A/N: I'm back! As promised! I am so excited to post this chapter for you all, I know you've been eagerly waiting. As far as the next update, it should be in another four weeks, but I do have finals around that time (brilliant planning, I know). I'm optimistic that I will be able to update in four because the next chapter is already in progress. Anyway, I don't want to keep you from this chapter any longer so I hope you're all well.
Enjoy!
Never say die
You're gonna see me standing with my fist in the sky
Never say die
Look into my eyes
Yeah you know that I can see the future gonna rise
-Never Say Die, Neoni
Ginny hadn't slept well at all. At some point during the night, Luna had knocked on her door and asked if she could stay. Neville followed shortly after. In the end, she decided to just get Harry, too. She had a house-elf gather a bunch of pillows and blankets and they had set up a comfortable spot on the floor and curled up. They had all tossed and turned, worry clawing at their throats.
Morning came too quickly for them all and not fast enough at the same time. Good news came with breakfast, when Narcissa told them that they got the barrier to hold for two hours. Ginny rubbed the smooth piece of metal, roughly the shape and size of a coin. No one knew where it came from, but Draco had said something about a weird shop and Hermione finding one sort of like it. She hadn't paid much attention, honestly.
No one really had the motivation to talk, even as they entered Hermione's office to find Kingsley waiting for them patiently. He surveyed the quartet with a raised brow, taking in the dark circles under their eyes and their carefully neutral expressions.
"Care to explain?" he asked, looking directly at Ginny.
The redhead sighed. "Hermione was taken by the Arthurian Order on Friday morning, who have been trying to kill her. Umbridge is one of them, which is why Harry and Neville were asking after her. Hermione's still alive as far as we can tell and we've tracked her down to the Greengrass property in Ireland. There are between fifteen and twenty people holding her captive and we are going to put together a team of thirty and recover her."
"You're absolutely sure you have the right place?" he asked.
Ginny nodded firmly.
"Okay," he sighed, "I'll be joining you. And I want an explanation for why I wasn't informed once this is over."
She nodded to him. Over the hour, they assembled their team in Hermione's office. They were all anxious to get started so they could get Hermione, but they needed to be properly prepared in case anything happened. Harry had been the one to tell Ron, who immediately dropped what he was doing and rushed over. He and Hermione disagreed a lot, but they were still friends and he would do whatever it took to help save her.
Once they were all gathered, the redhead witch laid the file containing the property on Hermione's desk, explaining, "She's being kept in the cellar. I imagine that they'll be spread throughout the house, so fifteen people will go in through the front while the other fifteen go through the back. Our first goal is to secure the cellar because as soon as they know we're there, they'll surely try to kill her. After that, the other teams will break off and sweep the rest of the house. We have two hours to detain as many of them as we can before the barrier falls and they're able to travel out."
"You all have your team leaders," Harry continued, "Any questions?"
They all shook their heads solemnly, grouping around their leaders after taking time to study the blueprints. Kingsley, Ron, Harry, Neville, Luna, and Ginny held their portkeys out to the other four people in their group, exchanging anxious and determined expressions. In the next moment, all thirty of them were on a hill looking down at the house where Hermione was supposedly being held. Ginny prayed that Hermione was right as she passed the piece of metal to Luna. The blonde witch took what felt like an eternity before she nodded, spurring them into action. Ginny, Neville, and Luna's teams went through the front while Harry, Ron, and Kingsley's circled around the back.
Ginny took in a deep breath as she blew the front doors off their hinges, not even bothering with knocking. She had memorized how to get to the cellar, flicking spells away from herself as she purposefully ran in its direction. Neville and Luna's team followed just behind her, properly subduing and restraining the attackers. She could hear the other teams on the opposite side of the house, converging on the entrance to the cellar.
Hermione awoke with a jolt, dropping the razor she had been loosely holding and swearing. She had fallen asleep, but she had managed to cut through a decent chunk of the rope tying her hands behind her. Her head swam too much at the moment to do any form of magic, but if she twisted her arms just right- hissing as the coarse material opened the scabs that had formed- she could claw at the weakened part. She had asked Daphne to set her watch to 9:30 am, an hour and a half after Ginny normally arrived at the ministry.
She gritted her teeth as she frayed the rope, feeling it loosen and her nails breaking. Swallowing her sounds of pain and breathing hard through her nose, she began to wiggle her arms, squeezing her eyes shut in concentration. One hand slipped free, and then the other. Hermione wanted to laugh in relief, but she didn't, twisting as quietly as she could and reaching for the razor she had dropped.
Surely she was running out of time before Ginny showed up. She checked her watch. 10:03. Hermione shoved down her doubts, focusing her energy on cutting the ropes away from her ankles. She had one foot free and nearly had the other one free, too, when she heard what was unmistakeably Ginny blowing the doors down. Hermione grunted as she sawed frantically at the rope, freeing herself and falling out of the chair onto her knees.
She staggered to the wall with the staircase, pressing herself as flat against it as possible. If Daphne was right, her father would be coming down the stairs at any moment to kill her. She flexed her palms, hissing as the action opened cuts from the razor. Hurried footsteps sounded on the stairs and she held her breath, pushing herself harder against the wall. The dizzying sensation that usually accompanied those footsteps was absent and she released a silent thanks to whoever was watching over her.
