There's Love In Information
C11: New Prospects
Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters.
Over the course of the next two months, Hermione and Bellatrix had been seriously contemplating their earlier decision not to accept Fabian and Dora's offer to become agents in their Department. It all seemed so much easier and after witnessing the dynamic within the Department, both women realized that their own plans very much coincided with what the D.M.I.I. could offer them.
Hermione still had some doubts about this, mostly because she hated taking orders from anyone, even though her bosses would be her best friends. Her perception on that had changed somewhat now that she had seen how the Department worked together, but after so many years of having to take orders from Dumbledore, it left her a bit cautious.
The Manor had also become more and more stifling for both of them, since they had nothing else to do than either practice Hermione's Animagus form or make love for endless hours.
Bellatrix noticed the inner monologue her lover was having and decided to help her a little. "What's wrong little lion? What has your impressive mind in such a tiff?"
Hermione smiled and pressed herself closer to her raven haired lover. "A lot to be honest, but mainly what we've talked about in joining the D.M.I.I. after all. I am a little bit wary about having to take orders from anyone again."
Bellatrix smiled at that as they walked into a restaurant so they could have lunch. "I don't think Fabian will see either of us as underlings Hermione, plus he isn't really a boss as much as a director of operations. As far as I've seen everyone is pretty much equal in that Department and I'll admit that I have the same thoughts as well, I would rather not have my own son boss me around, although it would be a nice bit of payback for him."
Hermione smiled at her. "Trust me that the same goes for me Bella, but you're right. We've seen that the Department is more like a family than anything else and I doubt Fabian would be that type of boss. It's just not in his nature."
"That's very true, and I know he doesn't want to be that type of boss either. As far as I've seen he leads the Department on trust instead of obedience, since he knows that one will instill the other automatically." Bellatrix said softly.
Hermione nodded at that. "I know, and he is a master at it, undoubtedly something he learned from you."
Bellatrix smiled at that. "While I have been responsible for a lot of Fabian's upbringing, that is something that comes from Pandora. She has taught both him and Luna that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. I was always particularly bad at that part of adult life."
The brunette smiled at her. "Oh I doubt that, my love. You've raised a gentleman in every sense of the word, and I happen to see a lot of you in him."
Just as Bellatrix wanted to respond the waiter came to take their orders, and to both of their surprise they ordered exactly the same, being a shepherd's pie for both of them.
Once the waiter had taken their order, Bellatrix took the brunette's hand. "To be honest I've had a lot of help in raising Fabian. I had no clue how to be a mother, never having expected that I would be a mother, let alone to such a beautiful baby boy, because yes, he was just as handsome when he was a baby. The pictures I showed you hardly did him justice. Andi, Cissy, Pandora and even Nymphadora were just as instrumental in raising him. Cissy taught him manners and etiquette, Pandora made sure he would be kind and open to others, Andi taught him responsibility and I taught him to attain as much knowledge as possible as well as teaching him that his mind was his greatest asset. Dora of course taught him his mischievousness."
Hermione smiled at that. "You taught him his most important traits then. While everything your sisters and Pandora taught him were equally important, his mind is and probably will always be his greatest asset, and that, my love, is all on you, and the entire community should be thanking you, because if it hadn't been for him I would've never found out about the nature of Horcruxes."
Bellatrix smiled at that. "You never told me about that. I think I need to have a good talk with my son about exactly what he did before the war and where exactly he got that information from."
"I know what you're thinking and you don't need to get mad at him for that. I found the book in Dumbledore's office and since I had some trouble interpreting certain things, I asked Fabian to help me. He made me see the things I was missing which is where I got my ability to read between the lines from, since I was mostly a very linear reader before then, and while that has helped me become who I am today, Fabian taught me as much as school did in that aspect." Hermione said with a soft smile.
"He has always been good at that. From the time he taught himself how to read he was always diving way deeper into the books than anyone I had ever seen. It was as surprising then as it is now." Bellatrix said softly.
Hermione smiled at that, picturing in her mind a very young Fabian with the look he usually had when he was investigating something. "That must've looked absolutely adorable. How old was he when he started reading? I've always been curious about that."
