There's Love In Information
C8: Kitty's Got Claws
Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters
Over the course of the weeks after their meeting with Madame Bones, Bellatrix spent a lot of time preparing the young brunette for her transformation, and since it was the weekend they had all the time to do that.
They also knew that Fabian and Nymphadora would be gone for most of the day, the two finally taking the time to go on a well earned date in Muggle London, so that they could minimize the chance of being recognized.
Luna was deeply embedded in her research for new investigation techniques which only left Narcissa and Andromeda to assist them in Hermione's first transformation.
Hermione was a little bit nervous but knew it would only bring her and Bellatrix closer together, although she doubted if that was possible since they hadn't left each other's side for nearly three weeks.
A part of her wondered if she hadn't developed a dependency on the raven haired witch, but just a quickly as she thought that, she dismissed it because she knew they were in the early days of their relationship and that because of their bond their magic sought to bring them up to an equal level as quickly as it could.
Today was also the day where she had woken up alone for the first time in a long time, and as she felt around for any sign of her lover, the cold sheets told her that the raven haired witch had been out of bed a while.
Hermione groaned as she sat up and stretched before getting out of bed to get dressed, figuring that a shower could wait for once, since Bellatrix had told her that she would feel the need to after her transformation.
Figuring Bellatrix wouldn't mind lending her another one of her dresses, she picked one out of her closet that would suit her, and hopefully would appease Narcissa a bit too.
As she made her way downstairs with the book she would need for the transformation today, she just couldn't help the small amount of nerves that crept into her mind. The ritual she was going to do today was an old one, and not many people in history had been able to do it because contrary to popular belief, true Animagi, those that had the innate ability to transform were rare and because it was so rare, she was nervous of the outcome.
Nymphadora had been a great help in her research, having allowed the brunette to study her as she shifted into different people, as to familiarize herself with the transformation magic. The only issue was that Nymphadora had a similar mischievous streak as Fabian and had teased her by turning into Bellatrix, Fabian and even Ginny, after she had told the Metamorphmagus that she at one time had a crush on the redhead.
What also hadn't helped was that Dora had flirted relentlessly with the brunette in all three forms which had left her flustered for most of the day, but Dora was also merciful on her and explained that it was the nature of a Metamorphmagus to flirt with everyone and that she didn't do it consciously.
When Hermione walked into the living room, she saw the three sisters sitting at the table, where a breakfast was already waiting for her. "Good morning Hermione. I trust you slept okay?" Narcissa asked with a smile.
Hermione smiled and nodded as she put her book on the side table and took a seat. "I did Cissa, thank you for asking. It was just a bit of a surprise to wake up alone again."
Bellatrix smiled at her young lover. "I wanted to do something special for you, so I took it upon myself to cook your breakfast today."
Hermione blushed a little at that. "Thank you love. That means a lot to me."
"I hope it tastes good love. Cooking was never my strong point. Cissy supervised of course, because I really don't want to poison you, but I'm not sure if I didn't accidentally burn anything." Bellatrix said in a bit of a ramble.
Hermione smiled and kissed her cheek softly. "You're so cute when you ramble Bella. I'm sure it'll be fine. I've lived on canned food for nearly a year. I think I'd survived a few burned pancakes at this point. Besides, it's the thought that counts." She said as she took a bite of her pancakes.
Bellatrix smiled at her and watched with rapt attention as her lover ate her breakfast. "Is it any good love?" She asked softly, pointedly ignoring her sister's slight glare for asking her lover anything while she was eating.
Hermione swallowed her bite and nodded. "It's amazing love. Thank you."
Bellatrix smiled triumphantly at that, much to the amusement of her sisters. "I don't know why you were so worried Bella." Andromeda said with a soft smile.
The raven haired witch just stuck her tongue out at her sister, who merely smiled at her. "And so mature too. You would almost say you weren't the oldest one of us."
