"I believe it is time for you all to open your envelopes," Lord Voldemort decided, clapping his hands.
Everyone had been gaping at the soulmates, their jaws slackened. They were very uncertain as to what had just happened, but they knew without a shadow of doubt that it was powerful, whatever it was. The room seemed to pulsate with magic.
Bellatrix was the first to reach for her envelope and carefully opened it, her eyes landing on the paper that stuck out. Her eyes widened as she stared at the parchment.
"I've been pardoned?" Bellatrix whispered, glancing up at the Dark Lord. "How?"
The Dark Lord chuckled. "Lucius and I have been working rather diligently to get your crimes pardoned and with some persuasion, we succeeded."
Bellatrix wasn't stupid, she knew persuasion meant the Imperius curse and probably a few Crucio curses, but Hermione didn't know that. It was best to leave it that way. She knew the Gryffindor wouldn't approve of the methods used so why ruin the happiness that came with her pardoning.
Hermione's envelope contained a key. She peered at her father curiously. "What's this?"
"It is the key to your mother's vault. Once your heritage comes out, you will need that to enter her vault at Gringotts when everything is said and done. Your heritage will be in the Minister's hands by tomorrow evening and you will possibly end up being the talk of Madam Malfoy's New Year's Ball, but you will have what is rightfully yours before you return to school. That I promise."
"Thank you, Father. Are you going to open your gift?" Hermione wondered, tucking the key into the pocket of her pyjamas.
"I will later," he replied with a faint smile.
Nodding, Hermione snuggled closer to Bellatrix and ran her fingers absently along the jewellery that rested against her skin. It fit perfectly on her finger, creating warmth throughout her body that seemed to reach deep into her magic. It engulfed her in Bellatrix's emotions and in her magic, melding them together. They were in harmony.
(Bellamione)
After the paper was cleared away and presents were stashed in bedrooms (Severus was storing his in the library until he departed that evening), the teenagers and Bellatrix disappeared to their rooms to get changed, because no one wanted to go flying in pyjamas, it was quite awkward. The Dark Lord had already taken his leave, with promise of opening his present. He'd even been graced with a real hug from Hermione, something that hadn't happened before now.
"Can we go for that flight now?" Draco asked excitedly, his broom held tightly in his grasp. He was itching to test it out – to see the limits of its power and speed.
Bellatrix laughed at her nephew's enthusiasm, her arm wrapped casually around Hermione's waist. "Patience, young Draco. We must wait for your mother and father."
Hermione shifted her gaze to the potions master. "Will you be joining us on our flight, Severus?"
Severus chuckled. "I'm not much of a flyer, Ms. Riddle."
"But godfather, you must come with us. It'll be rather lonely in this house all alone and Christmas is meant to be a time for family," Draco retorted, smiling at the rather stiff man.
"You just want to show off," Hermione countered with an impish grin, "But he's right. No one should be alone even for a little while on Christmas. Please, join us."
Severus sighed, but relented. "If Lucius has a spare broom lying around, I shall join you."
"Come on, love, I'll show you my broom," Bellatrix said, leading Hermione outside toward the magical storage shed in the back of the yard. It was where the Malfoys stored anything they didn't want cluttering the house along with the brooms and gardening supplies. It was one of the few 'muggle' hobbies Narcissa had, something Bellatrix teased her about often.
Opening up the shed, Bellatrix searched through the inside until she let out a cry of victory and brought out a long, straight black broom with green serpents painted at the front. It was rather wicked in appearance, though held an elegance that was undeniable. It fit Bellatrix's personality perfectly.
"What do you think?" Bellatrix asked, "Brilliant, isn't it?"
Hermione stroked along the wooden for a moment before throwing her arms around Bellatrix's neck and kissed her soundly, startling them both. Bellatrix staggered backwards and released her grip on the broom, taking hold of Hermione's hips and steadying them. Her tongue begged for entrance into Bellatrix's mouth and was easily granted. Her hands took refuge in inky black locks, tugging slightly and eliciting a quiet moan.
"My eyes!" Draco cried, throwing his arm haphazardly over his eyes in disgust as they approached.
"I must agree with Draco on this one," Severus said monotonously, his eyes cast in another direction. "Would you please detach from her, Ms. Riddle? Before all of us lose our breakfast."
