DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER.

December 31 1968

Abhimanyu was quite excited as he ate his breakfast in the Great Hall. For, his parents would be coming to Hogsmeade to see him.

Christmas had been quite fun with Ginger, Ted and the Black sisters. Bellatrix had given Abhimanyu a book on dueling and a locket in which there was a photo of Abhimanyu and Bellatrix standing together, hugging each other and smiling.

Now on New Year's Eve, he could hardly wait to see his parents after such a long time. Bellatrix herself was curious to see what kind of people his parents were and Abhimanyu was eager to introduce her and her sisters to them.

Around 11:15, Abhimanyu was studying with Bellatrix and Ginger in the Great Hall when suddenly, they heard Professor McGonagall calling out, "Mr. Pandey."

They turned and saw her standing nearby.

McGonagall said, "Mr. Pandey, the Headmaster wants you to come to his office immediately. Your parents are here in Hogwarts with him."

Abhimanyu stood up and exclaimed, "They've arrived?! They're here! Thank you, I'll go now."

McGonagall said smilingly, "You'd better run along. I'll see you later."

"See you later Professor," Abhimanyu replied before running to the Headmaster's office.

Minerva smiled at him and Bellatrix as the former rushed off.

A few days before the start of the holidays, she had been walking near the lake when she had accidently stumbled upon Bellatrix and Abhimanyu kissing.

They had been startled upon noticing her, but she had simply smiled and told them not to worry as classes had just ended.

She knew about their relationship, but kept it a secret for their sake, not wanting it to spread and become a subject of gossip.

Meanwhile, Abhimanyu had reached Dumbledore's office and was now standing in front of the Headmaster's table.

He spoke, "Professor, you called."

Dumbledore smiled and spoke, "Abhimanyu, it is good that you have arrived. I have brought your parents to the school as promised, and they are standing right here. Look to your left."

Abhimanyu looked to his left and received a surprise.

For, standing before him were his parents, excited as they looked at their son.

Abhimanyu rushed forward and hugged them, after having not seen them for so long.

"Ma, Papa," he cried out excitedly.

"Beta," Subhadra cried out, "I've missed you so much! I'm so glad to come and see you." With that, she kissed his cheek.

R.K. said, "Professor Dumbledore was just telling us that you are a very responsible boy, and that you have been going through some interesting times."

Subhadra teased, "Abhimanyu, do you have a girlfriend?"

Abhimanyu felt embarrassed by that question and stood frozen, not knowing what to say.

Finally, he spluttered, "Ma, I'd like you to meet my friend Bellatrix."

A few minutes later, Bellatrix found herself in the Headmaster's office.

She asked, "Headmaster, what's going on?"

Dumbledore replied, "Ah Ms. Black, your friend wishes to introduce you to his parents, Mr. R.K. Pandey, and Mrs. Subhadra Pandey."

Bellatrix turned to see the couple and politely said, "Hello Mr. and Mrs. Pandey."

R.K. Pandey said, "Namaste. You must be my son's friend Bellatrix."

Subhadra looked at Abhimanyu's face, and then moved over to Bellatrix.

She greeted, "Hello Beti, so pleased to meet you."

The next moment, Bellatrix found herself being hugged by Subhadra, and was stunned. This woman was meeting her only for the first time, and yet Bellatrix wasn't feeling uncomfortable being hugged like this. Her own parents were more of the strict authoritative type, and her father especially would hardly ever show any affection or try to have some fun with her and her sisters, but would mostly lecture them about blood purity and the Black House beliefs. Sure, he and Mother had been affectionate to them during their childhood, but with age, they had become more and more authoritative and ruthless. Even so, they were at least not as ruthless as their aunt Walburga Black, Sirius' and Regulus' mother.

And Abhimanyu's parents on the other hand seemed to be cheerful, welcoming, and affectionate.

After the hug, Bellatrix looked at Abhimanyu's parents.

Yes, they were Muggles, but they seemed to be quite nice people.

A little while later, Bellatrix, Abhimanyu, and his parents were standing at the entrance of the castle, ready to go to Hogsmeade. Andromeda, Narcissa and Ginger were there as well.

Andromeda smiled at the couple and said, "Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Pandey."

Bellatrix said, "This is Andromeda, and this is Narcissa, my sisters."

Subhadra said, "It's wonderful to meet you two."

R.K. spoke, "Abhimanyu has mentioned a lot about you. It's nice to meet you."

Narcissa replied, "Pleasure to meet you too."

They went to Hogsmeade and soon, they were standing by the same tree where Bellatrix and Abhimanyu normally hung out on dates. Abhimanyu was talking to his father about the upcoming quidditch matches and studies, and Bellatrix was talking alone with Subhadra.

Subhadra asked, "So Bellatrix, I hope you don't mind me asking, but is my son treating you well?"

Bellatrix replied, "He is. And there is something which I don't know if you're going to like or not, but please do not tell this to anyone."

Subhadra replied, "Of course I won't. Can I tell my husband?"

