Hermione was nervous as she followed Bellatrix through the manor. She had so many questions, about Bellatrix and about Tom Riddle, but she said nothing. She had no idea where to start with her questions and even if she did, she doubted she would get her answers.
"Are you okay?" Bellatrix asked concerned. Even with her Occlumency shields, Bellatrix could feel the tension coming from her.
"I'm fine," Hermione assured the older woman. "I'm just… I don't know, curious as to what Mr. Riddle could possibly want with a second year."
"You are rather impressive for a second year," Bellatrix noted. "Not many second years can do what you are capable of."
"Even the purebloods?" Hermione couldn't help but ask.
Bellatrix laughed. "Yes, even some of the purebloods," she confirmed.
They stood outside an office that Hermione knew wasn't Lucius'. Bellatrix knocked on the door and they waited. "Come in," a low voice called.
Bellatrix and Hermione walked into the room. Tom Riddle was sitting behind the desk. His gray eyes were focused on papers in front of him. Hermione couldn't tell what the papers were and didn't want to snoop. He looked up when they stood in front of the desk.
"Ms. Granger," he greeted. He glanced at Bellatrix. He knew of her wish for Hermione not to know who she was. While he didn't agree, he respected her decision. "Morgana, you can leave."
Bellatrix looked back and forth between the Dark Lord and Hermione. "Of course My L… Tom," she corrected. She glanced at Hermione and mentally sighed. Thanks to her slip she wouldn't be surprised if Hermione figured out he was the Dark Lord. Assuming she didn't already know.
"Please sit," Tom said gesturing to the seat in front of him. Hermione sat down and waited for him to begin. "You're quiet. Are you afraid?"
"No," Hermione said. She was surprised by how confident she sounded.
Tom studied her for a minute before he felt satisfied. She was lying, but just a little. She wasn't necessarily afraid. But she was nervous. "I'm sure you're wondering why you're here," he started. Hermione nodded. "I've heard about you from Morgana. You're rather impressive for a twelve-year-old."
"Thirteen," Hermione corrected.
"Ah yes, thirteen," Tom said with a nod. He recalled hearing her birthday was in September and because of that she started a year late. "Still, you're top of your class and have been since you started at Hogwarts. And you're a Muggleborn."
Hermione crossed her arms over her chest. "So, my accomplishments mean nothing because I'm a Muggleborn?"
Tom leaned back in his seat. "I think you misunderstand me," he said calmly. "I'm not judging you for being a Muggleborn. That is something we cannot change. But we can change your image. I believe Lady Malfoy has already started."
"The shopping trip," Hermione said.
"Yes, the shopping trip. She got you a wardrobe befitting of a Pureblood. Just because you're not a Pureblood doesn't mean you can't act like one." He paused for a moment, carefully considering his next words. "As you know the wizarding world has been in a war for more than a decade."
"I thought the war ended when the Dark Lord was defeated," Hermione interrupted.
Tom held back a smirk. Only his followers and those that supported him referred to him as the Dark Lord. It appeared Bellatrix had her work cut out for her. "The war was temporarily stopped, yes," Tom said. "But the war never officially ended. The Dark Lord has followers everywhere. They carry on his work even in his absence."
"Do you support the Dark Lord?" Hermione asked curious.
"I support his goals," Tom admitted.
Hermione frowned. That didn't answer her question. "Do you know about dark magic?" Hermione wanted to know if she could learn from him, seeing as it was almost impossible to learn on her own.
Tom raised his hand a book flew off the shelf and into his hand. Hermione's eyes widened as he handed the book to her. "Read this," he instructed. "And, if once you're finished you're still interested in learning. I will teach you whatever you want to learn." Hermione read the book title, Magick Moste Evile. "I must warn you Ms. Granger. Some of things in this book are darker than you can imagine. If it makes you uncomfortable in any way then you're not cut out for dark magic."
Hermione nodded in understanding. "Can you teach me wandless magic too?"
Tom rubbed his chin. "Not right now," he said slowly. Hermione's face fell. "Wandless magic is taxing. Attempting it too young can damage your magical core. I will train you, just not yet. Perhaps when I see how you do with dark magic. Is that acceptable?"
