A/N: Hello my dear readers! I know it has been so much longer than it was ever meant to be, a lot has happened. But I am back and ready to continue my stories until they are finished. I hope you're all doing well and I'm excited to be back to writing again.
Enjoy!
Hermione was excited to be back at Hogwarts, even if it meant she had to treat Bellatrix as just a professor. She was excited to be surrounded by Draco and their housemates, chatting in the Great Hall until the sorting ceremony began. Even with ministry interference, she hoped this year would be more normal and she could focus on her studies without the threat of Voldemort's rise. They only had three Horcruxes to destroy, two of which were within the walls of Hogwarts. Pettigrew was still on the loose, but without someone to give him orders, he would probably be a small threat to a normal school year.
What Hermione was not excited about was the pink-clad woman sitting with the other Professors. She seemed to sit with an air of false authority and superiority, and something about her rubbed Hermione the wrong way. She didn't realize she was glaring until Draco elbowed her ribs, drawing her attention to the incoming first years.
"Are you okay, Hermione?" Astoria whispered from the other side of Draco.
"Yeah, something about that woman just bugs me," she mumbled, casting a hasty glance to Umbridge before her eyes landed on Bellatrix.
The dark-haired witch was looking out over the students with a neutral expression, but her eyes softened when she caught Hermione staring. She pointedly directed her eyes to the first-years, silently and teasingly admonishing her for not paying attention. The brunette rolled her eyes, realizing her housemates were clapping and hurriedly joining in.
She caught Bellatrix's smirk from the corner of her eyes and decided not to let herself get distracted for the rest of the ceremony and subsequent feast. From where she was, she could make out Harry and Ron, both of whom had nodded to her as they had bumped into each other boarding the train. They had yet to speak to her, though she didn't blame them considering how it went last time. Hermione forced the thoughts away, reminding herself that she would not let her thoughts distract her.
"For those of you returning to Hogwarts, welcome back. For those of you just joining us, we hope that you, like so many students before you, come to think of Hogwarts as a second home, as you will be spending much of your time here," Dumbledore began, the room falling silent even though he was only speaking loud enough to be heard, "I have just a few announcements before the feast. It's my pleasure to welcome back Professor Black, who took over for Professor Moody halfway through last year. I would also like to introduce Madam Undersecretary Dolores Umbridge, who will be overseeing the Defense Against the Dark Arts courses on behalf of the ministry. I ask that you make her feel welcome, as you would any other Professor."
A pronounced, "Hem hem," from Dolores Umbridge caused Dumbledore to pause.
The clicking of pink heels echoed through the silent room as looks of confusion were exchanged by students and staff alike.
"I would like to inform you all that, as Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, I am merely an observer to classes, but I am fully authorized by Minister Fudge to make any changes necessary," she said in a high, slightly nasal voice that left Hermione's eye twitching.
She knew now what it was about the woman that unnerved her. Her heartbeat sounded in her ears, drowning out the rest of Umbridge's words. And then Draco was nudging her with his elbow and food was on the table in front of her and she could feel dark eyes on her and the usual noise of the Great Hall returned. She breathed a sigh, piling food onto her plate and ignoring the eyes she could feel boring into her skull from across the room.
"I'll see you later, Draco," she murmured after finishing her food as fast as she could.
"Are you sure? I can eat faster," Draco offered, prepared to inhale his food so he could join her.
She offered him a small smile and nodded. "I'm going to spend some time in the library. I just need some quiet."
"I'll wait up for you in the Common Room," he said, watching her stand.
"See you later," she mumbled flicking her hair out of her face and slipping out of the Great Hall under the guise of her charm.
Hermione waited until she was almost to the library to let her modified Disillusionment drop away. She knew Bellatrix had noticed her disappearance, but she would be required to stay until the end of the feast. That was okay with her. She wasn't sure if she could maintain the boundaries between them if it was just them.
Necessary boundaries, she reminded herself, Especially with Umbridge around.
A content sigh left her lips as she entered the library, taking in the rows beyond rows of books. While Bellatrix's library was certainly impressive, she wasn't sure anything could ever top the Hogwarts library. She would be lucky to have a library even a quarter of its size, and that wasn't even including the Restricted section. Briefly, she wondered if Bellatrix would give her permission to access it so she didn't have to resort to sneaking in.
