Lord Voldemort studied his daughter, a faint smile gracing his lips. His paternal instincts overrode his lack of a soul, allowing him the joy of feeling something familial toward her and he was rather grateful for that. She was a great child and would be a great asset among his ranks.
"I am to assume Lucius told you we must discuss your mother's estate, correct?" he inquired, already knowing the answer – or at least, hoping he knew.
Hermione nodded, sipping her hot cocoa. Bellatrix had told the house elves Hermione enjoyed it more than tea so when Voldemort instructed them to bring drinks, they'd arrived with the delicious chocolate. She thought it was sweet that Bellatrix had them bring that instead of tea. She was rather tired of tea.
It'd been a few days since the Malfoy family outing, so she'd had some time to think over what she wanted to do about her mother's estate and wealth. She and Bella discussed the situation extensively and ultimately it was Hermione's decision (something Bellatrix pointed out, often). She was just there for Hermione to bounce ideas off of.
"Yes, Father," she replied absently, not catching the paternal phrase.
Voldemort felt a pang in his heart and decided it was one of happiness, though he couldn't be sure. "What are your thoughts on this matter?"
Hermione sighed heavily. "What exactly did Mum have?"
"She had your grandfather's mansion, all of the Cooper wealth, a few pieces of land – I'm not quite positive how much or where – and all of the family's magical artifacts and relics. I'm not too sure what else she has. The Ministry seized it and unless they find an heir or a distant relative, they will keep control of Kathryn's possessions."
Hermione chewed her bottom lip thoughtfully. "If I claim them, what happens?"
"Your true identity will be revealed to the world. They will know that the rumors of a Riddle heir were not rumors at all, they were well-kept, hidden facts that no one expected to have any truth in them. The Ministry won't have any reason to believe I exist, however, so they will likely leave you alone once all the necessary paperwork is taken care of. If you decide to claim what is yours, I will have Lucius use his political connections to make sure your birth certificate winds up in the Minister's hands. An investigation is likely to occur, but if Dumbledore had anything to do with this, there won't be much for the Ministry to find."
Hermione's breath shook. So much could happen whether she admitted who she was or not. It was rather intimidating. "I want to claim my mother's property, but I wish to wait until after Christmas so that I can have some time to warn my friends. Bella and I have discussed this quite a lot and I want this to happen, but I will not spring this on my friends."
"Understandable," Voldemort replied with a nod. "I shall arrange for all of the evidence to be given to the Minister after Christmas. You may need to inform Severus and Albus of your plans. He won't be kind if you approach this hastily. The old man is a control-freak, so allow him to believe he has the upper hand."
Voldemort had a plan. He hoped the Order would turn their backs on Hermione, showing her how gray the "light" side of the impending war was. It would allow him the upper hand, giving him a better chance of seducing Hermione to the "dark". Bellatrix would be able to help with that, but she needed family – something he and the others could provide. She would need a stable, loving environment (something the Malfoys could provide), a partner who could love the darkness that likely resided in her soul (Bellatrix could easily provide that and more), and a group she could fit in easily with (the Death Eaters were rather idiotic, but never dull).
"Are you going to be at manor on Christmas?" Hermione asked meekly. She'd gotten the man a present and secretly hoped he'd be around so she could give it to him.
Voldemort nodded. "I shall be here for a little while."
Hermione smiled briefly. "Is there anything else we need to talk about?"
"No. You may return to Bellatrix." He smiled and stood. He was pleasantly surprised when she hugged him for a moment before leaving the room. He hadn't expected it.
(Bellamione)
Bellatrix was lounging on the bed, one of Hermione's new books in her hands. The book on soulmates had been rather insightful. She was only a couple chapters in and had learned some things she'd need to share with Hermione. Soulmates are a rather tricky thing, she realized.
The door slowly creaked open and Bellatrix set the book aside. Hermione seemed rather lost in thought, so Bellatrix patted the area beside her as she signaled for the younger woman to take a seat next to her. She watched carefully as Hermione flopped unceremoniously onto the comfortable, soft bed and let out a low groan.
"What's wrong, love?" Bellatrix inquired, arching a brow.
Hermione shook her head and let out another distressed noise before wiggling her way up the bed to lay her head on a pillow. "My life is spiraling and I don't know how to slow it down."
