Lucius and Narcissa signed the papers the moment they were back at the mansion, a stillness over them that made Hermione rather calm. They were willing to house her and help her with her family's affairs, not just because she was Voldemort's daughter, but because they genuinely cared about her. She was stunned when Narcissa offered to house her and knowing the woman thought ahead on that fact made her heart ten pounds lighter.
Bellatrix was wrapped around her, though she was quite used to that. They were always touching in some manner, Bellatrix just preferred to be draped onto Hermione, enclosing her in warmth and an emotion Hermione was quite terrified to admit she felt.
She wasn't a girl who fell effortlessly in love. In fact, she rather hated the idea of it – of being so emotionally invested in someone who may or may not love with that same intensity, but with Bellatrix, she could easily see herself in the raven-haired woman's arms for a lifetime. She wanted to stay by her side and not give a damn what the world thought about them. But fear held her back. Fear of the unknown, fear of the war, fear of losing everything she was used to.
Hermione sighed and snuggled closer to Bellatrix, her hands lying across the dark witch's arms.
"Are you alright, love?" Bellatrix asked quietly, nuzzling Hermione's neck sweetly.
She nodded, her words caught in her throat. She wanted so desperately to tell the eldest Black she loved her but bloody hell it was a scary idea.
"Are you sure?" Bellatrix worried, shifting the girl slightly so that she could look her in the face.
Hermione kissed Bellatrix soundly, ignoring the question – ignoring the worries that chose to swim around in her mind. She was Hermione Jean Granger Riddle, the daughter of two powerful wizards. She would fear nothing, even love.
"I love you," she whispered against Bellatrix's lips, capturing her mouth in another kiss before anything could be said. She used Bellatrix's gasp of surprise to her advantage and slipped her tongue into her mouth, battling for dominance she knew she'd lose.
Bellatrix leaned back slightly and lifted the girl, twirling her around slightly and laughing at her squeal of surprise.
"Bella, put me down!" Hermione laughed, her arms tight around Bellatrix's neck.
Setting her young lover back on the ground, she kissed her chastely and grinned. "You love me?"
Hermione sobered up, but nodded. She wasn't about to take it back. She loved the woman in front of her, even if she was bloody mad. "I do."
"I love you too," Bellatrix responded. "What brought this on, though?"
Hermione shrugged. "It just felt like the right time, I guess."
Bellatrix shook her head in delight and hugged the girl close. Her heart felt lighter than ever before. She'd never felt so free and childlike before. Then again, it seemed Hermione had that effect on her and she desperately hoped it'd never go away.
(Bellamione)
The next morning, Ministry officials arrived at the manor with a magically categorized box full of her parents' properties and assets, papers upon papers of what her mother had owned. Her father had very few properties listed, but she knew he wouldn't have been idiotic enough to allow the Ministry to keep them while he'd been indisposed.
She and Bellatrix took to work sorting them out, trying valiantly to determine what all Hermione had come into possession of. She was given every Cooper property, being the only living heir of the Cooper family left. She was given four beach houses, a cottage tucked away in the Dark Forest, her mother's mansion in Rannoch Moor, three houses in the States, two manors on the Scottish border, three smaller houses in Ireland, and a flat in France. She had multiple properties of empty land and more than enough money to survive on. She and about five generations after her could live off her family's money alone. She and Bella would most definitely be living in comfort – and she would make sure that the Malfoys would too.
"Merlin, what is all this?" Draco inquired as he slipped into the library. Parchment seemed to fill the space between the fireplace and the couch. He flopped down unceremoniously on the couch, jerking in surprise as papers flew up off the couch.
"Damn it, Draco, I just sorted those," Bellatrix hissed, whipping out her wand and waving it quietly. The papers restacked themselves into their previous state, though the names were no longer alphabetical, but she didn't care. There was no way in hell she would comb through those again. Order be damned.
Hermione leaned back on her hands and sighed. "Done."
"Again, I ask, what is all of this?" Draco repeated exasperatedly. He was rather interested in why his family's library was covered in papers.
"These," Hermione made a sweeping motion with her hand, "are all of my mother's properties and vaults." She indicated to the couch, "Those are Father's."
Draco fingered the papers carefully and lifted the top one up, studying it for a moment. "You have property in Ireland?"
