Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.
The steady knocks on the door stirred Hermione from her exhaustion-induced nap. Her head was resting on Bellatrix's shoulder, her quiet breaths bringing the Gryffindor more comfort than she'd ever expected.
Knock.
Hermione sighed. She wasn't ready to face anyone, but whoever was on the other side of the door didn't seem to want to go away.
"Bella," Hermione said softly, trying to ease the eldest Black from her slumber, "Someone's at the door."
Bellatrix groaned, but her eyes slowly cracked open and she glanced at her lover. "Would you like me to see who it is?"
Hermione nodded shyly, her embarrassment and angst from earlier making her rather meek and uncomfortable.
Lifting herself up, Bellatrix pressed a sweet kiss to Hermione's cheek and stumbled over to the door. She lazily swung open the door and came face-to-face with Severus.
"Rodolphus is alive," Severus said emotionlessly, rather than greeting the Death Eater. He ignored her disheveled look and stepped into the room.
"Why does everyone just seem to come in without an invitation?" Bellatrix muttered darkly. Her sister was one thing; Narcissa was the lady of Malfoy Manor and Bellatrix's favorite sister (no one knew Bellatrix still considered Andromeda family, even if she had married a filthy mudblood). But Severus did not have the right to enter her bedroom without her or Hermione's permission.
Hermione stared at her potions master. "He's alive?"
Nodding, Severus peered between the two women. "He should make a full recovery. However, Yaxley and Rodolphus are both furious at you."
"And Stan?" Bellatrix inquired.
Rabastan was the more level-headed than Rodolphus, but he was a bit of a hothead, too. He and Rod had been planning against her since she became 'special' to the Dark Lord, but he seemed to fall away from the fray as Yaxley and Rod's distain came to the forefront.
"He hasn't said anything to anyone; rather he's just stayed at Rodolphus' side. Yaxley is storming through the house though. He's been ranting to anyone that will listen about how it was an idiotic decision to let a loose cannon like you into the ranks of the Death Eaters."
Bellatrix took a seat next to Hermione and rubbed soothing patterns into her hands. She wasn't worried about Yaxley, though she would make sure he never dared to corner her lover. She'd kill him before he ever disrupted a hair on the girl's head.
"The Dark Lord has informed me of your plans," Severus said, "And Albus has called for an Order meeting that I shall be escorting you to."
"When?"
Severus sighed. "Tomorrow night."
Hermione exhaled heavily through her nose. Three days from now would be Christmas Eve, the day she was supposed to spend with the Weasleys. She briefly wondered if that invitation would be revoked.
"What are the chances of this going well?" Hermione asked anxiously.
Severus wanted to reassure the girl, but there was a fifty-fifty chance on how the meeting would actually go. "I don't know," he admitted. "Most of the people within the Order are traditionalists and rather conservative in their thinking, but the younger generation will probably take your side and not judge you for your parentage. But, I cannot be sure."
Hermione cuddled closer to Bellatrix and worried her lip nervously. She was terrified for her friends' reactions and the idea of going without her lover was equally petrifying. She hadn't anything without the Malfoys or Bellatrix at her side. She knew Severus would keep her safe, but it was intimidating to have to face this without the family she'd grown accustom to having around.
"Thank you for your honesty, Severus," Hermione mumbled.
Severus understood her dilemma. Being thrust into a game of chess by the most powerful men in the wizarding world was crushing. He'd been a spy for years and his alliances were still rather unclear. He himself had no idea where he would reside when the war started – and ended. They were kindred spirits in a way and he would stick with the young Gryffindor. She offered a friendship he hadn't had before now and it was something he was grateful for.
"No matter what happens, love, you will always have us," Bellatrix promised, stroking Hermione's leg affectionately.
Severus awkwardly cleared his throat. "The Dark Lord wished for me to tell you to cancel your lesson tomorrow with Draco and Hermione, Bella. There's far too much going on and he doesn't want Hermione going into the meeting exhausted."
Bellatrix nodded. "Thank you, Severus."
He smiled faintly and took his leave, shutting the door quietly behind him as he left.
(Bellamione)
Hermione and Bellatrix spent the rest of the day tucked away in their room, Hermione alternating from sobbing uncontrollably and planning for the meeting. She didn't want to lose those she loved, but fear gripped at her heart. Harry and Ron were not rational teenagers. They were volatile and incredibly judgmental at times. She felt as though she would be standing in front of a firing squad. Narcissa was kind enough to send up food to the couple, allowing them the rare ability to eat in their room.
