A/N: Sooo, I'm a little later than I thought I'd be. This chapter has been ready but the end of term was busier than I expected and I've spent the last week doing absolutely nothing. I haven't done much writing lately but I'm going to try to get back into it and get this story moving along again. I hope you're all well.

Enjoy!

Be my place to land when I'm tired

When my feathers are burnt by the fire

I surrender myself to your arms

Just hold me tighter

-Will I find My Home, Juniper Vale

Hermione was awakened the next morning when a sudden weight at the foot of the bed caused the mattress to dip. She bolted upright, reaching under her pillow before realizing two things. The first was that it was just Teddy climbing up onto the bed, and the second was that her wand had been broken. Her shoulders dropped as she let out a sigh of relief, feeling Bellatrix sit up beside her.

"Please don't do that, Teddy, you startled me," she gently scolded, rolling her neck.

"I'm sorry, Auntie 'Mi. I tried to be quiet like you taught," he whispered, scooting closer when she patted the spot to her right.

She exhaled slowly through her nose, her body trembling with adrenaline even as Bellatrix draped an arm around her shoulders and sent calming emotions toward her. Teddy nestled into her other side, looking up at her with large eyes.

Hermione held her hand out to him. "Have you tried sneaking up on Uncle Ron and Uncle Harry?"

"I made Uncle Ron drop his tea one time," he grinned victoriously as he grabbed her hand, "And Uncle Harry hit his head last time."

"And what about Auntie Ginny?" she asked.

Teddy pouted a little. "I haven't been able to get her. She always knows I'm there, just like you do. It's not fair."

Hermione heard Bellatrix chuckle beside her and sent a smile to the older witch. "You're going to have to get really good to sneak up on us. But I know you can do it. And once you can sneak up on us, you'll be able to sneak up on anyone."

"You're so good, though," he grumbled.

"I've had a lot of practice," she chuckled.

"Auntie 'Mi?" he asked, looked up at her after frowning at the bandages on her hands.

She smiled down at him reassuringly. "What is it, Teddy?"

"Did you get hurt at work again?" He fiddled with the loose end of the bandage, his face pinching.

"I did," she answered softly as she ran a hand over the top of his head, "But I'll be all better in a few days and the people who hurt me are in a lot of trouble."

"Granny didn't think I should come visit, but I heard Uncle Harry and Uncle Ron talking about it yesterday. I wanted to make sure you were okay," he explained.

"That's very sweet of you, Teddy," she said, "But you should get home before she worries about you."

He frowned slightly as the bandage on her wrist began to unravel because of his fiddling. "Sorry. I left her a note telling her where I'd be."

"It's okay," she reassured, "I need new ones, anyway. It's very responsible for you to leave her a note, Teddy. I have just one thing I need to do today, but I don't mind if you stay. As long as your granny is okay with it."

"She'll probably be here any minute," Bellatrix whispered to Hermione.

"When she gets here, you should apologize for leaving without her permission. Even though you left a note, she didn't say you could leave," Hermione said after nodding to Bellatrix.

He nodded emphatically, promising, "I will."

When he tugged the sleeve of her shirt, she leaned down for him to whisper loudly in her ear, "Did you tell her, yet?"

Bellatrix pretended not to hear him as Hermione looked at her out of the corner of her eye.

"I did," she whispered, just as loudly, "She told me, first, though."

He grinned at her, his front tooth missing. His smile faded as the door opened and Andromeda rushed through it, breathing a sigh of relief when she saw Teddy sitting next to Hermione.

"Granny!" he exclaimed, jumping off the bed and racing over to her, "I'm sorry I left without your permission. I wanted to see if Auntie Hermione was okay, but I shouldn't have broken the rules."

The scolding she had prepared died on her lips as he hugged her legs. She looked up at Hermione as she placed a hand on his back. The brunette sent her a gentle smile, waving at her.

"Thank you for apologizing. I won't punish you this time, but if you do this again, I will," she said when he looked up at her.

He nodded solemnly.

"Why don't you go see Uncle Draco? He's eating breakfast," she suggested, watching him race out of the room with a smile.

"I don't mind if he stays for the day, Andy," Hermione said, looking at Bellatrix.

The older witch had a smile on her face as she squeezed the brunette's shoulders gently. "I'm okay with it, too. I'm sure you could use a day to yourself."

"I didn't want him to bother the two of you. How are you feeling, Hermione?" Andromeda rolled her shoulders, shaking her head slightly.

"Much better. My arms are still a little sore, but my ribs are barely noticeable most of the time," she answered, holding her right arm out to her.

Andromeda removed the bandage entirely, examining the cuts littering her hand. "Looks fine. You don't even need a bandage anymore, just be careful. Limited use of your hands, only."

Hermione nodded, smiling up at Bellatrix when she nudged her with her elbow. Andromeda ignored the exchange, holding her hands out for Hermione's other arm. She gently undid the bandage on her forearm and hand, humming as she observed it.

