A/N: It's always a good day when I can post an update! I hope you're all doing well! So, let's just agree not to listen when I say I'll update more regularly because sometimes it doesn't work out like I want it to. Such is life. But! I give you another chapter and, eventually, the rest of the story. We'll get there. In time, my dear readers, in time.
Take care and enjoy!
Hermione awoke to a groan from across the room, her thoughts scrambled for a moment by some fragments of her dreams. Hermione fumbled for her wand, rubbing her eyes as they fell on the time. A gasp escaped from her throat and she bolted out of bed, searching frantically for everything she needed for classes. She pulled the blanket off Bellatrix as she passed, earning a sleepy complaint as Bellatrix reached ineffectively for her blanket.
"We're going to be late!" Hermione admonished, nearly tripping as she pulled on her leggings.
"It's fine, we have Binns first, it's not as if we even have to go," Bellatrix slurred sleepily.
"We have Transfiguration first," Hermione corrected, hastily tieing her tie.
"Fuck," Bellatrix mumbled, falling out of bed and scampering around the room pulling on her clothes.
Hermione gathered all of their books, remembering to tuck her wand into her sleeve only upon seeing Bellatrix do it. They rushed out of their room and the blessedly empty Common Room, heading as quickly as they could to the Transfiguration classroom. To their dismay, they didn't have time to stop by the Great Hall for a bite to eat, but they were too focused on being on time to worry about it. As they approached the doors, they slowed enough to catch their breath but not too much that they didn't make it to their seats on time. Bellatrix chuckled as they sat in the only two seats, conveniently close to the door. Hermione shot her a half-smile despite McGonagall's stern look at their near tardiness.
"Nice of you to join us, Miss Black, perhaps next time Miss Jean will be saved from your shenanigans," she said disapprovingly, eyeing the dark-haired witch with distaste.
"Actually, Professor, it's my fault," Hermione cut in, noticing the way Bellatrix deflated upon being scolded.
McGonagall's mouth formed a tight line and she simply nodded, turning to the board to begin her lecture.
"Thanks," Bellatrix mouthed, taking her book from Hermione and beginning to take notes.
Hermione nodded, opening her own book but not really taking notes. She had always excelled in Transfiguration, and she had already learned this material, so it was more of a refresher. Her skills were still top-notch, and between Bellatrix and herself, they earned a hefty bundle of house points. Bellatrix, for her part, was thrilled to have someone on her level, past it really, but humble enough not to overdo it. McGonagall found herself pleasantly surprised at the participation of the two Slytherins. Bellatrix normally never answered questions but always performed the assigned tasks well, but now, every time Hermione's hand shot up, Bellatrix followed almost instantly. She couldn't recall a time she had ever awarded so many points in one class, let alone to two students from Slytherin.
"Miss Black, Miss Jean, please stay a moment," McGonagall announced as she dismissed her students.
Bellatrix felt her stomach churn with nerves. She hadn't done anything wrong, but she had only ever been asked to stay behind when she was being punished. Hermione merely finished packing her books, a calm expression on her face. This may be a Minerva from a different time, but she liked to think she could still read her pretty well and she knew they weren't in any kind of trouble. She hoped some of her tranquility would rub off on Bellatrix.
"Miss Black, I owe you an apology," McGonagall said once she was in front of the two witches.
"I mean, I can see why you would say something like that, I don't have the best record," Bellatrix mumbled.
"Regardless, it was unfair of me to fall prey to the talk of your behavior when you have shown nothing but a desire to learn around me. And Miss Jean, thank you for calling out my unjustified, and frankly, undignified behavior. It is unusual for me to have my behavior corrected by a student such as yourself, and it's a wonder you were not placed in Gryffindor," Minerva said, turning to face Hermione.
"Perhaps in another time," Hermione said knowingly.
"Regardless, it was nice to have two intelligent witches such as yourself participating as much as you did. I hope you both continue to strive for knowledge and use it well. And for my part, I will be more wary of the things I hear. Have a nice day." McGonagall dismissed them with a shooing motion, regarding them with a somewhat fond smile.
"I can't believe that just happened," Bellatrix whispered incredulously once they were away from the door.
"Why not?" Hermione chuckled, swiftly moving behind Bellatrix to avoid walking into another student.
"She's head of the Gryffindors, Hermione, and I'm a Slytherin."