As the Greengrass patriarch reached the bottom of the stairs, he paused, frowning at the chair Hermione had been tied to. In his hesitation, she jumped onto his back, locking her legs around his waist and wrapping her arms around his throat. As he moved to headbutt her, she tucked her head into his shoulder, squeezing harder and casting a nonverbal Langlock.
He tried in vain to open his mouth, thrashing in an attempt to throw her off. Even in her weakened state, Hermione held fast to her blood-slicked arms, clenching her jaw as each jerk sent waves of pain through her. If she let go, it was over. He slammed his back into the wall Hermione had pressed herself into, causing her to cry out and her grip to loosen slightly. But it was enough. He twisted, sending her crashing to the ground. Catching himself on the wall, he sucked in lungfuls of air through his nose, glaring at her as he worked on countering the jinx.
Hermione's head swam as she pushed herself up, crying out when he grabbed her hair and roughly pulled her to her feet. She clutched at her head, kicking his shins to no avail. Her vision cleared, revealing his sneering face as he held a wand under her chin. He hadn't noticed the sound of Ginny's footsteps on the stairs, but Hermione would know them anywhere. She tried not to let it show on her face as the redhead appeared, but he had heard her and spun them around, pulling Hermione close to him and using her as a shield.
Ginny couldn't express her relief at finding Hermione alive. Unfortunately, it didn't seem like it would stay that way, with a wand under her chin and her body being used as a shield for her captor. She halted, keeping her wand raised. Hermione's eyes burned with fury and determination as they met hers, silently reassuring her. Ginny wasn't sure she possessed the same optimism.
The pendant around Hermione's neck grew warm, reminding her of its presence. She believed the quirky shopkeep. She believed in its magic. Why else would she feel it now, when she was surely going to be killed? She tried to convey more confidence than she felt when she looked at Ginny.
"Take him down, Ginny," she commanded, a surreal calm washing over her as she twisted violently, sending her elbow into his diaphragm.
His breath left him in a whoosh and she broke free from his grasp, barely registering his breathless, "Avada Kedavra."
It knocked her to the ground, dazing her as the pendant seared her skin. She heard Ginny's cry, several people rush into the cellar, her captor's wand clattering to the ground. Her chest ached, her whole body, really. Her eyes moved in and out of focus as she stared at the ceiling of the cellar, trying to remember how to breathe. Then Ginny was kneeling over her, shaking her shoulders and barking out orders to the others in the room. She had no idea how much time had actually passed since she hit the floor. It could've been seconds. It could've been hours.
"Gin," she groaned, "Did you get him?"
Laughter spilled from her as she leaned over her, tears falling from her eyes. "Yeah, 'Mi. I got him. We got them all."
"Daphne?" she asked, seeing Kingsley from the corner of her eye.
"Both of them are safe. I'm gonna have Luna take you home," she said, "And don't you ever scare me like this again, you idiot."
Hermione nodded weakly, guilt flooding through her. Luna placed a hand on Ginny's shoulder and the redhead sniffled, putting on her work face before standing up. Luna crouched down, smiling serenely at her as she took her hands.
"Are you ready?" the blonde witch asked, her voice soft despite the hard set of her jaw and the cut marring her cheek.
"Merlin, yes," she managed, the effort causing her to descend into a coughing fit.
More dizziness washed over her and when her vision cleared, she was looking up at the ceiling of Malfoy Manor's foyer. Luna moved back as Andromeda took her place, cupping Hermione's cheek and looking directly into her eyes.
"Hey, Andy," she murmured, struggling to force her eyes to stay open.
"Just a bit longer, Hermione," she urged, "Stay with me."
"Bella," she whispered, trying to pick her head off the ground.
Narcissa held her head down with a hand on her forehead as she said, "Luna is getting her, but we need to check you over."
"Hermione? Can you tell me what hurts the most?" Andromeda asked, looking up at her sister briefly.
"Head...chest..."
Above her, she heard Narcissa say, "Bella said she mentioned probably having a concussion."
"Can you breathe, Hermione? Where does it hurt?" Andromeda asked calmly, looking closely at her eyes.
"Ribs," she whispered, "Broken, I think."
Andromeda grabbed a stethoscope from her bag, instructing, "Breathe in. Now breathe out."
To Narcissa, she said, "The blue one should help."
Narcissa nodded, grabbing it from Andromeda's bag as the middle Black propped her head up long enough for her to drink it. She set Hermione's head back on the floor gently. "Better?"
"Where's Bella?" she asked, trying to turn her head to look at the stairs, causing her vision to swim.
"I'm right here, cub," the witch in question breathed, leaving Luna's support and taking the remaining steps to Hermione on shaky legs. Her knees hit the floor hard but she barely registered the pain as she leaned over Hermione. "I'm here."
"I'm so sorry," she mumbled, her voice cracking as tears spilled from her eyes, "Bella."
"Shhh." She pulled Hermione to her gently, burying her face in brown hair. "I've got you."
Hermione reached up, clutching her shoulders as sobs shook her shoulders, sending waves of pain through her. "I was so scared."
"I know," she whispered, her voice breaking, "I know you were, but you're home now, Hermione. You're home."
"Thank you," Hermione breathed, squeezing her eyes shut, "For helping get me home."