"This hand is fine, too. Your arm isn't healing as fast as I was hoping, but it's not terrible. I'll wrap it with a fresh bandage but try to minimize any action that might open the scabs," she mumbled, reaching into her bag.

Bellatrix slid her hand into Hermione's hair, massaging her scalp as Andromeda bandaged the wound, trying to take her mind off of it. Hermione leaned her head against the former Death Eater's shoulder, closing her eyes against the soothing sensation.

"Breathe in," Andromeda instructed, holding the stethoscope, "And out. It sounds much better. I'm going to have you take another potion for your ribs, just to help the process along a little faster."

Hermione accepted the blue liquid, downing it as quickly as she could. It wasn't the worst tasting potion she had ever had, but it wasn't what she would describe as pleasant.

"Last thing," Andromeda said, "I just need to see your burn."

Bellatrix's hands immediately moved to the hem of Hermione's shirt, pulling it over her head. Hermione winced as the motion of raising her arms caused the healing skin on her chest to pull taut, looking down at the clumsily applied bandage.

"Merlin, Bella," Andromeda muttered as she removed it, "You could've just asked me to do it."

"I think it's fine," Hermione said, gazing adoringly over at Bellatrix.

Andromeda just raised a brow, shaking her head in disbelief. "I don't know why I'm continually surprised by how fast you heal. The skin looks tender, but there's no sign of infection. It could still become infected so I'm going to put some more salve and dress it. When I pick up Teddy I'll redress it."

Hermione opened her mouth to say something, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth instead when Andromeda applied the salve to her chest. "Morgana's tits, that stings."

"I think it would be better to say it stings your tits," Bellatrix chuckled, beaming at the brunette.

"That's not funny, Bella," she grumbled.

The older witch scoffed. "Liar."

Hermione rolled her eyes, a faint smile detracting from her facade. "Fine. It is a little funny."

"Honestly," Andromeda mumbled to herself, "You two are the strangest people I've ever met."

"Careful, Andy, you're related to one of us," Bellatrix teased, helping Hermione get her shirt back on once her wound was dressed.

The middle Black just rolled her eyes before fixing Hermione with a stern expression. "Light activity only. You're not on bedrest, but I do suggest keeping any physical activity to a minimum. You can walk around the Manor, but nothing more taxing than that."

"What do you think we get up to, Andy?" Bellatrix asked, rolling her eyes, "I wouldn't jeopardize Hermione's recovery."

Hermione felt her cheeks flush a light pink. "I'll take it easy, Andy, I promise."

"Don't forget to eat," she reminded, collecting her bag and squeezing Hermione's shoulder, "I'll see you both later."

Bellatrix waited until the door was closed behind her sister before she said, "Now Cissy is the only one of us that hasn't seen your tits."

"BELLA!" she exclaimed, her face reddening as she playfully swatted her arm with the back of her hand.

A gleeful laugh met her ears as Bellatrix pulled Hermione into her lap, nuzzling her cheek with her nose. "You are so beautiful."

"Bella," she mumbled sheepishly, her blush fading to a light pink.

"I mean it," she whispered in her ear, "You're beautiful."

Hermione couldn't stop the shiver that worked its way down her spine, pressing her face into the older witch's collar. "I think you're beautiful, too."

She felt the older witch chuckle as the arms around her squeezed her gently. "Let's get some breakfast."

"Do you think you can make it if I help you?" Hermione asked, turning her head so her cheek was flat against her.

"I'd rather not try it today. Maybe something that isn't so far," Bellatrix whispered.

The younger witch nodded, smiling serenely. Bellatrix called for a house-elf, prodding Hermione to move onto the edge of the bed. Hermione drew Bellatrix's right arm over her shoulders, sliding her left arm around Bellatrix's waist. With a deep inhale from the older witch, they stood, wobbling a little at first before finding their balance. The house-elf held his hands out to them and they took it, suddenly appearing in the kitchen. Bellatrix slid into the chair Narcissa pulled out for her, brushing her curls out of her face.

"Good to see both of you getting better," Ginny mumbled around a bite of food, her expression quickly becoming sheepish as Narcissa sent her a stern look.

"I think this afternoon I might be up to visiting Ollivander for a new wand," Hermione said, threading her hand into Bellatrix's without a second thought.

"I'll come home a little early, then," Ginny said, "Luna will be around for the day if you need anything. I've decided you're too stubborn to be trusted."

Hermione rolled her eyes as she grumbled, "I'm not that bad."

She was met with incredulous looks as Ginny rolled her eyes and pointed her fork in her direction as she said, "Andy is literally the only healer that will treat you anymore because you don't listen."

Draco hid his laughter behind a cough, earning a stern look from Hermione.

"You're a little stubborn, Hermione." Bellatrix squeezed Hermione's hand reassuringly as she spoke.

Ginny scoffed, rolling her eyes and returning to her food as she muttered to herself. Narcissa looked on in amusement as Teddy ran into the room excitedly, climbing into the chair next to Hermione and bouncing up and down.

