's hand as they strolled through the manor. The older woman was giving her a proper tour of the house while the other Death Eaters watched on curiously. They knew exactly who Hermione was, but they couldn't fathom why she was holding hands with Bellatrix Black, though no one dared to question it. Well, almost no one.
Rodolphus was leaning against the second floor railing, a wicked grin on his dirty face. "Oi, what's a pretty young thing like you walking around with a hag like her? I would be more than happy to show you the manor – including my room," he leered, obviously giving the younger girl an once-over. His plan was simple: he would bed the Riddle girl and get back in the Dark Lord's favor when she fell madly in love with him. He wasn't very intelligent and hadn't seen their passionate embrace when the girl had first arrived. Besides, in his mind, there was no way she could be attracted to his ex. Hell, even he hadn't been attracted to her. But he was a stud that no woman could resist (or that's what he thought, at least).
"Shut your mouth, Rod," Bellatrix hissed, stepping slightly in front of Hermione.
"Oh, bugger off," he snarled, walking down the stairs towards them. He was surprised, but undeterred when the younger girl stepped farther behind Bellatrix.
"I wouldn't do it, Rod," Rabastan warned, his eyes wide with alarm as he watched his brother making a mistake that would probably cost him.
Rodolphus ignored his warning and attempted to push Bellatrix to the side, though it was in vain. The dark witch was quick and drew her wand, casting a silent stupefy that sent the man flying backwards. She started to advance on him, but Hermione's hand on her shoulder halted her assault on the stunned Death Eater.
She could feel Bella's anger deep within her veins and knew nothing good would come from Bellatrix attacking the prone man. She found it sexy that Bella was willing to protect her, but she didn't want there to be any bloodshed over her.
"Come on, Bella," Hermione mumbled in the other witch's ear, "I want to see the rest of the house."
Nodding, Bellatrix tucked her wand away, though she didn't take her eyes off Rodolphus until they were out of sight and in the library. Hermione hadn't had a real chance to comb through the books and she knew how much the younger girl liked to read, so she wanted to give her a chance to really look through them.
"This library is huge," Hermione observed, releasing the older woman's hand to step deeper into the room. She glanced over the shelves, pursing her lips and mentally cataloging the books she wanted to delve into before she left the manor in a few weeks.
Her fingers brushed along the bindings, though she could feel Bella's eyes on her back. She'd been surprised how strongly she'd felt Bellatrix's emotions, but knew it was only a matter of time before their magic would grow, rather quickly if she had to assume. She froze when Bellatrix's arms wrapped around her waist and her chin rested on the Gryffindor's shoulder. "I must have read that book a hundred times as a child," Bellatrix commented.
Hermione took hold of the book beneath her fingers and pulled it from the shelf. "Alfie the Klutzy House Elf and Other Bedtime Stories?" she mumbled, curiously examining the book before peering at the blushing witch.
"I wasn't always the monster everyone assumed I am," Bellatrix replied simply, strolling away from the witch to take a seat at the fireplace. "Feel free to meander around. We aren't needed until dinner, though I plan to show you the rest of the house before then." She casually grabbed a discarded newspaper lying forgotten on the table and flipped it open, her eyes darting along the page. She wasn't particularly fond of Rita Skeeter but the woman was an expert at manipulating the masses.
Half an hour passed before Hermione leaned over the back of the chair to glance at what Bella was reading. "Is the Ministry's Interference at Hogwarts Causing Problems? Of course, Skeeter would decide to chime in on the matter," Hermione groused, resting her cheek against Bellatrix's.
Bellatrix hummed thoughtfully, "She seems to think Fudge's interference is a great thing."
"Because she's in the pocket of the Ministry," Hermione said, rolling her eyes before allowing them to scan the page.
…with Headmaster Albus Dumbledore's increasing age, maybe it's time the Ministry steps in and remove him. With his allegations of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's return, it may be in everyone's best interest if he steps down.
"Seriously?" Hermione balked, "He isn't crazy."
Bellatrix set the paper down and stood up from her chair. She walked around to the agitated Gryffindor and pressed a chaste kiss onto her pouting lips. "I know that and you know that, but the world chooses to remain ignorant and that will be their downfall. Now, let's go explore the rest of the house, love."