Bellatrix chuckled, her tears burning as they trailed down her face. "How could I not? Hermione, I-"
She couldn't even convey it with words, so she brushed against Hermione's mind, letting everything she felt wash over the younger witch. I love you.
"I love you, too," she sobbed into dark curls, her head throbbing painfully.
Kingsley observed the scene, gobsmacked, while Luna and Bellatrix's sisters seemed totally unfazed by the scene before them. He had come by to check on Hermione, having done all he could to help. He had not been expecting to see Bellatrix Lestrange falling to her knees over Hermione and crying in relief, nor the subsequent confession he witnessed.
"Andy!" Bellatrix called, feeling panic set in when Hermione relaxed too much for comfort. She laid her on the floor, glancing up and catching sight of Kingsley. Fear flashed through her eyes- and he noticed it- before she returned her attention to the brunette witch on the floor.
"Cissa," Hermione mumbled, her mouth barely moving as Andromeda waved her wand around her head, "This is the second time I've been lying immobile on this floor, I'm starting to think it's bad luck."
Relieved laughter left Bellatrix and Narcissa as the blonde said, "I've been wanting a reason to redo it."
Hermione smiled, catching sight of Kingsley. "I need to talk to Kingsley."
"Not right now," Andromeda said.
"Yes, now," she said, her tone immediately switching into the one she used with her subordinates.
The three sisters were taken aback by the authoritative demeanor, never having witnessed it for themselves.
"It's best to listen to her," Luna supplied, "She'll waste her energy arguing if you don't."
"Thanks, Luna," Hermione muttered sarcastically, "Just five minutes. And I'd really like to sit against the wall."
Andromeda sighed, nodding to Narcissa. They each supported one side of Hermione, dragging her to the wall and leaning her against it before returning to Bellatrix's side. Kingsley approached her with slow steps, sitting down next to her.
"I know I messed up," she whispered, only loud enough for him to hear, "I should've told you about the Order but I was trying to build a case before presenting it to you. And I should've reported when Bella woke up, but...but she technically served her sentence, and you know how I feel about it."
He sighed, casting a quick glance at Bellatrix. "I'll have to tell the Wizengamot."
Hermione shook her head, regretting the motion immediately. "No. I'll tell them. But I want you to support me this time, Kingsley. She helped them find me."
"You know that won't be enough." He looked back at Bellatrix quickly.
"I know. That's why I plan to make a deal with them," she said, looking up at him, "She was technically pardoned for her escape and the crimes she committed prior to it, and she technically carried out her sentence. She's earned her freedom in the eyes of the law, but I know they'll want something, so I'm going to offer my resignation."
He looked down at her, his eyes widening. "You're going to offer that? After how hard you've worked to get it and keep it?"
"She's worth it," Hermione whispered, her eyes flicking to the former Death Eater, "Besides, I think it might be time to pursue another career. I'm not as happy at the ministry as I was, so it doesn't even mean that much to me. But I know it means a lot to them, so I may as well get something that means a lot to me."
"Okay," he nodded slowly, "I'll support you. I felt like it was a mistake afterward, so I'm not about to pass up on it again."
Hermione smiled, blinking slowly, "Looks like there are a lot of second chances going around."
"Andromeda," Kingsley called, "Thanks for being patient."
He stood, smoothing his robes and telling Hermione, "When you've recovered enough to return, come to my office first thing."
She gave him a thumbs-up, smiling softly to herself. Andromeda thrust another potion, green this time, into her hands and she drank it dutifully. The ache in her head receded a little, her vision less fuzzy around the edges. She hadn't even noticed.
"One more," Andromeda instructed, placing it in her hands.
Hermione drank it, smiling tiredly at the healer. "That's much better."
"How's your chest?" she asked, digging through her bag.
"Sore," she yawned, wincing as she pendant tore away from her skin, "I think I have a burn, Andy."
Hermione lifted her rubbery arms, pulling the pendant over her head and turning it over in her hands. On one side was a mark that looked suspiciously like Harry's scar and on the other was a layer of her skin. Andromeda eyed it as she pulled Hermione's collar down, grimacing when she saw the oozing flesh. She grabbed scissors and some salve from her bag, cutting away the portion of Hermione's shirt that was in the way before applying the salve gently. She dressed it, giving the same attention to her wrists and hands once she had removed Hermione's watch.
"Anything else?" Andromeda asked, sitting back on her heels when she finished.
The brunette looked up at Bellatrix, who had moved to sit next to her with Narcissa's help. "Just one more thing."
Hermione averted her gaze from everyone, swallowing hard as she rolled up her left sleeve. It was difficult with the bandages wrapped around her hands, making her movements clumsy, but she ignored all offers of help. Where Bellatrix had carved the word 'Mudblood' into her arm was a bloody mess. She bit back her tears as she looked down at it, feeling Bellatrix stiffen beside her and Andromeda stiffen in front of her. The letters that had become smoothed over and almost silvery in appearance were now raised and bloody, reemphasized by the Greengrass patriarch.
"Do you know what kind of knife he did it with?" Bellatrix asked tightly, clenching and unclenching her jaw.
"It was a hunting knife," she murmured, still keeping her gaze fixed away from everyone.
Andromeda looked over at her sisters before assuring, "It should go back to how it was in a few days, then."
Hermione nodded, allowing Bellatrix to cup her cheek and turn her head so their gazes met. "It's going to hurt when I clean it."