"Granny said I could stay!" he exclaimed happily to Hermione, "But she also said we have to play calm games."

"I have something we can do together," she assured, "That isn't work or strenuous."

She directed the second portion of her statement to Ginny, earning a skeptical noise from the redhead witch.

"In that case, would you mind if I monopolize Bella's time today?" Narcissa asked.

"I don't need company for you to do that, Cissa," Hermione answered, shaking her head when Bellatrix offered her another bite of food.

Teddy placed his hands flat on the table and grinning broadly. "What is it?"

She chuckled, holding a finger up to her lips and whispering playfully, "It's a top-secret mission that only the best five-year-old can go on."

He sat up straighter, trying to be more still than he was. "When can we go?"

Hermione rubbed her chin, narrowing her eyes in thought. "We'll have to split up and rendezvous in our secret hideout. Do you remember where it is?"

Teddy nodded vigorously, his whole body moving with the motion.

"Good. I'll meet you there in," she looked at her watch, "Five minutes."

He took a deep breath, sliding out of his seat and giggling as he made his way through the corridors.

"You're so good with him," Narcissa mumbled with a smile.

"Hermione has a soft spot for him," Ginny said, slipping out of her chair and grabbing her coat, "And he just absolutely adores her more than any of us."

"It shows," Bellatrix whispered, glancing softly at Hermione.

The brunette witch smiled, brushing her nose against Bellatrix's cheek. "I have a soft spot for you, too, you know."

"I'll see you later. And if I so much as think you're doing work, I will send you to bed," Ginny said with a wave, pointing at Hermione to emphasize her words.

"Okay, mum," she teased with a laugh, rolling her eyes.

Ginny narrowed her eyes at the brunette, waving at the rest of them before going the rest of the way to the floo.

"I think my time is up," Hermione announced, glancing at her watch, "I don't want to keep Teddy waiting too long."

"I'm just a thought away," Bellatrix assured, squeezing her hand before letting go.

Hermione smiled at her. "As am I. See you later."

The brunette made her way to her secret rendezvous point with Teddy, which they only pretended was a secret from everyone. She entered the library to find him waiting patiently, sitting on the couch and swinging his legs back and forth as he examined the books on the table with a scrunched face. He beamed when she entered, sliding over to make room for her on the couch.

"It's almost Christmas," she whispered conspiratorily, as if there might be spies, "And I've been thinking of what to get everyone. I want to do something special for everyone, but it's going to be a lot of work. So if you get bored, we can do something else."

"I want to help you," he insisted.

She smiled at him, chuckling a little bit. "If you change your mind, or want to take a break, just let me know and we can stop. Okay?"

"Okay," he beamed, displaying his gap-toothed smile.

"Who do you want to start with?" she asked.

He hummed, squinting his eyes and pinching his mouth into a line. "Auntie Ginny."

"Good choice," she praised, causing a bright expression to replace his thoughtful one, "Ginny loves Quidditch. She wanted to play for the Holyhead Harpies after she graduated, but she got hurt and broke her knee. I don't think I've seen her play since it happened, and even though magic can do wonders to heal injuries, it isn't the same as it used to be. She still loves to watch it, though."

"What are you gonna get her?" he asked, looking up at her with furrowed brows.

"Well, I'm not sure. Ginny is very important to me, and she's put up with all my shenanigans over the years. I want it to really show her how much I appreciate her, but she already goes to all the matches, so getting her tickets seems silly," she thought out loud.

Teddy tapped his chin, his legs swinging back and forth. "I think she misses playing. The way she sounds when she talks about Quidditch is the way Granny sounds when she talks about my mum."

"Do you think I should write the captain and see if I can get her to give Ginny a tryout?" Hermione asked, pulling Teddy into her lap.

He wrapped his arms around her waist, leaning his head against her shoulder. "Yes. Do you know her?"

"I've met her a few times. My department has helped provide security for some of the matches, so I've met everyone on the team. Ginny has, too. I don't think I've ever seen her so speechless before." Hermione laughed at the memory of Ginny first meeting the Holyhead Harpies and the terrible stutter she had developed in her awe.

"Can I help you write the letter?" he asked, his voice taking on an air of melancholy.

She squeezed him tightly, resting her chin on his head. "Of course. Do you want to play a little game first?"

"What game?"

"Do you remember what you asked me earlier? About Bellatrix?"

He nodded, gripping her shirt in his small fist.

"When I was little, other kids didn't really like me. They thought I was weird and they teased me a lot. Sometimes, I'd be very upset when my dad picked me up from school. He would take me to the florist and he would pick out flowers for my mum. When we got home, he would have me take them to her. She would see me holding the flowers and her eyes would light up really bright, knowing they were from my dad. My parents loved each other so much, and they loved me so much." Hermione swallowed hard, tearing up a little as she recalled the memory. "I miss them a lot."