"Hush Andi. We all know age is just a number and I have always been seventeen at heart." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
Andromeda smiled at that while Narcissa sighed softly. "Yes, we know that Bella. You've had little scruples showing that over the past few years, and in passing those traits to your son." Narcissa said sternly.
"To be honest I think that Dora has been more of an influence on him in that sense. I don't think I've ever been that sappy with my lovers." Bellatrix said in her own defense.
"I suppose she has a point Cissa. Fabian and Dora are ten times worse than any of us have ever been with our paramours, although having witnessed Bella and Hermione over the last weeks, I'd say they are a close second." Andromeda said with a smile.
Hermione smiled at the blush her lover was sporting. "Love, you can't exactly say that your sisters are wrong in that assessment, especially since we've done not much more than make love in the past month."
"Hermione, this is hardly a topic for breakfast." Narcissa admonished sternly.
Hermione nodded at her. "Sorry Cissa. Bella and I sometimes lack a filter when we're close."
Narcissa smiled at that. "I am well aware of my sister's lack of filter between her mouth and brain at times. I had just hoped you would have retained it."
Hermione only smiled at her as she wiped her mouth and pressed a kiss to Bella's cheek. "Usually I do, but the thing with our bond is that we feed off each other's emotions, and that can spiral very quickly if left unchecked."
Narcissa nodded and smiled at her young charge, having taken it upon herself to educate Hermione on pureblood customs and help her navigate the world as her sister's bond mate. "I understand Hermione, but do try to keep your sex life with my sister out of conversations at the table. That goes for both of you."
"Yes mother. I will be good." Bellatrix said with a grin.
Narcissa glared at her as Bellatrix pulled Hermione into her lap, resting her head on Hermione's shoulder, the four women talking a little while longer in order to prepare for this afternoon.
…
A few hours later the three sisters and Hermione, and now also joined by Luna who had taken a break from her studies to add a bit of a relaxed atmosphere to Hermione's upcoming ritual.
She had long felt the magic inside of Hermione, and knew what that magic looked like, but also knew that Hermione needed to see it for herself, all she could do is help with creating a relaxed atmosphere for her friend, something she knew the garden itself would also help with.
Hermione quickly found a spot where she could do her ritual, which was a grassy area under her favorite oak tree, a spot she had spent many hours reading or talking to Fabian about life.
"Why am I not surprised to see you choosing this spot, my love. I would dare say that this is your favorite spot in the house besides the library." Bellatrix said with a purr.
Hermione smiled at her. "Don't forget our bedroom love. I'm also very fond of that. But you are right. This tree holds a lot of good memories for me. It is where I could talk to one of my best friends without feeling the need to dumb myself down. The only ones I had that with at school were Luna and Ginny."
Luna smiled at her. "Thank you Hermione, that is quite the compliment coming from you."
"It's a fact that you were one of the smartest witches at Hogwarts, you have that way of thinking out of the box to the point the box is just a small dot in the distance, which is probably the reason Fabian wanted you as a part of his Department, regardless of your familial bond." Hermione said with a smile.
Luna merely smiled at her as Hermione got comfortable on the ground, while the others took up a spot around her, with Bellatrix taking the spot directly in front of her, locking her eyes with the brunette. "Just focus on us and our bond, Hermione. We all have the utmost faith in you." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
Hermione nodded at her as she focused her magic like she had read in the book, allowing it to form a cocoon around her as she let her inner beast come out.
She gritted her teeth as she felt the transformation take hold, and the only thing that kept her from screaming in pain was the presences she felt around her. From Narcissa's motherly love to Andromeda's innate curiosity and support to Luna's calming presence and finally she felt in all its potency Bella's unconditional love and affection filling her, all of it serving to calm her down until the transformation was complete.
Bellatrix saw how slowly the cocoon faded and in the spot Hermione was now a white leopard sat, slowly standing up and walking around a little. "Slowly darling. Get used to your new form first."
Hermione looked over to the voice she heard and purred as she walked up to Bellatrix slowly, pressed her head against the raven haired witch's stomach.
