"Learn to deflect!" Bellatrix shouted, crossing her arms irritably as her nephew slammed into a nearby tree. "In battle, those shots will not be stupifies, Draco. You're getting complacent and taking for granted the nonlethal spells Hermione is firing at you. If you do not practice like your life is depending on it, you will fall at the hands of your enemies!"
Draco groaned, staggering to his feet and wiping fallen pine needles from his sweaty face. "Auntie Bella…"
"No," Bellatrix raised a hand, "The Order will not care if you are young, Draco. In a duel, the strongest will win. If you are cocky and unprepared, your life will end at a moment's notice. Again!"
Hermione leveled her wand at the blonde, awaiting his onslaught. He was always the first to make his move, allowing her to anticipate his next step. He tended to calculate his attacks – a dangerous habit he was falling into.
They'd been practicing for days, arming themselves for their impending return to Hogwarts in three days. They'd trained for hours, leaving them drenched in perspiration and bruises. Occasionally, Greyback and Dolohov would join them, giving them the taste of a real fight in hopes of teaching them how to better work as a team.
At one point, Macnair had joined the lessons and forced the teenagers into a three against two battle. They were victorious overall, but Hermione and Draco fought hard. The youngest Malfoy had thrown Dolohov through a bush, leaving a gaping hole in the plant that he was quick to repair.
Merlin knows Narcissa would have their hides should her precious garden be less than perfect.
"Densaugeo!"
Hermione silently shielded herself and watched gleefully as it rebounded, startling the Slytherin as he dove out of the way. "Expulso!"
The ground exploded inches from Draco and he yelped, scrambling to his feet. "Flipendo!"
Hermione was knocked back, landing painfully on her back though adrenalin pumped through her veins and she was on her feet in a split second. She waved away every spell he rapidly sent in her direction. He was growing desperate and she started to stalk toward him with a dangerous smirk.
Bloody hell, she looks like Aunt Bella.
Hermione was on autopilot, the thrill of the chase clouding her mind and spurring her onward. There was something intoxicating about knowing how to defeat one's enemy. While he was her friend, in that moment, he was her target. She wondered absently if this is how Bellatrix felt on raids – the anticipation boiling her blood and egging her on.
She felt invincible.
"Incarcerous."
A tight rope encircled his waist and bound his hands, unbreakable despite his struggling. Wandlessly, she flicked her wrist and he rose, suddenly hanging by his ankles as Hermione paused curiously in front of him. She tapped his cheek with her wand and his skin became green – a fitting color for the Slytherin.
She released him, righting him before his face slammed into the mud.
"Holy shit!" Draco exclaimed. "Hermione…"
The veil of darkness slowly dissipated back into the recesses of her mind and the world became clear once more. She could only stare at the boy, unblinking as she took in his predicament. His face was an odd shade of green, similar to his House colors. He was still bound by her spell, though he was slowly coming free from the bindings.
"That was amazing," Bellatrix praised, resting her hand on Hermione's shoulder. "Wordless magic and wandless. Quite a feat for someone so young, though I expected nothing less from you, darling." She was quick to undo the spells, grinning as his binds disappeared and the emerald hue of his skin dissolved into nothingness. "That is all for today."
Nodding, Draco glanced at Hermione. "Are you okay? You seemed…different."
"I have no idea what happened," she admitted softly, leaning tiredly against her lover. "One minute you were attacking and the next, there was this fog in my brain. It was spurring me forward and the spells came natural. The wand wasn't important. Whatever I thought just happened."
Bellatrix chuckled, "That, love, is what happens when bloodlust begins and takes control. You experienced a taste of war and your body released the power residing within you. Most will never achieve what you can do, but you are not most. When it is fully tapped, you will be the strongest witch of your generation."
"Better you than Pansy, right?" Draco joked, nudging the stoic Gryffindor. It was apparent the fight had taken a lot out of her – that her own abilities had terrified her – and he wished desperately that he could help.
Hermione smiled faintly, the tension in her shoulders melting away. "Merlin, can you imagine?"
Draco crinkled his nose in disgust. "I'd rather not, thank you."
"You were the one who pointed it out," Hermione reminded, rolling her eyes playfully at the blonde's shudder of horror.
Peering at Bellatrix, Draco arched an inquisitive brow. "What are the plans for the rest of the day?"
"I'd like to go to my mother's estate if possible," Hermione said, shrugging noncommittally. "Now that the holidays are over and we have some free time, I'd like to explore the grounds and mansion before we leave. I won't have another chance until summer otherwise."
"Would you like me to accompany you?" Bellatrix wondered, kissing Hermione's temple.