Bellatrix smiled sympathetically and ran her fingers through Hermione's hair, her long nails scratching her scalp comfortingly. "It'll be okay, darling. Did you and the Dark Lord come to a decision about your mother's estate?"
Hermione nodded, her eyes closing at the soothing sensation that came from Bellatrix's talented fingers. I wonder what else she can do with those…
No, stop it Hermione, now is not the time to go into sexual overdrive.
"I will admit to being her heir after Christmas. I want to give Ron and Harry a chance to be somewhat prepared before it happens."
Bellatrix smiled affectionately. Hermione always cared so much for her friends, always putting their needs above her own. The situation saddened her, though. On one hand, she would be one step closer to having Hermione at her side permanently, but on the other Hermione would probably lose the ones she held dear. That worked in the Dark Lord's favor, but she knew it would hurt the Gryffindor deeply to lose those close to her.
Hermione turned her head slightly to look at her soulmate. "I'm tired of talking about my life. Will you tell me about yours? I know very little about you."
"What do you wish to know, darling?"
Hermione raised herself up and snuggled closer to the eldest Black, throwing her arm haphazardly over the woman's waist. "What was your childhood like?"
Bellatrix chuckled darkly. "My story is not one that will make you feel better. I had a rather harsh childhood."
"I want to know," Hermione said quietly, pressing a soft kiss to Bellatrix's jaw, "Please, Bella."
Bellatrix sighed, "I was born in 1951 to Cygnus and Druella Black. I was the first of three sisters and the usual target of my father's rage…"
Bellatrix crept softly through the house, her sisters hiding in the shadows of the hall. She was on a mission – food. Her father had forced his children to bed without any supper because they'd gotten some of their nicer clothes muddy when roughhousing with Sirius and Regulus. As children, their cousins had been Cygnus' favorites. He'd desperately wanted sons and had been cursed with daughters, so for his daughters to outshine them was practically a crime in his eyes.
"Be careful, Bella," Andromeda whispered, her eyes wide with fear.
Bellatrix shushed her middle sister and made her way down into the kitchen without a sound. She slowly opened the refrigerator and gathered spare food into her arms. Twisting around, she yelped in horror at the sight of her father standing at the sink, a nasty snarl screwing up his features.
"Father, I…" A solid slap across her face silenced her.
"I don't want to hear it," he hissed, "Return that food immediately."
Bellatrix stiffly set the food back in the refrigerator, her face stinging.
"To bed with you. I shall deal with you tomorrow. You can expect no dinner again tomorrow," he spat before stalking out of the kitchen, leaving Bellatrix in the darkened silence.
She touched her face carefully and bit her lip to stifle a cry of pain. Her face would definitely be bruised in the morning.
Bellatrix was brought back to the present by Hermione touching the same spot her father had slapped nearly four decades ago. She pressed a gentle kiss to the skin, helping wash away the terrible memory. "It was a long time ago, love."
"I know," Hermione replied simply with a tender smile, "But now when you think of it, you'll remember my kiss as well."
Unable to control herself, Bellatrix took hold of Hermione's face and crashed their lips together. No one had ever done something so sweet – so genuine – for her before and it touched her heart greatly. She was so thankful to whatever fate had brought them together.
Hermione moaned at the sudden assault on her lips and arched into Bellatrix, her fingers tangling in the messy black locks cascading around Bellatrix's face. They tickled her cheeks, but she didn't care. All she could think about was the gentle weight of Bella's body on hers. She wanted more.
Bellatrix's hands wandered, sliding teasingly along Hermione's torso, her nails scratching over Hermione's tensed stomach. They slithered beneath her shirt, her magic practically crackling as it glided over the Gryffindor's skin. It hummed, begging to intertwine with Hermione's in a sexual dance of passion.
"Bella," Hermione moaned into the eldest Black's mouth, her hands descending from the dark curls. They roamed freely, taking in the beauty's delicate curves. Even after Azkaban, the woman's figure had remained. She was gorgeous and fuck, Hermione couldn't wait to feel every inch of the flawless skin against her own. Her hands halted right above Bellatrix's clothed chest, Hermione's boldness faltering. Was she ready for this?
