A/N: Welcome back everyone! I'm so happy to have a timely update for you all. I'm sure you all will be too.
AlphaRidley: For this story, it's something Bellatrix has to face on her own, but perhaps I'll write one where Hermione can stay in the past. The way this story is planned out, Hermione and Bellatrix will be about the same age in terms of experience, which is why Hermione had to leave. It will become clearer as the story progresses. Thank you for reviewing!
Recekayla: I assure you, I've been working on this chapter since I posted the last one because I could not stop thinking about this story after I posted. I know it's a lot harder for the reader, but hopefully, I've gotten this out fast enough for you. Thanks for the feedback!
As always, I hope you all are well, I love you all, and enjoy this chapter!
Bellatrix carefully held the silver raven, cradling it close to her chest as she fondly stroked its wings. Although it had been just over three years, she still clearly remembered the witch who had given it to her. The trinket began eliciting music, and Bellatrix leaned her head against the headboard of her bed, closing her eyes and remembering the first time she had ever heard Hermione play the piano. She missed her more than she could even imagine, but she had held true to what the other girl had shown her. She led Slytherin's Quidditch team to victory every year, she remained at the top of her class, with several of the professors even growing to be more fond of her. She was no longer afraid of her father, and he had realized he no longer had power over her. Or any of them.
A smile adorned her face as she remembered her and Andromeda teaching Narcissa all that Hermione had taught them. In time, they had overpowered their father, and now that Bellatrix was of age, she had become the Head of the family. She had seized the power from her father and now she controlled everything. She had turned down several offers from Tom Riddle to join his cause, she had freed herself from marrying into the Lestrange family, and she had secured her future. Almost. There were still a few pieces missing, but they had yet to even be created yet.
"Hermione," she thought, stroking the raven's wings to begin the song again, "I know you'd be so proud of me."
She had never stopped missing the brunette witch who had shown her she could live for herself. In just over ten years, she would be born. Bellatrix wasn't sure when she would actually meet Hermione, but she knew she would. Three years had been difficult. Every corridor and classroom and quiet place reminded her of Hermione, but she never once felt abandoned. She always felt like Hermione was with her, encouraging her even when it had been hard to continue on, when she had struggled for power with her father. But she knew she could do it, because she knew Hermione was waiting for her.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and her sisters poked their heads into her room.
"Bella, are you ready?" Andy asked softly.
Bellatrix slipped the raven into the pocket of her robe, never going anywhere without it. "Yeah, I'm ready."
She pushed herself off the bed, throwing an arm affectionately around her sisters and pulling them close. Andromeda laughed and Narcissa rolled her eyes but couldn't fight the smile that spread across her face.
"Bella, what are you going to do now that you're done with school?" Narcissa asked, looking up at her oldest sister.
"I'm not sure yet. There's a lot I could do, even if I didn't have the Black name," she said, worrying her lip.
"You've gotta do something, otherwise you'll be so lonely when Andy and I are at school," Narcissa pouted.
"I know, Cissy. I'll think of something, but I have the whole summer to do that."
"You should talk to Dumbledore about it," Andromeda suggested, "I'm sure he'd be more than happy to help you think of the perfect job."
"After breakfast," Bellatrix said, entering the Great Hall with her sisters.
At the sight of food, Andromeda's eyes lit up, already choosing what she would pile onto her plate. Bellatrix and Narcissa shared a look at Andromeda's predictable behavior. As they chose their seats on the bench, several of their housemates gave them nods and made room for them. The three sisters were the main source of their house points, and contributed the most to them winning the House Cup every year, especially Bellatrix. Over time, they had come to be less afraid of her, and they weren't exactly friendly with her, but they respected her.
"Would you mind if I sat here?" Lucius asked, gesturing to the seat next to Narcissa.
Narcissa looked at her sister with big eyes, sticking out her lower lip in a pleading expression.
With an eye roll, she answered, "As long as she wants you there."