Bellatrix huffed irritably when Hermione's lips were no longer pressed against her own. She narrowed a glare at Severus. "Shut it, Snape."
Severus chuckled, but said nothing in retaliation.
"Here you go, Severus. It's the only standard broom we own, but it's rather simple to control," Lucius said, passing the potions professor the broom while taking out his own from the shed.
Draco quickly mounted his broom and waited impatiently for the others to mount theirs. Hermione sat comfortably in front of Bellatrix, one of the eldest Black's arms tight around her waist, the other resting on broom. Her chin was resting against Hermione's shoulder, though she would move her head occasionally to kiss the Gryffindor's neck sweetly. She could tell Hermione was nervous, though she was trying desperately to hide it.
"It'll be okay, love," Bellatrix promised quietly.
Hermione exhaled softly and pressed closer to Bellatrix, her hand interlocking with Bellatrix's on her stomach. She squeezed it gently, "I trust you."
They kicked off slightly, hovering just above the ground. Lucius and Narcissa were hovering slightly, Narcissa sitting behind Lucius on his broom with her arms wrapped around his middle. She never really enjoyed riding in front, preferring to lay her head on his back as she looked out at the world below them.
Severus was the last into the air, his posture awkward and stiff. He really hated flying.
"Ready?" Lucius asked. He chuckled at his son's enthusiastic nodding and took off, setting the pace to something everyone could follow.
The adults stayed at a steady speed while Draco took off ahead of them, flying out above the forest that surrounded the manor before cutting sharp and heading right. He was obviously showing off, but they enjoyed seeing such a playful side of him. He'd been so stoic and cold recently; it was a pleasant change. His mother gasped when he hung upside down, but she said nothing and diligently waited for him to right himself.
"It's such a beautiful day," Hermione said quietly, admiring the view around the manor.
"Aunt Bella," Draco called, flying over to the adults (and Hermione). "We should race. I think I'm finally going to be faster than you."
Bellatrix chuckled. "Not a chance, my sweet naïve nephew."
"Let's test that theory," Draco challenged, smirking cockily at her.
Hermione glanced at her lover and knew that she wasn't one to back down from a challenge, especially against Draco.
"Where to and what are the stakes?" Bellatrix inquired curiously.
"We race through the garden and head straight for the trees. Whoever gets there first wins. Stakes? You have to teach me one of the curses you created if I win."
Narcissa's face paled. She'd seen some of the curses her sister had created over the years; none of them were beneficial to mankind, unless you wanted to gravely injure someone. "Draco…"
Bellatrix raised up her hand, silencing Narcissa though she smiled briefly at her little sister. "Fine. If I win, you must walk up to Amycus and profess your undying love for him."
Draco sputtered, his face reddening. "I – what?! I'm not gay, Aunt Bella!"
"I know," Bellatrix cackled, "But the look on both of your faces will be spectacularly hilarious. Do we have a deal?"
Draco swallowed hard, but nodded. He was rather confident in his abilities as a flyer. "You're on."
"We will all stay above the garden to watch," Lucius announced, "To make sure that neither of you cheat." He levelled a pointed look at Bellatrix, who merely laughed manically.
"You may ride with me, Hermione," Severus said, "So you can watch the race as well."
Hermione smiled at the awkward potions master. "Thank you, Professor."
Bellatrix lowered the broom and helped Hermione off, "What do I get if I win?" she asked the girl cheekily.
"I guess you'll have to find out, won't you?" Hermione replied saucily, giving her lover a sultry wink before mounting Severus' broom.
Shaking the lustful haze from her mind, Bellatrix made her way over to the garden. She hovered just slightly above the ground and smirked at her nephew.
"Ready, set, go!" Lucius bellowed from above.
The two took off, flying over Narcissa's fountain and turning right, delving deeper into the garden. There was one set path through the garden, so they followed it – taking all the twists and turns as they came. They were neck and neck when Draco underestimated a turn and grazed against the bush, which slowed him slightly and gave Bellatrix the upper hand. She took the last corner with practiced ease and sped ahead. She peered over her shoulder and took note of Draco coming up quickly, so she went as fast as the broom permitted, reaching the trees a few seconds before Draco did.
"Bellatrix wins!" Lucius declared, watching his sister-in-law's broom brush against a tree.