"Don't cry, Auntie 'Mione," he whispered.

She laughed a little, reaching up to wipe away the tear that had crept out of her eye. "I know that even with all of us to love you, it isn't the same as having your parents. And I know that some days you'll wish you had them, even though you don't remember them. In a way, you sort of get to know them, or at least what they would be like because of our memories of them. It's okay to miss them and be sad."

"Are you sad?" he asked, twisting to look up at her.

"Sometimes," she admitted, "The only things I have of my parents are my memories and my dad's watch, but it's no replacement for them."

"Not even a picture with them?"

She shook her head. "I erased their memories of me to keep them safe. When I did that, it erased me from all the pictures, and I couldn't bear to take one. I wish I had. But we're getting a little off track. The game I want you to play with me is the one I used to play with my dad. Where he would give me flowers and have me give them to my mum."

"You want me to take flowers to Bellatrix?" He shifted in her lap so he could look up at her better.

"I do," she answered.

He nodded. "I like Bellatrix."

"I do, too," Hermione whispered with a smile, "What kind of flowers do you think she would like?"

"The one you made when you taught me," Teddy answered easily, "Can I help?"

Her face fell a little as she mumbled, "I don't have my wand anymore."

"What happened to it?" he asked with a pout.

"It was broken. I'll have to get a new one before you can do any magic." She smoothed his hair absently, her eyes a little unfocused.

He hugged her, muttering, "I'm sorry."

"Thank you, Teddy. When I get a new one, I'll let you make some flowers, okay?"

"Okay," he said, smiling timidly up at her.

She returned it, inclining her head to her free hand. When he turned his attention to it, she conjured purple peonies, feeling a little better when she looked at them. He grinned, using both his hands to hold the flowers and hopping off her lap.

Bella, Hermione thought, holding her hand up for him to wait, Where are you?

I'm in the east drawing room, cub. Are you okay? came the quick response.

Yes, just curious. To Teddy, she said, "She's in the east drawing room."

He nodded, taking off to his destination, already feeling a little better. Hermione smiled faintly as she watched him go, moving onto the floor in front of the table.

Bellatrix scowled at the parchment on the table, the picture not turning out the way she wanted. Narcissa sat across from her, organizing the sketches Bellatrix had completed- and was satisfied with- into a rough layout. The older witch groaned in frustration, rolling her neck and crumpling the parchment into a ball. Narcissa merely arched a brow, not looking up from her task.

"I can't get it right, Cissy," she mumbled, throwing her head back.

"You will, Bella," the blonde assured, "Look at all the other amazing ones you've done."

Bellatrix tossed her quill onto the table. "Yes, but those ones aren't this one. I've been trying to get this one right for a week."

"What's wrong with it?" she asked, uncrumpling the parchment and looking at the wrinkled sketch.

"I don't know," she growled, "It just isn't right."

She was about to say something when she looked up and noticed the distant look in her sister's eyes. It was the look she always got when she was communicating with Hermione, so she stayed quiet, smoothing out the wrinkles in the parchment. Sketching had always been one of Bellatrix's favorite hobbies, one she- thankfully- still enjoyed. To see her drawing again was amazing, and she was just as good as she had been before she married Rodolphus. It was something she had encouraged when Bellatrix first began to move again to help with her dexterity and fine motor skills.

"What if I'm wasting my time, Cissy?" Bellatrix asked, rubbing her forehead.

"Hermione will love it. You're worrying too much, Bella," Narcissa whispered, reaching across the table and placing her hand on her arm.

Bellatrix chewed her lip, drumming her fingers on the table. She was about to say something when Teddy burst into the room, holding flowers in his small hands. Narcissa had an amused expression on her face as Bellatrix furrowed her brows. He held them out to the former Death Eater somewhat timidly, delighting when she took them gently into her hands.

"What?" she asked, bringing the peonies to her nose and inhaling their delicate scent.

She paused. There were only some things she could smell.

"These are from Hermione," she whispered with a faint smile

It wasn't a question, but Teddy nodded with a grin anyway. He understood what Hermione was telling him about as he watched the realization hit Bellatrix. He giggled as Bellatrix brought them to her nose again, her eyes falling closed.

"What for?" she asked him, beckoning the young wizard closer.

"Because," he giggled, "She said it would make us feel better."

She raised a brow. "Why did you need to feel better?"

"My parents." He frowned a little bit. "And she was telling me how her dad used to make her feel better. But remembering made her a little sad, too. You know she doesn't even have any pictures of them? I at least have pictures of my mum and dad. And stories."

Bellatrix and Narcissa shared a quiet look, the blonde raising a brow.

"Can you do me a favor, Teddy?" she asked him.

"What is it?" He furrowed his brows as he looked at the dark-haired witch.

Bellatrix beckoned him closer, whispering in his ear.

When she stopped, he pulled away and nodded before running back to where Hermione was waiting for him. Narcissa looked expectantly at her sister, waiting for her to share.