Narcissa beamed gratefully at her older sister, turning her attention to Lucius. Bellatrix and Andromeda shared a knowing look, the former's tinged with sadness, and the latter's with understanding for both her sisters.
"Don't worry, Bella. The time will pass before you even realize it," Andromeda said with a comforting hand on her sister's shoulder.
"I know it will," she whispered, turning her attention to her breakfast.
After breakfast, Bellatrix parted from her sisters and made her way to Dumbledore's office. He was one of the professors she had come to develop a more casual relationship with, and who better to confide in than the man who knew exactly what she would be thinking about? Upon reaching the golden statue guarding his office, she uttered the password, making her way up the stairs when it revealed the way. She was unsurprised to find him sitting at his desk, affectionately stroking Fawkes's feathers.
"Bella. Good morning," he greeted warmly, turning his attention to her as she approached, "What can I do for you today?"
"Good morning, Professor," she greeted in return, sitting across from him, "I was wondering if you could give me some advice. I'm not sure what to do with myself now that I'm finished with school."
"I had a feeling that was it," he said with a twinkle in his eyes, "Fortunately, I was not the only one who thought this day might come."
"What do you mean?" Bellatrix asked, watching as he rifled through his desk.
Dumbledore provided no explanation as he continued searching, finally finding a sealed envelope that had been in his desk for safekeeping. With a mischievous smile, he handed it to Bellatrix, gesturing for her to open it. As soon she slid her finger under the seal, she knew it was from Hermione. Her heart fluttered in her chest as the faint scent of parchment and smoke filled her lungs as she inhaled.
Bella, I know it's been a long time for you since we've seen each other. I asked Dumbledore to hold onto this until you came to him for advice on what to do after graduation. I had a feeling you wouldn't be sure of what to do with yourself. I'm sure it hasn't been easy, but you've gotten yourself this far. I can't tell you what to be, but I know that whatever you choose, you'll be the best at it, whether it's as a professional Quidditch player, Auror, professor, or anything in between.
I'm so proud of you, Bella.
I love you.
Hermione
Bellatrix traced Hermione's name as she reread the letter, tearing up at the sentiment. She found her eyes lingering over the word "Auror," drawn to the position more than she thought she was. She tucked the letter into her robes, next to the silver raven.
"I think I know what I'd like to do," she stated plainly.
Dumbledore raised his eyebrows expectantly, an amused look on his face as if he already knew what she would choose.
Bellatrix paused for a moment, comforted by the fact that she could change her mind at any time. "I'm going to become an Auror."
"Please, Bella?" Narcissa asked, widening her eyes and sticking out her lower lip. Even though she was no longer a child, the action never failed to get her what she wanted.
"I'm not our father, Cissy. You can make your own decision and I'll support you. If you want to agree to Lucius's proposal, you have my blessing, not that you need it," Bellatrix answered, hugging her sister.
"Thank you, Bella," Narcissa whispered, resting her head on her oldest sister's shoulder.
"Am I missing a family reunion or something?" Andromeda's asked, walking into the room.
Bellatrix chuckled, shifting to allow Andromeda to join their hug, throwing an arm over her shoulder. "Not that I'm aware of."
"So, Cissy, is Lucius the lucky man?" Andromeda asked teasingly.
A blush colored her cheeks and she mumbled, "Yes."
Bellatrix gave Andromeda a smirk and mouthed the words, "Pay up."
Andromeda rolled her eyes at her older sister, sliding a Galleon into her hand. "Congratulations, Cissy."
"It isn't official yet, Andy," Narcissa said with an eye roll.
"Perhaps not, but it's not as if anyone could deny you anything," Bellatrix said.
Narcissa hummed in response, not wanting to admit her sister was right.
"How could you be so stupid?" Narcissa yelled at her husband. Bellatrix watched calmly from the corner, leaning against the wall.
"I was doing it for us!" Lucius hissed, "For Draco!"