She wrenched her broom upward and flew up through the tree tops before returning to the group. Her face was flush with excitement and she was panting.
"Good job, baby," Hermione praised, leaning over and chastely kissing Bellatrix when she stopped next to them.
Draco grumbled, stopping next to his laughing parents. He really didn't want to have his love for anyone, especially Amycus! He shuddered.
(Bellamione)
The rest of Christmas was spent in laughter and holiday spirit, leaving the family sated on excellent food and elfin wine. Even Severus was joking and smiling, a happiness shining forth that hadn't been there a year ago. He felt genuinely content surrounded by those who cared about him.
The next morning was a relatively quiet one. Hermione was resting against her lover's chest, smiling as her chest rose and lowered rhythmically. It was peaceful in moments like that. They were moments Hermione hoped would never end.
Bellatrix moaned softly and shifted, her eyes opening slowly. "Oh Merlin, I need a Pepper-Up potion desperately."
Hermione giggled and kissed Bellatrix's pale throat before moving to rest beside her. "I told you drinking five glasses of wine was a terrible idea, baby."
"Shush, woman," Bellatrix groaned, rolling over to face Hermione, "I'm in pain. This is no time for an 'I told you so'."
Hermione shook her head and attempted to slide out of bed, but a grip on her arm stopped her (plus Bellatrix's whine was far too adorable).
"No," Bellatrix moaned pathetically, "Let's just stay in bed all day."
"We can't do that, darling," Hermione said, though she would have loved to, "I'm sure Father's already sent out my birth certificate to Fudge, meaning they'll probably be coming to the mansion to find me or will be sending me an owl informing me I must go to the Ministry."
Bellatrix grunted.
Hermione chewed her bottom lip shyly. "If I have to go to the Ministry, will you come with me? I don't want to go alone."
"I'm not sure my going to the Ministry is a good idea, love," Bellatrix replied apologetically, "But Lucius will surely go with you – or Narcissa. Whichever you choose."
Hermione nodded. She was disappointed Bellatrix wouldn't be with her, but Bellatrix stepping into the Ministry was probably a terrible idea. There were plenty of people within those walls that would want the dark witch dead, including Arthur Weasley and most of the Aurors. Maybe she'd get lucky and run into Tonks. 'I really need to thank her for standing up for me.'
"Can you go ask my sister for a Pepper-Up potion?" Bellatrix nearly begged.
Hermione laughed, but did as her lover asked.
(Bellamione)
Hermione whistled contently to herself as she made her way back towards her room, a Pepper-Up potion firmly in her grasp. Narcissa had agreed to go with her to the Ministry if she was needed there, though they both secretly hoped it wouldn't require going there. No one was a fan of going into the Ministry unless they worked there; it didn't matter which side of the war you happened to be on.
Just outside of her bedroom stood Yaxley, a wicked smirk twisting his features, reminding her how truly evil Death Eaters could really look (or be, in his case). Her heart plummeted into her stomach.
"Seems Bellatrix's pet is out without her master," he sneered, "I bet you're a good little bitch, aren't you? Serve your masters well, huh? You'll definitely serve me well." He reached out for her, but Hermione was quick to draw her wand.
"S-stay away from me," she stuttered anxiously.
Yaxley chuckled darkly. "If you won't come willingly, we'll just take you by force."
'We?' She didn't have time to wonder over it.
"Expelliarmus!" Rabastan hissed, staring coldly at the girl who nearly killed his brother – his only family left.
Yaxley collected Hermione's wand and tucked it away. "Imper-"
"Crucio!" Bellatrix screamed from the top of her lungs, watching expressionlessly as Yaxley fell to the ground convulsing in agony. She'd been freshening up in the bathroom when her necklace began to pulse and ache against her chest. She had felt Hermione – felt her fear and anguish and hurried out just in time to see her lover trapped between the two Death Eaters.
Hermione gasped, her eyes widened. She knew what her lover had done in the past, but watching her torture a man so emotionlessly was horrifying.
"Avada –" Rabastan was cut off by a silent stunner that sent him crashing into the wall.
Jerking around, Hermione's eyes fell on Draco who was staring at Rabastan's slumped body. He looked up from it and caught sight of Hermione staring, though his eyes drifted over to Bellatrix. She'd released the man from the curse, but was bent over him whispering something.