"I know," she whispered.
Bellatrix nodded, taking the soaked cloth from Andromeda. She glanced at her sister, who held Hermione's arm flat against her thigh. Without warning, she wrung it out over Hermione's arm, ignoring the hiss of pain. After a few seconds, she wiped her arm clean, trying to be as gentle as possible. Hermione pressed her head against the wall, squeezing her eyes shut as she kicked her feet. And then it was over, and a gentle hand was wiping the dried blood from her lips.
"You did great," Bellatrix praised, continuing to tenderly clean the blood from her face as Andromeda wrapped her forearm in a bandage.
Narcissa handed her a glass of water when Bellatrix moved away, instructing, "Small sips."
Ginny arrived just as Hermione finished her water, deflating in relief when she saw the brunette was alive. "Thank Merlin."
Hermione smiled sheepishly, stifling a yawn.
"Bedtime," the redhead said, leaving no room for argument.
"Please," Hermione uttered, "I'm exhausted."
"You, too, Bellatrix," Ginny said, lifting Hermione into her arms gently.
Narcissa and Andromeda pulled Bellatrix to her feet, supporting her as they clumsily walked her to her room. Ginny paused at the door, moving out of the way so Narcissa could open it. When Bellatrix was on the bed with her legs stretched out in front of her, she held her arms out for Hermione. Ginny gently shifted her into Bellatrix's arms, smiling at the loving expression on the former Death Eater's face.
"Thanks for bringing her home, Ginny," she breathed as Hermione wrapped her arms around Bellatrix's neck and buried her face in her shoulder.
"Couldn't have done it without you," the redhead responded, "Now, get some rest."
Bellatrix nodded, stroking Hermione's hair. It was just the two of them again and she could feel Hermione's shoulders shaking with small sobs.
"Let it out, cub," she whispered, rocking back and forth gently.
Hermione held onto Bellatrix as best she could, the bandages on her hands keeping her from being able to properly grab her. Bellatrix continued to soothe her, rocking rhythmically and stroking her hair and shoulders gently. She cried until her tears stopped flowing and her throat hurt, until she couldn't hold her eyes open anymore. She cried for what happened during the war, during her captivity, for all the things she had pushed behind walls, and Bellatrix held her through it all, sending waves of love to the brunette witch.
After a while, Hermione fell into a fitful sleep. Bellatrix scooted down the bed slowly, lying back and pulling Hermione with her. She pressed a kiss to the top of Hermione's head, her eyes growing heavy as the weekend's events set in.
She awoke when she felt Hermione flinch in her sleep, tilting her head so she could look down at her. Her brown eyes snapped open, taking a moment to focus. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief when she realized where she was, relaxing her head against Bellatrix's chest.
"Every time I drift off to sleep I'm afraid I'll wake up and be back in the cellar," she mumbled, staring vacantly.
Bellatrix was thoughtful for a moment, taking in Hermione's appearance with the moonlight that was streaming through the curtains. Her hair was matted with dirt and grime, her skin was sticky with sweat and she was still in the clothes she had been wearing Friday.
"A bath," she suggested softly, "And a meal."
"Merlin, a bath sounds amazing. What about my bandages?" She looked up at Bellatrix, the vacant stare replaced with the usual warmth.
Bellatrix caressed her cheek, inclining her head to the nightstand, where Andromeda's bag was resting. "I can do them again. It might not be as nice as Andy's but it's passable."
Hermione nodded, her heart fluttering nervously as she asked, "Will you...help me?"
"Of course," she whispered, smiling softly.
"I think I can get us both there," she mumbled, craning her neck to judge how far it was.
Bellatrix let out a puff of air, calling for a house-elf and instructing them to apparate them to the bath. Hermione frowned at her as the dark-haired witch removed the bandages on her hands and arms. They were sitting by the bath, which recessed into the floor, making it easy to get in and out. The elf snapped their fingers, turning on the tap and disappearing.
"Don't give me that look," Bellatrix said as she unwound the bandage around Hermione's forearm, "Just let me take care of things for a few days."
Hermione opened her mouth to argue, but no words came out as she watched her work. When Bellatrix looked up at her, she nodded shallowly, swallowing hard.
"I don't know if I've ever properly apologized for doing that to you," she mumbled, her thumb brushing on the inside of Hermione's wrist.
"I understand why you did it." Hermione shifted, unable to hold Bellatrix's gaze.
Tender fingers touched her cheek, prompting Hermione to look back at her, swallowing hard. Her heart thumped against her ribs rapidly. She was frozen in place by Bellatrix's intense expression, unable to move even if she wanted to.
"I am sorry, Hermione," she whispered.
Hermione nodded, clenching her jaw. "I forgive you. I forgave you a long time ago."
Bellatrix smiled, cupping her cheek, careful of the cuts. "Do you want to be the one to remove your clothes?"
"What happened to letting you take care of things?" she teased with a smirk.
"I didn't want to make you feel like you didn't have a choice with that," she mumbled, biting her lip.
Hermione laughed, wincing at the soreness of her chest. "I don't know if you noticed, but I can't exactly use my hands without tearing open the cuts, which no one would be happy about. And I don't think I could do magic right now, I'm drained."
