Christmas Eve,' Hermione sighed, 'and not a single letter from Ronald or Harry. I wish I was surprised, but Merlin, I'm really not.'
The last few days had gone by rather quickly, Hermione training most of the day and relaxing with the Death Eaters and the Malfoys at night. She continued pushing herself during those sessions, helping relieve some of her anger and frustration. When her anger would reach its peak, Bellatrix would step in, dueling with the girl until she was drenched with sweat and exhausted.
Hermione had sent one of Narcissa's trusted elves to deliver her presents to 12 Grimmauld Place, though she was pleasantly surprised when the elf returned with presents from the twins and Ginny. It made her heart hurt a little less.
The redheaded girl had sent her a book of known magical myths and the twins had sent her candies that explicitly informed her that she shouldn't eat them – rather, she should stash them in Harry and Ron's food and watch the after-effects. It was a touching gesture coming from them. She had one of the house elves slip one into Yaxley's food for good measure. It was a wonderful sight. Dolohov said he was up vomiting late into the night.
"Merry Christmas Eve, Auntie," Draco greeted as the soulmates made their way down the stairs, "Mione."
"Merry Christmas Eve," Hermione returned with a smile. She was feeling rather light-hearted. Being surrounded by people who cared about her made her feel happier than normal – stronger.
Dolohov and Greyback were lazing around in chairs in the lounge room; their booted feet up on the table in front of them. The rest of the Death Eaters (aside from Crabbe Sr. and Goyle Sr.) were milling about the house and gardens thoughtlessly, awaiting the Dark Lord's arrival. Most of them had no family to return for the holidays, so they mindlessly found ways to occupy themselves. They hoped He would have plans for them.
Hermione smiled mischievously and turned to her lover. "Fancy a duel, darling?"
Bellatrix arched a brow curiously. "What do you have in mind, love?"
"Well," Hermione said, "I was thinking you and I could duel with Greyback and Dolohov. There's nothing better to do and Draco's off helping Narcissa plan for the New Year's Ball, and since they obviously have nothing to do, I think it'd be rather fun to get some practice in with experienced duelists."
Bellatrix pondered over the suggestion for a moment before returning her lover's infectious grin. "Dolohov! Fenrir! Feet off of my sister's nice table!"
The two men jumped and did as the eldest Black commanded, their eyes widened in surprise.
"How would you two fancy a duel?" Bellatrix continued, one hand on her hip while the other grasped Hermione's delicate hand.
Greyback grinned wolfishly. "You mean, 'gainst you and Hermione?"
"Of course," Bellatrix said, rolling her eyes, "Who else would I be bloody dueling with?"
The werewolf shrugged and stood, nudging Dolohov. "Let's kick 'heir arses, mate."
The two men followed the soulmates outside, their bodies trembling with anticipation. They'd seen Hermione's training sessions and knew she was quite a terrifying opponent, especially when she grew angry. Bellatrix, well, she was a force to reckon with and everyone knew that. They'd be lucky to come away from the battle unscathed.
"We shall do this properly, as our Lord commands," Bellatrix instructed firmly, "Bow."
The two men got into position and bowed, their wands tucked protectively against their chests. Their master was quite a traditionalist when it came to duels. If they were battling, it was different but in a controlled duel, he commanded that they bow respectfully to their adversary.
Hermione and Bellatrix mimicked the action before pointing their wands at the grinning men. If Hermione hadn't been used to their wild expressions, she would have felt rather terrified. Having gotten used to them and knowing she was safe with Bella, her fear was replaced with excitement and the thrill of impending combat.
Dolohov smirked and fired off a Bat-Bogey hex, though Hermione easily deflected it and sent it toward Greyback. It avoided his head by mere inches and his grin faded away, being replaced by determination.
"Bombarda!" Bellatrix cackled, watching gleefully as Dolohov dove out of the way of exploding terrain.
They continued exchanging spells, Hermione growing more dangerous with each passing spell. She felt alive in battle. Her magic seemed to crackle beneath the skin and her blood raced. Absently, she noted that her magic seemed much stronger when she was battling with Bellatrix and not against her. It wasn't until she was becoming a danger to the men she was battling did she stop her assault on them, the realization of what she was doing setting in.
"Confringo!"
The darker part of Hermione's soul took joy in watching the ground in front of Dolohov go up in flames. She was panting, sweat trickling down her neck. The older men were breathless, though they had more training with endurance than she did, though her stamina was impressive.