Hermione wandered the shelves, occasionally reaching out and letting her fingertips trace along the spines and shelves. The library brought solace, much needed sometimes, especially with everything in her head. Surrounded by such a vast amount of books, she was reminded of how small she was. It made things feel less important than they really were, even if it was only for a moment.
"Umbridge sucks," she whispered to Bellatrix when the older witch appeared in her line of sight, "I can't stand her."
"I was worried it was something worse, but when I saw Draco had stayed, I figured it was something along those lines," Bellatrix whispered back.
Hermione smiled, tracing the filigree on the book directly to her left. "Give me permission to go in the Restricted Section?"
"Oh?" Bellatrix arched a brow, "And what should I tell Pince is the reason?"
"That I'm an amazing student and need more engagement to keep me out of trouble?" the brunette tried, putting on her most charming smile.
The older witch chuckled lowly, and Hermione couldn't help but shiver at the sound, quickly banishing her thoughts. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't that the entire purpose of allowing you to sit for exams a year early?"
"You and I both know that isn't going to be enough," she scoffed, stepping back slightly to put some distance between them.
"One week. Just try it for one week, and if it's not enough, I'll give you permission," Bellatrix promised.
Hermione sighed, but at least it wasn't an outright refusal. "Thank you, Professor."
"I think you enjoy this way more than you should," she teased, her dark eyes shining.
"Perhaps I do," she smirked, "But I think you enjoy it as much as I do."
The older witch didn't say anything, but the expression on her face told Hermione everything she needed to know.
"I should get to the Common Room. Big day tomorrow," Hermione muttered, reluctant to leave the library and Bellatrix's presence.
She trudged out of the library, spending the walk to her Common Room organizing her thoughts. It was going to be harder than she thought to be just a student to Bellatrix and she scolded herself for letting boundaries blur. They were friends, and could even be friendly within the walls of the castle, but they were also more than friends. There was a level of familiarity between them- even though they weren't officially together- that didn't exist between other teachers and students. And with Bellatrix under observation this year, she couldn't afford to slip up. As much as she did feel a thrill at the prospect. She chalked it up to her teenage hormones as she brushed her hair out of her eyes and muttered the password for the Common Room.
Restrained noise met her ears as she entered, her Slytherin housemates socializing as much as her previous Gryffindor ones, but in a much calmer way. She spotted Draco on the couch with his arm draped around Astoria's shoulders, chatting with Pansy Parkinson and a seventh-year whose name she couldn't remember.
"Hermione, what do you think of Umbridge?" Pansy asked as the brunette settled on the arm of the couch.
She made a sour expression. "I think she's a twat."
"Way too much pink," the seventh-year laughed.
"And the way she totally interrupted Dumbledore. She has some nerve," Pansy continued.
"Your aunt is going to tear her apart, Draco," Astoria said.
Hermione kept her gaze focused on the piano as Draco said, "I just hope I get to see it. I heard Umbridge has been trying to increase restrictions on anyone who isn't pureblood. Fat chance that'll happen."
"Pettigrew still hasn't been caught, but the ministry is more concerned with Hogwarts than finding him," the seventh-year pointed out, "Kinda makes me wonder what's really going on."
"The ministry doesn't give a damn about Pettigrew," Hermione said, sharper than she intended, "Wasting their time at Hogwarts makes it look like they're doing something to ensure the quality of our education, but I guarantee that Umbridge will interfere as much as possible. They're looking for someone to blame for what happened last year."
She hopped off the arm of the couch, strolling over to the piano. "They want to blame Dumbledore for what happened so they don't have to take responsibility for it."
A hush fell over the Common Room, but she paid it no mind as she sat at the piano and struck a few chords. "I don't know about all of you, but I'm not going to stand by and let the ministry interfere with my education while they ignore the real issues."
"What do you suggest we do?" one of her housemates asked, Daphne if she remembered correctly.
A devious smirk twisted her lips upward as she struck another chord. "We defy the ministry, of course. Every rule Umbridge makes, we find a way around it. Every punishment she doles out, we take it. We get the other houses to join us. She doesn't stand a chance against all of us."
Nervousness briefly made itself known as some of her housemates whispered to each other.