"How is it beneficial for Draco to grow up without his father? And if this hadn't happened, how is it good for him to grow up among people with so much hate?" Narcissa stared coldly at her husband, the man she had wanted to marry more than anything, the man she had loved.
"Cissy," he pleaded, "I didn't know it would be like this. The Dark Lord promised to keep us at the top! I had no idea he'd be defeated by a child!"
"I had no idea I married a man so cowardly he can't admit the wrong he's done." Narcissa turned away from him, holding her arm out for his oldest sister.
Bellatrix pushed off the wall, looping her arm through Narcissa's and placing a comforting hand on her youngest sister's shoulder.
"Will you take me home, Bella?" She whispered, rubbing her forehead with her free hand.
Bellatrix nodded, leading her sister out of the holding cells and to the floo. She pulled her sister into her side, grabbing a handful of floo powder and stepping into the floo. Narcissa pulled Bellatrix's cloak around her, tucking her face into her sister's shoulder as Bellatrix released the floo powder and announced their destination. She guided her sister into a chair in her library, positioning herself on the arm of it. Narcissa sniffled, leaning her head against Bellatrix's thigh.
"You and Draco can move in with me, if you'd like," Bellatrix offered quietly, rubbing circles on Narcissa's back.
Narcissa nodded against her leg, trying not to let the tears flow. She couldn't hold them back for long and ended up crying into Bellatrix's leg. Bellatrix didn't say anything, she just let her sister cry as she soothingly rubbed Narcissa's back. When Narcissa had finally finished crying, Bellatrix helped her up and took her to a room.
"I'll get Draco from Andy in the morning," she whispered, tucking her sister into bed.
"Bella, will you stay?" Narcissa asked, her voice small.
She moved over to make room for her sister, laying her head on Bellatrix's shoulder when she had stopped moving.
Bellatrix stood outside a Muggle house, watching the family of three from the opposite side of the street, hidden by magic the very witch she was observing had taught her. A smile graced her face as she watched Hermione's father pick her up and spin her in circles, eliciting giggles until he was too dizzy to continue. Hermione had only just turned five, but Bellatrix had taken to observing the family from time to time. She looked at the silver raven in her hand, regarding it fondly as Hermione's mother and father tucked her into bed for the night. It had served her well all these years, and now it was time for it to serve another purpose. She waited for a few minutes after Hermione's parents had left, slowly approaching her window. Silently, she spelled it to open, reaching through the window to place the silver raven on Hermione's desk.
"Happy birthday, Hermione," she whispered, spelling the window closed and turning on her heel.
Hermione sat up in bed, a pop pulling her from her slumber. The scent of ink and lavender lingered in the air, unfamiliar to Hermione but comforting all the same as she looked around the room for the source. She was certain she had heard someone whisper something but figured it must have just been a dream. As she was about to brush off the incident, her eyes fell on the silver raven on her desk, something she was certain hadn't been there when she had been tucked in. She reached for it, handling it as if it would break just by looking at it. Curiously, she ran her fingers over the metal, surprisingly warm and softer than she had anticipated. As her finger brushed over the wings, a melody she recognized from when her father played the piano began drifting out of the bird's mouth. She cradled it to her chest, resolving to ask him to teach her how to play when she woke up in the morning. For the first time she could remember, her dreams settled from the constant feeling of being on the run and hunted to dreams of a girl with emotive dark eyes and curly hair lying next to her and telling Hermione what it was like for her to grow up. The next morning when Hermione woke up, she tucked the raven under her pillow for safe-keeping.
Draco pulled on his aunt's dark curls, earning a playful swat from the witch whose lap he was currently sitting on. He frowned, reaching up to grab them again.
"I wish my hair was like yours, Auntie Bella," he said, struggling over some of the sounds.
Bellatrix laughed, throwing her head back as she did so. "Trust me, your mother does not."