"I know why that drawing hasn't been right. I should do one of her parents," she explained.

"So what did you ask Teddy?" Narcissa asked.

She smiled conspiratorily. "If he could tell me what he knows about them later."

"Has Hermione talked about them, yet?"

Bellatrix sighed, brushing her hair out of her face. "We've talked about what she did a little bit. And a little bit about them, but not a lot. Her dad used to make cream horns at Christmas while her mum did puzzles with her and listened to the radio."

"Should I add cream horns to the Christmas plan?" The blonde moved behind Bellatrix, pulling her hair out of her face a fastening it with a clip.

"I'm not sure how she'll feel about that," she murmured, "Thank you."

Narcissa hummed as she scratched her sister's scalp while the older witch sketched Hermione's parents as best she could. The witch had her lip pulled between her teeth, scrunching her brows together as her quill moved over the parchment. She wasn't entirely sure what Hermione's parents looked like, so she was just sketching what she thought they might look like. Narcissa watched over her shoulder as she drew in silence, continuing to massage her scalp.

Teddy ran back into the library with a grin on his face, throwing himself on the floor next to Hermione. She placed her arm around his shoulders, pulling him into her side. He moved onto her lap, grabbing her hands gently in his little ones.

"She loved the flowers," he said, leaning back to look up at her.

Hermione smiled, running a hand through his short brown hair. "I'm glad. Ready to help me write that letter to the captain of the Holyhead Harpies?"

"Can we do something else?" Teddy asked, shifting in her lap.

"What do you want to do?" she whispered, resting her chin on his head.

He fiddled with her fingers, nervously mumbling, "Will you tell me about your parents?"

Hermione breathed in slowly. "I don't know, Teddy."

"Please?" he whispered, pouting up at her.

She sighed, reaching up to rub the back of her neck. "Well, they're both dentists, like healers, but only for teeth. We used to take vacations all over when I was home from Hogwarts. My favorite was when we went to Greenland and camped there for two weeks. We watched the Northern Lights almost every night."

Hermione smiled briefly before it faded. "I think that was the last vacation I've been on, actually. I was 15."

"Did you like the lights?" Teddy asked.

"I did. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. It's just you and the sky has bands of green and yellow and blue and sometimes purple," she breathed.

He looked up at her with a frown. "I wish I could see."

"I can show you, but maybe after we get some work done," she promised.

"What are you getting Bellatrix for Christmas?" Teddy asked, moving onto one of her legs and sitting sideways.

She chuckled, reaching under the couch and sliding a book out. "I'm working on building a case for her. So she can be free."

"How come she isn't free?" he asked, reaching for the book.

"Well...she's done things that weren't...good, and she's being punished for them, but I think she deserves another chance. There are just some people I'll have to convince, first," she explained, "And I want to make sure they won't have a legal reason to deny it."

Teddy furrowed his brows. "What kind of things?"

Hermione paused. "I...don't think that's something we should talk about right now. People are capable of changing, and when they try to do better, they deserve a chance. Bellatrix deserves a chance."

The young wizard nodded, holding the book in his small hands. "I think Bellatrix is good."

"She is," the brunette laughed, tickling his sides playfully, "Let's get back to work. I already know what to do for Narcissa and Draco, and it'll be easy to put together. That just leaves your granny. I'm not sure what to do for her."

"I think you've already made her really happy. Because of her sisters," Teddy said.

Hermione hummed, pulling the table closer to her so she could work. "Let's get this letter written for Ginny before lunch."

"After lunch can I see the lights?" he asked, sliding a piece of parchment toward them.

"I'll see how I'm feeling," she answered, summoning an inkwell and quill.

The brunette began writing, reading it out to Teddy as she did. Occasionally, she would have to explain the meaning of a word and wait for his nod of approval. He liked watching Hermione write, her concise motions leaving a trail of ink that was slightly slanted but uniform. His few attempts at writing had produced poorly formed letters with some parts blotchier than others.

"How do you write so good?" he asked with a frown when she finished, a little jealous.

She chuckled, placing her quill in the inkwell. "I've had a lot of practice. Do you want to try to write something?"

Teddy nodded, stretching to reach another piece of parchment and sliding it to him. Hermione moved the ink and quill within his reach, calling for a house-elf and asking them to deliver the letter to the captain of the Holyhead Harpies. With Teddy focused on his writing, she picked up the book she kept hidden under the couch and continued reading it. She had summoned another quill and inkwell, jotting something down when she felt it was important. At some point, Teddy began to grow restless, fidgeting in her lap and breaking her concentration.

"I think there's just enough time before lunch for me to show you the lights," Hermione offered, tucking her notes into the book and sliding it under the couch.

He beamed at her with his gap-toothed smile, nodding vigorously. She nodded gently, summoning a small vial. With a deep breath, she closed her eyes, pulling the memory to the forefront of her thoughts. She placed her index finger against her temple, gently extracting a copy of it for Teddy to watch. Hermione dipped her finger into the vial, sliding it along the rim as she pulled it out and corked it.