Bellatrix seemed to stop breathing as she waited to see what Hermione would do. She was aching to be touched, but didn't want to push the girl. She would wait a lifetime if she needed to.
Swallowing her nerves, Hermione skimmed the palms of her hands over Bellatrix's breasts. The breathy moans in her ear ebbed away some of the fear and she applied a bit of pressure. She could feel Bellatrix's temperature rising with each passing moment, it serving to arouse Hermione.
She massaged the corset-bound breasts slightly, her hands shaking. She was terribly anxious, but not because of the situation. She was worried she'd be awful in bed whenever they did shag.
"Relax, darling," Bellatrix panted, kissing the underside of Hermione's ear. "We don't have to go any farther if you don't want to."
Hermione nodded and tried to take Bella's advice, though it was rather difficult.
Bellatrix was reluctant to move away, but she did. She was straddling Hermione's leg and had to fight back the urge to grind against it. "May I return the favor?"
Hermione hesitated, but nodded her consent. Hands traveled their way up her body, stopping just beneath her breasts, allowing her a moment to adjust to what was about to happen. When some of Hermione's tension drained away, Bellatrix slid her hands higher.
The feeling was rather strange, Hermione realized. No one else had ever touched her chest and the foreign sensation of another's hands resting atop of them (over clothing, mind you) was bizarre but not unwelcome. Her bra rubbed teasingly against her nipple and she gasped.
Bellatrix added some pressure to her administrations, marveling at Hermione's slight pants of arousal. She palmed the breasts, smirking slightly. She couldn't wait to have Hermione at her mercy one day, begging for more. The anticipation for that day was overwhelming.
Hermione's breathing eventually evened out and she smiled shyly at the older woman who let her hands drift down to the girl's hips. She kneed the muscles she found there, leaning down to kiss Hermione chastely.
"We ought to sleep soon," Bellatrix admitted begrudgingly. "You've got to practice with Draco tomorrow."
Hermione sighed, but knew the woman was right. "I need to owl Dumbledore tomorrow as well. Severus will also need to know the change of plans."
(Bellamione)
Hermione sat at Bellatrix's desk, a quill held firmly between her teeth. She glanced over her shoulder and smiled at her sleeping lover. Her wild curls framed around her face, she reminded Hermione of a fallen angel. Beautiful, but deadly.
She exhaled deeply and returned her attention to the blank parchment in front of her.
Professor Dumbledore,
I wish to inform you a change in my plans. After Christmas I will be claiming my mother's property, at which time my true parentage will become public knowledge. I wish to tell Harry and the Order before it happens. I was hoping you could give me some advice as to what I should do. Harry and Ron are my best friends and they deserve to know. I await your letter anxiously.
Sincerely,
Hermione J. G. Riddle
Hermione stuck the parchment in an envelope and went in search of Nox, who was hopping about on Narcissa's clean dining room table.
"Take this to Dumbledore, immediately. No one else."
The bird chirped in response before allowing Hermione to set the letter in his beak. He was gone in an instant out an opened window. She stared at him until he was out of sight and she sighed. Now, to find Professor Snape. He wasn't staying within the mansion walls, so Hermione hoped Voldemort would summon him for her.
Her father was tucked away in the library, if Wormtail standing guard was any indication.
"Is the Dark Lord in there?" Hermione inquired, staring down the worm of a man. He squeaked and she rolled her eyes before shoving past him, ignoring his squeals of protest.
"Ah, Hermione," Lord Voldemort greeted, his eyes never leaving the papers in front of him, "What can I do for you, my child?"
Hermione cleared her throat. "I was hoping you could summon Severus for me. I didn't think a letter would be able to convey everything."
The Dark Lord nodded. "I shall call for him after your lessons. Would that be acceptable?"
Hermione knew that wasn't a real answer, so she simply agreed to it. "Of course, sir." She hurried out of the library and back to the room she was sharing with Bellatrix. She was rather surprised to not see Bella still passed out among the sheets. It was quite early (she couldn't sleep last night – rather, she tossed and turned until Bella tugged her closer and calmed her movements slightly) and her lessons were not for another few hours.
"Bella?" Hermione called, peering cautiously into the shadows of the room. Bellatrix had enchanted the curtains so that no light would enter until they were opened, so the room was nearly pitch black.