"He was three, and I'm pretty sure he would've started sooner if he'd been able to reach the bottom shelves in the library. It wasn't uncommon for him to have Luna on his shoulders so she could get a book for them to peruse. If we didn't know where to find them, the first place we always looked was the library. The second one would be Dora's bedroom." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
"You make it seem like Dora was another mother for them at times." Hermione said with a smile.
Bellatrix smiled at that. "Dora has always been very protective of both him and Luna, and usually made sure they took their naps, and more often than not joining them for said nap. The three of them were quite inseparable in their youth, and now of course Fabian and Dora are even more inseparable than they used to be."
Hermione smiled and nodded. "It has certainly been an interesting dynamic to witness at all hours. They're both sweet and incredibly distracting to watch."
Bellatrix only smiled at that as their lunch arrived, the two witches taking their time in enjoying their lunch.
…
After lunch and a little bit more shopping, the two witches decided to make their way back to the Manor, so they could finally talk about what they both had been avoiding for most of the afternoon, namely the fact that they both wanted to join the D.M.I.I. but that Hermione was still afraid
That is why Bellatrix had taken her witch to the one place they would never be disturbed, the private library they kept in their bedroom, which had been added to quite a bit by Hermione over the last few months and to make it even more comfortable, they had put in a nice loveseat where they could cuddle up together, which is exactly what they did now. "So love, now that we are sure that nothing will distract us, has your mind settled a bit about us joining the D.M.I.I. in a full time capacity?" She asked softly.
Hermione nodded and smiled. "It has, and we should do it. It'll give us something to do and it will certainly be mentally stimulating enough for us not to get bored anytime soon. And of course I know that Fabian and Dora will make us feel welcome."
Bellatrix smiled at her. "I'm also pretty sure that they'll give us plenty of opportunity to explore our own interests within the Department, little lion. Cissy told me they've put in a sizable potions lab recently for her and Luna, and I there are plenty of rooms available where we could work on spell theory."
Hermione smiled at that. "Among other things. I know you're also very much into the practice of developing new spells, and I think the would be happy to add such a room for us."
"I would dare say that they either already have it, or have plans to do so, since they both like to dabble in that as well." Bellatrix said with a soft smile as she nuzzled her lover's neck.
Hermione moaned softly as she pressed herself against her raven haired lover. "Bella, don't start now." She admonished softly.
Bellatrix smiled at her. "Sorry baby, I couldn't resist, but shall we tell them tonight that we are interested in taking up their offer?"
Hermione nodded at her. "It would be for the best. The raid on the Lestranges is planned for next week, so if we could be a part of the Department before that happens, it'll be easier to explain our involvement."
Hermione smiled at that. "Good, then I can't wait to see the look on both their faces when we tell them of our change of heart. I expect them to be quite shocked."
"Probably, but I have a feeling that Fabian would've expected this would happen. He knows you so well after all." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
Hermione smiled and turned around to straddle her lover. "That he does, not as well as you though, which I hope will remain that way. Him catching me naked once was bad enough."
Bellatrix laughed at that as she wrapped her arms around her lover's waist, remembering the particular Christmas that happened. "It was pretty funny though, you can at least admit that."
Hermione smiled and nodded. "I suppose, but at that age having your best friend catching you naked in the bathroom first thing in the morning is embarrassing."
"I would've thought that you would have been more aware of your surroundings given who your friends were at the time, although you were not entirely to blame, Fabian usually is more than content to use his own bathroom, I still don't know what possessed him to use another one that day." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
Hermione laughed lightly at that. "He told me why. He was barely awake when he stumbled into the bathroom and only noticed where he was when he saw that I had just come out of the shower and was doing some necessary grooming. I don't think I have ever seen him blush more than that morning."
"He was a lot more quiet than usual that day at breakfast, but I'm pretty sure that similar situations will arise in the future. My son is an expert at walking into a room at precisely the right moment, which I will admit is something he completely got from me." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
"Oh I know, remember that there have also been a few times you've caught me naked in my room before we got together. It's like both of you have a built in nudity sensor, but unlike with Fabian, I had less issue with you catching me naked, but why would similar situations arise in the future?" Hermione asked softly.