"I wanna be like you!" he protested, sticking out his lip in a manner that resembled Narcissa when she was a child.
"It's for the best that you're more like your mother. There can only be so many people like me," she said, smoothing back his hair.
He continued pouting until Bellatrix began tickling his sides, eliciting high peals of laughter from the seven-year-old. She stopped only when he breathlessly begged her to, his sides heaving and his hair a mess. He still giggled, and Bellatrix couldn't help but smile at the boy's infectious joy.
"Just remember something, Draco," she said, turning serious, "Choose your path. Whatever you think is best for you, no matter what anyone says. You may be a Malfoy, but you're also a Black, and Blacks make their own paths in this world. Do you understand?"
His giggles died down completely, and a somber expression was on his face as he slowly nodded.
"Good. Now, I think there's some cake in the kitchen with your name on it," she said conspiratorially, ushering him into the dining room. She smiled after him, turning to look out the window with a somewhat forlorn expression. Both her sisters were at their happiest, and part of her was still unfulfilled. Being an Auror had been enough for a while, but after Voldemort disappeared, there wasn't much to do. She had transferred over to the Department of Mysteries as an Unspeakable, and as exciting as the job was, part of her was still missing. Part of her was with Hermione and wouldn't be with her for several years still. She had waited this long, she could wait for the remaining years.
"Bella?" Narcissa asked softly, not wanting to startle her sister when she was deep in thought, "Are you ready to join us?"
Bellatrix forced a smile onto her face, turning to her sister and replying, "Yeah."
"It's okay to miss her, Bella," Narcissa said, unsure of whether the statement would be welcome.
Bellatrix just nodded, looping her arm through her sister's and walking to the dining room.
Platform 9 and 3/4 was louder than she had anticipated. She hadn't stood on the platform since Nymphadora's first year going to Hogwarts, and now she was doing the same for Draco. If she were being honest, she had an ulterior motive for joining her sister and nephew. She hoped she might catch a glimpse of Hermione as she boarded the train, wanting to see her off, even if she didn't know who she was yet. Bellatrix realized that seemed a bit stalkerish, but she didn't want to pass up the opportunity to be there for Hermione. Narcissa gave her a knowing look as she absently hugged her nephew goodbye, wishing him a successful sorting. Her eyes scanned the crowd for familiar bushy brown hair she could never forget, feeling her heart skip as she found her.
Hermione felt a tingling on the back of her neck as if someone was staring at her. She glanced over her parents' shoulders as she hugged them goodbye, too excited to bother herself with their concerns. The feeling of being watched didn't go away, even as she boarded the train. She paused on the step, casting a glance over the crowd, searching for the source. Her parents gave her a reassuring wave, which she returned. Ready to shrug it off, she began to turn back to the train when her eyes found the source of the stare. Something about the way she stood and her long, dark curls and full, red lips were familiar to Hermione, but she couldn't place it. With difficulty, she tore her eyes away from the beautiful witch to continue boarding the train, excitement blooming in her chest at the prospect of a school for witches and wizards.
Hermione wiped the tears from her eyes, sniffling at her reflection in the mirror. She wasn't surprised to hear the things Ron and Harry had been saying about her, she just hadn't expected it to hurt her feelings so much. They weren't friends, exactly, she had never had friends apart from the girl in her dreams. She had thought, naively, that she wouldn't be teased for her pursuit of knowledge. She couldn't help but wonder why she was placed in Gryffindor instead of Ravenclaw, which had much more appeal.
"Hey, are you okay?" A boy she recognized from the sorting ceremony and classes asked.
"Erm, yeah," she said, eyeing the green on his robes and wondering what he was doing in a girl's bathroom.
"I'm Draco," he continued, oblivious to her discomfort, "I, erm, I saw you looked upset and wanted to make sure you were okay."
She couldn't be sure if it was her imagination, but she couldn't help but notice how his cheeks were slightly pink. "Did that really involve following me into the bathroom?"