"Are you alright?" Draco asked apprehensively, stepping closer to Hermione and gently touching her shoulder.
Finding no voice, she merely nodded, her eyes downcast and away from Bellatrix. Seeing anyone, even Yaxley, being tortured made her stomach turn over.
"Love," Bellatrix said, sweeping the girl into her arms and examining her critically, "Are you okay? Did they hurt you?"
Hermione shook her head and buried it in the crook of Bellatrix's neck, her tears falling silently. "He has my wand."
Draco hurried over to Yaxley's trembling body and swiftly located Hermione's stolen wand, handing it back to her as he re-joined them.
"We have to do something about them." Draco nodded to the two men. "They're becoming dangerous."
"I shall talk with the Dark Lord," Bellatrix replied, hugging Hermione tighter.
Hermione's tears continued falling as she huddled into Bellatrix, her eyes staying glued to Yaxley's quivering form. She didn't think she'd ever be okay with that sight. Ever.
(Bellamione)
Hermione had thought right. An owl arrived at lunch with a letter from the Minister informing her presence was mandatory tomorrow at nine a.m. to discuss some 'important findings' regarding her 'status'. She rolled her eyes. Fudge was a master of beating around the bush, it seemed. She responded civilly, informing him of her bringing Madam Malfoy to the Ministry to act as a guardian of sorts, so that she wasn't stepping into such an adult situation alone. Since a few pureblood families had seen her with the Malfoys before Christmas, it wouldn't come as much of a surprise to Fudge.
She didn't say much to anyone throughout the day, choosing to hide away in the library while Lucius and Bellatrix talked over some matters for the Dark Lord. He was apparently revising his plans for world domination, though Hermione had no idea what his exact plans were.
It wasn't until late afternoon that Bellatrix and Lucius emerged, a devilish grin curling Bellatrix's lips. "Go find your son, Lucius. We have a deal he must complete his end of the bargain on."
Lucius chuckled and went to retrieve his son and wife while Bellatrix plucked Hermione from the library.
"What's going on, Bella?" Hermione wondered interestedly, her curiosity peaked.
Bellatrix laughed mirthfully. "My dear sweet nephew must keep his end of our bet. If I had lost, he would have expected me to teach him, so he should expect to have to follow through on his end as well."
Hermione couldn't control her giggles as they stopped at the landing of the stairs. She watched Draco trudge slowly down the stairs, his eyes pitifully wide. "Aunt Bella…"
"Nope," Bellatrix cut him off, emphasizing the 'p' with a pop, "Had I lost, you would expect me to teach you a spell or two. If you are man enough to make the deal, you better be bloody man enough to follow through."
Draco peered helplessly at his father, who shook his head. "She's right, Draco. You cannot back down from a deal just because it doesn't go the way you want it to."
Sighing heavily, Draco walked over to Amycus who was chatting quietly with Alecto. His words were quiet, but from the look on Alecto and Amycus' faces, she could tell he'd followed through with the deal. Amycus' face was pale and horror-stricken while Alecto roared with laughter, tears flowing and cheeks flushed with amusement. Draco even pecked the grown man's cheek before scurrying away, his face red with embarrassment.
"Happy?" he hissed, shoving past the cackling crowd. He would never live this moment down. He could only hope his parents didn't tell his children about that one day.
(Bellamione)
After dinner, Hermione lounged comfortably on their bed, staring up at the ceiling thoughtfully. She was rather lost in her own head – about the day, about Bellatrix, about her father, about life. She didn't realize Bellatrix had entered their room until the bed shook, announcing the arrival of another body.
"What's got you so lost in your head, love?" Bellatrix asked, staring at the same spot Hermione was, trying to see what had her so interested.
"Why did you torture Neville Longbottom's parents?" Hermione blurted.
Bellatrix jerked in surprise, "What?"
Hermione sighed deeply and shifted closer to Bellatrix, her side resting against Bellatrix's side. "I know why you tortured Yaxley today and I know you originally tortured Neville's parents for information but why did you drive them mad? No one deserves that, Bella."
Bellatrix gave a long exhale, silence filling the room for a moment. "I…was not the one who drove them mad, actually. Everyone just believes I did and I never said differently. It added to my reputation; people feared me more after they thought I'd been mad enough to drive two fully grown Order members insane."