"I have friends in Hufflepuff, I'll pass it on to them," Blaise Zabini said.
"I'll tell the Ravenclaws," another of her housemates said.
Hermione nodded resolutely. "I'll get the Gryffindors in on it."
The regular noise of the Common Room returned and Hermione busied herself with the keys of the piano. She had vague memories of Umbridge's interference from the other timeline, and none of it was good. Her goal had been to have a semi-normal year, but she wouldn't know normal if it hit her in the face. As for staying out of trouble, well, she was pretty sure she wasn't capable of that, either, regardless of how much she had to keep her occupied. No one had actually liked Umbridge, anyway, except Filch, but nobody really liked him, either. Her hands hesitated as it occurred to her just how much of a Slytherin she was.
The brunette witch retired to her dorm early, unpacking her trunk by hand. She already knew she was going to miss having Bellatrix just across the hall. Hermione mused that it wouldn't be difficult to sneak over to the teacher's corridor and knock on Bellatrix's door, but it was risky. Better to do it only in emergencies. The young witch pushed her hair back with an irritated sigh. She would be of age in just a few months, but she wasn't exactly sure what that would entail regarding her relationship with Bellatrix. The older witch would still be her professor, so a physical relationship was still out of the question.
As Hermione threw herself onto her bed with a disgruntled sigh, she briefly entertained the idea of just taking her NEWTs and finishing this year. Then she would be free to pursue the relationship she wanted with Bellatrix. Would that be rushing things? She already understood Bellatrix on a level deeper than she understood anyone, and the older witch seemed to be able to read her mind when it came to what she needed or wanted. Hermione brought her palm to her forehead, groaning frustratedly. She curled in a ball on her side, hugging a pillow tightly to her chest and pulling the blanket over herself as she forced herself to sleep.
"Good morning, students," Bellatrix addressed her class, "I trust you've all had a pleasant enough break and have come back refreshed and ready to continue your educations. There will be no slacking, no daydreaming. This will, quite possibly, be the most difficult class any of you will take this year. Granger, to the front."
At the sound of her name, Hermione's head snapped up, and when Bellatrix instructed her to move to the front of the room, she quickly obeyed.
"Professor Black, perhaps I am misinformed, but both Miss Granger and Mister Malfoy are fifth years, are they not?" Umbridge interrupted after clearing her throat.
Hermione saw Bellatrix's eye twitch at the disturbance as she snapped, "Madam Undersecretary, you are indeed misinformed, although it is through no fault of my own. Miss Granger and Mister Malfoy were given permission by the Headmaster at the end of last year to sit for their OWLs. As they both passed, they are exactly where they are supposed to be. In the future, please refrain from interrupting my lessons for such mundane matters. If you have any protest about their right to be here, that should be taken up with the Headmaster."
Umbridge's round face turned slightly pink as Bellatrix berated her, and she sank back into her chair at the back of the classroom.
"Now," Bellatrix continued, rolling her shoulders, "Today will be quite simple. This semester will be about honing your wordless casting abilities. There will be various exercises to give you the opportunity to practice. Most of these exercises will be with a partner, and as there is an odd number of students, Granger, I will be your partner. For today, we will be going back to a rather basic spell- Expelliarmus. So, Granger, let's see what you're capable of."
Hermione couldn't help but smirk as she rolled her shoulders. She rolled her acacia wand in her hand, her eyes glinting as she flicked her wand to disarm Bellatrix. To her surprise, the older witch didn't move a muscle to avoid it, allowing the spell to hit her squarely and her wand to fly into Hermione's outstretched hand.
"Everyone partner up," Bellatrix ordered, "By the end of class, you should be able to wordlessly disarm your unresisting partner. Of course, if you'd like a challenge, you can try disarming a resisting partner."
She took measured steps toward Hermione as her students scrambled to find partners and begin. They knew better than to make her wait too long. Regally, Bellatrix held her hand out for her curved walnut wand when she was just a few paces from Hermione.
"One week," the brunette reminded quietly as she deposited the wand in Bellatrix's hand.
Ruby lips twitched upward as Bellatrix whispered, "You don't think I'd make it that easy for you, do you? I will be deflecting your Expelliarmus. I may even throw a few spells back at you, just to keep you on your toes. Stay sharp."