Bellatrix smiled and kissed her lover softly. "Because there will undoubtedly be moments where either us or Fabian and Dora will be so overcome with lust for each other that it is pretty likely that it will be in some part of the house where others may just walk in. it's bound to happen with how addicted most couples in the house are to each other, so we may also be witness to Luna and Fleur sharing their love, so to speak. It is an inevitability with a family that is so open with each other."
Hermione smiled and pressed herself close to Bellatrix. "Thankfully we don't have that problem now, since we both know the rest of the family is still at work and no one will be able to find us here, and right now, I think we've done enough talking. I want you Bellatrix Black, and preferably naked and sweating beneath me."
Bellatrix grinned and banished their clothes with a flick of her hand as she latched her lips to Hermione's neck, fully intend on leaving a mark there. "And what are you willing to do to get me naked and sweating beneath you, little lion?"
Hermione growled playfully at her soulmate as she pinned the raven haired witch' hands above her head, pinching an erect nipple roughly. "Whatever I need to do to make you scream for me, my love. So tell me, what are you in the mood for today?"
"This is a great start baby, rough me up a little. I've been a very bad girl." Bellatrix said with a playful wink.
Hermione grinned and returned the favor to her lover, latching her lips to Bellatrix's neck with the full intent of leave a dark bruise there. "Very well, then I hope you won't mind your son seeing how his mother looks covered in love bites."
Bellatrix smiled a that. "He's seen way worse from me. Pandora also knew that I needed some… coaching at times."
Hermione only smiled and kissed her lover softly as she tweaked her nipple again as she let her other hand slide down to her lover's soaking folds, drawing a loud moan from Bellatrix.
…
Later that afternoon, when both witches were sated and satisfied, they were once again relaxing in the living room, with Bellatrix sporting several hickeys along her neck and belly. "You may have gone a bit overboard today love." The raven haired witch said with a soft smile.
Hermione smiled at her. "Sorry baby, I got lost in the way you moaned my name every time I sucked your neck, but I have a feeling that you weren't complaining in the moment."
Bellatrix smiled and shook her head at the brunette. "Far from it little lion. I had a lot of fun being at your mercy today. I just think we're going to get a lot of teasing from my son and niece and are probably in for a bit of a scolding from Cissy. She's always had a problem with such visible marks."
"I figured, but I think she won't mind when we tell everyone of our decision. She'll be glad that we are finally put our energy towards something useful." Hermione said with a smile.
Bellatrix laughed and pressed a kiss to her lover's cheek. "Cissy will just be happy that we will have to behave ourselves now, and that we will have the opportunity to work together at long last. It is something we've wanted to do for a long time. Cissy, Andi and I have a certain chemistry when we're together that usually produces very positive results, which is something our parents hated at times."
"From what you've told me everything you three did together was something your parents hated." Hermione said softly.
"That's most definitely true. They were pissed off just because of the fact that all three of us were born as girls, and then to top it off we were more interested in academics then being prissy housewives, so it was little wonder that through all that abuse we worked together so well." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
Hermione smiled and nuzzled her nose in Bellatrix's neck. "I'm sorry you had such a bad childhood love."
Bellatrix smiled at that. "It's okay baby. I made up for that with Fabian. I vowed the moment I found out I was pregnant that he would never have to live through what I did at home. He would know love and support no matter what I had to do to make that happen, and thankfully once he was born my sisters moved in almost straight away, because I had seriously underestimated what it meant to be a mother, which may have something to do with the fact that I was relatively young when I had Fabian, especially by a witch's standards."
Hermione smiled as the Flo burned green and one by one the rest of their family came in, including Fleur. "I see you two have spent your afternoon productively once again, judging by the amount of visible love bites on you, Bella." Andromeda said with a smile.
"As a matter of fact we have spent most of our day talking and shopping Andi. This was merely what happened after we talked." Bellatrix said with a grin.