The pair continued through the house, heading up the stairs to the second floor. "Most of the Death Eaters are roomed on this floor. My room is on the third floor, along with Draco's and my sister's," Bellatrix said, "So if you decide you'd rather not share a room with me, I'm sure we'll be able to find you a room on the next floor."
Hermione nodded. She wasn't sure how she felt about sharing a bed with Bellatrix, but she really didn't want to have to sleep alone either. Especially in a house full of Death Eaters. But she and Bellatrix weren't dating and she had no idea what the dark witch would expect from her if they slept in the same bed. I'll ask her after dinner, she decided.
They continued to the third floor, stopping when they encountered Draco standing at the top of the stairs.
"Draco," Bellatrix greeted with a smile.
"I never did like Uncle Rod," Draco commented, "But I didn't expect you to be snogging someone the same age as me." Bellatrix raised a brow questioningly. "It's not a bad thing, just unexpected."
Hermione silently wondered if that was him giving his approval or just making an observation.
"You look good together," he added, smiling briefly at them before heading down the stairs to see his father. His father and the Dark Lord had something they needed to discuss with him and his insides were turning nervously.
Bellatrix stopped in front of a heavy iron door and opened it, gesturing for Hermione to step in first before following the girl inside. It closed with a thud and Hermione took the time to inspect the room thoughtfully. It was not at all what she had been expecting.
The walls were Slytherin green with black trimming and a couple photos hung neatly. The curtains dark enough to block out the sun, but had been drawn back before Hermione had arrived. A queen sized bed was shoved against a wall, the headboard and footboard seeming to be wooden antiques. It was a lovely room.
"What do you think?" Bellatrix asked, coming up behind the younger girl and wrapping her arms around Hermione's waist, resting her chin on her shoulder. Her hands stroked her stomach comfortingly.
"Your room isn't what I was expecting," Hermione admitted.
Bellatrix laughed – not her battle-cry laugh, but a genuine laugh. "What were you expecting, darling? Chains and whips on the wall? Black paint?"
Hermione blushed. That wasn't exactly what she was expecting, but it was close. She also realized how much she liked when Bellatrix called her pet names. It made warmth fill her entire body.
She twisted in Bella's arms and draped her arms around Bellatrix's neck, threading her fingers in raven locks. She could feel her magic pulsing through her body, connecting and curling with Bella's. She could feel the older woman's emotions and smiled. She pressed a chaste kiss to Bella's lips but was pleasantly surprised when it was deepened.
Bellatrix started walking her backwards until she firmly against the nearest wall, a tongue invading her mouth and short-circuiting her brain. She hadn't really been a fan of kissing when she was with Viktor, but Holy Merlin, Bella's mouth was heavenly. She couldn't help but moan against those talented lips.
Hands disappeared under Hermione's tight shirt and sharp nails scratched gently against the sensitive flesh. A quick inhale spurred her on and she slipped her leg between Hermione's, pressing lightly into the younger girl's body. She knew they needed to stop, but she didn't want to. Hermione was just so intoxicating. She wanted to explore every inch of her body.
Her hand began to travel upward until a hesitant knock on the door broke their haze and her hands quickly withdrew. Bellatrix was furious. Who dare disturb my time with Hermione? Did they have a death wish? A gentle caress along her jaw simmered her fury into a deep annoyance.
Straightening her corset, Bellatrix stormed over to the door and threw it open, a nasty glare aimed at whoever dare disturb them. She leveled the look at Narcissa, who simply rolled her eyes and shoved past her irritable sister.
"Please come in, Cissy," Bellatrix hissed sarcastically.
Narcissa surveyed the room, noting Hermione's flushed cheeks and raised shirt. "Ms. Riddle, it would probably be best for you to lower your shirt. I don't believe my dear sister can handle the temptation right now."
Nodding, the Gryffindor hurriedly did as the youngest Black sister advised, adjusting her shirt back to its original state. "Please, call me Hermione, Mrs. Malfoy."
Narcissa smiled briefly. "You may call me Narcissa. All things considered, I'm sure we'll get very acquainted before the end of break and I see there being no point for such formality."
"Is there a reason for your interruption?" Bellatrix butted in, moving next to Narcissa, her annoyance souring her expression.