"You're getting stronger," Bellatrix noted delightfully. She pressed a kiss to Hermione's damp cheek.
"You'll be able to hold your own against us pretty soon," Greyback said, smiling at his young friend.
Dolohov wiped the blood away from his nose (he'd been caught by a rogue spell from Bellatrix that resulted in him having a partially broken nose) and grinned, "Maybe the Dark Lord will let you come on a raid before you leave for school."
Bellatrix rolled her eyes, "She's not of age, you brainless git."
"Oh yeah," Dolohov mumbled.
Greyback walked back inside with the two women while Dolohov went off in search of Mulciber, who apparently owed the man money.
"Mulciber has a gambling problem," Bellatrix whispered as they headed inside, "That's why his family has no money left."
Hermione nodded. She wasn't really all that surprised. He seemed like a man with many vices – women and gambling included. He'd brought plenty of women he'd picked up from the pub back to the manor, used them, and kicked them out once the sun had risen. Then again, that's what most Death Eaters did.
Sighing, Hermione gripped Bellatrix's hand a little tighter. 'At least I know my Death Eater won't be doing that.'
(Bellamione)
Ginny was rather irritable as lunch rolled around. She couldn't believe her mother's judgmental attitude. She hadn't once considered allowing Hermione to the lunch, even after the gifts arrived and it settled wrong with Ginny. How could her family be so jaded by war that they would turn away someone they'd considered one of their own when she needed them the most? The twins were equally enraged.
"Ginny, dear, do help your brother set the table," Molly instructed, her mind too preoccupied to notice Ginny's eye roll.
She did as she was told, but intentionally messed up every setting Ron did, watching with satisfaction when he grew irritated. It was small, but it was a victory.
(Bellamione)
Draco seemed rather exhausted when he slumped onto the couch in the lounge, his face pale and drawn. He groaned the moment his tired body touched the cushions, acting as though he were suddenly boneless.
"What's wrong?" Hermione inquired from her seat. She'd been hiding away in the lounge for the last hour or so while Bellatrix had run off to do something in their room. Their room – Hermione quite liked the sound of that.
"Mum's gone bloody mad," Draco whined. "This stupid party makes her rather insane every year. I don't understand why she puts herself through it. Nothing ever really changes except the guest list. I don't know why she acts like this is some big ordeal. The elves prepare everything, Mum dresses everything up – it's the same bloody process every time."
Hermione smiled sympathetically. "Things will calm down afterwards, though."
Draco groaned louder. Noticing the book held tightly in her grip, he tilted his head curiously. "Is that the book you bought at Borgin and Burkes?"
"Yes, though it's not really very helpful," Hermione said, glaring at the book as though it had offended her.
"Have you learned anything new?"
Hermione sighed, "Well, soulmates have a tendency to copy each other. They'll take on their mannerisms and some of their personality traits. Their magic will begin acting similarly, as well."
"What's that mean?" Draco asked, his eyes widened inquisitively.
"I haven't the foggiest," Hermione admitted, laughing quietly.
"Anything else?"
Hermione shrugged. "Not really. It talks about the rites that soulmates have to go through if they decide to marry, but I don't think I really need to be reading about that yet."
"I would hope not," Draco chuckled.
Hermione smiled brightly at her friend. "What, not ready to be my nephew yet?"
Paling, Draco's mouth opened for a moment before he snapped it shut and let out a bellow of laughter. "Not a chance. I've just gotten used to the idea of you snogging my aunt. Marrying her? That's so…"
"Weird?" Hermione supplied.
Draco nodded, his face flushed from laughing so deeply. The idea of Hermione marrying his aunt was so foreign it almost seemed like a joke. He knew it was a possibility someday, but now? No.
The door opened slightly and Twinkle, one of Narcissa's more favored house elves, entered nervously. "Sorry, Mister and Missus, Madam wanted Twinkle to tell you dinner is ready."
"Thank you, Twinkle," Hermione replied gently, "We shall be there momentarily."
Twinkle nodded so violently it shook her entire body before she snapped her fingers and disappeared, leaving the room in a comfortable silence.
"Shall we?" Draco grunted, painfully lifting himself from the couch and offering the Gryffindor an arm, flashing his usual charming smile.
Hermione stood and placed her hand in the crook of his arm. "Thank you, kind sir."
"Of course, milady," Draco replied seriously, though she could see his amusement upturning his lips. She quite enjoyed watching him try and keep a straight face. "Come on, before Aunt Bella starts tearing down the house looking for you."