"Properties," Bellatrix corrected absently, shuffling through the rest of her pile, "Done."
Hermione crawled over to Bellatrix, carefully avoiding the stacks of papers and situated herself comfortably in her lover's lap, nuzzling her neck affectionately.
"Thank you for helping me, baby," Hermione said appreciatively.
Bellatrix smiled and tilted Hermione's chin upward, kissing her gently. "Anything for you, love."
"Did you forget I'm sitting right here?" Draco pretended to gag.
Bellatrix casually glanced over at her nephew. "I should care why, exactly?"
Draco huffed and set down the paper, standing up warily from the couch, narrowly avoiding knocking off two stacks of parchment. "It's still rather early. Should we practice a little before dinner?"
Hermione groaned into Bellatrix's neck.
Bellatrix chuckled affectionately. "It would be a good idea, love, especially after the incident with Yaxley and Rabastan."
Stiffening, Hermione sighed and pulled away, though her arms were still tossed around the witch's neck. "All right, Draco. Bella, mediate for us?"
"Of course, darling," Bellatrix cooed, pecking Hermione's lip briefly. She smirked at Draco's disgusted scoff.
(Bellamione)
The next morning, the Dark Lord apparated into the Malfoy Manor, his intent uncertain to his followers as he stalked into the library with a dark look twisting his features. "Bring me Hermione, Lucius, Bella and Draco, Wormtail," he hissed menacingly. "Now!"
Swallowing hard, Wormtail scurried off to find the summoned Death Eaters and teenagers. He hadn't seen the Dark Lord this unnerved in quite some time and he gleefully pondered what the four had done to anger him so. He loved when Malfoy and the former Mrs. Lestrange were in trouble – it made the lowly Death Eaters like himself feel so much better to watch the 'most loyal' fall from their pedestals.
Voldemort shook his head with disgust at Wormtail's retreating form. He wasn't too sure why he had kept the little rat alive so long. He may need to rectify that mistake soon, but he had bigger things to resolve first.
He impatiently tapped his fingers on the arm of his chair and waited. He peered about the room and noted all the scattered papers taking up space in the room. He was rather curious as to what they were, but he would ask later. Now was not the time.
"Father!" Hermione greeted with a smile, her hand clasped in Bellatrix's. Sensing his irritation, her smile slipped away.
The others bowed respectfully.
"You called for us, my Lord?" Bellatrix asked nervously. She tried desperately to think over what they might have done wrong in the previous days, but could think of nothing.
"I would tell you to have a seat, but it seems that papers have taken up all of the sitting room at the moment," Voldemort said casually. His face grew dark. "I have heard about my daughter's attack from Bella, but I wish to hear the story from you, Hermione."
Hermione swallowed and told her father about the incident, though she left out the discomfort she felt of seeing Bellatrix torture a man. It was quite a terrible sight, but she knew she would seem weak if she mentioned it. It was something that was engraved into her memory.
The Dark Lord exhaled deeply. "It was come to my attention through an anonymous source that the Lestrange brothers and Yaxley are trying to gather followers for a rebellion of sorts. They do not wish to overthrow me, but they plan to kill you," he leveled his look at Bellatrix, "And you, Lucius. They believe I am playing favorites and once you are gone, I will begin allowing others to be part of my 'inner circle' if you will."
Hermione gripped Bellatrix's hand tightly.
"What do you wish of us, my Lord?" Lucius inquired, awaiting their instructions diligently.
"I wish to see who they rally against you, so I do not want you to do anything for the time being, but watch your back. Do not worry, I shall let no harm come to any of you, but it is of the utmost importance to see who dare defy me. They shall be punished severely." He hissed out the last word menacingly.
Hermione barely concealed her shudder. The thought of another person suffering, more than even Yaxley, made her stomach twist and ache. She always knew the dark side was – well, dark, but she still could not accept the idea of watching another endure such a wicked torture.
"Of course, my Lord, whatever you need us to do," Bellatrix replied, lowering her head. "If they were planning to kill us, why did they attack Hermione? Surely they knew you would be angry."
Lord Voldemort sighed. "They were using her to draw you out, Bella. They know you will not let any harm come to Hermione and she would let nothing happen to you, so they disarmed her in hopes of distracting you long enough to kill you."
"Do they not realize you will end their miserable existences if they harmed us?" Lucius asked thoughtfully.