Bellatrix scratched her neck and smiled. "I think that's enough for now love. You don't want to over exert yourself too much the first time. Do you need me to walk you through the transformation?"
Hermione pushed her head against Bellatrix as she closed her eyes and transformed back into herself. "No love you don't. But you were right. I could very much use a bath right now."
Bellatrix laughed lightly at that. "It's that way for everyone, but I think my sister might find a way to ground us both if we don't talk about this first. So, how did it feel?"
"Amazing and weird at the same time. It was definitely weird and a bit painful to do the actual transformation and taking those first steps, but I can't describe the feeling of walking around like that. I can honestly say I've never felt something like it." Hermione said softly as she cuddled into her lover.
Bellatrix smiled sweetly at her. "I can imagine, and I have to say you are quite unique too. It's very uncommon even for soul mates to have the same the same Animagus form, and on top of that your leopard form has bright blue eyes, which is another very uncommon occurrence."
"We'll look into that later. First I want a bath, then food and then a nap, in that order." Hermione said softly.
"Of course love, we can do that. Will that be okay with you Cissy?" Bellatrix asked softly.
Narcissa smiled at her sister. "Of course Bella, I'll have lunch ready for her in two hours. We're all glad that I went so well, and I remember you needing some time after your first transformation too."
Bellatrix smiled at her sister as she scooped her lover into her arms before apparating them to their bedroom, where she took her time in undressing herself and the young brunette before she carried her love into the bathroom. "You did so amazing love. I have never seen someone master it so fast, although I shouldn't have been surprised. When you start researching something, you don't stop until you have memorized it all, very much like me I might add." She said as she lifted her lover into the steaming tub before taking her spot behind her love.
Hermione smiled at her. "Is that such a surprise Bella. We're soul mates for more than one reason. You're one of the few women that I can have an actual conversation with. Sure I can talk to Luna and Ginny, but you are the only one who shares my interests, and disinterests too, since we both loathe Divination."
Bellatrix smiled and pressed a kiss to her neck. "That I do, and with good reason. The Divination professor before Trelawney was even more ditzy. I honestly believe that post brings it out in people. They always speak of Prophecy but only a handful have been true Seers. Pandora used to talk circles around our old Divination teacher."
Hermione laughed at that as she relaxed against Bellatrix, neither of them feeling the need to speak further, but both content to stay exactly where they were for the time being.
…
The following morning Hermione woke up before her lover for once, and she couldn't help but smile at how her lover had sprawled herself over the bed, and partly over her as well and the brunette just couldn't help herself as she squeeze her lover's ass, making the raven haired witch moan softly. "Good morning Bella. Is there any particular reason you've taken over the bed?"
Bellatrix grumbled a little as she repositioned herself against Hermione's side. "I was exhausted last night, and I usually take up a lot of space when I'm exhausted. But judging by the way you woke up I doubt you mind."
"Never said I did love. It gives me so much to play with after all. I love playing with your butt." Hermione said softly.
Bellatrix smiled at her. "I know you do, but I do have to ask. Why did you wake me up so early?"
Hermione smiled and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I'm surprised you forgot our planned shopping trip, my love. Cissa has already checked on what's keeping us twice."
Bellatrix groaned as she burrowed herself under the covers. "Do we really have to go? I'm so comfortable right now."
"Yes we do. I can't keep borrowing your clothes and then using magic to make them fit. I need a proper wardrobe." Hermione said softly.
"But you look so good in my clothes." Bellatrix said with a slight whine.
Hermione smiled and kissed her softly. "Don't be difficult love. I promise that when we get back we can be lazy all we want. Just do this for me okay?"
Bellatrix grumbled a little. "Fine, it's not like I can say no to those chocolate eyes anyway. But I will need a bit of time to wake up. Why don't you take a shower while I will my body to wake up a bit more."