"Come on, we have to take a little walk." She ushered him up, standing and stretching her back before leading him into the room across the corridor.

"Have you used a Pensieve before?" she asked him, grabbing his hand when he nervously shook his head.

"That looks scary," he whispered.

She kneeled in front of him holding the vial between them. "It's only scary if the contents are scary. I promise this is not, and I'll be right there with you. When I pour out the vial, all you have to do is stick your face into the bowl, okay?"

"Okay." He tightened his grip on Hermione's hand, casting another glance at the Pensieve.

Hermione placed a stool in front of the Pensieve, helping Teddy onto it and continuing to hold his hand as she uncorked the vial and poured it. "Ready?"

"Ready," he muttered, holding tightly to Hermione as he copied her motion and placed his head into the water.

Snow formed around him, then a small cleared area with a tent and fire. He looked up at Hermione, catching a glimpse of the sky and opening his mouth in awe. Teddy gasped as the Northern Lights grew more vibrant as the memory fully formed, slithering across the sky. He looked back at Hermione, frowning when he saw she wasn't looking up at the sky. Instead, she was looking toward the clearing at the three people squished together, smiling happily. Her eyes were wet with unshed tears as she watched the trio drink hot chocolate huddled together and pointing up at the sky every now and then.

"Auntie Hermione?" he asked, pulling on her hand to get her attention.

"That's me and my parents," she whispered with a sniffle, inclining her chin toward them.

He looked over at them, just now noticing the unmistakable brown curls of the witch he looked up to more than anyone. She looked a lot like her parents as a teenager, and even more so now. Teddy looked back and forth between the people in the memory and Hermione, worming into her side until she draped an arm over his shoulders.

"You look like them," he whispered, wrapping his arms as far around her as he could.

She wiped her eyes with her free hand, smiling sadly. "I wonder if I would recognize them if I ever saw them again. I haven't seen them in years. Are you ready for lunch?"

He nodded, tucking his head into her ribs. The memory around them faded as they pulled their faces out of the Pensieve, forming back into the study they were in.

"You go on ahead," she whispered, her voice cracking a little, "I'll catch up."

"I love you, Auntie 'Mi," he mumbled.

"I love you, too, Teddy."

She waited until he was gone to let the tears roll down her cheeks, leaning against the nearest wall and sliding to the floor. Hermione pulled her knees to her chest, sniffling as she looked up at the ceiling.

Bella, she thought quietly.

Where are you, cub? The older witch asked, brushing reassuringly against her.

Across from the library. She sniffled again. I don't really feel like eating.

You know that's not going to fly withanyone, Bellatrix thought to her.

Hermione groaned, wiping her face with her sleeve and standing up. I know.

Don't make me send someone to bring you to the table.

I'm almost there, she thought, rolling her eyes as a smile formed on her face.

Narcissa simply raised a brow when she entered, silently scolding her for being late. She slid into the seat next to Bellatrix, instinctively reaching for her hand. Bellatrix threaded their fingers together, holding a forkful of food in front of her. Dutifully, Hermione took the bite, humming as the delicate blend of spices bloomed on her tongue.

"That's amazing," she breathed.

"Isn't it?" Narcissa asked, "I found an old recipe lying around and asked the house-elves to make it today."

Hermione leaned toward Bellatrix for another bite. "It tastes like the roast dinner my grandmum would make, but she always added a hint of cinnamon."

"Cinnamon?" Draco asked, wrinkling his nose.

"Just a little," she confirmed.

"Perhaps I'll have them try it some time," Narcissa said.

Bellatrix let Hermione take another bite. "Have you and Teddy been doing well with your super top-secret mission?"

"That's classified," Hermione answered with a smug expression, winking conspiratorily at Teddy.

He winked back- or tried to- while scooping mashed potatoes into his mouth.

"What about you, Narcissa? Have you and Bella been making progress with...whatever you're working on?" Hermione paused. "What are you working on?"

"I'm afraid that's classified," Narcissa retorted cheekily.

The brunette shrugged. "Fair enough. What have you been up to, Draco?"

"Reading," he answered after a sip of water, "And hanging out with Luna."

"So, that's where you've been, Luna. I was wondering why you weren't around," Hermione mumbled.

"The Nargles have been very consistent today. There is no danger of you overworking," she responded cryptically.

The brunette just nodded uncertainly. She wasn't sure what Nargles and their consistency had to do with her overworking herself, but she trusted Luna to know. Despite how delicious lunch was, she found herself getting full, rejecting more bites of food Bellatrix offered her. Teddy had finished and was sitting patiently waiting to be dismissed from the table.

"Teddy and I should get back to our mission," Hermione finally mumbled.

"Rest if you need to," Bellatrix whispered, hesitant to let go of her hand.

With a gentle squeeze and a reassuring smile, the brunette muttered, "I will."