Hermione nodded and turned her attention to Draco. "You're welcome to come with us. I've never been and Merlin knows you'll probably come with me over the summer."
Draco beamed. "I'd be honored. Let me get changed and tell Mother of our plans." He hurried into the manor, leaving Hermione and Bellatrix to stare after him.
"Are you nervous?" Bellatrix tugged the Gryffindor into a comfortable embrace, their cheeks brushing slightly.
"Yes," Hermione murmured, closing her eyes and inhaling deeply, her lips grazing the Death Eater's pale neck. "I want to learn more about my mother but…"
Bellatrix squeezed her and hummed understandingly, rubbing soothing patterns along Hermione's spine. "It will be all right, darling."
Chewing her lip, Hermione remained silent. She could only hope Bellatrix was right.
(Bellamione)
Trembling hands pressed against the iron door, soft pants filling the heavy silence as it swung open. Hermione was the first to slip inside, taking in her mother's home eagerly. It was centuries old and she wondered how many Coopers had lived here before it was passed down to Kathryn – and now her. Portraits of her ancestors were littered about the walls – some alive, while others were simply paintings, meant to commemorate the dead.
A sudden pop startled Hermione and she came upon a house elf. He was staring at her, studying her warily with a broom clutched tightly in his hand.
"Who are you? Thieves come to steal Madam's belongings?" he snapped, eyes flickering between the Death Eater and Hermione. It was apparent they were not the first "thieves" to stumble upon Cooper Manor.
"Watch your tone, elf," Bellatrix sneered, reaching for her wand.
Hermione smiled faintly, peering at the creature with curious eyes. "I am Hermione Riddle. My mother…"
The broom tumbled from his grip and the elf hurried to bow. "Deepest apologizes, Mistress. Drog meant no disrespect. Drog did not know who you were."
"It's quite alright," Hermione laughed, waving away the apology. "I understand."
Drog nodded, clearly relieved that he was not going to be punished by his new mistress. "Drog will go tell the others Mistress is here. Does Mistress need anything?"
"A tour of the manor would be lovely."
"It would be an honor for Drog to escort Mistress through the manor. Drog will be back in a moment."
(Bellamione)
Hermione had not realized the sheer magnitude of Cooper Manor when they'd first arrived. It was four stories tall with rooms scattered about. There was a plethora of guest rooms, along with her mother's old chambers and a library double the size of Malfoy Manor's. Along with Kathryn's room, she had a study that contained papers upon papers; potions she had concocted, new spells she'd perfected, and countless ramblings and ideas she'd written over the years.
The only room she'd refused to enter was her own. The door was a shimmering silver with her name carved deep into the wood. It'd clearly been repaired and Hermione couldn't help but wonder if Albus had destroyed it in his attempt to smuggle her from the manor.
When their tour was over, the trio returned to the library. Hermione began combing through the shelves while Bellatrix and Draco made themselves comfortable. She'd tossed Draco a book she'd found on advanced Quidditch plays and advantages while handing her lover a book about the Dark Arts, pleasantly surprised when Bellatrix admitted she had never seen the book before.
Hermione hummed absently as she examined the spines.
The Proper Ways of Cooking Dragon Meat. Hermione's stomach churned at the idea. Who would willingly slaughter a dragon for food? That sounded dreadful.
The Life of Gilbert Grindelwald. Slipping the book from its home, Hermione thumbed through the first few pages before setting it on the table behind her.
She glanced over her shoulder and smiled lovingly. Bellatrix was cross-legged, carefully reading each word as if it were written by Merlin himself while Draco was nodding off in chair, their earlier training session wearing more on his teenage physique than he'd admit.
It all felt rather…domestic.
Sensing Hermione's gaze, Bellatrix peeked over her book and returned the smile, her eyes swimming with an emotion that seemed deeper than love. It made the Gryffindor swoon with adoration for her Death Eater.
"Are you okay, love?" Bellatrix murmured, aware of her nephew's dozing.
"When I'm with you? Always."
Bellatrix laughed quietly and shook her head, infatuated with her lover's sincerity. She'd never expected something – someone – that would turn her world on its axis, but Merlin, she wouldn't change any of it. Well, except the marrying Rodolphus part. That was a monumental mistake.
Hermione hummed, absently returning her attention to the shelf in front of her. There were quite a few books she'd never heard of before, leaving her curiosity piqued as her ever-growing stack multiplied. There were countless on dark magic items and spells, yet there were others for healing and potion makings. Her mother was a jack of all trades, it seemed.