Andromeda smiled at that. "Well I suppose there is precious little else to do for you two at the moment. At least until the raid is announced."
Hermione smiled at the brunette. "It is actually one of the things we talked about, because you're absolutely right, we're kind of feeling a bit useless at the moment. Which is why Bella and I wanted to ask if the offer you made still stood Fabe."
"You mean the offer of you and my mother joining the D.M.I.I. properly, of course it does. We would be glad to have you two as full fledged agents, if you are okay with sometimes taking orders from me." He said with a soft smile.
Hermione smiled at that. "Well, you of all people know how I feel about taking orders from anyone, but from you I am moderately okay with it, since I know you will only do so when it truly matters, and at those times I have no issues on following orders from you."
He smiled at that. "That's settled then. Why don't you two join us at work tomorrow, for a bit of an introductory day, as it were and then we can have you start properly next Monday, it'll also give you two some time tomorrow to sort out your attire and read up on the rules. We've added a couple that you may not yet know about. Is there anything special you two want from us before you start?"
Hermione and Bellatrix smiled at him. "You're still quite adorable when you ramble sweetie, and yes, there is one thing we wanted to ask you. Would it be at all possible for us to have a room where we could do a bit of spell experimentation, and perhaps work on theories?"
He smiled and nodded. "Of course Mom. I think we have a room available for that. We were thinking of adding such a room anyway since most of us enjoy a bit of theory-crafting at times. If you could tell me what you would want for such a room, we'll make it happen before Monday."
Both witches nodded at that. "Of course Fabe, although I doubt we'll require more than a warded room to make sure we don't cause any unnecessary damage and a place to store a small library worth of books." Hermione said with a smile.
"Why am I not surprised for Ms. Bookworm Granger to ask me for a space to store books, but I think we can manage a couple of more bookcases." He said with a teasing wink.
Hermione stuck her tongue out at that. "Don't act like you're any better, Fabian. Your mother has told me all about you sequestering yourself in the library with your baby sister at the tender age of three. If anything that would make you a bigger bookworm than me."
He blushed a little at that. "It seems you did more than just talk about whether or not you wanted to join the Department."
Nymphadora smiled and kissed his cheek. "Baby, it's hardly a secret within the family. You don't need to be embarrassed by that. I actually think it's really sexy."
He smiled at that. "Yes, but you're biased, my Nym. Even when I had the bright idea that running around naked was easier you encouraged me."
"You were four and very adamant about it. I didn't have the heart to tell you no back then." Nymphadora said with a sweet smile.
Just as he was about to respond, Jupi popped into the living room, informing everyone that dinner was ready for them, at which the entire family, most of them still blushing a little about all the revelations made their way into the dining room so they could enjoy their dinner.
…
After dinner Bellatrix and Hermione quickly retired for the evening, stating that they would need a good night's rest if especially Bellatrix wanted to be of any use in the morning, which while not a lie, the amount of teasing most of the family had done to each other throughout dinner had left multiple people quite inspired, since both Fabian and Dora, and Luna and Fleur also quickly excused themselves once dinner was over.
For once Narcissa didn't mind, since it had been one of the more enjoyable family dinners they had in a while and therefor couldn't be too cross with her sister and nephew for wanting some private time with their lovers since the last few months had been a lot of late nights for Dora and Fabian especially. It also gave her time to write another letter to Fleur's sister, who she had been in frequent contact with over the last few months after learning the young Veela would be joining them at the Department in the near future, and she wanted to get a head start on getting to know the young woman who she would be working closely with once she came to Britain.
Andromeda also didn't really mind the early night, since it gave her a chance to catch up on some of her own reading, which had fallen to the background a little with all the paperwork she had to do on a daily basis, not that she minded it, she actually rather enjoyed it, even though it was a bit much for one person to handle.
She knew Fabian was looking for someone to help her with the administration, but she knew that would take time above all else, since no one knew who exactly could be trusted at the moment.
There were a few that she knew he had his eye on to join them that he knew could be trusted, but with the raid so close by, she knew all of his focus would be there, as she thought it should since this was their biggest case at the moment. They couldn't afford to lose their focus at this stage.