Narcissa nodded. "The Dark Lord requests his daughter's presence before dinner and sent me to keep you company while Hermione talks with Him."
Hermione's eyes widened. She could feel her pulse racing and her heart pounding. She hadn't been alone with her father – ever. It was an intimidating thought. He was the man rallying the wizarding world into a fight for fuck's sake. He was terrifying.
Feeling Hermione's fear, Bellatrix swiftly embraced the young brunette, kissing her cheek softly. "It'll be okay, darling."
Hermione nodded and hugged Bellatrix tightly before stepping out of her arms. "Where can I find my father?"
"He's in the dining room with Lucius and Draco, but he says to go inside. Their meeting should be finishing up." Narcissa chewed her bottom lip. She was anxious to find out what her son would be doing for the Dark Lord.
"It'll be fine, Cissy," Bellatrix said as Hermione left the room. "Besides, you should be honored the Dark Lord is allowing him to help."
"I am, Bella," Narcissa replied, "But he's also my only child. I'm going to worry."
Bellatrix understood to an extent. If the Dark Lord requested something drastic from Hermione, she'd be a mess. A mother's worry and a lover's worry were two different things, but rather similar at some points.
(Bellamione)
Hermione slowly made her way down the staircase, avoiding the eyes of curious Death Eaters. She was sure they'd seen Bellatrix's altercation with her former husband and conjured up rumors to fit their twisted fantasies, but she didn't want to interact with them. She was raised in light and the knowledge of what most of the men (and two women) had done to earn their Marks made her physically ill to think about.
There was no one outside of the dining room, so she cautiously opened the door, catching the tail end of the conversation.
"…should he complete his tasks, he will be wearing his mark before the end of his sixth year, Lucius," the Dark Lord said calmly, stroking Nagini's head.
"Thank you, my Lord," Draco murmured, though he seemed rather troubled.
Hearing the door open, Voldemort glanced over and caught sight of his daughter standing awkwardly. He nodded his acknowledgement before returning his attention to the Malfoy men. "If you will excuse us, Hermione and I have many things to discuss before dinner." The two blondes stood and nodded to Hermione before leaving the room hastily.
"Come, have a seat," he said, gesturing at the chair nearest him.
Doing as her father said, she took the seat and watched warily as Nagini removed herself from her perch on the Dark Lord's chair and slithered towards her. She stopped a few inches away and studied the Gryffindor before hissing at her.
"Can you understand me?" Nagini inquired, tilting her head.
Stunned, all the girl could do was nod.
"Well, how wonderful," Voldemort clapped, looking between the two. "I hadn't realized that could be passed down through bloodlines."
Nagini seemed satisfied and flicked her tongue at Hermione before coming closer. She made her way up the back of the chair and curled up comfortably, her head resting close to Hermione's. "Don't worry, child, I won't bite you," Nagini declared before settling herself.
"Narcissa said you wished to speak with me?" Hermione asked timidly.
Voldemort nodded, smiling briefly at his only child. "I know you probably have questions as do I so I thought it would be a good time to get to know each other before dinner. You are only here for three weeks and there are things that must be addressed and done before you leave back to school."
Hermione absently stroked Nagini's head, "Alright. What do we need to discuss first?" Her nerves made her seize up, becoming stoic and formal. If she looked at it logically, it seemed less life-altering.
"How are your classes coming along?" Voldemort asked conversationally, hoping to ease some of the tension.
"Other than Umbridge's class, I have top marks."
"What's stopping you from having top marks in her class?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Professor Umbridge. She absolutely hates Gryffindors, especially Harry and me. She goes out of her way to try and ruin us. If it wasn't for Draco, I'm sure I'd have a scar from her "detention" methods."
Voldemort hummed. "Draco gave you one of the potions Severus and I created?"
"Yes, sir."
The Dark Lord smiled. Maybe he'd put his faith in the right Slytherin after all. He wasn't sure Draco would be able to accomplish his tasks, but he hoped that Hermione would grow fond of the blonde and they would help each other.
"Sir, may I ask you something about my mother?" Hermione inquired. With his approval, she continued, "What was she like?" She'd been wondering for months what her mother had been like.