She allowed Teddy to lead the way back to the library, settling on the floor with her back against the couch. He sat next to her, leaning against her shoulder.

"Are you okay, Auntie Hermione?" he asked timidly.

"I am. Just a little tired," she mumbled, stroking his hair.

"Will you read to me?" he asked, looking up at her.

She nodded. "Pick something for me."

He stood up and wandered over to the shelves, scrunching his face as he looked at the different-colored spines. At random, he pulled one off the shelf, turning it in his hands. Deciding it was the one he wanted, he waddled back over to Hermione, sitting in her lap and holding it up to her.

Ginny ran a hand through her red hair, sighing in frustration. She had wanted to be done by lunchtime, but the ministry had other plans for her, it seemed. Just as she had been about to leave, a fight had broken out in the holding cells, sticking her with an incident report to complete and rearrangements to oversee. It had delayed her by two hours and she was less than happy about the situation. Now, she was finally finished and was determined to leave the ministry before anything else could happen.

The line for the floo was short so early in the afternoon, thank Merlin, and she heaved a sigh of relief as she emerged in Malfoy Manor. Hermione would be in the library, no doubt, so she made her way there first. As she pushed open the door, she found the brunette asleep with Teddy and a book in her lap, her head resting against the couch cushions. Teddy was holding onto her shoulders loosely, also asleep.

The redhead smiled, stepping further into the room. Quietly, she moved over to Hermione, crouching in front of her. With a gentle hand, she scratched Hermione's scalp, whispering her name. Brown eyes fluttered open and an eyebrow raised sleepily.

"Hey, Gin," she mumbled, prodding Teddy until he began to stir.

"Did you have a good nap?" Ginny asked with a smirk.

"Shut it," Hermione grumbled rolling her shoulders, "How was work?"

Ginny shook her head with a mischievous smile. "Nope. You don't get to know while you're recovering."

"Rude," she whispered under her breath, ruffling Teddy's hair as he stretched, "Hey, Teddy, I have to go run an errand. Will you be okay for a bit?"

He nodded, rubbing his eyes and yawning.

"I'll be back before you know it," she promised, tickling his sides and eliciting giggles.

Teddy escaped her reach, giving Ginny's legs a quick hug before heading to the room Bellatrix and Narcissa had been in.

"I'd like Narcissa and Draco to come with us," Hermione mumbled as she took Ginny's hand and was pulled to her feet.

"I'll let them know while you go change and we'll meet you in the foyer," Ginny said, urging her toward the door.

The brunette left without another word and Ginny sent a Patronus to Narcissa and Draco rather than searching for them. She reached down to scoop the book off the floor and placed it on the table before making her way back to the foyer. Draco was already there and she could hear Narcissa's distinct footsteps approaching. Hermione descended the stairs a few moments after Narcissa arrived, hiding a yawn behind the back of her hand.

The four of them went through the floo one at a time, with Ginny going first and Hermione following her. Awkwardly, the brunette shoved her hands into the pockets of her jeans, chewing her lip as she scanned the Leaky Cauldron. Draco and Narcissa emerged seconds later and Ginny continued toward Ollivander's. Hermione looked up at the weathered sign, a small frown on her face.

She remembered the first time she had set foot inside the shop. The wand she had grown so familiar with over the years had recognized her instantly, and as soon as it was in her hand, it had cleaved to her. She had never been without it, save for a few occasions during the war, but she always managed to get it back. Now, she would never do magic with it again. At Narcissa's gentle hand on her shoulder, Hermione propelled herself into the shop, looking around at the stacks of wand boxes.

"Hello," Ollivander greeted cheerily, "Judging by Ms. Granger's expression, she's in need of a new wand. What's happened to yours?"

"It was snapped. In half," she mumbled, brushing her hair out of her eyes.

"Oh dear," he whispered, his expression falling.

She nodded, pulling her lip between her teeth.

"No matter. I'm positive I can provide you with a new one. Come closer, please," he said, beckoning her with a wave of her hand.

She took two steps closer to him, standing passively under his intense gaze. His eyes flicked briefly to Narcissa and Draco, before a frown formed on his face.

"There is something odd," he told her, "A wand for you cannot exist without a partner, but it is not anyone in this room. I must make a pair."

Hermione's eyes widened and she looked back at her three companions. "Surely you can just make one?"

He shook his head. "It has to be two, otherwise it will not work properly. I need to know who the second is for."

"Hermione-" Narcissa began.

"Is there somewhere we can talk in private a moment, Mr. Ollivander?" she asked, trying to shake off the worry she felt.

He nodded, gesturing down a row of wands. Hermione looked back at them with an expression she hoped was reassuring before squeezing down the row. Ginny placed a hand on their shoulders when they were about to protest.

"She knows what she's doing," she whispered to them, "She won't take any unnecessary risks about who she tells."

Ollivander squeezed through the stacks behind her, waiting patiently for her explanation.

"I remember when I got my first wand," she whispered, her fingers caressing a box, "Do you?"