Hermione stifled the shiver that crawled up her spine as Bellatrix emphasized her final word before turning to walk back to where she had been standing. She turned to face the brunette with a raised brow and a passive stance, her wand dangling loosely from her fingertips. It was obvious to Hermione that Bellatrix was teasing her. In theory, it was an easy task. In fact, she had already completed it flawlessly. Even she had to admit that it would be substantially harder to disarm Bellatrix if she deflected her attempts. Then, there was the subtle hint that the older witch wouldn't be just on the defensive, although Hermione knew no harm would come to her. At most, it would probably be a weak Stupefy.
"Granger!" Bellatrix barked, drawing Hermione out of her thoughts, "I said no daydreaming!"
The brunette felt her cheeks heat up as some people snickered.
"I wasn't daydreaming," she grumbled, "I was thinking."
"You are not performing the task at hand," the older witch said, flexing her wand hand.
She was being hard on her for a reason. Hermione knew she was. That didn't stop the flare of anger in her chest. Wordlessly, she sent an Expelliarmus at her professor, one that was flicked harmlessly up to the ceiling. Bellatrix arched her brow higher, a faux-bored expression on her face. Hermione adjusted her grip on her wand, grinding her teeth and feeling a small growl slip past her lips. Bellatrix was going to make her work for it, she knew that already, but she would be damned if she didn't disarm her at least once before the class was over.
Frustration set in early, making Hermione's attempts sloppier than her usual work. Bellatrix was purposely provoking her, throwing her emotionally off-balance and making it more difficult for her to accomplish her task. She had practiced wordless magic all summer, mostly basic spells like the one she was attempting now, but had begun to practice more advanced spells. There hadn't been resistance over the summer. It was more realistic this way, but she wouldn't be limited to a single spell in a real-life setting. She wasn't Harry.
Bellatrix's lip twitched upward as Hermione sent what was most certainly not an Expelliarmus in her direction. It was amusing to push her to think creatively, to push her to be better. Hermione was leagues ahead of her peers in terms of ability, would only be stifled by having another student as her partner. No, Hermione's only peer in this room was Bellatrix. The older witch cast a wordless Stinging Jinx at Hermione, catching her cheek as she raised a brow.
Focus, her gaze said, even as Hermione seethed from her own shoddy defense and inability to catch Bellatrix off guard.
The brunette could feel the welt from Bellatrix's jinx forming on her cheek as she continued. Another Stinging Jinx hit her right shoulder, then her left hip. Hermione grit her teeth, forcing a slow inhale through her nose to center herself. She was leaving herself open each time she attacked, her movements becoming less controlled and more erratic. Hermione glared at a spot halfway between Bellatrix and herself, flicking her wrist toward it and leaving a sizable char on the floor. As the smoke dissipated, her wand flew out of her hand and into Bellatrix's who was steadily approaching her.
"Dismissed!" she barked to the rest of the class, keeping Hermione pinned with her dark eyes.
They shuffled to collect their belongings, filing out of the room with muffled whispers. Hermione continued standing in her spot, trembling with frustration and humiliation at losing her temper in front of an audience.
"If you'd allow me a moment with my student," Bellatrix directed at Umbridge, "You can wait outside."
It was clearly an order and not a request but Umbridge still huffed, "Very well, Black."
When the door shut firmly behind the pink-clad witch, Bellatrix flicked her wand at it, locking it. The two of them stood in heavy silence, Hermione's gaze directed at the floor in front of her feet.
"Hermione," Bellatrix said softly, stepping closer and offering the brunette her wand.
"I don't expect you to go easy on me," Hermione snapped, "I know why you're doing it. I just didn't expect to be so irritated by it. And I..."
She trailed off, pressing her palms into her eyes. "I don't know. I wasn't going to hurt you, I swear. I just needed to let out some anger."
"In the future, if you're getting frustrated and need a break, just let me know," the older witch said, placing Hermione's wand in her hand, "Especially if you've already completed the assigned task."
"But I'm not going to be able to take a break in real life," she grumbled sourly, turning away from the dark-haired witch.
Bellatrix placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to offer some comfort. "This isn't real life, Hermione. It's a classroom. This is where taking breaks is okay. I know you know you can do it, and I know that's partly what's so frustrating to you. But you aren't quite at the point where everything is settled, yet. There's still time. You'll have other chances to connect with that part of yourself."