"But you were going to try to get us both over here," Bellatrix retorted, her hands hovering around the hem of Hermione's shirt.
"Just get me in the bath, Bella," she grumbled with a pout.
Bellatrix smiled, trying to keep her hands from shaking as she pulled Hermione's shirt over her head. Hermione winced at the motion, her muscles protesting. The other witch kept her attention on the bandage on Hermione's chest as she unclipped her bra. She swallowed hard as she slid the straps off Hermione's shoulders before setting to work removing the bandage. It was difficult to resist looking, but she wanted to be respectful and this was no time for her to get distracted.
"Can you lift your hips?" she asked, her fingers already undoing the button and zipper on Hermione's trousers.
She nodded, biting her lip as the chilly tile bit into her skin. "Merlin, that's fucking cold."
Bellatrix pulled them free of her ankles, having taken Hermione's underwear as well. Hermione got her feet into the tub, sliding down into the warm water with a sigh. The older witch chuckled, moving to sit on the floor behind Hermione.
"Are you not getting in?" she asked, her eyes closing as Bellatrix tipped her head back slightly, pouring water over her hair.
"Erm," she muttered, a slight tremble going through her hands, "I didn't want to overstep any boundaries."
Hermione opened her eyes, looking up at Bellatrix with pink cheeks. "I don't mind. I'm sure you want to bathe, so it'll be faster."
Bellatrix smiled at Hermione's use of practicality to mask her nervousness.
"And I'd really like it if you'd join me," she breathed, her cheeks burning with the confession.
For a moment, she thought Bellatrix would refuse. She chewed her lip as she waited, realizing she had been holding her breath when Bellatrix applied pressure on her back until she moved forward. Bellatrix slid into the water behind Hermione, blinking in surprise when Hermione leaned back against her.
"Much better," the brunette sighed, leaning her head back on Bellatrix's shoulder and closing her eyes.
"It's baffling to me that you want me in any way," Bellatrix whispered, her hands moving naturally to Hermione's hips.
Hermione reached up without turning around, tracing her cheekbone with her knuckles. It was difficult for her to say the words on her mind, so she just let Bellatrix feel it, smiling when she sucked in a breath. Communicating this way was easier than having to put her thoughts together into a coherent one to describe what she was feeling. It was so much more convenient, too. She could tell Bellatrix everything at once without having to worry about it coming out wrong.
She felt the older witch smile, her knuckles still on her cheek. Her hands left Hermione's hips in favor of the bar of soap, dipping it into the water and working it into a lather. Gently, hesitantly, she scrubbed Hermione's left shoulder, working her way down her arm. Her fingers ghosted over the wound, trying not to put too much pressure on the damaged skin. Washing her wrist and hand took the same amount of care, but she was content to take her time making sure she didn't hurt Hermione.
"I think it's really funny," Hermione whispered as Bellatrix moved to the other side, "That the woman almost everyone is terrified of is incredibly sweet and gentle. Probably one of the most gentle people I know."
"I can be rough, too," she husked, delighting in the shiver that ran down Hermione's spine, "But now isn't the time."
Hermione was rendered speechless by the...promise, thinly veiled as it drifted over her skin. She could feel Bellatrix's satisfaction even as she paused, seemingly unsure of how to continue. Hermione looked up at her, taking in the look of concentration on her face.
"Let me do your hair and back," she said, holding a bottle of shampoo.
Hermione leaned forward, shivering at the loss of warmth. Bellatrix worked the shampoo into her damp hair with determination, coaxing the grime out of it. Her fingers massaged Hermione's scalp, coaxing appreciative sighs from her throat. After washing it twice and letting conditioner sit in Hermione's hair, she moved to the younger witch's back, her eyes traveling over the muscles as she kneaded them. A soft moan escaped Hermione's throat as Bellatrix reached the center of her back and she arched into the touch, applying more pressure. Bellatrix increased her effort, making her way down Hermione's back, taking care to work out all the tension in her muscles.
Hermione melted back into her when she was done, mumbling, "Merlin, I needed that."
"Yeah?" Bellatrix asked rhetorically, smoothing Hermione's hair back.
She nodded, craning her neck to look up. "I've needed this, I think. You."
"I was so worried I would never get to tell you," the former Death Eater admitted quietly, her arms circling Hermione's waist.
Hermione turned slightly in her arms, looking at her with a serious expression. "Thank you for waiting. I wasn't ready earlier, but I was trying to get there so I could tell you. After what happened, I don't want to spend a moment without you knowing."
"And you won't," she assured, stroking Hermione's cheek and watching as she leaned into the touch.
"I really want you to kiss me, Bella," she breathed, her words shaky.
Bellatrix smiled softly, leaning forward and ghosting her lips across Hermione's, gradually increasing the force she used. Hermione draped her arms around Bellatrix's neck, whimpering as full lips took her bottom one with care. She followed Bellatrix as she pulled away, not ready for the kiss she had been wanting for so long to end. Eventually, the need for air became too great for her to ignore and she pulled back, her chest heaving. A blush colored her cheeks as she realized she was now straddling the other witch.
Kissing Hermione was better than Bellatrix had imagined. And when she felt legs on either side of her waist, her heart jumped into her throat and she fought the urge to push her hips up into Hermione's. She squeezed Hermione's sides when she pulled away, their chests brushing as they breathed. The blush that colored Hermione's cheeks made Bellatrix chuckle lightly.