Draco's face definitely reddened at her question, and he looked anywhere but her. "Well, I guess not."
Hermione chuckled, offering her hand to Draco. "I'm Hermione."
He took it with a smile, his cheeks still red. Hermione had to admit that she did feel a little bit better. The feeling didn't last long as Hermione felt the ground shaking under her and a huge troll entered the bathroom. The smile fell from her face and Draco turned to see what had caused it, his own smile falling from his face as he spotted the troll. It let out a massive roar, swinging its club at them. They threw themselves out of the way, feeling the rush of air as it barely missed them. They crouched under the debris of the stalls, watching as the troll wildly swung its club, destroying everything it came in contact with. Hermione and Draco shared a look, unsure of what to do. Harry and Ron chose that moment to come barreling into the bathroom, and Hermione couldn't help but roll her eyes. Thankfully, the troll was distracted enough for her and Draco to stealthily emerge from the debris, the four students effectively flanking the troll. Harry and Ron tossed debris at it, and Hermione and Draco shared a look, wondering how they were even accepted into Hogwarts.
When the troll raised its club to strike at Harry and Ron, Hermione and Draco both raised their wands and cast, "Wingardium Leviosa!"
The troll swung its arm in an arc, blinking at its empty hand as it realized that the club was no longer in its hand. It looked up, and Hermione and Draco both released the charm, the four students watching as the club fell in seemingly slow motion until it hit the troll on the head with a thunk. The troll fell forward, Ron and Harry barely jumping out of the way in time. The ground shook beneath their feet as the troll hit the ground, and they all stared at each other in stunned disbelief. Three professors burst into the bathroom moments late, staring in shock at the four students.
Sheepish smiles were exchanged as they were berated- but not punished- and when Hermione, Ron, and Harry were back in their common room, the two boys apologized to her. Hermione wasn't sure if they would become friends, but she felt a little better about helping them figure out what was going on. They were skeptical of what Draco was doing there, but she wasn't. She could even see herself considering him a friend. They were the two highest performing students, and even though she greatly outmatched him, they made each other better and he wasn't as bad as he had seemed.
Narcissa smiled as Draco's owl flew in through the open window to land on an empty chair next to her. Bellatrix and Andromeda paid Narcissa no mind as she stopped eating to untie the rolled parchment tied around the owl's leg. Narcissa fed the owl a small piece of steak, unrolling the parchment as she turned back to her meal. Her sisters let her read it in silence but were impatient to know what Draco had said.
"Hmm," Narcissa mumbled around a bite of green beans.
"Well, what is it?" Bellatrix finally blurted, earning an elbow to the ribs from Andromeda.
"Draco says he made a new friend. Some girl in Gryffindor named Hermione," Narcissa said absently, not noticing her sister's reaction.
Bellatrix felt her heart soar in her chest. If Draco and Hermione were friends then everything they had taught him had actually stuck, despite him being surrounded by pureblood ideology in Slytherin. More than that, he had befriended the very person Bellatrix had been waiting for. Andromeda gripped her arm under the table, and Bellatrix calmed herself as much as she could.
"Are you okay, Bella?" Narcissa asked, finally looking up from the letter.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just really happy," she said, smiling.
"Well, perhaps if you can be calm and not overwhelm the poor girl, we can have her over some time," Narcissa said, giving her sister a stern look.
Harry, Hermione, and Ron snuck through the corridors, trying to be as quiet as possible so they wouldn't be caught. Ahead of them, they saw a figure waiting in the showers. They slowed down, pressing against the wall so they wouldn't get caught. Hermione saw a flash of blond hair as moonlight streamed in, and she moved closer.
"It's just Draco," she whispered to Harry and Ron.
"Brilliant," Ron said, rolling his eyes.
"Relax, Ron, he's here to help," Harry whispered.