"Yes sir," Hermione agreed. The promise of teaching was enough for her.
"One last warning," Tom said. "That book is… not illegal but will definitely raise some questions that you don't want to answer. Don't get caught with it."
"I will be careful sir," Hermione promised. She shifted in her seat. "Uh, was there anything else you needed from me?" she asked, hoping she didn't come off rude.
Tom laughed. "No, Ms. Granger. You can go," Tom told her. "We will meet again before you leave for school."
"Thank you sir," Hermione said before leaving the room.
Bellatrix was waiting for her. "How did it go?" she asked curious. She shouldn't be asking. If the Dark Lord wanted her to know then he would tell her himself. But she couldn't help but be curious. It was her job to convert Hermione to the dark after all.
"It was… good," Hermione said slowly. "I think. He offered to train me after I read this." Hermione showed her the book Tom had given her.
Bellatrix's eyes widened at the sight of the book. "Promise me you will be careful," Bellatrix said urgently. "And promise you won't try any of these spells until Tom teaches them to you."
Hermione frowned. "I promise. But why?"
"The dark arts are dangerous Hermione," Bellatrix started. They stopped outside of Hermione's room. "Perhaps this would be best in private." Hermione led Bellatrix inside. She sat on her bed and waited. Bellatrix took a seat at the desk, knowing it wasn't proper to be on the bed with Hermione while she was still young. "The dark arts are seductive," Bellatrix continued. "If you're not properly trained you will become addicted and lose yourself completely. I don't want to see that happen to you."
Hermione got off her bed and walked over to Bellatrix. She knelt down in front of Bellatrix and touched her cheek. It was the first time she initiated contact with the older woman. Her hand burned against Bellatrix's skin but it wasn't painful. It was…comforting for lack of a better term.
Bellatrix closed her eyes, completely unaware that Hermione felt the same as she did in that moment. She'd been avoiding physical contact for a while now and that all went to hell. She should have stopped Hermione but she couldn't bring herself to do it.
Hermione withdrew her hand far too soon for Bellatrix's liking. Bellatrix opened her eyes and found Hermione staring at her. "I promise to be careful," she said softly. "And I promise not to use dark magic without Tom, or you." She put her hand on Bellatrix's covered thigh. It wasn't meant to mean anything but it did.
That was the best that Bellatrix could hope for. She knew Hermione would keep her promise. She was still nervous though. There was just too much that could go wrong. She hated that at thirteen years old Hermione was already interested in the dark arts. It was the same age that she started practicing at the insistence of her parents. It was fitting that the Dark Lord would teach Hermione, as he was the one that taught her all those years ago.
"Good," Bellatrix managed to say. She couldn't help but worry for her young bonded. The girl was slowly becoming more and more like her, without the Black madness. While it made her mission easier, it was concerning. She was so close to losing herself. In fact, if Rodolphus and Rabastan weren't caught for torturing the Longbottom's she would have lost herself. They would have made sure of it. Now Rodolphus was dead and Rabastan was rotting in Azkaban, at least until the Dark Lord decided to free them. Fortunately for her, he wasn't in a hurry. Freeing his followers would only alert the wizarding world to his return and he didn't want that.
"Are you okay?" Hermione asked concerned. She withdrew her hand. She didn't want to but it seemed weird to keep touching the other woman. She was only thirteen. It wasn't proper. Even if it bothered her.
"I'm fine," Bellatrix assured her. She stood up. "Come, I'm sure Draco will come looking for you soon." Hermione followed Bellatrix out of her room. "You haven't mentioned your parents lately," Bellatrix commented.
"I haven't talked to them much," Hermione admitted. "They don't understand magic and… well it's better if I stay in the wizarding world and they stay in the muggle world."
"Have they hurt you?" Bellatrix asked concerned. If they had she would kill them. She wouldn't tolerate anyone harming her young bonded.
"No, of course not," Hermione said horrified at the thought. "Like I said, they don't understand. I went home during the summer for a while and it was just awkward. So, I left. I spent the rest of the summer with Pansy and her family. It was…nice. My parents sent me some money so I could buy my school things. I think we decided it was best to stay apart."
"I'm sorry Hermione," Bellatrix said sadly. As much as she hated Muggles, she didn't want Hermione to lose her only family. Well, she did, but she didn't want Hermione to be upset.