Hermione snapped up, "What?"
Bellatrix pushed herself onto her elbows and nodded. "I will tell you what really happened…"
(Bellamione)
The Longbottom home was a mess. Papers were scattered about, furniture smashed beyond recognition, and the owners were tied up to chairs and staring defiantly at their captors.
"We won't tell you anything," Alice spat, glaring at Rodolphus.
"Who says you'll have a choice?" Bellatrix cackled. "Crucio!"
Alice's body convulsed and twitched spastically, her eyes rolling back into her head and silent screams slipping through open lips.
Frank watched in horror as his wife convulsed and shook violently, tears streaming down her face as the pain grew intense, "Please, stop!"
The spell was ended instantly and Bellatrix directed her attention to Frank, "Speak. Now."
Alice's whimper prompted him on and he began releasing the Order's secrets, even where some of the safe houses were. He would do anything to protect his wife, even become a traitor to the Order. Nothing was more important to him than Alice and his sweet baby boy.
"What do we do with them now?" Rabastan asked, glancing at the sobbing man and the trembling woman.
"Our Lord said to leave them alive," Bellatrix said, "So that is what we shall do."
"Let's have some fun with them first," Yaxley snarled, "Crucio!" He grinned viciously when Frank's body started trembling uncontrollably.
"Enough, Yaxley!" Bellatrix commanded, stepping toward the door. "We got what we needed from them, so we leave them."
Yaxley released the man from his torture and turned his wand on Bellatrix, "I won't take orders from you, whore! Rod, learn to control your wife."
"Petrificus Totalus!"
The spell slammed into Bellatrix's body and she fell numbly to the ground. She couldn't tell who'd cast the spell, but there was nothing she could do as the screams of Alice and Frank rang clear into the night - a sound that would haunt her for a very long time.
(Bellamione)
Bellatrix exhaled shakily, "They tried blaming the occurrence on me, saying I was mad and vile, but the Dark Lord extracted the memory and they were punished severely for their actions against Him. He allowed them to tell everyone it was me who did it though, to help booster my image as a Death Eater. Being his most loyal and the craziest did wonders for us both."
"Why was he so adamant about them not being permanently injured?" Hermione inquired curiously.
Bellatrix chuckled. "The Dark Lord hates magical blood being spilled, whether muddy or pure, it's important to preserve all magic."
"But he kills Muggle-born wizards regularly," Hermione argued.
"Only those that dare stand defiantly against him – as if they're more than he is. He is cruel, but he does have plans, darling. Plans that will require all types of people, even muddies and half-breeds."
Hermione stared at her lover's forlorn expression and realized that there was more to this war than Dumbledore had explained – than anyone had explained. She began wondering how many people knew the truth and were just lying to bolster their side of the war. She rubbed her temples gently. What in the world was she going to do?
(Bellamione)
Hermione adjusted her green plaid skirt and green sweater, smoothing out non-existent wrinkles she worried would appear. Narcissa had decided the girl needed to look the part of Tom Riddle's daughter and loaned the skirt to her. She looked rather like a Slytherin princess.
"You look fine, love," Bellatrix chuckled, "There isn't an imperfection in sight." She wrapped her arms around Hermione's waist and tugged her close, passionately kissing the Gryffindor. "Everything will be fine. My sister will keep you safe."
Hermione nodded, stepping out of Bellatrix's embrace and heading downstairs with Bellatrix close behind.
"Are you ready?" Narcissa wondered, her robes flowing nicely around her.
"Yes, ma'am," Hermione replied, swallowing nervously.
"We shall be taking the Floo network. Apparition isn't allowed within the Ministry. They're quite afraid of who might pop in and out." Narcissa was the first to disappear, then Hermione, leaving Bellatrix behind at the manor.
(Bellamione)
The Ministry was chock full of politically powerful witches and wizards stalking through the corridors. She could see why Umbridge was so partial to the Ministry. It was intimidating and held an air of superiority – something she would be attracted to.
"Come along, Hermione. We mustn't be late."
Narcissa strolled through confidently, Hermione trailing closely behind. She was amazed at how the crowds seemed to part for Narcissa, their curious eyes flickering between them. No one had any real idea of who Hermione was, but they would soon enough.