"Because Bellatrix and Hermione have both injured some of my Death Eaters, and because I value loyalty, they believe I will see your actions as a betrayal and they would simply be doing me a favor by ridding you from my presence," Voldemort replied, "I do not understand why they think this way, but they do."
Everyone nodded stiffly.
"Be watchful," Voldemort advised, "I do not wish to see any harm befalling any of you, my friends. When the time comes, there will be consequences for their transgressions, I promise this." He stood gracefully from his seat.
He hugged Hermione briefly before bidding the group farewell and disapparating, leaving them to their thoughts.
"I believe it would be in everyone's best interest if we to not traipse through the mansion on our own." Lucius twisted to face his slightly paler than normal offspring. "I don't want any of you getting hurt because of the Lestrange's grudge against Bella and myself."
Bellatrix nodded in agreement and gazed at her lover. "He's right. If you cannot be with me, please stick with Draco or Greyback or even Dolohov. I trust them immensely and I know they won't let any harm come to you."
"Alright, love," Hermione agreed softly. She knew her vacation with Bellatrix wasn't going to be idealistic and smooth, but she had never expected getting caught in a civil war within the walls of Malfoy Manor.
I can't worry over it now, Hermione mused, I'm trapped in a house full of Legilimency masters. I'd rather my thoughts not become everyone's knowledge. I will let it settle in later. Much later.
Swallowing hard, Hermione cuddled closer to the eldest Black, feeling her emotions and Bellatrix's hammering into her ribs. Bellatrix was worried, not for herself but for Hermione and Draco. She could hear a quiet buzz in the back of her mind and began focusing on it.
…they're just children! How stupid can Rod be? I knew Yaxley was a bastard but…
Hermione gasped. Was she able to hear Bellatrix's thoughts that clearly now? Before, it had been an uncertain, unpredictable possibility on an occasion but she heard her lover's thoughts quite unmistakably.
I will never let them take her from me. She's mine! They cannot separate us, those blithering idiots. They have no idea who they're up against.
She could hear her!
I wonder if Bella and I will be able to talk, Hermione pondered. She would definitely be checking out this theory later.
(Bellamione)
Her curiosity was tucked away until late into the evening. Bellatrix and Lucius had thought it best for her and Draco to practice more defensive spells as a precaution. They couldn't stand the idea of the two teenagers getting caught in the crossfire without some sort of backup. Protego was helpful, but standard. Many knew how to get past the spell.
Hermione deposited herself carelessly onto the bed, her body sore and bruised. A rather nasty curse had caught her by surprise and thrown her backwards a few feet, resulting in a rather painful gash on her back and a few bruises along her spine. Narcissa had expertly healed the gash, but left the bruises as a reminder of what could happen.
"Bella," Hermione started softly as she gazed at her lover's bare back as she carefully sat up, "Do you think we could go see my parents tomorrow?"
Bellatrix froze and twisted slightly, her shirt just barely covering her breasts from view. "Tomorrow?"
Hermione nodded uncertainly. "I would like to spend the day with them and I want you to come with me. I won't be able to tell them we're…together, but I do want them to know you are the one who's been caring for me over the break."
"Of course I'll go with you, love," Bellatrix replied, slipping her shirt over her head before heading over to the bed.
Hermione swallowed hard as Bellatrix's eyes darkened. Crawling up the bed, she gazed lustfully at Hermione and the Gryffindor absently licked her lips, her heart beating wildly in her chest. She reminded Hermione of a predator about to pounce on their prey. Suddenly, she didn't mind being prey.
Hermione took hold of Bellatrix's face when she close enough and pressed their lips together in a sexually charged kiss. She moaned against persistent lips and fell backward, bringing Bellatrix with her, the eldest Black's delicious body weight keeping her pinned to the bed, her leg pressing against Hermione's most intimate area.
Bella, Hermione thought wildly, more.
Bellatrix froze, her mouth detaching from Hermione's. Her eyes were wide when they connected with Hermione's lustful gaze.
"I…"
So you can hear me? Clearly? Hermione asked, smiling up at her lover.
Bellatrix nodded slowly. Can you hear me?
I heard you earlier in the library, Hermione admitted with a cheeky grin, I'm yours, huh?