"It's okay. I'm okay," Hermione promised. "I think the only way they'll be happy is if I give up magic altogether and I don't want to do that. Magic is a part of me. They just…they can't see that."
Bellatrix put her hand on Hermione's arm. "It'll be okay Hermione," she promised.
"I know," Hermione said putting her hand over Bellatrix's. "I read that muggle parents struggle with having magical children. I wonder… I wonder if maybe it's best if muggleborns don't return home after starting at Hogwarts." She frowned. "Then again maybe it's just me."
"It's not just you," Bellatrix told her. "Muggles struggle with what they can't understand. Are you not going home this summer?"
Hermione shook her head. "I'm staying here. Draco already invited me. I told my parents and they said it was a good idea."
Bellatrix pulled Hermione in for a hug. She had already broken all her rules, so why not. "You don't need them," Bellatrix whispered in her ear. "You have us and if you need anything, let me know."
"What if I want to go to Muggle London?" Hermione asked curious.
"Then I will escort you," Bellatrix told her. Although she really didn't want to go to the Muggle world. Still, someone had to keep an eye on Hermione and it was best if she did it. After all, Hermione was her responsibility. "Do you want to go to Muggle London?"
Hermione laughed. "No," she assured Bellatrix. "I mean, maybe to the bookstore over the summer. But right now, no. I really have no reason to go. Can you help me with something?"
Bellatrix released her. "What do you need?" she asked.
"Christmas is in a couple days," Hermione started. "I didn't get anything for Lucius and Narcissa but I feel like I should. I just…I don't know what to get them."
"I'll take care of it," Bellatrix promised. She had the perfect idea for her sister and brother-in-law.
"Thank you," Hermione said hugging the older woman again.
"Is everything alright?" Narcissa asked, approaching the two. She wanted to check on Hermione and found Hermione hugging her sister. Her sister that insisted there be no physical contact between the two until Hermione was much older. She had questions for her sisters. Questions that couldn't be asked with Hermione around.
Hermione pulled away from Bellatrix. "Everything's fine," she said.
"Draco was looking for you," Narcissa told her. "He thought it was best you two got started on your homework. He's in the library."
"I'll grab my things and meet him there," Hermione said. She glanced at Bellatrix. She wanted to hug her again, or something, but it seemed wrong with Narcissa standing right there. "I'll see you later." It sounded more like a question than a statement. Hermione had a bad feeling she wouldn't see Bellatrix.
"I'll be at dinner," Bellatrix promised. "You best not keep Draco waiting. He's not known for his patience."
Hermione walked back to her room to grab her things. When she returned to the hallway, Bellatrix and Narcissa were gone.
"What is going on?" Narcissa demanded after dragging Bellatrix to her room. "Yesterday you insisted you wouldn't be close to her, and yet I find you hugging her."
"She initiated physical contact," Bellatrix protested weakly. Her sister was right. She had insisted on keeping Hermione at arms length. It was safest for both of them. But she wouldn't deny Hermione comfort if she needed it. "She wants to learn dark magic."
Narcissa's eyes widened in surprise. "Does she understand what that means?" She wouldn't let Draco learn anything other than the basics until he was older. Dark magic was dangerous for children to be messing with.
"She does," Bellatrix confirmed. "At least the theory behind the addiction. She'll never fully understand until she starts practicing. And I made her promise to only practice with me or with Tom."
"How did the Dark Lord respond to her?" Narcissa asked curious. This was the first time the Dark Lord had showed any interest in a Muggleborn. It made all the Dark Lord's supporters curious.
"He's intrigued," Bellatrix informed her. "I haven't talked to him since the meeting though. I think he's impressed, though I doubt he would admit it."
"Be careful Bella," Narcissa said softly. "What you're doing with Hermione… she's your soulmate. I don't think you realize how much power you have over her."
"What are you talking about Cissy?" Bellatrix demanded.
"I had Lucius do some checking," Narcissa admitted. "Bella, as her soulmate, you are Hermione's magical guardian. Lucius buried the information but it won't stayed buried. Someday it will come out, and when it does, she's going to be in a lot of danger, from both sides."