Ron scoffed but didn't say anything. He knew Harry was still skeptical of Draco, but Hermione trusted him so Harry was willing to give him a chance. As they approached Draco, Ron couldn't help the darkening expression on his face. Draco turned toward them, flashing them a smile. Hermione waved and Harry nodded his head. Ron just glowered at him, but Draco paid him no mind.
Hermione raised her wand and pointed it at the door, whispering, "Alohamora."
The door unlocked and the four of them pushed it open, peeking their heads inside. They breathed a quiet sigh of relief to find that Fluffy was sound asleep. They pushed the door open wider, stepping inside and flinching as the door slammed closed behind them. They held their breath for a moment, waiting to see if Fluffy would wake up. When he didn't they exchanged relieved smiles and moved forward to push his paw off the trapdoor. Even with the four of them, it was a tremendous effort to even get the paw to budge.
"How the bloody hell are we supposed to move this?" Ron asked, wiping his forehead.
Harry responded with an exasperated sigh and Draco shrugged his shoulders.
"Erm. Guys?" Hermione said, turning around, "The harp stopped."
The three boys gulped as Fluffy's paw began to move as the three-headed dog stood up.
"Get in!" Draco said, pulling Hermione into the trapdoor they finally managed to open.
Hermione ducked to avoid Fluffy, allowing Draco to pull her. Their breath left them as they landed hard on a bunch of vines. Moving vines. Harry and Ron were panicking as the vines wrapped around their legs and torso. Hermione felt tendrils of panic begin to grip her, spurred on by Harry and Ron, and the beginnings of Draco's panic. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, knowing it wouldn't do her any good to panic.
"Just relax," she said, her eyes still closed.
A curly-haired girl flashed through her mind and she smiled as the vine wrapped around her waist, pressing the silver raven into her skin and reminding her of its presence. She kept her eyes closed and let her mind focus on the image of the girl she had become so used to dreaming about. Her lips moved into a smile, and suddenly Hermione felt herself falling through the air. She landed ungracefully, followed a few moments later by Draco. She rolled her eyes at Harry and Ron's screams, offering a hand to help Draco up.
"Just relax!" she yelled up at them.
Draco rolled his eyes as they just screamed louder, drawing his wand and shouting, "Lumos Solem!"
The vines wrapping around Harry and Ron receded and the two boys plummeted to the floor, landing hard. Harry and Ron groaned as they stood, sending sheepish smiles to Draco. As they progressed deeper, they were faced with more challenges, seemingly designed for them. They made their way through each of them until, eventually, Harry continued onward alone. Ron was unconscious and Draco and Hermione were attempting to lug him to the Hospital Wing and send help for Harry.
"How is it possible that he's so heavy?" Draco asked, grunting as he and Hermione made slow progress.
"No idea," Hermione grunted in response, setting him down to rest, "This is ridiculous. Give me a minute to think."
Draco nodded, placing Ron's legs on the floor. Hermione closed her eyes, her brow furrowed as she tried to think of what they could do. Draco sat down to rest, catching his breath while he could. Hermione worried her lip, ignoring the blood running down her own face.
"I've got it! I knew there was a spell we could use!" Hermione said, startling Draco as the silence was interrupted, "I'll need your help."
Hermione taught Draco the incantation and wand movement, unsure of how she knew it. Together, they were able to get Ron to the Hospital Wing much faster than if they had carried him. By the time they reached the door, surprising without running into anyone, they could barely hold up their wands. Hermione banged her tired arm against the door, letting her arm fall against her side when Madame Pomfrey threw it open.
"Merlin! What has happened to you three?" She asked, ushering Hermione and Draco in and directing them to a cot as she flicked her wand and levitated Ron into a bed.
"It's a long story," Hermione said, "We need to tell Dumbledore."