Bellatrix looked at him and Abhimanyu and said, "I don't know how he'll react. I'm just not ready for him to know."

Subhadra assured her saying, "If you don't want to tell anyone, I won't."

Bellatrix then took a deep breath and explained, "The thing is, it's about Abhimanyu. I love him."

Subhadra looked at Bellatrix and after a few moments spoke, "Do you really love my son?"

Bellatrix replied, "I do. He's kind, caring and we love each other."

Subhadra then gripped Bellatrix's shoulders and said, "If you and Abhimanyu really love each other, I understand. But if he ever tries to harm you or have you for himself or dominate you, you must not hesitate to break up with him."

Bellatrix declared, "Abhimanyu would never do a thing like that to me."

Subhadra smiled and said, "I know. As long as he knows that you have your responsibilities and respects that, doesn't let himself get carried away or take anything for granted, and you are happy and respected and in turn help him, I'm fine with this relationship."

Bellatrix replied, "Abhimanyu and I often study together. I've been helping him with dueling especially. Currently, both he and I are dueling champions in Hogwarts. And I love your son."

Subhadra exclaimed, "Champions! That's so amazing! Abhimanyu, dueling champion, come here!"

Abhimanyu who was still talking to his father, turned to see his mother and walked towards her.

She smiled at him and said, "I'm so proud of you, the dueling champion and Head Boy of Hogwarts."

Abhimanyu said, "Ma, Bellatrix helped me a lot."

Subhadra leaned forward and whispered into his ear, "I know you have a girlfriend."

"Ma!" Abhimanyu cried out.

Subhadra laughed and said, "I understand. Just be responsible and don't get carried away, and remember, always give her her own space when she needs it. Remember what I have told you."

"Yes Ma," Abhimanyu replied.

Subhadra laughingly said, "My son is all grown up. Girlfriend in his final year."

Bellatrix piped up, "I hope you don't mind it."

Subhadra said, "I don't. Thank you for helping him so much."

Bellatrix simply said, "He has been a good friend to me and I love him."

Later on, Abhimanyu and his parents, plus the Black sisters and Ginger had their lunch at the Great Hall in the castle. Abhimanyu's parents stayed on until the evening and then left for their home, but not before giving several hugs to Abhimanyu. Bellatrix was quite surprised when she received a hug from Subhadra, and happily hugged her back.

When Abhimanyu and his friends were eating dinner, Andromeda stated, "Your parents are quite nice people. To be honest, I can't help envying you. I wish Mother and Father would be more supportive, patient and understanding like them."

Bellatrix said, "Andi, whatever happens, as long as we stick together, we'll be fine."

Narcissa said, "Tomorrow it'll be 1969."

Abhimanyu added, "And with it, comes our NEWTs."

"And our OWLs," Andromeda added, "And then you and Bellatrix will both have to find something to do. Bellatrix is going to be an auror."

Abhimanyu's eyes widened in excitement and he said, "That's cool. I've been thinking about being an auror too. First I thought I'd be a healer or a teacher, but being an auror also sounds quite exciting. Now I've decided to be an auror."

Bellatrix said, "Let's do this together. We can both be aurors."

Abhimanyu said, "Yes, together."

Ginger said, "Why don't we stay up till midnight?"

Narcissa said, "Good idea. The question is, what are we going to do?"

Abhimanyu said, "It's still 8:45 pm. Maybe we could fly around on our brooms for a while."

Bellatrix exclaimed, "It's pitch black out there! And we're not supposed to fly out so late! Are you insane?!"

Abhimanyu said, "Idea dropped. How about reading or playing a game or something?"

Ginger said, "I might have wizarding monopoly with me. I'll check my stuff. I think I brought it. It's been a long time since we last played."

After dinner, they went to the Gryffindor Common room, accompanied by Ted where Ginger found his wizarding monopoly set and they all sat down to play a game. As it was the holidays, McGonagall had given permission for Bellatrix and her sisters as well as Ted thanks to the Head Boy to visit the Gryffindor Common room. Plus, Abhimanyu and Bellatrix had informed McGonagall that they were planning to sleep only after midnight, and she had given her consent, just for this night.

They played for a long time, and close to midnight, Narcissa was the richest person in the game, Abhimanyu and Bellatrix equally rich and trying to sort out something about properties, and Ted having ended up bankrupt.

Ted groaned and looked at his watch. Suddenly, he exclaimed, "Guys, it's almost midnight! Just five minutes to 1969! Everyone, let's gather around!"

They all held hands and stared at their watches, and soon, they struck midnight and everyone shouted, "HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

There were several hugs as they all welcomed the New Year.

And then, they had to wind up the game and return to their respective quarters.

Soon, Bellatrix and Abhimanyu were the last ones left in the common room.

They shared a kiss after wishing each other a happy new year.

After the kiss, Abhimanyu whispered, "Happy Birthday Bella."

Bellatrix smiled and hugged him whispering, "Thank you, Abhimanyu."