"What does that have to do with anything? She's normally fair but not everyone is in the right all the time and if it's pointed out, she'll always admit it. She may not know me, but I know her very well," Hermione whispered, following Bellatrix through the corridors.
"We have DADA next. I didn't think to grab my books, but I'll meet you there," Bellatrix mumbled, quickening her pace.
"Bella, I grabbed your books before we left, please don't run from me." Hermione reached for Bellatrix's arms, weaving her magic around them so people wouldn't look twice at them.
"What is that?" Bellatrix asked, stopping short.
"It's an illusion charm. I invented it a few years ago to help me get around without being bothered. I figured maybe you might like to go unnoticed, but I'm sorry I didn't think of it when we were walking into class."
"It's okay, we had just woken up, and you remembered to grab our books, at least. How did you make it? Is it like a Confundus charm?" Bellatrix felt the questions beginning to pile up, threatening to spill from her mouth too quickly for Hermione to follow, so she clamped her mouth shut.
"I'm sure you've heard of the Deathly Hallows, I created an invisibility cloak of sorts combined with a very mild form of an Obliviate. It creates like a pocket of space distorted just the right amount that no one notices anyone or anything amiss," Hermione explained, feeling a thrill down her spine as she told Bellatrix her inspiration.
"That's brilliant! You should also consider weaving in a soundproofing spell in case someone is more perceptive or stronger willed," she suggested.
"That's genius, I can't believe I didn't think of that," Hermione said, scolding herself.
"You thought of so much else, Hermione," Bellatrix praised, tugging her arm to get them walking again, "We do need to go, though, so we make it to class on time."
"Why did you think we had Binns first?" Hermione asked, walking alongside the dark-haired witch.
Bellatrix was silent for a moment, her ivory cheeks becoming slightly rosy. "I was dreaming about school."
Hermione gazed at Bellatrix in amazement, her mouth hanging open slightly. The blush on Bellatrix's cheeks darkened as she gently pressed her index and middle fingers against Hermione's chin to close her mouth. Hermione's own cheeks flushed with heat at the action, seemingly spreading from Bellatrix's fingertips lingering on her chin to her ears and cheeks. They exchanged shy smiles, neither quite able to look the other in the eyes. Bellatrix pulled her hand away, immediately missing the sensation. Hermione let her draw away, the warmth of Bellatrix's fingers remaining even though the touch was gone.
"I guess it's a good thing you hid us," Bellatrix joked, hoping to banish some of the tension that wrapped around them.
"Yeah," Hermione breathed out in response, fiddling with the knot of her tie. She cleared her throat, silently cursing her weird behavior.
The remainder of their walk was spent in silence, and Hermione gradually let her spell wear off as they approached the classroom. Bellatrix's skin prickled as Hermione's magic pulled away. She pushed open the classroom door, filing in among the other students with Hermione right behind her. They chose a seat in the front this time, where most of the empty seats were. Hermione remembered Bellatrix telling her how most of the students were intimidated by Professor Rose who apparently was more thorn than flower. She had always been successful in the subject, so she wasn't terribly worried about getting on the professor's bad side. Bellatrix had already made a good impression thanks to her skills, and it was one of the only classes she dared show off in.
"Welcome to Defense Against the Dark Arts, where you will learn to channel your power into stunning offense and spectacular defense. Today, we'll begin with a dueling bracket so I can assess your skills, so find a dueling partner. The two students to make it to the end will receive house points, and the winner will earn additional house points," Professor Rose announced, casting a look over the students.
Hermione and Bellatrix shared a look, giving each other sly smiles as the same thought passed through both their minds. They split up, each eager to find a dueling partner to best so they could face off at the end. Bellatrix had no problem finding a partner, someone eager to best her early on. Hermione had the misfortune of being immediately rounded on by Rodolphus Lestrange, the boy eager to get back at Hermione for embarrassing him in front of his pureblood friends.
"Well, Mudblood, it looks like it's you and me," he said, grinning ferally.
"You sure about this?" Hermione taunted, making a point of not drawing her wand yet.
"Sure I can pound you into the mud you came from," he spat, drawing his wand viciously.
Hermione arched a brow, calmly reaching for the wand in her sleeve. She knew that there would be certain expectations for their duel since they were in a classroom. Until they both bowed with wands drawn, the duel couldn't officially start. Rodolphus raised his wand with an audible swish, bowing shallowly to Hermione when she mirrored his position. Hermione bent at the waist, immediately firing off a strong Stupefy at Rodolphus. She followed it up with an Expelliarmus, making short work of the wizard. She smirked at him, waiting for the rest of the duels to finish so she could find a new partner. Her eyes sought Bellatrix, admiring the skill she displayed even at her current age.