"How's your lip feel?" she asked breathlessly, brushing a drop of blood away with the pad of her thumb.
"It was worth it," Hermione managed, barely moving her lips.
Bellatrix arched a brow, amused.
"I'm serious. You're worth it all," she whispered, thinking about her plan to secure Bellatrix's freedom.
A yawn from Hermione distracted her from what she was about to say. She cupped her cheek, mumbling, "Let me finish getting you cleaned up and we can lay down."
The brunette nodded sleepily, leaning her head against Bellatrix's shoulder as she continued washing her. Her hands were gentle as they worked to clean her, ghosting over her skin with just enough force to rid her of the dirt. She hastily washed, always keeping Hermione supported with an arm. When she finished, she called for a house-elf to dry them and apparate them back to bed.
Hermione was pliable in her arms and Bellatrix pulled her on top of her, holding her head against her chest. The younger witch nuzzled into her, a sigh fanning out against pale skin. Bellatrix buried a hand in her soft brunette locks, the other resting on the skin of her back. She hoped Hermione wouldn't be bothered by the lack of clothes, but she was feeling tired and didn't want to move her more than necessary. As she began drifting off to sleep, she realized she had neglected to dress Hermione's wounds. The brunette didn't seem to mind, pressing as close to Bellatrix as she could.
At some point while they were asleep, they had shifted so they were both on their side with Bellatrix spooning Hermione. The older witch woke up first, a strand of Hermione's hair tickling her nose. With a puff of air, she blew it out of her face, her breath sending a shiver down the younger witch's spine. Bellatrix pressed a soft kiss to Hermione's shoulder.
"Bella," came her soft whisper, pressing back into her warmth.
"Right here, cub," she whispered back, "How do you feel?"
Hermione inhaled through her nose slowly. "Sore."
"I forgot to put bandages on last night," she mumbled against her shoulder.
Hermione yawned out, "I won't tell."
Bellatrix chuckled as Hermione twisted in her arms slowly until they were face to face. She reached forward, brushing a curl behind Hermione's ear. The younger witch blinked slowly against the light of day, tilting her chin forward.
"When your lip is better," the older witch promised.
Hermione pouted. "But-"
"No buts," she whispered softly, "There will be plenty of opportunities once your lip is better."
Her pout deepened and Bellatrix just smiled at her, tracing the uninjured skin of her cheek. "Let me get you patched up."
"I suppose," she sighed dramatically, a hint of a smile pulling the corners of her lips upward.
"Come on then, you stubborn witch," Bellatrix said playfully, rolling onto her back and pushing herself up so she was sitting, "I'm sure someone will be coming to check on you soon."
Hermione turned so her head was resting on Bellatrix's thighs, looking up at her. She couldn't help but admire her chest as she responded, "As if I'm not in the most capable hands to ever exist."
"I assure you, it's not just my hands that are capable," she teased, reaching for Hermione's arm.
"I don't doubt it," she whispered, holding her arm up as Bellatrix bandaged her hand and wrist, "What did Andy do with my watch?"
The older witch frowned slightly, looking on the nightstand. "I'm not sure. She probably has it somewhere."
Hermione nodded uncertainly, her wrist looking strange without the ever-present accessory. "It was my dad's."
"Want me to have a house-elf ask her?" Bellatrix offered, laying Hermione's arm down and picking up her other one.
The brunette shook her head, her eyes following Bellatrix's hands as she wound the bandages around her wrist. "I'll just wait. I don't want to bother her if she's busy or sleeping."
"Well if you start to worry about it, the offer stands," she murmured, focused on not irritating the puckered wound on Hermione's forearm.
Hermione smiled, brushing her knuckles along Bellatrix's cheek when she finished, breathing a light, "Thank you."
"You're absolutely welcome, Hermione," she answered, leaning into the touch and saying with twinkling eyes, "You're about a quarter of the way to looking like a proper mummy."
The younger witch laughed, holding both her arms up and observing them. "I think you did a better job than Andy."
"I'm not done, yet. Those were the easy ones," she said, gently brushing Hermione's hair out of the way, "It's looking a bit better."
Bellatrix poked her tongue out as she dressed the burn on Hermione's sternum, her brows furrowed. Hermione stared up at her, enthralled by the look of concentration and care on the older witch's face. She could see the tic in her jaw as her fingers brushed across her skin, the way she squinted critically when she was unsure if she was doing it right. Hermione reached up, smoothing the furrow in the older witch's brow, taking her by surprise.
"It doesn't have to be perfect," she assured.
"It's not anywhere near perfect," she laughed, "And it won't be. It's barely good enough."
"Perfect," Hermione breathed, smiling up at her.
Bellatrix raised a brow. "I thought we just established it isn't even close?"
"I meant you," Hermione whispered.
"Oh." It was so quiet Hermione almost didn't hear it.
Her smile widened and she placed her bandaged hands on Bellatrix's shoulders. "Will you read to me, Bella?"
Bellatrix laughed when Hermione stuck out her bottom lip, bringing her brows slightly down and widening her eyes. "I'm pretty sure it's your turn to read to me. But I suppose since you're so injured, I could."
"How sweet of you," Hermione deadpanned, rolling her eyes.