Morning came and Hermione's stomach was in knots. She skipped breakfast, opting to take a long bath before she and Draco went for a walk around the garden outside.
"How are you feeling?" the young blonde asked, his blue eyes squinting against the sharp rays of sunlight.
Hermione sighed. "Nervous. Nauseous. Petrified."
She was beyond stressed and the previous day's incident had completely thrown her life into a tailspin. She'd almost become a killer in a matter of moments, all because of Rodolphus Lestrange's attack on her lover. What scared her most was the fact she'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Draco patted his friend's shoulder sympathetically. "No matter what happens, you have all of us and we may not be the family you've gotten to know over the years, but we're the family you'll have for the rest of your life – no matter what."
Overcome with emotion, Hermione lunged into Draco's arms and embraced the awkward Slytherin tightly. Tears streamed down her face and she choked out a quick, "thank you."
The day crept along slowly, though Hermione managed to avoid almost everyone. Narcissa stopped her in the hall outside of the library and offered a shoulder of support, but Hermione kindly refused. She trusted the blonde, but she didn't want to think too much about the situation at hand. She'd talked enough about it enough with Bellatrix.
She also ran into Greyback, who congratulated her on her quick actions with Rodolphus.
"He 'ad it comin'," Greyback grunted, smiling wolfishly at the younger girl. He didn't care that Hermione was a girl or a Gryffindor. He'd come to enjoy the girl's presence. She was one of the few who weren't scared of him, even if he was a werewolf. Their discussions at dinner were rather riveting and while he wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, she didn't treat him any differently. "If you want, I can eat 'im for ya," he offered.
It brought a smile to her lips, but she declined the offer but promised to keep it in mind.
(Bellamione)
Evening came far too soon for Hermione's liking. Severus arrived around four in the afternoon and he and the Dark Lord disappeared into the library for about an hour before Severus returned, informing her it was time to leave. He extended his arm and there was a tug at her stomach.
They landed outside of Grimmauld Place and swiftly entered, trying not to attract too much attention to themselves. She could hear quiet chattering and braced herself.
"Relax," Severus mumbled before stepping deeper into the headquarters, garnering the attention of the members. He was a few steps ahead of Hermione, though she stayed rather close.
The room was packed with Order members, including Dumbledore and McGonagall. Albus stood near the floo, his face paler than usual. Life was catching up to him, it seemed.
"Why are we here?" Tonks asked curiously.
"Yes, why are we here, Albus?" Molly repeated, her tone firmer than Tonks. "And why was it so necessary that the children be involved? They're far too young…"
Albus exhaled heavily. "You all need to make a solemn oath that you will not repeat a word of this meeting to anyone else." He nodded to a document on the table. "If you sign the parchment, it will act as an Unbreakable Vow. Nothing will be said until everyone has signed it."
Confusion overtook the group, but they each signed the parchment. Hermione was the last to scribble her name onto the magical paper. She swallowed hard as her fear began to bubble to the surface again.
"We are here today because of some information that came to us involving Tom Riddle," Albus said once the parchment was collected and tucked away. "Severus, if you would explain, please."
Severus stood tall and it reminded Hermione of how the potions master commanded his classroom. With one movement, he had everyone's undivided attention. "Fifteen years ago, it was rumored that You-Know-Who had fathered a child, but after his disappearance those rumors died down because no heir was ever found and there was no proof of one existing. Those rumors were not rumors. He did father a child – and as of recent, the identity of the child has been revealed to both myself and Albus."
A quiet gasp escaped Molly's lips.
"Wait, Voldemort has a kid?" Harry practically shouted, paying no mind to the shiver that went down the spines of most of the Order members, "Who? Some pureblooded Slytherin like Pansy Parkinson?"
"No, Mr. Potter. Not a Slytherin. It's actually a Gryffindor – someone you've known for quite some time," Severus replied calmly.
Hermione shook at the venom Harry spewed. He was visibly furious and his hands clenched into fists. She hoped he wouldn't be too judgmental when he knew it was her, though she didn't expect much from the teenager.
"Neville? Seamus? Dean?" Ron spouted off names, his face growing red with each passing name.
The other Order members were staring at Severus, anticipation clouding their eyes.