They swiftly made their way into the dining room. Besides the Malfoy family and Bellatrix, the only Death Eaters sitting at the table were Dolohov and Greyback. Severus would be joining them for Christmas, but he'd opted out of Christmas Eve dinner. The other Death Eaters weren't allowed to dine with the actual family on Christmas Eve – Narcissa's one finite rule. A rule no Death Eater dare break.
The only reason Dolohov and Greyback were eating with them was because they had a rather soft spot for the young Gryffindor and they were the only Death Eaters Narcissa could tolerate. Christmas Day the house would be void of its usual rowdy Death Eaters; the Dark Lord ordered it. He wanted his child to be able to bond with the Malfoys without distractions or interruptions. The girl deserved a proper Christmas.
Dinner was a rather peaceful affair, full of mindless chatter and laughter.
"I realized somethin'," Greyback announced around a mouthful of pie. He swallowed it before continuing (Narcissa's glare was rather terrifying, even to him). "Ya know how e'eryone considered 'ou and Potter and the Weasel the Golden Trio?"
"Yeah," Hermione replied slowly, her confusion evident, "What about it?"
Greyback smiled impishly, "Well, considerin' those two idiots think they can make it wit'out you, we should call 'em the Tarnished Duo, because there's no bloody way their reputation will come outta this untarnished. You were the brains that saved their arses. Without you, they'd be 'ated…or dead."
"The Tarnished Duo… I like it," Draco laughed. "Potter and the Weasel are going to be so lost without you guiding them, Mione. They'd better get their heads out of their arses if they want to survive the next few years at Hogwarts."
"Draco!" Narcissa scolded, "Watch your mouth."
"Sorry, Mum," Draco apologized ruefully.
Hermione couldn't contain her giggle. It bubbled over into a full on laughter that shook her entire body, something that everyone at the table was pleased to see. The girl had been rather depressed the past few days and no matter how brave a front she put on, everyone had noticed it.
"Thank you," Hermione said, covering her mouth to hide her giggling, "I mean it. You all have helped me a lot this past week and it means a lot to me."
Bellatrix took hold of Hermione's hand and kissed it sweetly. That's all that was needed in that moment and Hermione returned the gesture, a genuine smile beaming forth.
(Bellamione)
Hermione bounded down the stairs on Christmas morning, her lover sleepily trudging behind her. She was rather excited for Christmas this year. Being with people she cared for made the holiday seem so bright. Even if Bella did whine about waking up so early.
"It's your first Christmas away from Azkaban," Hermione had reminded her, effectively shutting up the older woman's protests.
Stepping into the dining room, she was delighted to see Severus and her father already at the table.
"Merry Christmas," she beamed, hugging the potions professor before she briefly embraced her father. It was still quite awkward to embrace the Dark Lord, but it was becoming easier. She took a seat next to her father while Bellatrix filled the chair beside her.
"Merry Christmas!" Draco bellowed as he practically skipped into the room. He was dressed in his Slytherin pajamas that made him look rather young, though his hair was combed into its usual perfect state of existing. He plopped down next to his godfather and smiled brightly.
Lucius was the slowest to arrive, though he was the most properly dressed of the group (aside from the Dark Lord). His long hair was sleeked back, accentuating his pale features. His shirt was buttoned up to the collar and his pants were a khaki color, his usual cane in his hand.
"It's Christmas, Father, must you look so put together?" Draco exasperatedly asked.
Lucius chuckled and jostled the young man's hair playfully, ignoring his shriek of displeasure. "We both know your mother laid out my outfit for me this morning, Draco. You might be able to get away with staying in pajamas all day, but I do not have that luxury." He set himself properly into the chair next to Draco.
Bellatrix lounged comfortably in her chair, her arm draped along the back of Hermione's chair, absently playing with Hermione's unruly locks. She'd attempted to help her tame her mane of hair, but to no anvil; however she did find it rather adorable to see the young girl's tresses in such disarray.
"Where's Cissy?" Bellatrix yawned. "Surely she's not still upstairs?"
Lucius chuckled at the ludicrous statement. "Of course not, Bella. She's in the kitchen with the elves making sure breakfast is perfect. She was up before the sun this morning."
Lord Voldemort chuckled. "Your wife is quite the perfectionist, Lucius."
Lucius nodded with a quiet laugh. "She wants Bella's first Christmas in fifteen years to be special. You and Bella have not been in our presence for the holidays in years, my Lord, and she wants it to be memorable."