"Only for you, cub," she murmured, grabbing the book that was resting on the nightstand, "Do you want to sit up?"
Hermione nodded, grabbing the blanket and pulling it with her as she moved to sit between Bellatrix's legs. She leaned her head back against the older witch's chest as she began reading aloud. Bellatrix smiled as she felt Hermione's body relax, her bandaged hands resting on Bellatrix's elbows. Even through the bandages, she could feel the warmth of the brunette.
Both of them had fallen asleep when Andromeda came in to check on them that evening, still sitting with the book open on Hermione's lap. One of Bellatrix's arms was draped across Hermione's chest, holding the blanket up, and the other wrapped protectively around her waist. Her head was leaning against Hermione's, using it as a pillow.
She felt guilty about waking them up, but they both needed to eat something. Placing her hand on her sister's- noticeably bare- shoulder, she whispered, "Bella."
"Hmm?" she murmured without opening her eyes.
"How's she doing?" Andromeda asked.
Bellatrix rolled her neck, opening her eyes to look at her sister. "Bit better. She had trouble sleeping at first so I bathed her and redressed her wounds. She was nearly asleep before we were even out of the bath. Oh, she asked about her watch, what did you do with it?"
"Ginny asked to hold onto it for a bit. I think she's gonna clean it up, it wasn't ticking when I took it off her," she answered, "Shall I send food up or do you think you can come down?"
"Just give us a few minutes. And if you don't mind putting some clothes on the bed, that would be great. Something comfortable," Bellatrix said, closing the book on Hermione's lap and putting it on the nightstand.
Andromeda rolled her eyes, walking over to the wardrobe.
"No, not robes," Bellatrix mumbled, pointing to the dresser, "Those Muggle sweatpants Hermione wears."
Upon hearing her name, the brunette stirred and Bellatrix squeezed her waist, pressing a kiss to her temple. She sighed contently, her lips parting. Andromeda placed two pairs of sweatpants and oversized shirts on the bed, raising her brow at her sister.
"Thanks, Andy," she whispered.
"See you downstairs."
Once the door was closed behind her middle sister, Bellatrix proceeded to wake Hermione. She gently nudged her shoulder, calling her name.
"Nooo," she protested, turning her face into the older witch's neck.
"You need to eat, Hermione," she whispered.
Hermione groaned, opening her eyes. "Okay."
Bellatrix grabbed one of the shirts, pulling it over Hermione's head. It was big, hanging off one of her shoulders. She shivered as hands brushed her thighs, pulling the sweatpants on. Bellatrix swallowed hard, squeezing Hermione's hips.
"Bella," Hermione breathed.
"Sorry," she whispered, pulling her hands away as if she'd been burned.
Hermione reached for them. "No, Bella, you can touch me."
"I would love to," she whispered, "But we both need to eat."
"Yeah, I guess I'm pretty hungry," Hermione said after her stomach grumbled.
Bellatrix smiled, prodding Hermione so she would move enough for her to get dressed. Hermione took the opportunity to stretch, her muscles stiff even after the massage from Bellatrix. Arms encircled her waist and Bellatrix pulled her close, pressing her face into the center of her back. Hermione hummed, placing her hands over Bellatrix's.
The older witch called for a house-elf, instructing them to take them to the dining room. Hermione nearly stumbled as she caught Bellatrix from collapsing, guiding her into a chair with help from Narcissa.
"Feeling better?" the blonde asked, looking over her arms.
"Much," she said, sinking into a chair next to Bellatrix.
Ginny, having heard her voice from the adjacent room, poked her head in. "You're up!"
"Did you just get in?" Hermione asked, accepting the hug from the redhead.
"Yeah, it's been busy. Mostly paperwork," she answered, "Erm, there is one thing, though."
"What?" Hermione asked after accepting a bite of food from Bellatrix.
Ginny shifted her weight, looking away. "Well, an Auror found your wand and it was...snapped...in half."
She stared down at the two halves of her wand as Ginny set them on the table. Hermione picked one of the halves up and even through her bandages she could feel how lifeless it was. Even though she didn't need it, it comforted her. It was the first and only wand she'd ever owned, it had survived 7 years of a war that wasn't hers.
Hermione nodded tersely. "Too bad Harry snapped the Elder wand. He could've fixed it."
Ginny placed a hand on her shoulder, looking between the three sisters. "When you're up for it, we'll go to Diagon and get you a new one."
She nodded, setting the wood back on the table. Bellatrix reached over, grabbing her hand and lacing their fingers together.
"On a lighter note," the redhead said, pulling Hermione's watch out of her pocket and placing it in her free hand, "I got this fixed for you."
"Thanks, Gin," she mumbled, running her thumb over the glass face.
"And on a not-so-lighter note, Rita Skeeter sent an owl requesting an interview with you," she said, grimacing.
"Cissa, is it okay if I have her come here for it?" Hermione asked.
Narcissa pinched her lips together. "I suppose."
"Never thought I'd see the day," Draco teased, hoping to lighten the mood.
She chuckled, but there wasn't any feeling behind it. "We had a deal. She held up her end, it's only fair."
"And you say you hate the politics of the ministry," Ginny joked, squeezing her shoulder.