"Who is it, Snape?" Sirius demanded, glaring at the silent man.
Hermione swallowed hard and stepped closer to Severus. "Me."
Silence fell upon the room as every set of eyes landed on her, stunned by the admittance. Molly reached out for the young Gryffindor, but hesitated. The revelation seemed to shake the cores of every Order member in the room.
"No, that's impossible," Harry said, shaking his head violently. There was no bloody way his best friend was the daughter of his parents' murderer. His muggle-born friend.
"It's true, Harry," Albus responded softly, his eyes drifting away from Hermione.
Harry stared hard at the table, disbelief filling his stomach.
"Bloody hell," Ron blurted, staring with wide eyes at her. "You're his daughter?"
Hermione nodded mutely, her eyes brimming with tears.
"How long have you known?" Harry growled, raising his head to glare at the Gryffindor.
"I've known since the second Hogsmeade trip," Hermione admitted quietly. "Bellatrix Lestrange took me to see him and that's when I found out the truth."
Harry scoffed. "And you didn't think to tell us? For Merlin's sake, Hermione, we're supposed to be your friends!"
Hermione tried valiantly to blink back her tears, but they fell without permission.
"Oi, Hermione…" Tonks stood up from the table and hugged the younger girl tightly, her hair turning a shade of blue.
Hermione returned the hug, her tears falling freely against the woman's shirt. Hearing the malice in Harry's tone had broken her heart. She hadn't wanted any of this, did no one realize that?
Ginny walked over to the hugging pair and rubbed Hermione's back. "It's okay, Mione. Him being your father doesn't change anything."
"Yes it does!" Harry exploded, jerking up from the table. "It changes everything! How can we trust her?"
Hermione wrenched out of the embrace and glared darkly at Harry, meeting his eyes. "How dare you, Harry Potter? I've always had your best interest in mind! Not because you're the bloody chosen one, but because you're my friend."
Tonks rested her hand comfortingly on Hermione's shoulder while Ginny glared at the black-haired git.
"Ginny, maybe you should step away from her," Molly advised softly, gesturing uncomfortably for the youngest Weasley to come to her side.
Ginny gaped at her mother. "Mum! There's nothing wrong with Hermione!"
"Ginny's right, Mum," George piped up, "Nothing's changed. She's still the little know-it-all we all know and love."
"We don't know for sure she won't go spilling our secrets to him," Sirius piped up.
"We don't know she will, though," Tonks fired back angrily.
Albus cleared his throat. "Hermione will not be giving away our secrets, Sirius. I have faith that Hermione will be on our side during the war."
Sirius glared, but said nothing. Hermione absently noted how much Sirius reminded her of Rodolphus Lestrange. They were both overgrown children who grew cranky when their way wasn't taken. She was beginning to understand Bellatrix's distain for her cousin.
"Get over yourself, Sirius," Tonks snapped. "If Dumbledore trusts her, then so do I."
"Maybe we should end the meeting for now," Remus suggested. It was rather clear to him that the situation was about to devolve into a pissing contest and no one needed that. They all needed a chance to digest the information.
"Good idea," Arthur seconded.
The room was tense, but no one argued. Ginny was still glaring at Harry, who was glaring at Hermione. Ron was obviously siding with Harry, but said nothing.
Albus sighed. The Order was fracturing before his very eyes and there was absolutely nothing he could do to stop it. He hoped they would see past their prejudices. Driving a wedge between themselves and Hermione was a terrible idea – she was the brains behind the Golden Trio for Merlin's sake. He would need to change their minds; she was the only hope the boys had.
"Hermione, maybe it would be best if you didn't come to Christmas Eve," Molly said tightly, her eyes glancing at everything but the young Gryffindor.
"Mum!" Ginny and the twins shouted with incredulity, their mother's ignorance shocking.
Hermione's breath hitched in her throat painfully, but she nodded. She knew this was a possibility, but she'd hoped for a better outcome. She turned away from the group and headed out of the house and into the street, her brave façade shattering the moment she was away. Her worst fears had come true.
(Bellamione)
Hermione was in Bellatrix's arms the moment she was back at the manor, tears flowing freely. She tucked her head into the crook of Bellatrix's neck and collapsed into her, though Bellatrix did not buckle under the sudden weight. Instead she lifted up the younger girl bridal-style and silently carried her upstairs. No one said a word.