"Sneaky little witch, of course you are," Bellatrix purred, reattaching their lips as she applied pressure to Hermione's center. Heat pooled in her stomach when the younger girl began grinding against Bellatrix's leg, their kisses growing passionate. Tongue met tongue and a battle for dominance ensued, though Hermione knew Bellatrix would become the winner and she would happily submit.
Hermione felt a familiar passion settling in her stomach and exhaled shakily out her nose. Feeling guilty for not returning the pleasure, she extended her knee slightly and slipped it carefully between Bellatrix's legs. She could feel the heat radiating from the Slytherin's center and she brought her as close as possible – so close paper wouldn't fit between them.
Is this okay? Bellatrix inquired, her lips trailing down Hermione's neck. She nipped at the girl's prominent collarbone, relishing the moan that erupted from pale pink lips.
Yes, Hermione hissed with pleasure, her head tilting to the side, granting Bellatrix better access to the expansion of skin.
Bellatrix's lips seemed to set Hermione on fire. Her touch felt like electricity against her skin, Hermione's body so receptive and sensitive to the feeling. She wanted to melt into Bellatrix – to keep this feeling for a lifetime.
She gasped in surprise and her eyes flew open when Bellatrix kissed her hard nipple through her shirt. "Bella…"
"Too much?" Bellatrix asked, attempting to move away.
Hermione's head shook wildly and she took hold of the back of Bellatrix's neck, crashing their lips together. Not enough.
Unsure of what had come over her, but choosing to just go with it, Hermione pushed Bellatrix back slightly. She smiled at the uncertain dark witch and leaned up slightly, stripping off her shirt and throwing it away from her. She nearly covered herself from Bellatrix's hungry gaze, but a firm grasp on both her wrists halted the motion.
No words were said – none were needed as Bellatrix kissed Hermione deeply before nibbling down Hermione's neck once more, stopping at the base of her neck to leave a bright mark in her wake. She licked the teeth imprints she'd left deviously before traveling down to Hermione's breasts. She palmed and teased one of them while her mouth attached to the other, suckling from it softly. Her thigh pressed into Hermione's core, her own passion long forgotten.
Her tongue circled the hard nub before she switched and administered the same treatment to the other, her fingers tugging gently on Hermione's free nipple. The wet heat between her lover's legs grew hotter with each passing moment and if Hermione's frantic grindings, she was growing close. She doubled her administrations.
"Bella," Hermione moaned deeply, her breaths coming out as short pants. She wove her fingers through wild locks and gripped slightly, her mind blanking out as heat coiled in her stomach.
Bellatrix's fingers tickled down to Hermione's stomach and her sharp nails dragged along her skin. She took pleasure in Hermione's trembles and pressed firmly against Hermione's center and rubbed her thigh against it slightly, smirking at Hermione's quiet moans and pants.
Hermione wasn't a stranger to climaxes (she was a healthy teenager who had experimented and gotten very in touch with her body) but dear Merlin, the sensations Bellatrix gave her made her own explorations seem like child's play.
"Bella," Hermione groaned loudly, though the rest of her words fell silently from her lips. Don't stop. Gods, please don't stop.
Sensing her lover's impending orgasm, Bellatrix bit Hermione's nipple sharply and dug her nails slightly into Hermione's side.
"Bella!" Hermione half-yelped, half-moaned, her body arching upward as the throes of passion swept through her entire being. The pain from the bite had jolted her body, but fuck, it felt good!
Bellatrix licked her nipple soothingly before slithering up Hermione's body and kissing her parted lips, enjoying the flush that overtook Hermione's upper half. She kissed her thoroughly, mentally patting herself on the back for her actions.
"Fuck, Bella," Hermione panted when they parted, "That was…"
"Amazing? Wonderful?" Bellatrix supplied with a smirk.
Hermione shook her head and laughed airily, "I was going to say intense." At Bellatrix's pout, she continued with a grin, "But amazing it was. I've never had such an experience before."
"Just imagine what it'll be like when I touch all of you," Bellatrix purred softly before rolling off of Hermione, chuckling at the girl's audible gulp. She leaned over and pressed a delicate kiss to the Gryffindor's neck. "Get some sleep, love. Tomorrow's going to be a rough day."
Hermione sighed, but nodded. She snuggled into Bellatrix's comforting warmth and her eyes drifted close, a sated smile tugging up her lips.