"Mistress," Drog greeted when he appeared, clutching a bag between his fingers, "A bag for Mistress. Madam used it to carry lots of things at once." He gestured to the pile. "For your books."
"Thank you." Hermione grinned, accepting the enchanted purse.
She began situating her books inside the bag, arranging them in such a purely Hermione order. Deciding that it could do no harm, she threw a few of the dark magic and dark, forbidden spell books in. She felt comfort leaving it with the Malfoys and Bella – they'd probably seen and done worse.
Satisfied with her packing, Hermione shouldered the bag. It was light, as though she'd only placed a single book and not the seven that were actually there.
"Are you ready to leave, love? You don't wish to explore more?"
Hermione shook her head. "Not today. That is something I wish to do during the summer break. I'm positive it'll take more than a day to comb through her things. I may have Narcissa tag along. My mother had numerous potion recipes and she'd be better inclined to inspect them and know if they were successful."
"A good idea," Bellatrix praised. "We can spend a few nights in the mansion if you'd like. Explore and learn about your family's history. There is bound to be a book on them in your mother's study." She rose and pecked Hermione's lips. "Every pureblooded family has a tapestry and a family book, passed down through the centuries so each member can add their memories and new blood."
Hermione hummed. She'd known that some families had them, but never realized that were a part of pureblood society – though, she wasn't really surprised. She'd seen the tapestry in Sirius' home when she'd spent the last few weeks of summer there. Sirius was unaware of her notice and she never felt the need to mention it.
Draco yawned, alerting the soulmates of his awakening. "Merlin, I had no bloody idea I was so tired."
Bellatrix glanced at a nearby clock and frowned. "We should leave now. Dinner will be ready soon, I'm sure and I would like to stay on Cissy's good side if possible."
The teenagers both cringed at the idea of upsetting the matriarch and hurried to Bella's sides.
"If it is all right with you, I shall return once you're at Hogwarts to set up a floo between Malfoy Manor and Cooper Manor."
"That's fine, love," Hermione replied, intertwining her fingers with Bellatrix's. It'd be simpler to floo than Apparate considering she'd be spending time in both manors during their break.
A familiar tug filled her stomach and they disappeared from the manor.
(Bellamione)
The day Hermione was dreading came upon her, her veins iced with apprehension and fear. She had not seen any of her House mates since before Christmas and news of her parentage had been plastered across every reputable – and not so reputable – newspaper. On the train and in the halls, she would have some sort of buffer, but trapped in a room with her dorm mates…
Hermione swallowed harshly and snuggled deeper into her lover's arms as they lounged on the couch in the study. They'd be leaving in an hour without Bellatrix. The Death Eater had insisted she accompany Hermione to the platform, but stern reminders of who she was halted further arguments. No one would take kindly to the Dark Lord's most loyal being anywhere near their children.
"It'll be okay," Bellatrix promised, massaging the Gryffindor's scalp soothingly. "Draco won't leave your side."
"Until we have to return to our Houses," Hermione muttered, drinking in the scent of her soulmate. The idea of being so far away and unable to see her dark witch made her stomach tangle with anxiety. She briefly wondered if she was too codependent, but quickly dismissed the idea. She knew she'd be okay – but it didn't mean she had to like being without Bellatrix.
Bellatrix nuzzled her cheek against the top of Hermione's head. "You will be fine, darling. You're a powerful witch; nothing those little Gryffindor twats know can match you. Just, trust no one except those you know are faithful to you." Like Draco hung heavily in the silence.
Tilting her head, Hermione captured Bellatrix's mouth in a sweet kiss. Confident tongues tangled together while nimble fingers threaded through wild, black curls. A low moan slipped from parted pink lips and Bellatrix greedily coaxed out another. It was a sound Bellatrix wanted to hear for the rest of her life.
"Her – seriously?!" Draco wailed, hurriedly covering his eyes.
Hermione sighed, her tongue teasing Bellatrix's bottom lip before retreating from the kiss. "Is it time?"
Draco pursed his lips sympathetically. "Yeah, Mum says we need to leave now if we hope to avoid the undesirables."
Nodding, Hermione stood from the couch and offered a hand to her gloomy lover. Hands clasped together tightly, they moved into the foyer where Lucius and Narcissa were waiting.
Bellatrix embraced the Gryffindor tightly. "I love you, little witch. Be safe."
"I should be telling you that," Hermione joked half-heartedly. "I love you too."
The dark witch released her lover and stroked her cheek gently with her knuckles. "Write me once you've settled back in to classes."
Hermione kissed the back of Bellatrix's hand and smiled. "Of course, love."