"What happened?" Narcissa asked quietly once the pair was out of sight.
Severus sighed. "The Order has done what the Dark Lord hoped. They were quite nasty to her, aside from your niece and a few of the Weasley children."
"Why did the Dark Lord hope for that?" Narcissa couldn't understand how any parent would want for their child to be broken-hearted, even him.
"If we are to have her on our side of the war, she must see the darkness in the hearts of those on the lighter side. Both sides are very gray and while He has never hidden it, they have. Now she will see what kind of people they really can be."
Narcissa shook her head. "This war will tear us all apart, Severus."
"I know," Severus muttered, "I know."
(Bellamione)
Ginny stormed through Grimmauld Place, her rage settling deep in the pit of her stomach. How can Mum be so judgmental? Harry bloody Potter saw Dad being attacked and could only say nice bloody things about him! Merlin's beard, if that's the kind of guy Harry is, maybe I shouldn't date him after all. Bloody hypercritical git.
"Oi, quit your stomping," Ron hissed, "We all know you're bloody pissed but how can you take that traitor's side?"
"Bugger off, Ronald," Ginny spat, "She's supposed to be one of your best friends but your head is shoved so far up the Golden Boy's arse that you can't even bloody think for yourself. She's saved both your arses more times than any of us can count! Why can't you show that kind of loyalty, you fucking idiot?" she screamed, garnering the attention of everyone left in Grimmauld Place.
"Ginevra Weasley!" Molly scolded.
"It's true, Mum! Everyone in this bloody house is so worried about catering to the fucking Golden Boy. I don't care that Harry fucking Potter doesn't trust Hermione. I do! She's been one of my best friends for the past couple of years and never looked down on me because of my age. I can't say the same for these arseholes," Ginny snapped, gesturing to Ron and Harry.
Ron's cheeks were flushed and Harry had gone pale.
"You act like you don't want special treatment because you're Harry Potter, but you're a bloody liar! The minute someone doesn't follow what you want or you believe, then you become some self-righteous git who gets to pass judgment because you're Harry bloody Potter and if someone doesn't agree with it, you pout like a bloody child!" Ginny continued, her face red with fury.
The house was deathly silent aside from the sound of Hedwig squawking upstairs. No one quite knew what to say. Fred and George were beaming at their little sister. Finally someone had called him out!
Ginny shoved past the silent boys and headed upstairs, her mind hazy with rage and sorrow. Rage at how her family had acted and sorrow for her broken friend. She'd seen through the Gryffindor's façade and knew how the events had affected her. It was painful to see her friend so anguished. She would make it right with Hermione back at Hogwarts, even if her status made her an outcast in their House.
(Bellamione)
Bellatrix lay on her back, Hermione resting on her shoulder. The girl had passed out hours ago from exhaustion, her tears still flowing steadily, even in her sleep. Her heart ached for her lover, but there was nothing she could do. She gently stoked Hermione's hair when the girl grew restless, hoping to ease some of her grief.
Hermione shifted and released a distressed sigh, her eyes opening slowly. They traveled along the pale expansion of neck presented before her and she kissed it gently.
"Good morning, love," Bellatrix greeted quietly.
Hermione hummed and snuggled closer to the eldest Black, her arm thrown haphazardly around Bellatrix's waist. She took such comfort in her lover's arms.
"How are you feeling?" Bellatrix asked, tracing her nails along Hermione's clothed spine.
She sighed deeply, but made no attempt to answer. She was rather dejected about the whole turn of events, but she knew there was nothing she could do to change them. She'd simply send the Weasleys and Harry their gifts and try not to think too much about it – hopefully.
"Come on, darling," Bellatrix prompted, tickling the girl's back slightly with a grin, "We should go eat breakfast with my dearest sister before she comes banging down our door."
Hermione groaned, but sat up and freed Bellatrix's arm from beneath her weight. Bellatrix let out a small puff of air as the blood flowed back into her arm. She'd kept it in the same position all night, worrying more about her soulmate's comfort than her own, and it'd gone quite numb around two a.m.
"Sorry, baby," Hermione mumbled, rubbing the muscles in Bellatrix's shoulder.
Bellatrix leaned up and kissed Hermione chastely before sliding out of bed to get dressed for the day. She didn't think much of Hermione still being in the room and stripped out of her night close, searching through her drawers in hopes of finding one of her leather corsets. She always had them scattered about, leaving her frustrated as she always had to hunt.