Madame Pomfrey sighed, summoning her Patronus and giving it a message as she checked over Ron. She continued to administer potions to the unconscious boy, asking Hermione and Draco questions to keep them awake until she could look them over. Dumbledore calmly entered the Hospital Wing, seemingly unsurprised to find them there. Hermione wasted no time launching into the story, Draco providing some details she missed. Madame Pomfrey took care of their injuries as she listened, assuring them that Ron would be fine. Dumbledore sat patiently and quietly the whole time, hardly asking any questions. When they had finished, he thanked them and assured them he would see to Harry himself. Exhausted, Hermione and Draco gave in to sleep.
Bellatrix observed as her niece trained. As clumsy as Nymphadora was, no one would ever be able to tell by the way she moved in combat. It had taken years of practice, of course, but dueling did not come easily to many people. Bellatrix had not hesitated to begin training her at a young age, certain that her clumsiness would be a detriment. After a while, Nymphadora was able to put her clumsiness aside while training but still was unable to push it aside altogether. The trait reminded her of Ted, whom she had welcomed into the family with open arms, much to his surprise- and Andromeda's enjoyment.
It had not taken long for Nymphadora to exhibit her abilities as a metamorphmagus, and Bellatrix was thrilled at the prospect of creating trouble with her niece. Much to Ted and Andromeda's disapproval, Bellatrix had stirred up trouble with Nymphadora since she first started to be able to control her abilities. Her reasoning had been that it helped Nymphadora practice controlling it before she went to Hogwarts. They had allowed it, if only because they couldn't deny Nymphadora the light it sparked in her eyes. Bellatrix had taken great satisfaction that her mischievous ways had rubbed off on Nymphadora to the point where there were several pranks she recounted them with. Andromeda and Ted had glared at Bellatrix the whole time, but Nymphadora's eyes had been full of admiration. She chuckled at the memory of the hopeless expression on both her sister and brother-in-law's face.
As Nymphadora finished her training, she cast a glance up toward her aunt, earning a smile and an enthusiastic thumbs up from her idol. Naturally, she had followed in her aunt's footsteps and become an Auror as soon as she finished Hogwarts. Ever since Bellatrix had begun telling her stories about it, she had known that's what she wanted to do. Her parents had supported the decision, even if it nearly scared them to death when she had first told them. She strolled over to her waiting aunt, nearly tripping over her shoelace as it came untied. Even though Bellatrix hadn't been an Auror for several years now, most people in the department still respected and admired her, and those who didn't feared her status as an Unspeakable, hence her ability to watch her niece go through training.
"You did well," she complimented, "Took you a little longer to throw off the Imperio than I thought, but you still did better than anyone else."
Nymphadora beamed, the praise causing her cheeks to color. "Thanks, Aunt Bella. I reckon I'm a full-fledged Auror now."
Bellatrix smiled at the excited grin on her niece's face, full of pride. "I reckon you are too."
Nymphadora beamed harder, her hair threatening to change color. Bellatrix threw her arm over her shoulder, leading her out of the training hall. They made their way through the ministry, several people stopping to nod their heads respectfully at Bellatrix. She waved at them as she passed, focused mostly on her niece and where she was going, declining any attempts at conversation. Nymphadora practically glowed the whole time, excited to finally be following in her aunt's footsteps. She followed her to the floo, both of them going through individually. Nymphadora stumbled as she stepped out of the floo at her aunt's house, steadied by her waiting mom as they all chuckled.
"I did it!" she announced, throwing her hands up in the air.
Ted, Narcissa, Draco, and Andromeda cheered, throwing their arms around the witch. Bellatrix chuckled, making her way into her study and pouring herself a drink. She dropped into her chair, glancing out the window. Someone knocked on the open door and she waved her hand as permission to enter without looking away from the window. Ted approached her chair silently, observing the witch for a moment.
"Thank you, Bella, for making sure Nymphadora was prepared. It means a lot to her that she gets to follow in her footsteps, and it means a lot to us that you were there for her the whole way."
Bellatrix turned her head slightly to look at him. "I love her, Ted, there's nothing I wouldn't do for any of you."