Hermione smiled and nodded. "Of course love, but don't take too long. We have a lot of stores to go to today. I've managed to convince Cissa to go to some high end Muggle stores too. She might even like the things in there."
Bellatrix nodded and flapped her hand as if to shoo her lover to the bathroom so she could wake up properly and after ten minutes of her willing her body to wake up, she finally rolled out of bed, only half awake while she fumbled around for her underwear and bra.
After finding she found her bra through sheer luck and managed to clasp it she bent over the bed to look for her panties when she heard a giggle behind her. "Looking for these Bella?"
The raven haired witch turned around and smiled at her lover when she saw her panties dangling from her lover's fingers, the brunette herself only dressed in her own bra and panties. "Hmm, cheeky witch. You planned this didn't you?"
"I may have a little. I just couldn't help getting an eyeful of that delectable ass of yours." Hermione said with a sly smirk of her own.
Bellatrix stalked up to her young Lion and took her panties before turning around for her and slowly stepping into them and sliding them up her legs, making sure her lover had a very good view of everything. "Trust me that you're not the only one in this room who wants that good a view love. You know I am going to plan something to get you into a similar situation, right?"
"I count on that to happen, and you need only ask anytime you want to see any part of my body, but we do have to get dressed now, or I think your sister might actually drag us down the stairs and into Diagon in our underwear." Hermione said softly.
Bellatrix smiled and pulled the brunette into a passionate kiss. "She wouldn't dare, but you're right, we should get dressed. I'm pretty sure Cissa can dream up of even worse punishments than just that, but having said that. We're not going anywhere before I've had a cup of coffee and some breakfast."
Hermione nodded at her. "Of course baby. I know you're not really a morning person, and I am sure your sister knows that too."
Bellatrix smiled and gave Hermione a tap on the butt before walking to her closet to get dressed, Hermione giving the raven haired witch a playful glare as she did the same.
Once they were dressed the two witches made their way downstairs, where a near irate Narcissa was waiting for them with her hands on her hips. "It's about time you two dragged yourselves out of bed."
Bellatrix smiled at her sister as she took a seat at the table and poured them both a cup of coffee. "Cissy, I promise that this time it is all my fault. I had a bit of trouble waking up this morning, so there is no need for you to be cross with Hermione."
Narcissa quirked an eyebrow at that. "And why did you have trouble waking up Bella?"
"Because unbeknownst to Hermione and myself, Hermione pulled on my magic while doing her ritual, which left me feeling very tired once we were finally in bed. I had taken up the entire bed when Hermione woke me up this morning."
Narcissa smiled at her. "I'm sorry Bella. If I had know you were that exhausted I would've not been so quick to judge."
"That's okay Cissy. In any other circumstance you would've been completely justified in your anger, but this time I really couldn't help it." Bellatrix said softly.
The blonde smiled at her as they quietly ate breakfast before their day of shopping commenced.
…
Shopping with Narcissa wasn't nearly as big of a chore as Bellatrix had made it seem, and the blonde had managed to get her an entire new wardrobe, including Muggle clothes, having relented on that when she saw the outfits Hermione had suggested, and what had surprised her more was that Bellatrix had also gotten a few of those outfits, which had looked absolutely amazing on the raven haired witch.
The two witches were now back in Diagon Alley, having completed their mandatory shopping with Narcissa, who now that Hermione had a proper wardrobe had relented on dragging them to more clothing stores.
They needed some time by themselves that didn't involve them being at the Mansion where they would just got tangled up in their sheets again. Hermione felt Bellatrix deserved a proper date and by Morgana she was going to give her lover just that, the best way she knew how.
She knew Bellatrix wasn't the type that wanted to be wined and dined all the time, although that was definitely going to happen at some point, but also very much enjoyed an intellectual date as well, so to keep in theme with their purpose of today, she took her lover to Flourish and Blots, so they could find some new books for their personal library.
There had been people who stared at them, mostly those who hadn't known Bellatrix's involvement in bringing down Voldemort, but were also too afraid to say anything about it.