Bellatrix slipped away from the group, staring after them until they disappeared. In that moment she realized – she'd just watched her very soul disappear. It was nauseating.
(Bellamione)
Every eye was on Hermione as she and the Malfoys slipped onto Platform 9 ¾. Even the muggle families seemed wary of her, leaving a wide berth between them and her. She could hear the mumbles and she wondered if this was how Harry felt when his identify was first realized.
"You're a celebrity," Draco laughed, nudging the rigid witch. "Even Potter doesn't get this much attention."
Hermione rolled her eyes, though some of the tension in her shoulders drained away. "I don't think that's a good thing."
Narcissa halted at the train's door and examined the teenagers critically. "Do you have everything you need?"
"Yes, Mum," both of them replied.
Chuckling, Lucius hugged Hermione and then Draco. "If either of you need anything," he stressed, "Write us. And, take care of each other."
"We will," Draco promised with a firm nod. "I won't let anything happen to Hermione."
Boarding the train, Hermione's spine stiffened. Not too far down the car stood Ron and Ginny. They were bickering amongst themselves, but even she noticed that Ginny was frustrated with her brother. He seemed oblivious to her building rage.
Draco tugged her along, staying a few steps ahead of her.
"Ferret," Ron growled, glaring at the blonde.
"Weasel," Draco sneered in response, rolling his eyes at the Gryffindor.
Ron's gaze flickered to Hermione, his eyes darkening with betrayal. He had not forgiven her deceit, knowing she'd eventually turn on them. Her father was him, which in his mind meant she was already guilty by association.
Ginny shook her head at Ron before smiling at Hermione. "Hey, Mione! How was your break?"
Hermione attempted to answer, but Ron cut her off.
"Don't talk to her, Ginny. Get in the car."
Ginny scoffed. "You can't tell me what to do or who I can and can't talk to. If I want to talk to Hermione, I bloody well will. Prat."
Fred and George poked their heads out of their car and grinned. "Hermione!"
Once upon a time, they'd thought she was an annoying little know-it-all, but she was brilliant and, secretly of course, had given them advice over the years on their pranks. Her shunning by their family irritated them greatly. Hermione had only helped their family – and the Order – yet her blood still defined her. When everyone thought she was muggleborn, she was looked down upon. Now, being pureblooded, she was still a target for hatred.
It was a lose-lose for her, it seemed.
"Would you like to sit with us?" Hermione offered to the youngest Weasley. "Since someone clearly desires to have nothing to do with me." She returned Ron's glare tenfold and internally smirked at Ron's faltering. She was not the same girl she had been before Christmas and she would not be bullied into apologizing.
"Yes!" Ginny hissed, hurrying to Hermione's side before Ron could protest.
"Ginny!" Ron snarled, "Get back over here!"
Ginny simply rolled her eyes and flipped the flushing Weasley a bird. "Fuck off, Ron."
Deciding he was tired of Ron's antics, Draco shoved past the Gryffindor and knocked him back into his car, Hermione and Ginny falling in behind him. The twins waved their hellos to the brunette before disappearing back into theirs, positive that nothing was amiss. They knew Ginny was perfectly safe in Hermione's care.
Continuing through, Hermione caught a glimpse of Luna sitting alone in a car, flipping through her father's newspaper absently. It ate away at her, knowing now how cruel the wizarding teenagers could be. Her guilt was palpable, knowing she'd been one of them at some point.
"Let's sit with Luna," Hermione suggested, chuckling at Draco's stumble.
"You want to sit with Looney?" he sputtered, "Why?"
Hermione shrugged noncommittally. "He's rather sweet, actually. I hate the idea of her being all alone on the ride. You can go be with the other Slytherins."
Sighing, Draco shook his head. "I promised Father I'd keep an eye on you. If you wish to ride with Luna," he swallowed awkwardly, "Then I shall join you. Besides, it means Pansy won't attempt to molest me."
Hermione grinned and shoved open the car door. "Hey, Luna."
The Ravenclaw perked up at the familiar voice and peered at Hermione, blinking at the sight of Draco, yet she remained vibrant as ever. She really wasn't one to judge, anyways. "Hello! How was your break?"
"It was eye opening," Hermione replied vaguely. "Would you mind if we joined you? Seems I'm not welcome with my House."
Luna grinned, "Of course not! The more the merrier." Draco began stowing away his and Hermione's things before slipping into the car and plopping down beside Hermione while Ginny sat opposite them.
Bellatrix had warned her about only picking those loyal to her and, in that moment, she realized she'd taken for granted those who already were. Maybe her return wouldn't be too painful after all.