"And what about you?" he asked hesitantly.
Bellatrix smiled, turning back to the window. "I do plenty for myself. Some things just take time."
He nodded and left her to her thoughts, not wanting to intrude when she seemed to want to be alone.
The next two years passed quickly for all of them. Every school year was fraught with more danger, but the four students managed to scrape by. Hermione and Draco also managed to maintain their spots at the top of their classes, while Harry and Ron were consistently average. It wasn't until Harry had his name pulled from the cup that they started getting along less. Ron was angry at Harry, and Harry was content to let him. In return, Ron took a lot of his anger out on Draco, which annoyed Hermione to the point where she stopped talking to both Harry and Ron almost altogether. She made sure to go to breakfast before either of them were awake and spent most of her time around the Black Lake. Her dreams had started to become more detailed, and she felt as if she lived another life with all that happened. The girl in her dreams only grew clearer and consistently made appearances. She had no idea who she was, but she felt something so strong that she was almost convinced they were memories.
Hermione was currently sitting by the Black Lake, letting her thoughts carry her as she soaked up the sunshine to stave off the chill air. As expected, the dark-haired girl made an appearance, laying next to her on the grass. Her face was turned to Hermione and she could see every little detail, from the way her lips tugged into a smile, to the way their hands fit together. Although Hermione's eyes were closed, she felt as though they were open as she took in the girl. Hermione could swear that she could feel the other girl's fingers caress her cheek, and she couldn't keep her breath from catching in her chest at the feeling.
She could hear footsteps approaching and she opened her eyes, sad to leave her dream. Hermione sat up, looking around for the source. She spotted Draco heading her way, graceful even on the uneven terrain. She waved at him, earning a wave and a smile from the blond.
"Figured I'd find you here," he said, sitting down next to her.
"Am I that predictable?" she asked.
"Not to anyone else," he assured with a smile.
"Good, I wouldn't want anyone else finding me. It's bad enough that you did," she teased with a gentle shove on his shoulder.
"That's cold," he laughed, shoving her back.
Hermione laughed, shaking her head and looking out over the water.
"So, hey," Draco said, interrupting the silence that had settled between them, "I don't know if you have plans, but would you like to spend Christmas with me? I know you were going to go to the Burrow, but with everything going on, I figured you might want another option."
Hermione looked at him in surprise. In all the time they had known each other, Draco had never invited her over. She hadn't thought anything of it, especially because she had never invited him over either.
"I'd love to," she finally said with a smile.
"Just a warning, my family can be a bit much, but they've already said it's okay."
Hermione laughed, turning serious as she looked at him. "Thanks, Draco. I appreciate it."
"Anytime," he said, smiling brilliantly.
Bellatrix paced the corridors of Black Manor, nearly wearing a hole in the floor. Draco had owned them to tell them Hermione had accepted the invitation, and she felt anxious and excited and scared. Narcissa watched her pace back and forth, rolling her eyes at her sister.
"Bella, if you don't cut that out you won't be joining us when Hermione is here," she said sternly.
Bellatrix stopped in her tracks, glaring at her sister. Narcissa met her gaze, not backing down. Eventually, Bellatrix sighed, dropping her shoulders and throwing herself into the nearest chair. Narcissa couldn't help but be slightly amused by her sister's somewhat childish behavior, but she tried to understand where it was coming from. The circumstances surrounding Hermione and her sister were complicated, and Bellatrix frequently stressed over the logistics of being in love with someone so much younger than her. Narcissa did her best to keep her sister from thinking about it too much because it only served to lower her spirit. Narcissa dropped onto the arm of Bellatrix's chair, leaning against her shoulder.
"Bella, you worry too much," she whispered.
"I know," she said, leaning her head back and closing her eyes.
Narcissa did her best to soothe her sister, grateful that in just a few weeks Hermione would be joining them for the Christmas holiday.