Bellatrix didn't really care anymore, being used to people giving her a wide berth. Hermione on the other hand felt a bit uncomfortable with the people staring at her, and unconsciously sought more contact with the raven haired witch. "Are you okay love?" Bellatrix asked once they were alone in one of the corners of Flourish and Blots.
Hermione nodded at her. "I am. I'm just not used to people staring at me like I am dangerous. It shouldn't have to be like this, not after everything."
Bellatrix smiled and kissed her softly. "They're afraid of me love, because they believe the stuff the Prophet says about me even now. It'll take time to change peoples perspectives."
"It shouldn't have to be that way. You helped bring him down for Morgana's sake, and it would be another thing entirely if you would've done it from behind the scenes, but you stood side by side with everyone who has been lauded for his defeat." The brunette said animatedly.
"I know little Lion, but I could've been the one who delivered the killing blow to that bastard and people would still be looking at me like this. They believe history rather than the present." Bellatrix said softly.
Hermione huffed as she wrapped an arm around her lover's waist. "Doesn't make it right though, especially since those same people were so quick to put me on a pedestal because I kept those two idiots alive."
Bellatrix smiled and pressed a kiss to her lover's cheek. "People will come around love, I promise. Besides, does it really matter what people think of us?"
Hermione smiled at her. "I suppose it doesn't. We've been through too much to let anyone sow discord between us."
Bellatrix smiled and nodded. "That's the spirit love, now is there anything in particular that tickles your fancy, because I know of another bookshop that not many people know about, since it is a bit out of the way."
"There is a lot that tickles my fancy love, you know that. I would love to see where your secret book shop is." Hermione said with a smile.
Bellatrix smiled at her as she linked their arms and led her lover out of the bookstore. "It's a bit of a walk, but I promise it'll be worth it, and if you don't mind, we need to make a stop at Glittering Wishes. I need to pick up something for Luna."
Hermione smiled at her. "Of course I don't mind love, although I will admit I am a little bit curious about what you need to get.
"Fabian ordered a necklace and ring for her to show that she is a Black. It's mostly for formal functions but Cissy usually insists on full formal attire, and that includes jewelry. That's why I got you your ring already." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
Hermione nodded and smiled at her. "Is Cissa planning something then?"
"She is always planning a party, but I have a feeling that the next party we're going to attend will be one to remember. It'll be her first after the war and she will want to make a statement with it."
Hermione only smiled at her as they walked down the alley arm in arm, sharing sweet smiles and sweet nothings with each other.
Both women were so engrossed in each other that they didn't even notice who was walking towards them until they heard him shout. "What the hell are you doing with her Hermione? Get away from her. She's dangerous." Harry said in outrage.
Hermione raised an eyebrow at him. "How quick you are to forget when it suits you Harry. Have you already forgotten how Bellatrix has helped you survive that final battle? She is not dangerous and least of all to me."
"How can you say that when she tortured you for hours on end. We've all heard you scream." Harry said loudly.
Hermione just shook her head at him. "Not that it is any of your business, but Bellatrix and I had agreed on that. It had to look real for the other Death Eaters and when we were alone nothing happened that I didn't agree to. All of her spells were purposely weak and she mostly kept to jinxes. You don't get to judge her when you've done worse to me for nearly seven years."
He glared at them. "How can you say that. I never wanted all of that to happen, and I certainly didn't want to get my friends involved."
Hermione and Bellatrix both sighed at that. "You're just like Sirius. Always moaning and bitching how terribly unfair your lives have been. I have a newsflash for you Potter. My parents were ten times worse than my aunt and uncle ever were. My sisters and I were abused daily by them, but you don't hear me bitching about it. So you either tell me what your problem with us is, or let us get on with the rest of our day. We have more important things to do than to argue with you." Bellatrix said with a barely restrained eye roll, but with clear venom in her words.