Hermione gaped at Bellatrix's bare back, her eyes wandering down to her lacy black underwear. Her arse looks amazing in those… Discretely, Hermione checked to make sure she wasn't drooling.
Glancing lazily over her shoulder, Bellatrix smirked at the sight of Hermione openly gaping. It was rather flattering.
"Hermione, darling, you're supposed to be getting dressed," Bellatrix reminded teasingly.
Blushing brightly, Hermione hurried up from the bed and blindly took some clothes from her bag. It wasn't until she was tucked away in the bathroom that she realized that she'd grabbed a green sweater and orange pants. Bloody hell, she internally groaned.
She stepped awkwardly out of the bathroom and nearly walked into Narcissa.
"Oh, Hermione," she gasped in surprise, "I didn't see you there. Sincerest apologies."
"It was my fault," Hermione replied, smiling faintly at the older woman.
Narcissa studied the articles of clothing in Hermione's hand, her nose crinkled at the sight of those hideously orange pants.
Noting Narcissa's critiquing of her clothes, she blushed. "I accidentally grabbed the wrong pants."
"Obviously," the blonde replied with a smile. "I have a lovely skirt that would go with that sweater. Would you like to try it? If you don't like it, you won't have to wear it, obviously."
Hermione shrugged. "Sure."
Narcissa smiled warmly, "I shall be right back." She glanced briefly at the orange pants. "Do dispose of those pants, dear. They're quite awful."
(Bellamione)
Bloody hell, I look like I should be in Slytherin, Hermione realized as she smoothed her sweater. Her sweater was a solid green while Narcissa's borrowed skirt was green and black plaid that swished with every moment.
"You look lovely," Narcissa said when Hermione stepped out of the bathroom. "You look like…"
"A Slytherin?" Hermione supplied, though she smiled about it. She wasn't really upset about it – it was just different.
The blonde laughed and nodded. "It suits you, though. My sister will very pleased. She's already downstairs with Lucius and Draco, so I shall escort you." She offered a friendly arm and the two walked arm-in-arm downstairs.
Hermione was greeted with the sight of her lover tossing her head back in laughter, Draco shooting her a rather delighted grin. It was well known that the young man idolized Bellatrix – more than he did his father.
"Good morning, Hermione." Lucius raised his cup in greeting. "You look nice today."
"She looks like a Slytherin," Bellatrix corrected approvingly, standing from the table to move to Hermione's side and pressing a kiss to her reddening cheek. "You look lovely, darling."
Severus was sitting stiffly between Lucius and Draco, though he smiled briefly at the young Gryffindor. Hermione smiled warmly in return. She was rather glad to see her friend at the manor, though she was quite curious what her father needed him for so early in the morning.
Some of the other Death Eaters trickled in for breakfast, sleep stiffening their movements and exhaustion darkening their eyes. Greyback greeted Hermione with an awkward pat on the back and Mulciber flopped down next to Draco, his hand automatically reaching for a cup of tea. Dolohov lounged in a chair across from him.
The Carrow twins and Rowle were the last few to sit down at the table, each taking a cup of juice. They gave half-hearted greetings, their lack of sleep evident. Hermione was surprised Amycus hadn't passed out against the table, his head nodding to the side occasionally, though his sister would nudge him back awake.
Breakfast was quite a joyous affair. Once everyone had awakened some, the conversation at the table started up. Greyback was talking to Hermione and Draco about how their training was coming along while Bellatrix talked with Rowle and Mulciber about their upcoming mission. She was being kept from battle because of Hermione being there, but she had quite a skillful mind, so she was helping the two men plan.
Hermione took a moment and relaxed, looking about the room with a faint smile. She may be losing the Order, the people she had considered family, but she realized in that second that she was gaining another. It still hurt and her heart would ache for quite a long time about those she seemed to be losing, but knowing she had a family - a real family – to come home to helped to soften the blow.
Severus examined the younger girl curiously. He could already tell the girl's loyalties were shaken. If Dumbledore wanted to win this war, he would need to get the Order to see reason – quickly – before the Dark Lord could completely shift her loyalties. He wasn't sure how hard it would be for Lord Voldemort to manage it at this point. He sighed and began discussing potion ideas with Narcissa, his worries drifting to the back of his mind. He'd worry about it later.