Just as she picked up her book and had gotten comfortable, there was a soft knock on the door. "Hey aunt Andi, do you have a moment?" Fabian asked through the door.
She smiled and put down her book again. "Of course Fabian, come on in."
He opened the door with a smile. "I just wanted to talk to you about something I forgot to mention earlier. We received an application, well two actually that I want to run by you. Both Greengrass sisters have expressed interest in joining our Department, and I happen to know that Daphne is very good at administrative tasks, so that could be the help you so dearly need if you're okay with it. I know that you've been super busy keeping everything in order, and you've been doing a great job so far, but I can see you need help. Draco has vouched for Astoria already and I am willing to let her join us, since I know how good she is at processing and cataloging information."
Andromeda smiled at that. "Sometimes I wonder if you can read minds, Fabian. I was honestly just thinking about this. If you're sure you can trust them both, I am more than okay with this. I can truly use the help."
He smiled at that. "I'll let them know tomorrow then. I know we've been asking a lot of you recently, and I just want you to know that all of your efforts have not gone unnoticed. Once the raid is over with, I will make sure you and everyone who has worked so hard at this over the last months are well compensated for your time."
Andromeda smiled at him. "It's okay sweetie, I know we've been fighting an uphill battle at times, and while it is a bit exhausting at times, I am so very happy to be a part of it all and have a chance to help bring them down, even if it is in a minor role."
He just smiled and nodded at her. "Your role is most important, aunt Andi. Without your impeccable administration we would still have been floundering around without knowing which way to go. I just hope you're ready for training someone else to use your system."
"Of course Fabian, in the end training someone won't take as much time compared to the payoff we are going to get from it. If Daphne is as good as you say she is, it won't take long for her to get what I've built up. The only worry I have is that I might need to also school her in using the computer." Andromeda said with a smile.
"I think that she'll be fine with that. From what she told me she's been working at a Muggle company as a secretary to get away from her parents' expectations. She said that she's been working with a computer there too, so I don't think that'll be a problem." He said with a soft smile.
Andromeda nodded at that. "That's good to hear, because that might've taken a while to get her educated in that. If she has at least some experience her education will go a lot quicker."
He smiled and nodded at that. "Then I'll send them an owl tomorrow and ask them if they're available for an interview on Friday. With a bit of luck we'll be four members up on Monday."
"Let's hope so sweetie, but I think my daughter might come and see what's keeping you, so why don't we continue this talk tomorrow." She said with a soft smile.
He nodded and smiled at her. "Yes, I think she would, she usually gets a bit grumpy when I'm not in bed to cuddle with her. So we'll see you in the morning. Have a good night Auntie."
Andromeda smiled at him as he made his way back to his room, and figuring that her book could wait another night, she decided to get an early night.
…
The following morning everyone Floo'ed into the office bright and early, and as expected Bellatrix had some issues with the early hour quickly picking out a desk in the corner so she wouldn't be a threat to anyone besides Hermione, who by now was well versed in dealing with her lover when she was grumpy.
Thankfully they both had already read the complete rule book so that would at least not be an issue for Fabian, since he knew getting his mother to do anything at this hour was nigh impossible without him having to resort to extreme measures, which he would rather avoid with everyone already here.
Hermione however was more than willing to get started already and also quickly chose a desk that she saw was unoccupied while Dora brought her a few files so the brunette could start on her first file read.
Within half an hour the rest of the Department had arrived, and the biggest surprise was to see Astoria coming up with Draco. "Good morning Astoria. Are you here for the interview?" Nymphadora asked with a soft smile.
The blonde nodded and smiled at her. "Yeah, I thought it was easier for me to just come in with Draco today. I hope that's okay."
Dora smiled and nodded. "Of course it is, do you want some coffee or anything?"
"Some tea would be lovely, thank you." Astoria said with a smile.
Dora nodded at that. "I'll go and prepare that, you go ahead to the office. Fabian should be ready by now."