Harry sputtered a little before stomping off, clearly not wanting to get into an emotional standoff with the two witches. It was clear to him who Hermione had chosen and it wasn't her friends anymore.
This left Bellatrix and Hermione a bit confused, but shrugged it off as they continued their walk through Diagon, neither of them noticing how Harry met up with Ron a bit further in the Alley.
…
When the two women appeared back in their living room, they were greeted by the sight of Fabian and Nymphadora making out on the couch, the latter being naked from the waist up, and it was clear to them both that she had her hand in his pants. "Ahem. What exactly do you two think you're doing to my beloved couch?"
The two just smiled at her. "Nothing that we haven't caught you two doing Mom. We're just making out a little."
"Your cousin is topless and has her hand down your pants. I think you two are well beyond the making out stage." Bellatrix said with a raised eyebrow.
"Actually aunt Bella, my hand is on his stomach, as his is on mine. I had a bit of a bad reaction to something I ate and you know how Fabian's touch soothes me. The reason for me being topless is because of the top I wore today. It felt too confining for me and this helps me feel better." Dora said softly.
Bellatrix smiled at them. "I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions, I was mostly teasing, since Cissy has caught me and Hermione in quite similar positions. Are you feeling better?"
Nymphadora smiled at her. "Better than I was. I still can't figure out what exactly it was that I ate wrong, and a Diagnostic Spell doesn't tell us anything either."
Hermione smiled at her. "Perhaps it is something your Metamorphmagus blood is reacting to. Have you ever had anything like this before?"
"Not that I know of, but it might be a possibility. It's been the first time I've eaten at such a fancy Muggle restaurant, but how was your day?" Nymphadora asked as she summoned her top so she could at least retain some form of modesty in front of her lover's best friend and her aunt.
Both Hermione and Bellatrix smiled at her as they took a seat on the other couch. "After shopping with Cissy, we had a blast. We even got to tell Potter off, or at least Hermione did most of that."
"I guess it was just a matter of time before one of them would make a move against you two. They were too deep in Dumbledore's bullshit to be deterred of confronting us for long. Dumbledore has always had something against our family, and therefor so do Harry and Ron even if they don't know why." Fabian said softly.
"I suppose you're right Fabe. It just feels like such a stab in the back after everything I've done for those two. They even accused Bella of working with the Death Eaters in the final battle." Hermione said with a huff.
Fabian and Dora laughed softly at that. "Of course they did, because they so staunchly believe in Dumbledore's lies, they only see what they want. Mom could've jumped in front of a hex for Potter and he would've said she was working with the Death Eaters. They'll never believe anything concerning my Mom coming from you, and I fear they might escalate things eventually."
"That's what I fear too, and it's because of that I plan on going directly to Madame Bones and tell her of today's confrontation. It will mean more coming from us." Hermione said softly.
Fabian smiled and nodded at her. "We understand Hermione, and since they are already on an official warning, I doubt they'll be allowed to continue their training. I think Madame Bones will have them on indefinite desk duty. I've seen it happen a few times where open dissenters were just put on desk duty." Nymphadora said with a soft smile.
Hermione nodded at that as she cuddled into Bellatrix. "Good. They deserve no better than that."
Bellatrix smiled at her. "I'm still very proud of you love. You've shown them today that you're no longer the meek little girl who helped them win a war, but a confident young woman and war hero who does not, and will not blindly follow doctrine anymore."
Hermione smiled at that. "Of course I don't, I haven't paid attention to a word the old man said ever since you opened my eyes to the truth back in third year. I think that is part of the reason Ron especially doesn't trust me anymore. I think he has known for a while that I didn't care to follow the 'greater good' and in turn do what everyone expected of me."
"How about we talk about this tomorrow. We've had an amazing day and I wouldn't want to spoil the mood any further. Let's just take a while to relax." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
Hermione nodded and cuddled even more into her lover's side, Nymphadora doing the same with Fabian, tracing random lines on his stomach under his shirt, the four talking softly to each other until Narcissa called them in for dinner.