The Dark Lord smiled faintly, "Anytime you are with friends and family is memorable, Lucius. She need not worry too much. Our family – all of our family," he glanced at his daughter and Severus, "being united together on this Christmas is special within itself. Everything else is just a bonus."
The group fell into a thoughtful silence as they waited for Narcissa. Hermione rested her hand on Bellatrix's thigh and they shared a small smile. Being with Bellatrix had given her peace she had never expected to find. She couldn't imagine celebrating Christmas with anyone else.
The door swung open and Narcissa swept inside with the house elves following closely behind, plates of food in their tiny hands.
"Merry Christmas, all," she greeted, setting down a large platter of meats. Her hair was curled and pinned up primly, her icy blue dress swishing with each step she took.
They watched as elves filled the table with an insane amount of food.
"Cissy, are you feeding all of Britain?" Bellatrix joked, her eyes wide and her stomach growling loudly, making its presence known.
Narcissa blushed and settled down next to Lucius.
"It looks delicious, Madam Malfoy," the Dark Lord praised, "Thank you. Bella, you should be more appreciative of your sister's hard work."
Bellatrix said nothing, though she looked thoroughly contrite.
"I have a toast I'd like to make," the Dark Lord announced once everyone filled their plates. He raised his cup of tea, "This year we have brought old family and new family together and I hope the New Year brings forth plenty of happiness and success for us all. To family."
"Family," everyone chorused, raising their respective glasses.
(Bellamione)
After breakfast everyone gathered together in the lounge, everyone sitting comfortably on the floor except for the Dark Lord. He spun the chair so it was facing the small group and sat comfortably in it, a goblet of pumpkin juice beside him that Nagini would occasionally lick. Severus had tried to convince them he was far too old to be lounging about on the floor like a teenager, but Narcissa was having none of it. If she and Lucius were doing it, Severus would be as well.
Hermione snuggled herself between Bellatrix's open legs and leaned against the woman's front, smiling when Bellatrix's arms encircled her waist and held her closely.
"Alright," Lucius said with a grin and a firm clap, "I shall begin passing out presents."
He searched through the pile carefully and sorted them out by person.
"We open them all at the same time," Draco explained, noting his friend's confusion. "It's a Malfoy family tradition. We open one present at a time, but all together."
Lucius and Narcissa divided out the presents and slid them to their owners, Hermione watching with awe as the piles grew larger – even her own. She'd gotten a present from everyone in the room, something she hadn't really expected. It touched her heart.
"Won't it be hard opening presents like that?" Draco pointed out, though his aunt shushed him.
"We'll figure it out," Bellatrix replied, tightening her arms around Hermione. She didn't want the Gryffindor moving away. She was quite comfortable in this position.
Hermione giggled and tilted her body slightly, pressing a chaste kiss to Bellatrix's lips and ignoring Draco's mock gagging.
"Draco," Narcissa chided, though a slight smile tugged up her thin lips. "You will find someone you care for that much one day, so let them enjoy their honeymoon stage." Just to irritate the young boy farther, she kissed Lucius swiftly though sweetly. Even after all these years of marriage, he still made her pulse race.
Severus made a noise of disgust this time and it set the group into a fit of laughter; even the Dark Lord let out an amused chuckle.
"Are all the gifts handed out?" Lucius checked.
Lord Voldemort reached into his robes and pulled out a few envelopes. "I'm not a 'gift' person, but there is an envelope for each of you."
The letters were passed out and it was an unspoken rule that they would be the last present opened.
"There's a gift for you, my Lord," Lucius said, handing the man a fancily wrapped box, "From Hermione, I believe."
Lord Voldemort momentarily stared at it before lifting his eyes to gaze at his daughter – his thoughtful, kind daughter. "Thank you."
Hermione grinned childishly at him before wiggling happily in Bellatrix's arms, unknowingly pressing into Bellatrix's groin. The eldest Black had to bite back a moan.
"Everyone, you may open a present," Narcissa announced, tearing into one of her gifts. She could tell it was Lucius' doing. The man was a horrible wrapper.
Paper flew in different directions, coating the floors in an array of colors. Some of the papers were magical – snowflakes drifting down along the paper, a snowman waving, and kittens in Christmas caps – things that Hermione found wonderfully charming. The Weasleys were too poor to afford charmed papers, so this was Hermione's first real Christmas with moving wrapping paper. She was enchanted.