Astoria nodded and made her way to the office, seeing her old Housemate sitting in his comfy chair looking through some files. "Knock Knock, Mr. Black. Are you free?"
He looked up and smiled at her. "Of course Astoria, welcome to the Department of Magical Information and Intelligence, or D.M.I.I. for short. I presume you came in with Draco for your interview?" He asked as he motioned for her to take a seat.
She nodded and took a seat across from him while Dora came in with a small tray of tea and several helpings of cream and sugar, after which she took a seat next to Fabian.
"So Astoria, what brought you to want to apply for a job with us?" Fabian asked with a kind smile.
The blonde smiled at that. "To be honest it was Draco who awakened my interest for this. You know that I've always been quite inquisitive and I want to use that for a good cause."
"I'm going to be very honest and say that it is mostly paperwork involved, and will only push for action once it is actually profitable for us. We've been working something big for the past few months and for the foreseeable future it will be what we are working on, and it will be a lot of late nights pouring through files. Are you okay with that?" Nymphadora asked kindly.
Astoria nodded at that. "I am. To be honest I've been getting a bit fed up with my parents wanting to push me in certain directions and while I don't really mind the forced engagement to Draco, some other things I just flat out refuse to do. I am more than ready to do anything I need to do to actually make a difference in the world, and from the little Draco told me, this Department is exactly where I need to be to do that, now and in the future."
"That's good to hear, and exactly the attitude we need in this Department. We deal with very actual threats to everything the new administration is trying to build, and not just overt too. We have built our team to value stealth and information over the showboating of most of the Auror Corps, and that requires us to work from the shadows more often than not, and so far we've had a very high success rate." Fabian said with a kind smile.
Astoria smiled at them. "That sounds very exciting. Where do I sign?"
"I take it you want to join us then? And you're okay with taking orders from us?" He asked softly.
She nodded at them. "Please, when have I had issues with taking orders from you. I know you well enough to know that you always make the best decision possible for everyone. I have no issue in continuing that."
He smiled and pulled a contract out of one of his drawers. "Then you merely need to sign your name at the bottom and then we'll give you our rule book and the address to our tailor. We may have noticed we have a very particular dress code here. All those expenses and anything else you feel you may need to do the job will be paid for. When you've signed you may take the day to see what it is all about or get your things sorted, but no matter what you choose, you'll start properly on Monday, which is when we'll brief you on our current case. It'll be easier to do that in one go with your sister, my mother and Hermione present."
Astoria nodded at that. "That's okay, I can take today and tomorrow to get my affairs in order and then start on Monday." She said as she read and then proceeded to sign her contract. "I have to say though, I had not expected to have this kind of salary, or to get these type of benefits."
"We make sure to look after our own because while we don't usually work from the front lines, so to speak, it can be quite dangerous given the type of people we are dealing with. It is also a trust thing, since we as Agents need to be able to implicitly trust the person standing next to you. We are also very big on loyalty and so far everyone here has been more of a family than anything else." Nymphadora said with a smile.
Astoria smiled at that. "I'm honored to be a part of this family then. I will do my very best to repay the trust you all have placed in me. Is it okay if I ask Draco about some things not related to the current case?"
"That's more than okay. It wouldn't do anyone any good if you weren't properly instructed before you start. Going in blind into anything is something we would rather avoid." Fabian said kindly.
Astoria smiled and nodded. "Then I will interrogate my boyfriend tonight. For now I'll go and get my affairs in order. Thank you again for taking this chance on me."
Fabian smiled at her. "Don't mention it Astoria. That you sought us out is a big plus for you in our book. We look forward to working with you."
Astoria smiled at them before finishing her tea and then getting up, shaking both of their hands before making her way back into the main area.
Fabian and Nymphadora then just sat back and smiled at each other. "Well love, I think come Monday we'll have our Department filled to capacity."
"Indeed we will, and about a year before our expectations too. It does my state of mind a lot of good knowing that we can go forward with the raid at full capacity." He said softly.
She only nodded and smiled at him as they went on with the day's business, mostly being files they needed to check before they could start making their plans to go after the Lestrange brothers.