"Ah, Madam Malfoy, right on time," Fudge greeted when they arrived at his office. "Do come inside. There is much to discuss."
"Thank you, Minister. How is your family?" Narcissa conversed politely, draping her coat primly over the back of the chair before sitting down.
"Quite well. And yours?"
Narcissa smiled. "They're doing wonderfully."
Fudge courteously returned the smile and then turned his attention to Hermione. "Now, we have plenty to discuss. You've brought Madam Malfoy here to act as a guardian of sorts, am I correct?"
"Correct," Hermione replied civilly.
Fudge nodded and cleared his throat. "It has come to the attention of the Ministry that you are not Muggle-born, Ms. Granger. We received news from an outside source that, in fact, you are the child of Tom Riddle and Kathryn Cooper. The source provided us with an unaltered copy of your birth certificate and your records, along with samples of your mother's DNA and yours."
"What exactly does all this mean, Minister?" Narcissa asked dumbly, her acting skills shining brilliantly. They knew exactly what it meant, but it would work in their favour if he believed they were ignorant.
Fudge coughed uncomfortably. "It means that Ms. Granger is actually Ms. Riddle. If she were to sign these documents," he gestured to the papers neatly stacked in front of him, "She would be taking ownership of her family's properties and assets, along with their vaults and any other possessions they may have owned. It also legally binds your name as Hermione Jean Riddle."
"How could this happen, Minister?" Narcissa wondered.
"We are launching a full investigation on the matter," Fudge promised, "We will find those responsible for her mother's murder and Ms. Riddle's subsequent kidnapping."
Hermione chewed her bottom lip thoughtfully. "Sir, is it possible to keep Granger in my name if I sign the papers? To have my name be Hermione Jean Granger Riddle?"
Fudge smiled slightly. "I believe that can be done. You and Madam Malfoy should read through the documents before signing them." He clapped his hands together nervously. "Another matter that needs to be addressed is your guardianship. You may stay in the Grangers care until you're of age, but I would understand if you don't wish to. However, you must find a suitable guardian if you wish to live permanently in the Wizarding World; one who will co-sign on your parents' properties and assets until which time you alone are of age to take over your family's estates."
"If it is acceptable to Hermione, Lucius and I would be more than happy to take her in until she is of age. We knew her parents well," Narcissa said, smiling softly at the Gryffindor.
Hermione stared, wide-eyed at her. She hadn't given much thought to if she would return to the Grangers. She loved them – truly she did and while they had raised her, it never seemed right. She could live fully in the world that had been ripped away from her as a child, getting the chance to live with her lover and the family that cared for her as though she was one of them. "What happens to my – well, to the people who raised me?"
Fudge's smile faded. "Well, they will be inspected by a few Aurors who will be investigating this matter, and then their memories of you shall be erased. We cannot have muggles running around knowing our secret if they aren't in fact your guardians. You understand, don't you? It's in everyone's best interest if they don't remember."
Hermione swallowed. It was a difficult choice – one she knew needed to be made, though it ate away at her insides. "I want to live with the Malfoys." Blood rushed to her ears and her heart pounded violently in her chest. "But, can I visit them one last time before you wipe their memory?"
Fudge nodded. "You will have until New Year's Day to go see them. On the second, we will be stopping by to wipe their memories clean. I know this is a tough decision, Ms. Riddle, but you've done what is best for you. That is all anyone can ask." He passed over the documents that Narcissa and Hermione would need to sign and Narcissa combed through it carefully, making sure her new ward wouldn't be getting the wrong end of a spear.
"Is it satisfactory?" Fudge inquired after about ten minutes of rustling paper and inquisitive eyes.
Narcissa confirmed with a sharp nod. "I shall take this home for my husband and me to sign and have them brought back first thing tomorrow. Acceptable?"
"Of course, Madam Malfoy."
The duo stood and Narcissa shook hands with the Minister. "Thank you for all of your help, Cornelius."
"Have a good day, Mrs. Malfoy, Ms. Riddle."
He watched the women stroll out of his office and he slumped into his chair. He'd just let the daughter of the most notorious wizard walk out of the Ministry with papers to grant her access to some of the richest families' money and assets. Swallowing roughly, he took some solace in the fact he knew You-Know-Who was gone; forever buried away somewhere he didn't care to think about.