"Of course. I remember every wand I've ever sold," he answered.

"Why must I have a wand that's part of a pair?" she asked, furrowing her brow as she looked at him, "Why won't one of the ones you've already made work?"

"You are bonded. Your original wand had already cleaved to you, so it was not an issue when you became bonded, but any wand you possess now must have a partner," he explained.

Hermione frowned, studying him with keen eyes as she chewed her lip. "And you need to know who that person is?"

He nodded. "I must make a wand for you and a wand for the person you are bonded with. They must be compatible with each other and the person they are cleaved to. They will need the same core, from the same source, but the wood and length and flexibility depend on the intended owner."

The brunette brushed her hair out of her face, glancing anxiously at the wall of wands. "Mr. Ollivander, the witch I am bound to is Bellatrix Black."

"I see," he murmured thoughtfully, "That...complicates things."

"Additionally, and I would like this to be our secret, for now, I would like to commission wands for Narcissa and Draco. This is preparation for when they are allowed to possess a wand again. I'm hoping to have everything sorted out by Christmas, including the circumstances surrounding Bellatrix, although I'm not sure if she will be allowed to own a wand," she rambled.

Ollivander hummed, stroking the hairs on his chin thoughtfully. "I will have yours ready as soon as possible. The other three I will do my best to have ready in case they are approved."

"Thank you, Mr. Ollivander. I will pay extra for the trouble and the risk," Hermione promised.

"I trust you, Ms. Granger. Most of the people do. If you believe it is right, then surely others will be convinced," he said, "I will owl you when yours is ready."

She nodded, following him through the narrow row of wands. Ginny raised a brow at her when she reappeared, and Hermione subtly nodded. Narcissa and Draco looked a little paler than usual, so she sent them a reassuring smile.

"It will take at least three days, Ms. Granger," he said as they left.

Bellatrix glanced at the door in surprise when Teddy burst through it. She had been touching up some sketches while Narcissa was making plans for the renovations to the foyer. Not a minute later, Ginny's Patronus was requesting Narcissa for the trip to Ollivander's. Apologetically, her sister looked at her as she left the room.

"Hi, Teddy," she said, patting the spot next to her.

"Hi," he whispered, sitting next to her and catching sight of her sketches. He picked one up, his face scrunching as he asked, "Are these Hermione's parents?"

Bellatrix glanced at the one he was holding. "It's one of my ideas about what they might look like. It's purely guesswork."

"Her dad doesn't have a beard," he said, handing the parchment back to her.

"How do you know?" she asked, studying the sketch.

"Auntie Hermione showed me lights in the sky and her parents were there," he answered.

At her confused look, he explained, "In the Pencil."

"The Pensieve?" she suggested.

"Yeah," he said, "She showed me. Well, I think I was only supposed to see the lights."

"Can you help me draw them, Teddy?" Bellatrix asked, collecting the sketches of what she thought Hermione's parents would look like and handing them to him.

He spread them out on the floor, frowning at the sketches. While he studied them, Bellatrix returned to the sketch she had been working on.

"These ones," he finally announced, holding three sketches, "This one of her mum is perfect. And her dad looks like this one, but his face is more like this one."

"Thank you, Teddy," she whispered, taking the sketches from him and grabbing a fresh piece of parchment, "How come Hermione is your favorite?"

He stood up to watch her sketch, resting his arms on the table and laying his head on them. "Well, because."

"Why not Harry?" she prompted, pausing for long enough to earn a nod.

"Uncle Harry is okay. So is Uncle Ron, I guess," he said, "I really like Auntie Ginny, too. But they don't really...understand."

"Understand what?" Bellatrix asked gently, dipping her quill into the ink.

His face furrowed. "Sometimes I get sad. And they understand why, but they don't understand how it feels. Even though Uncle Harry lost his parents, too, Molly and Arthur are kind of like his parents. I guess they're sort of like Auntie Hermione's, too, but not really. She doesn't really feel like she belongs there."

"Did she tell you that?"

"No. I just know. She loves them, but they aren't a replacement for her parents. When I get sad, she understands how I feel and she tells me it's okay to feel sad." Teddy paused long enough to nod his head at Bellatrix's sketch so far. "She doesn't pity me because I lost my parents. When I'm sad she knows what to do to make me feel better. I think Auntie Hermione is sad a lot more than she admits."

Bellatrix looked over at him, brushing his hair out of his face as she whispered, "I think so, too."

"I wish I knew how to make her feel better," he muttered.

"You do make her feel better," the witch assured, "She's just dealing with a lot of things right now. Sometimes, there are moments in our life where sadness is always there and we can't seem to get away from it entirely. But those times don't last forever, Teddy."

"She's been sad for as long as I can remember," the young wizard whispered, looking up at her, "But she's seemed a little happier lately. Because she has you."

Bellatrix smiled. "Can I tell you a secret?"

He nodded.

"I'm happier now that I have her," she whispered, squeezing his side.