Hermione and Bellatrix made their way through the steadily shrinking collection of dueling partners, biding their time until they were the only ones left. Each time, they made quick work of their opponents, earning praise from Professor Rose when they demonstrated a particularly impressive maneuver. Finally, they were the only two left, facing off at the front of the room. They smirked at each other as they raised their wands, bowing deeply and examining each other. Neither of them moved for several seconds, staring at each other and building the tension in the room. With a playful wink, Bellatrix struck in a flash, almost too quick for the students to follow. Hermione flicked it skyward, raising a taunting eyebrow.
Hermione wasted no time retaliating, exchanging spells with Bellatrix. They met each other blow-for-blow, magic crackling in the air each time their spells collided. Professor Rose watched with interest as the two witches dueled, her discerning eyes detecting the unusual experience they both possessed. Their movements were alarmingly fluid as if they had been dueling for years, and they both had an instinct that was hard to develop. Dueling was as much physical as it was mental, requiring athleticism and quick-thinking.
Bellatrix dropped into a crouch, ducking under a spell Hermione sent her way and firing her own at the same time. Hermione rolled out of the way, launching herself forward and forcing the duel to become close-range. Bellatrix faltered, narrowly dodging Hermione's next spell. The sudden close range had forced Bellatrix to abandon the spell she had prepared because the radius would have caught her in the blast too. Bellatrix smiled at Hermione's brilliance, stumbling more than she had before now that there was less room to work with. As she stumbled, Hermione took her opportunity to disarm Bellatrix, deftly catching the bent walnut wand in her hand.
"Splendid job, ladies! A prime example of an engaging duel and exceptional skills. 100 points to Slytherin!" Professor Rose announced excitedly.
Hermione and Bellatrix grinned at each other, taking their seats while Professor Rose went on to assign homework. As they sat down, Hermione offered Bellatrix her wand, the other witch's fingers brushing the inside of her wrist as she reclaimed her wand. They made a quick mental note of the essay they had to prepare for next week and rushed out of the classroom to the Great Hall as soon as they were dismissed. Their stomachs complained about not having been fed earlier, and the activity from class exacerbated their hunger.
"You certainly made quick work of Rodolphus," Bellatrix laughed, "He was not too happy about being bested by you so quickly."
"Definitely not, but he's a prick and he deserved to be taken down a peg," Hermione replied with a chuckle.
"I know you think you can handle yourself, and I believe in you, but just be careful. Please. He may not seem like much but don't underestimate him," Bellatrix warned.
"I promise you, Bella, that there is nothing exceptional about Rodolphus in this time or mine. But, I do promise to try not to make too many enemies. We did just earn over 100 house points, though, which puts us ahead and there have only been two classes," Hermione pointed out.
"Fortunately for you, Slytherins love to win," Bellatrix laughed.
"At any cost," Hermione added with a sly smile, "And don't worry, we will."
"You do know that as soon as you lose house points our house will turn on you?" Bellatrix asked, sitting down and quickly filling her plate with food.
"I guess I'll just have to not lose us house points. Have you given any more thought to Quidditch?" Hermione responded, sitting next to Bellatrix and piling food on her own plate.
"I want to. I'm a little scared about what will happen when my father finds out," Bellatrix managed between bites.
"Bella!" Andy greeted, "Hermione! I heard you guys are responsible for earning us more than 100 house points already?"
"Take note, sis. This is how it's done," Bellatrix boasted playfully.
Andromeda rolled her eyes, plopping into the seat next to Hermione and alternating between putting food on her plate and in her mouth. "I didn't see you guys at breakfast."
"We were almost late to class, we didn't have time," Hermione answered, brushing crumbs from her sandwich off her hands, "How were your classes so far?"
"Great, I had Potions first thing. Naturally, I excelled. I just came from Divination which was...interesting."
"No surprise there," Bellatrix scoffed, earning an elbow from Hermione. It would have upset her if she hadn't caught the smile Hermione was fighting to hide.
"So, Bella, I heard you got your ass handed to you in a duel?" Andromeda retaliated.
"I did not get my ass handed to me," she protested, "Hermione did beat me but we were pretty evenly matched."