"Hell yeah!" Draco screamed, jumping up with his striking new broom held tightly in his grasp. It was sleek black with green letters etched into the middle of the wood. "Thank you, Aunt Bella. This is amazing."
Bellatrix shrugged off her sister's surprised glance. "I had it custom made by some of the best broom makers in the world. They didn't dare to turn me – or my money – away."
"It's brilliant," Draco replied with awe, his hand running carefully along the broom as though it would break should he press on it roughly.
"We should all go riding after presents," Lucius said, watching his son with a genuine smile. It warmed his heart to see Draco so happy. He'd lost some of his exuberance over the years and to see him so cheerful was a pleasant sight.
Hermione squeaked. Her fear of brooms hadn't eased over the years. In fact, it had grown exponentially the more she watched Quidditch matches.
"You can ride with me, love," Bellatrix whispered comfortingly in the young girl's ear. Her hand stroked along Hermione's clothed stomach playfully.
More gifts were opened and before they realized it, they were down to the last few gifts. Hermione had not yet found her gift from Bellatrix and the eldest Black was waiting diligently to open hers. She wanted to wait until Hermione had opened her gift.
Lucius had been given new robes by Narcissa and Hermione presented him with a fabulous pair of new shoes. Bellatrix's gift to him was a bright tie that matched absolutely none of his shirts. He loved each gift equally.
Narcissa received a book on herbs and medicine from Hermione, a beautiful necklace from Lucius, charmed shoes from Bellatrix and a picture framed up in light wood from Draco.
Draco didn't receive too many interesting things after the broom; just a new owl from his mother, a vintage Slytherin tie from Snape and a quill set from Hermione. Severus received a nicely tailored robe from Narcissa, a cloak made of some reflective material from Lucius, some new potions bottles from Bellatrix and a Dark Arts book Hermione had come across. He'd never admit it, but he was rather excited to comb through his newest book.
Bellatrix had already gotten a new black corseted dress that would cling devilishly to her curves and a dark item that Hermione wasn't too sure what it actually was that came from both Lucius and Draco. She wasn't sure she wanted to know what it was, honestly. Severus bought her matching boots to go along with the dress (he'd owled Narcissa and inquired about what to actually buy the bloody woman).
Hermione was given a book by both Lucius and Narcissa, though on two different topics. Severus had gifted her with an array of potions she'd probably need throughout the rest of the school year and an assortment of chocolates from Draco. She was anxiously waiting to see what Bellatrix had given her.
"Last present," Lucius said, smiling. "Ready? Open!"
The group scrambled to rip the paper off their remaining gifts and Bellatrix let out a quiet gasp. "Hermione…"
The pendant seemed to pulse and throb in her hand, her magic begging for her to slip it out. The blood in the center of the vial was bright crimson, preserved by the dark magic in which it was crafted. The liquid would never dry out, always staying fresh and vivid against the dark pendant.
Hermione exhaled in surprise. Her lover apparently had a similar idea on jewelry. An intricate ring, embedded with blood and magic, had fallen into her hand when she'd opened the box. Serpents were engraved into the silver that was incased in crimson, seeming as though they were slithering in the blood.
"It's amazing," Hermione whispered.
It was a ring similar to one she had come across in a book on soulmates. It would help amplify their bond, rendering a stronger possibility of feeling the other's emotions and hearing their thoughts. The Dark Lord himself had found it for her, though she'd never ask where he found it and he would never tell.
"Will you put it on me?" Hermione asked shakily, her hands trembling slightly. She wasn't sure what it was, but her magic called for it – begged to be graced by such a power.
Bellatrix nodded and took the ring carefully, slipping it onto her young lover's finger. She silently handed the necklace to Hermione and twisted slightly, lifting her hair as she did. Clasping a necklace with quivering fingers is quite a task, Hermione realized as she struggled to open the clasp, but she managed it with a nervous grin.
There was a tug in her gut and their magic crackled audibly. It slammed together, connecting them in a way it never had before. Suddenly, their incredible power seemed alive – seemed palpable. Before, there was a slight muddle, a haze if you will, that kept them apart slightly. It kept them from unlocking their bond completely, but now…
Now it could really begin, something Lord Voldemort had known would happen. He knew exactly what the jewelries' amplifications would cause. He'd asked young Draco what Hermione had purchased, and after being shown, he had to find the ring for Bellatrix. One inocula was powerful, two… Well, no couple ever had two, let alone soulmates, so the Dark Lord was curious to see what would happen.