"I know," she breathed, dragging her palms down her face, "I should get to my next class."
"I can write you a pass," the older witch tentatively offered.
Hermione shook her head, turning to face Bellatrix. "No, it's okay. It's the first day. I'm sorry for losing my temper."
"If you need me to at any point, I will," she murmured, her hand pausing midway to Hermione's cheek.
The brunette's eyes lingered on Bellatrix's unmoving hand. "I'll keep that in mind."
Bellatrix nodded, letting her hand drop to her side awkwardly.
"This is going to be harder than I thought," Hermione admitted quietly, peering at Bellatrix through her eyelashes.
"Yeah," the older witch breathed.
Hermione shifted her weight, adjusting her bag's strap on her shoulder. "I should get going, then."
Bellatrix nodded, taking a deep breath and gesturing to the door. Hermione schooled her expression, brushing past Umbridge on her way out. She ignored the indignant huff from the pink-clad woman, putting her head down and striding through the corridors to Potions. Draco, unnoticed by the brunette witch, fell into step with her at the end of the first corridor, walking with her in silence.
"The Hufflepuffs agreed," one of her housemates whispered clandestinely as they crossed paths outside the Potions classroom.
At the news, Hermione did feel a bit better, one corner of her mouth twitching upward. She noticed Draco beside her then, nudging the blond with her elbow as they entered. He nudged her back, a smile on his face as he inclined his chin to a spot near the front. Together, they took up residence at the table, pulling out their books and communicating through their expressions.
Potions was no challenge for Hermione and Draco, even being a year ahead. Hermione did feel Snape's eyes boring into her back for a majority of their brewing, but his demeanor was much more reserved than Bellatrix's. She wouldn't be surprised if he knew what had happened and was keeping an eye on her to make sure she was ok. As they lounged in the Common Room before lunch, Hermione couldn't help but wonder how Snape and the other professors would keep her occupied.
"I heard Umbridge thinks Professor Black is teaching us too much," Astoria said, plopping down next to Draco and giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"Umbridge can get taken by centaurs," Hermione mumbled, playing an intentionally sour chord on the piano.
Draco draped his arm over Astoria's shoulder, arching an eyebrow. "That sounds a little specific."
Hermione hummed, turning on the bench and surveying their housemates. "Is it too early to start causing trouble?"
"Never," Draco scoffed, "I'm fairly certain all the professors bet on how quickly it will happen."
"Well then, let's see who the lucky winners are, shall we?" the brunette asked, smiling mischievously, "How quickly can we spread the word?"
Bellatrix did her best to ignore the pink abomination next to her through dinner. Umbridge, however, seemed to want to be noticed, hem-hemming after each exaggeratedly dainty bite. She could make out Draco and Hermione at the Slytherin table, looking suspiciously like they were preparing to cause trouble. Hermione had looked up at her a few times, a dreamy expression crossing her face each time before she shook herself out of it and continued planning. Well, Bellatrix assumed they were planning. As much as she loved the duo's antics, she didn't think it was wise for them to cause trouble with Umbridge around.
She found Hermione and Draco in the Room of Requirement, preparing to practice spells with each other. She leaned against the spot where the door had appeared to let her in, watching them discuss what they wanted to work on, both their backs to her. She cleared her throat loudly, causing them both to jump and turn to look at her with wide eyes.
"While I- and some of the other professors- greatly enjoyed last year's antics, I felt it necessary to remind you both that this year is not the time. Umbridge is looking for any excuse she can to shut down DADA, or replace Dumbledore, or even do both if she can," she explained, pushing off the while, "I understand it is tempting, trust me, it isn't worth it."
"Bella-" Hermione began.
"I mean it, Hermione. I know it sucks, but believe me when I say that she will not hesitate to push for your expulsion." Her tone was harsher than she had ever used with Hermione and she realised as soon as a flicker of hurt crossed the brunette's face.
"I'm not just going to let her interfere with my education, with the entire school's education, Bella," Hermione protested, her brows pulling together as she took a step back.
Bellatrix ran a hand through her hair shaking her head. "Everything she does can be reversed. There are more important things at stake. Now is not the time to be rash. I don't like it any more than you do, believe me, but our attention needs to be on stopping Voldemort."