It was silent until a lazy arm came to wrap around her waist and soft lips pressed against Hermione's shoulder. She yelped in surprise but relaxed into the embrace of her lover. She could feel Bella's magic surrounding her, intertwining with her own, though she knew it would never truly be connected until they were together intimately.
"Why are you awake so early, baby?" Hermione asked absently, her hand moving to cover the one stroking her stomach.
Her hand stilled and Hermione could feel Bellatrix smiling against her shoulder. "What?" Hermione wondered self-consciously.
"You called me baby," Bellatrix mumbled, nuzzling the younger girl's neck. "It made me rather happy."
Hermione blushed. She hadn't even realized she'd said it, but she didn't regret it. "Oh."
Bellatrix chuckled sleepily. "Did you send your letter to Dumbledore already?"
"Yeah," Hermione sighed, turning in Bellatrix's arms, "I also talked to my father, who will be summoning Severus for me after we finish practicing."
Bellatrix hummed, her lips traveling along the expansion of smooth skin she was presented with as Hermione tilted her head, granting her more access.
"You never did answer my question," Hermione reminded her breathlessly.
Bellatrix pouted. "Is that really what you're worrying about right now?" She bit the flesh teasingly, sucking on it gently before moving to another area and repeating the action.
"Bella…" Hermione half-whispered, half-gasped, "Please?"
Groaning, Bellatrix stopped her assault on the deliciously unmarked skin. "I heard Rodolphus and Yaxley in the hall and I was spying on them. They're rather irritated with me at the current moment and I was curious what they are planning."
"What were they talking about?" Hermione worried, her eyes studying her lover's face.
Bellatrix shrugged. "I don't know. Mulciber came out into the hall and the two shut up rather quickly, but I'm not worried. The Dark Lord will not allow any harm to come to either of us."
Hermione seemed unconvinced, but let the subject drop. She kissed Bellatrix deeply and allowed herself to get lost in the passion surrounding her.
(Bellamione)
Hermione panted, sweat dripping from her face. Her hair was soaked with perspiration and clung uncomfortably to the nape of her neck.
"Hermione!" Bellatrix barked. "There's no break in a real battle."
She peered up at her lover. "I can't keep going."
"That's how people die! You need to push yourself or you will end up on the wrong end of the Killing Curse," Bellatrix said darkly, her eyes narrowing. She wasn't angry with the Gryffindor – she was scared for her. She didn't seem to realize that no matter what happened – no matter what side of the war Hermione ended up on – the gathering of followers, both good and bad, was going to cause a life or death battle. There wasn't a chance that this would end amicably.
"Bella, maybe we should give the children a break," Lucius said mildly, his eyes flickering between his out of breath son and Hermione's exhausted figure.
Bellatrix growled. "Lucius, you and I both know that battles can be draining, but if we gave up, we'd be dead – or worse. We cannot allow them to simply quit because they're 'tired'."
"They're just kids," he reminded sharply.
Bellatrix stared at her brother-in-law. "That has not mattered to Dumbledore and it doesn't matter to the Dark Lord. They must be ready to fight!"
Lucius knew Bellatrix was right, but he wouldn't back down. "Bellatrix, this is enough for the day."
Bellatrix glared at the blonde man before shoving past him as she stormed off. She was rather furious. Did no one else understand this was the beginning of war? It wouldn't matter if they're children or not – no one would care. They either would fight or they would die. Those two would be in the middle of the war, no matter how much they fought it. They were vital components in the plans of both sides, even if they didn't realize it yet.
Hermione watched Bellatrix stalk away, a sense of dread filling her stomach. She could feel her rage, but also her fear. The eldest Black was terrified – not only for her soulmate, but for her nephew as well.
She took off slowly after her lover, exhaustion slowing her movements. Her limbs ached and her head pounded, but in war, how she felt wouldn't matter. Bellatrix was right. Dumbledore didn't care about putting children in dangerous situations, so why would it change when an actual war broke out? In the end, it wouldn't.
(Bellamione)
Bellatrix came upon Rodolphus and Yaxley, though she ignored their presence. She wasn't in the mood to deal with their idiotic taunts or comments. She was far too riled up to handle them calming (or in a manner where the two didn't end up needing Narcissa's healing techniques).