Hermione didn't respond, unable to tear her eyes off her broken wand for the entirety of the time she was at the table, accepting bites of food from Bellatrix. She was glad to have her watch back, even if she couldn't wear it with all the bandages, and it made the news of her broken wand a little more bearable. It was a relief when she was back in bed with Bellatrix, lying on top of the older witch who was holding her to her chest.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Bellatrix murmured, stroking her hair.
She shook her head, burying her face in the former Death Eater's collar. "I don't even want to think about it right now."
"I can help with that," she whispered, reaching for the book on the nightstand.
Hermione slid her hands under Bellatrix's shirt as she began reading, resting her hands flat against her abdomen. She could feel her muscles quiver through the bandages and the older witch sucked in a breath as she continued reading.
"Am I still the only thing you can feel?" she asked, tilting her head up.
"It's been coming back," Bellatrix answered, "But it's little things and only when you're near me."
Hermione hummed, dragging the tip of her nose along Bellatrix's jaw. "What do you mean little things?"
"Like the scratch of your bandages," she placed the book down, placing her hands over Hermione's when she felt them pull away, "It's not bad, it feels nice. And the sheets, our clothes, the pages of the book. Last night I could feel the water, which was incredible."
Hermione looked up at Bellatrix, her lips slightly parted as the older witch slid her hands along her arms. She leaned down, kissing the tip of Hermione's nose as she buried her hands in brown hair and massaged her scalp. Brown eyes fell closed as an appreciative groan slipped through her lips and she pressed herself into the touch. Her hands flexed against Bellatrix's abdomen, causing the older witch to press closer to her.
"I wish I didn't have these bandages," she grumbled, sliding her hands up Bellatrix's sides.
"I wish you weren't hurt at all," Bellatrix chuckled breathily.
Hermione smiled. "But it gives me an excuse to lay in bed with you all day."
"Oh, I see. It was all a ploy," she teased, "Cheeky witch."
"You caught me," the brunette laughed, pouting as Bellatrix extracted her hands from her hair.
Bellatrix smirked as she hummed, her hands moving to Hermione's sides and squeezing them. "I won't tell if you won't."
"Deal," she breathed, shivering as Bellatrix's hands ran up her back.
"How are your ribs?" she asked, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
Hermione looked at her warily, responding, "Fine, I guess. Why?"
"No reason," she shrugged, sliding her hands all the way to her shoulders, causing Hermione's shirt to ride up, "I just want to make sure I'm not going to hurt you too badly."
"What-" her sentence was interrupted by her own shaky breath as Bellatrix's raked her nails lightly down her back, squeezing her hips and playing with the hem of her shirt.
"Can I take this off?" she asked, her face displaying vulnerability.
"Yes," she breathed, swallowing hard.
Hermione sat up, ducking her head out of her shirt as Bellatrix pulled it off. She wobbled a bit, steadied by hands on her arms.
Easy, cub. You okay? Bellatrix thought to her, letting the younger witch feel exactly what she was feeling as she gazed lovingly at her.
She nodded, her cheeks flushing as Bellatrix's emotions washed over her. The other witch took advantage of her distraction, rolling them so Hermione was on her back, making sure she didn't use too much force. Hermione splayed her hands across Bellatrix's back, attempting to pull her down for a kiss.
"Your lip isn't better yet," she whispered, hovering over her.
"Bella," she pleaded, trying to close the distance.
She chuckled, shaking her head and nuzzling her neck. "Trust me, there are plenty of other places I can kiss you."
Hermione shivered, pressing her hands into Bellatrix's shoulders. A soft moan left Hermione as the older witch punctuated her statement with kisses along her jaw. Bellatrix smiled against Hermione's skin, threading one hand into her hair and sliding the other up her side. Hermione let her feelings flow through their connection, gasping as Bellatrix's thumb brushed the underside of her right breast.
"Bella," she breathed, arching her back into the touch and tilting her head to the side.
"You can tell me to stop whenever," she whispered, waiting for Hermione's acknowledgment.
When she nodded, she kissed her way to her chest, skirting around the edges of the bandage. She slid her hand higher, cupping Hermione's breast and rolling the soft flesh in her palm. Bellatrix brushed her thumb across Hermione's nipple, drawing a groan from the younger witch. She kissed her way to the unoccupied breast, taking note of the small scars peppering her collar and making sure to love each one. Hermione resisted the urge to bury her hands in Bellatrix's hair, keeping them splayed over her shoulders so she didn't open the cuts. When Bellatrix took her nipple into her mouth, she arched her back, whimpering as she tried not to grab at her.
"Do you need me to stop?" she asked, moving her head back up until their noses were brushing.
Hermione groaned, pressing her head into the pillow and squeezing her eyes shut. "I don't want you to."
"But?" Bellatrix prodded.
"But I really want to grab you and touch you and feel you and kiss you and I can't do any of that," she mumbled.
She stroked the younger witch's cheek, whispering, "I'm sorry, Hermione. I want you to get better, I shouldn't be tempting you to prolong your recovery."
"I really want this," she opened her eyes, shifting her gaze to the side, "I want you, and I've wanted you for months now."
"Me too, but we've waited this long. A few more days won't kill us," Bellatrix encouraged, "And I will be sure to not let things go too far that you feel tempted to do anything."
Hermione nodded sullenly as Bellatrix moved off of her, kissing her cheek. She sat up so Bellatrix could put the shirt back on her, leaning into her side as she continued reading.