Andromeda raised an eyebrow skeptically, partly teasing her sister and partly astonished someone was a worthy opponent for Bellatrix.
"It's true," Hermione agreed, "It could've easily been a draw."
"You must be really good, then, Hermione. Bella can beat a lot of adults," Andromeda praised between bites of food.
"We should get going, Hermione. I don't want to be late to Flying class," Bellatrix said, "Catch you later, Andy."
Hermione paled a little, her stomach dropping at the thought of brooms.
"You alright?" Bellatrix asked, half-standing.
"Super," Hermione muttered a little sarcastically.
One thing she definitely had not missed was flying. She didn't have nearly the same aversion to it as she had, but it still wasn't a pleasant experience. She preferred to have her head in the clouds figuratively, not literally. At least when it was figurative there was no danger of falling and plummeting to her death. Somewhat reluctantly, Hermione rose from her seat, walking with Bellatrix to the grounds. She had come along way since her fourth year and was slightly better than average thanks to practice with Harry, Ron, and Ginny, but she didn't love it enough to surpass everyone.
Lost in thought, Hermione almost collided with another student, saved only by Bellatrix putting out her arm to stop her. Hermione gave her a grateful smile, only now realizing they were outside waiting for Madam Hooch to begin class. Hermione gave the awaiting brooms a subtle glare, making her dislike known to them. Bellatrix tilted her head skyward, basking in the gentle heat of the sun. She didn't really have a favorite class, but if she had to pick one, it would probably be this one. There was something so liberating about rushing through the air with nothing tieing her to the ground. When she was flying, she wasn't a Black, she was Bella. There wasn't anyone to be disappointed in her no matter how much she succeeded, just her and the infinite sky.
Hermione observed Bellatrix out of the corner of her eye, taking careful note of how the sun reflected softly off her fair skin, making her hair look darker. The tranquility rolled off her in waves, serving to calm Hermione as she imagined what it must be like to be Bellatrix. It made sense that Bellatrix enjoyed flying and the freedom it provided her, even if it was temporary.
"Why are the things we love the most forbidden?" Bellatrix whispered, almost too softly for Hermione to hear, even standing right next to her.
"Because the people holding you captive don't want you to be free," Hermione whispered back.
As soon as the words died, Madam Hooch was announcing the start of class, warning her students about the dangers of flying. Hermione took a deep breath as she approached her broom, channeling her power into the command for the broom to rise. It obeyed flawlessly and she smiled, thinking that maybe it wouldn't be too bad to fly now that she saw it from Bellatrix's point of view. Books were liberating to Hermione, but for some reason, Bellatrix was rubbing off on her and she almost found herself excited to fly.
Bellatrix wasted no time mounting her broom and taking off, streaking past the other students. Hermione, optimistic about the experience for once, followed suit, albeit at a slower pace. It had been a long time since she had been on a broom and even though it was basically just like riding a bicycle without wheels or handlebars and some distance from the ground, she didn't want to jump into things too quickly. For once in her life, Hermione had no trouble guiding her broom and attributed it to her development over the last years. She didn't experience the same fear she used to, and she knew that was a big part of it, but she was also much more sure of herself. She knew the extent of her abilities and didn't worry about making her professors love her. It helped that she already knew they would, but she wasn't out to please like she had been when she attended Hogwarts.
Pulling herself through a loop-de-loop, Bellatrix slowed, letting Hermione catch up to her. Her hair was tangled by the wind and her cheeks were slightly pink from happiness. As Hermione came to a hover next to her, Bellatrix let out a light laugh, her eyes twinkling in a way Hermione had seldom seen. Her mirth was infectious and Hermione found herself grinning at the dark-haired witch.
"Fancy a little race?" Hermione asked, knowing she wouldn't beat Bellatrix but wanting to make her happiness last.
"Always," Bellatrix smirked, pointing to where they had taken off from, "Last one there is a blast-ended Skrewt."
"You're on," Hermione said, readying herself.
"Three," Bellatrix began.
"Two," Hermione said.
"One!" they chorused, taking off as fast as they could.
It was mostly a straight shot to where they started, more of a dive than anything else. Bellatrix pulled ahead easily, whooping as she descended rapidly. Hermione laughed, urging herself faster but remaining just behind Bellatrix. She had never been able to fly so fast before, partly due to skill and partly to terror, but the enjoyment it brought was indescribable. Growing wary of the quickly approaching ground, Hermione began to level off, not wanting to become a splat on the ground. Bellatrix, on the other hand, waited until the last second before pulling up sharply and dismounting gracefully. Hermione's feet met the grass a few moments later.