"Oi, Black, did your little bitch get tired of your constant nagging like I did?" Rodolphus spat, a nasty smirk on his face. "Or did she see you naked and realize you ain't so –"
"Fuck you, Rod! Stupefy!"
The spell erupted violently from her wand, her anger fueling the strength of the magic pulsing through her veins. He barely managed to deflect it, a twisted look of malice replacing his smirk.
"You've gone soft, Bella! What happened to your usual Crucio, huh?" Rodolphus mocked, "Everte Statum!"
Bellatrix threw up a quick shield and watched with maddened glee as Yaxley was thrown backward. "Is that the best you can do, Rod?" she taunted, "Expulso!"
Rodolphus dove out of the way and gripped his wand tighter as the spell exploded a nearby bush.
Hermione heard the explosion and ran toward the sound of the fight, fear gripping her and rightly so. She came upon the scene and watched anxiously as the exes exchanged fierce spells, though they weren't enough to do real damage. Rodolphus was trying to goad into Bellatrix more, though the dark witch was reigning herself in – but only slightly. She could feel the hatred bubbling in Bellatrix.
She watched Bellatrix's expression change to one of madness and she began to understand why people feared her so greatly. It was terrifying to see her lover so crazy – so out of control. She was used to kind, sweet Bella – not maddened, battle-crazed, cackling Bellatrix, though her laughter was still rather sexy.
"Oh, look, your little whore came to watch," Yaxley sneered from the sidelines, his arms crossed.
Bellatrix caught sight of Hermione and stared at her a moment too long, allowing Rodolphus the upper hand.
"Avada –"
Hermione whipped out her wand and with all the strength in her body yelled, "Sectumsempra!"
She watched in horror as it slammed into Rodolphus, slicing deep into his chest and stomach. Severus had taught her that spell during Occlumency lessons when she'd accidentally rebounded the spell and saw him concocting it. She'd also seen parts of his childhood – most of the memories involving Harry's father.
Bellatrix's jaw slackened at the sight of her ex-husband slumped on the ground, blood pouring from the inflicted wounds. She glanced up in time to see Yaxley leveling his wand at Hermione. "Petrificus Totalus!" Bellatrix casted, paying little attention to the man once he fell backward.
She swiftly hurried to Rodolphus' side. She wouldn't care if he lived or died, but she knew Hermione would be sickened if she'd killed the man, so she hurriedly cast a Levicorpus and took the man inside to Narcissa, who was in the company of Severus – which was quite helpful. Hermione was right behind them.
"Dear Merlin, what happened?" Narcissa questioned, horror in her eyes as she took sight of Rodolphus pouring blood.
Bellatrix shook her head. "I'll explain later. He was struck with Sectumsempra." She narrowed her gaze on Severus, who glanced at Hermione's pale face.
"We shall take care of this. Leave us and take Ms. Riddle with you; she looks faint."
Severus and Narcissa set to work on Rodolphus and Bellatrix took Hermione's hand, leading the girl away from them. They walked in silence upstairs, Hermione numbly following her lover. Her mind was racing. What had she just done?
"I don't blame you for what you did," Bellatrix said quietly once they'd reached their room. She watched Hermione uncomfortably stand in the center of the room, her arms wrapped around herself. "You saved my life."
"And nearly took someone else's," she replied darkly.
Bellatrix sighed and encircled the girl's waist, spinning her so that her head rested in the crook of Bellatrix's neck. "He had it coming."
Hermione jerked back, glaring at her lover. "I'm not a killer, Bella! I've never… I can't…" Her words broke off as sobs wracked her body.
Returning the girl to her arms, Bellatrix walked Hermione to the bed and laid the young Gryffindor down. She rested beside her and allowed the girl to cuddle close as she sobbed violently against Bellatrix's shoulder. Hands grasped at her corset and if this were any other situation, Bellatrix would have made a dirty comment, but all she could think about was the crying girl and the realization that instinctively, Hermione would do anything for her. Even kill.
(Bellamione)
Severus diligently worked to fix the damage his creation caused, his mind racing. Hermione had nearly killed a man in order to protect her soulmate. Their bond was growing and instincts seemed to take over. When the time came to choose a side, he wasn't sure where the young Gryffindor's loyalties would lie anymore – where anyone's would lie.