The younger witch scowled, pulling her arm out of Draco's grasp when he reached for her. "Maybe Auntie Bella has a point."
Hermione's scowl deepened as she shot him a glare, to which he meekly shrugged. "There's still more Horcruxes to be found and destroyed."
"Will you give us a moment, Draco," Bellatrix said softly, keeping an eye on Hermione's posture as she became increasingly closed off.
He opened his mouth to protest, but a sharp look from his aunt had him nodding and moving toward the door that had appeared.
As soon as the door shut behind her nephew, Bellatrix approached Hermione, whispering, "What's really going on, Hermione?"
"I don't know what you mean," she scoffed, turning her back to the older witch.
"What's really bothering you, love?" she asked, coming to a stop behind her.
Hermione shook her head, looking up at the high ceiling. She felt Bellatrix take a step closer and was tempted to move back into the older witch.
"Hermione," she breathed, her breath tickling the younger witch's shoulder.
At hearing the gentle way her name flowed from Bellatrix's mouth, the brunette felt her will weaken. "Umbridge hates muggleborns. I was a target last time and I'll be a target this time. But also the ministry still hasn't found Pettigrew, yet here they are interfering in the school. For what? How is it going to help in any way?"
"I won't let her target you, Hermione. And it doesn't help, but Tonks and Moody are still looking for Pettigrew, even if the ministry isn't. They'll find him," Bellatrix assured, wrapping her arms around the younger witch and pulling her close, "It's going to be okay."
"I hate Umbridge." The vitriol in Hermione's words didn't surprise Bellatrix, merely prompted her to squeeze a little tighter.
Bellatrix placed her chin on Hermione's head. "I know, love. Trust me, she may be the Undersecretary but she has a lot less power than she thinks. She won't be able to make any changes, I promise you."
"You can't know that," Hermione whispered, sinking into the embrace.
"Any unsatisfactory changes to Hogwarts curriculum or staff will make their way to the Sacred 28, which hold a lot more sway than Umbridge does. Especially considering the fact that the Black family is the most influential of them all. And I am not above using my influence to make sure things go in a favourable direction," the older witch breathed, her low voice sending shivers down Hermione's spine.
The brunette couldn't deny that Bellatrix's answer made her feel a lot better. "Okay, I'll behave."
"That's my girl," Bellatrix whispered in her ear with a sly smirk.
Hermione suppressed a shiver, turning in Bellatrix's arms. "Always, Bella."
The older witch smiled, resisting the urge to place a kiss to Hermione's lips. "Promise me you'll lay off Umbridge. If she gives you any trouble I'll handle it, okay?"
"Okay," Hermione breathed, her heart stuttering as Bellatrix tucked a few errant strands of hair behind her ear.
"Thank you." Dark eyes met amber ones, the two falling into each other.
Hermione felt herself leaning slightly up, hoping Bellatrix would give in and kiss her without thinking about it. Bellatrix licked her lips quickly, feeling herself leaning lightly down, drawn to the younger witch. They shouldn't, not with at least another year of being teacher and student. But fuck it if she hadn't waited long enough already. She leaned closer, their breaths mingling in the small space between them.
"Bella," Hermione breathed, her head tilting up just a little more.
"I really want to kiss you, Hermione," Bellatrix husked, tempted to close the distance between them.
Hermione inhaled sharply, her eyes glued to Bellatrix's lips. "Do it."
Bellatrix was tempted to fight with herself, but she had missed Hermione so much over the decades and would at least indulge in a kiss. She leaned the rest of the way down, her lips brushing softly- almost nervously- against Hermione's. The brunette threaded her hands into Bellatrix's curls, deepening the kiss as Bellatrix pulled her closer by the waist. Electricity travelled up both their spines at the long-awaited contact, even as they pulled away.
"Fuck, I could kiss you until the end of the world," Hermione laughed breathlessly.
"I would happily oblige," Bellatrix responded, smiling fondly at the brunette, "Merlin, that was so much better than I imagined it would be."
Hermione felt her cheeks redden as she mumbled, "You imagined kissing me?"
"Every day since you left," the older witch assured, brushing her nose against Hermione's.