"I guess that makes us even," Bellatrix said with a chuckle.
"Fair enough," Hermione laughed.
They looked at each other for a few moments, just smiling at each other until they were distracted by Madame Hooch's dismissal. They walked in silence to the Common Room, nudging shoulders every now and then. Thankfully, it was mostly empty when they arrived, save for a few first- and second-years. Hermione made a beeline for the piano, wanting to play a little before the Common Room was more crowded. Bellatrix sat next to her, watching as her fingers danced over the keys.
"You know, you could try out that modification," Bellatrix suggested when Hermione stopped playing.
"Maybe some other time. I don't want to play anymore, and I'd rather teach you so you can do it. I have to focus a lot to play I'm still a little out of practice."
"Teach me, then," Bellatrix whispered.
Hermione's mouth twitched into a smile as she let the magic fall over them. Bellatrix smiled brightly as she felt the magic settle over her, trying not to think too much about the smell of pages and smoke.
"Incredible," Bellatrix breathed, looking at Hermione with shining eyes, "I don't know if that'll ever cease to amaze me."
Hermione chuckled, her cheeks coloring slightly. "I've never taught this to anyone before, so I'm not really sure how to. There's no incantation, I pretty much just use my desire to be unnoticed, if that makes sense."
"I think so. It's about the intention, right?" Bellatrix asked for clarification.
"Yeah."
Bellatrix closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to focus on the intention. With Hermione this close and her magic in the air, she found her thoughts drifting to the comfort Hermione brought. It hadn't been very long, but she had already come to see Hermione as her safe place. Hermione had wormed her way into her heart, or maybe she had always been there, but Bellatrix knew for certain that she belonged there. Even with the distance between them, Bellatrix could still feel Hermione's warmth, the energy that radiated off her in waves that crashed upon Bellatrix like the waters of the Black Lake lapping at the shore. She was overjoyed to have someone as smart and funny and beautiful and understanding and brave and fierce as Hermione to challenge her. To make her better.
Taking another deep breath, Bellatrix tried to turn her thoughts away from Hermione and toward making a private space for them. It was difficult to focus with paper and smoke filling her nostrils, making her dizzy with happiness. Even her sisters didn't make her feel this good, and Bellatrix couldn't suppress the small smile even if she had wanted to. Hermione watched in silence, letting Bellatrix find her own way of doing it. She wasn't sure what was going through her head, but it did make her smile to see Bellatrix so at peace. Bellatrix focused on her desire to be alone with Hermione, for it to be just the two of them, alone. Hermione could feel the uncertain tendrils of magic settling around them, and Hermione dropped the intention. Bellatrix held her breath as she felt Hermione's magic pull away, waiting for some sign that she had failed, certain that she had.
"You did an amazing job, Bella!" Hermione commended, throwing her arms around the dark witch.
"I actually did it?" She whispered in awe.
"Of course! Bella, you're crazy talented, and you can accomplish anything you put your mind to." Hermione pulled away slightly, beaming at Bellatrix.
"I just, I don't know, I'm not used to...this," Bellatrix waved her hand uselessly, unsure of the words she was trying to say.
Hermione just hugged her again, not wanting to jump to conclusions about what Bellatrix was trying to refer to. She wasn't used to a lot of this, either, but Bellatrix made it easier to deal with. She enjoyed the company, something she had never had the desire for after she left, and there was so much more to Bellatrix than she ever thought possible. She was thrilled to have someone on par with her, having spent her entire time at Hogwarts surpassing everyone without even trying. Well, she did try, because she cared, but even if she hadn't she strongly suspected the results would have been similar. Draco had provided some competition, but not nearly on the same level as Bellatrix. It was nice to have someone understand her without having to try to explain things to people who never could.
"Thank you, Hermione," Bellatrix murmured, breaking the hug, "You have no idea how much it means to me."
"I hope you use it to keep you and your sisters safe," she said, placing her forehead against Bellatrix's.
"I will," she promised, her throat constricting a little.
"Let's find Andy and go to dinner, yeah?" Hermione stood from the piano bench, offering a hand to Bellatrix.
"If I know my sister, she's already there," Bellatrix laughed, allowing Hermione to pull her to her feet.