Voldemort sighed deeply before smiling fondly. "Your mother was a brilliant witch, just like you. She was very strong-willed, but not harsh. She was a great contrast to the people I usually associated with. The day she learned of her pregnancy, her love for you outshone everything else. She hid away for most of her pregnancy, trying to keep you from the negative influences of the world."
"How did you meet?"
"Your mother was from a pureblood family that supported our cause during the First War and we met at one of the parties the Malfoy family hosted. She was rather charming; walked right up to me and told me what she thought. She was the only woman who'd ever strolled right past the Death Eaters surrounding me. She wasn't even intimidated by them or me. It was rather refreshing…"
(Bellamione)
Kathryn sipped her wine glass, her foot tapping nervously as she glanced about the room. Malfoy Mansion was huge and beautiful, packed to the brim with guests. Her father, Tobias Cooper II was chatting with Orion Black and Abraxas Malfoy, her mother Aliena hanging delicately from his arm. She rolled her eyes. Oh how she hated misogyny at its finest. The men talked, the women were arm candy.
"Kathryn was very ahead of her time. She wanted equality for sexes. She believed that women were just as capable as men. I rather liked that about her."
Noticing the anxious glances toward the other room, Kathryn turned her head to catch sight of Lord Voldemort making his way into the dining area, Rabastan Lestrange and Aiden Yaxley at his side. He was rather tall and serpent- like, but she found him quite appealing. His ideals and plans were wonderful. He could really change the world, but he could do with some policy changes. Some traditions were better left in the past and she planned to tell him that. She set her drink down on the nearest tray and made her way into the dining room after him, ignoring the curious looks from those around her.
Upon hearing her approach, Lord Voldemort turned to gaze at the young woman. She was rather short, but stunning. If he had time for attractions, he would probably have pursued someone like her.
"My Lord," Kathryn greeted with a curtsey, "I wish to speak with you."
Yaxley sneered at her, but Voldemort was rather intrigued by the fire in the woman's eyes. He'd never met someone courageous enough to approach him in such a manner, especially not a woman.
"You have no right to be speakin' with our Lord," Yaxley hissed.
Kathryn opened her mouth to fire back, but He raised his hand instead, cutting off her comment. She was rather defiant outwardly, but on the inside she trembled. This man was feared, powerful – he could destroy her life in a split-second. Maybe this wasn't such a great idea.
"What is it you wish to say?" Voldemort asked curiously, studying her.
She took a deep breath. "You have great plans, my Lord, but they could be better."
Yaxley took a menacing step forward, but the Dark Lord grabbed his shoulder and moved him back to his original spot. No one had ever dared to tell him he could do better. All he received was praise from his followers. It was refreshing to be told differently. His plans were not perfect and even he knew that.
"Oh, really?"
Nodding, Kathryn continued, "Yes, my Lord. I was hoping to speak with you about how to improve your plans slightly – how you can garner more followers into your midst."
The room was silent as they waited for Lord Voldemort's reply. Everyone had stopped to watch the interaction between her and their master. Even her father was watching. He'd been rather embarrassed to see his daughter talking with the Dark Lord. She had no right.
"Why don't you follow me into the library then and we shall discuss your ideas," he finally replied, a brief smile curling his lips before sweeping out of the room, Kathryn close behind.
(Bellamione)
Voldemort smiled nostalgically. "The minute we were in the library, we began discussing my policy on women as Death Eaters and their positions as more than just 'house wives'. And she was right. Women are incredible creatures – powerful, especially if they were mothers. She's the reason Bella's rank is so high among my Death Eaters. She's still a woman in their eyes, but it gets them used to seeing women of power."
Hermione nodded thoughtfully, her mind swimming. Her mother sounded amazing and she desperately wished she could speak to the woman.
A nervous knock on the door broke her from her thoughts and she turned to look at the cautious house-elf standing before them. "My Lord, Ms. Riddle. Madam Malfoy told me to inform you that dinner is almost ready. Would it be acceptable if we begin setting the table?"
Lord Voldemort stood and gestured for the house elf to do what he needed to. "We will continue this conversation later, my dear. Go; join Bellatrix while the elves do their jobs."
Leaving the room, her mind was alight with questions and curiosities. She couldn't wait to learn more about her mother. Maybe the next few weeks weren't going to be too bad.