It had been three weeks since that night in the library with Bellatrix. Hermione was surprised how willing the other witch was to learn about her family. They spent a few hours that night in the library with Hermione just telling tale after tale about her parents and her home life. They had only made it as far as accidental magic and her Hogwarts letter when they went their separate ways. Hermione had left that night feeling confident that Bellatrix had no ulterior motive to helping her.
There had really been no other opportunity to meet with her professor since that night. Hermione was caught up in her own studies as well as teaching. She was in love with her students. They were all so welcoming and receptive of her lessons. She was teaching first, third and seventh years on Tuesday and the other years on Thursday. Hermione tried to make her classes informative as well as fun. She had been teaching them about muggle history but also introduced all levels to fun things such as transportation and muggle entertainment. Watching her students try to figure out how to work a television was quite entertaining.
"Okay class. That's time for today. I would like you to pick out a Muggle novel from the library up here and start reading it. I expect a book report when you come back in two weeks time." Hermione called out to the class with a smile. She sat down behind her desk as her eager third years rushed to pick the best book possible.
"Will you be going to Hogsmeade this weekend, Professor Granger?" a third year named Billy asked.
"Well I'm not one of the scheduled chaperones this time around but yes, I do plan to do a little shopping of my own."
"Awesome. Maybe we will see you there." He said waving as he dragged his friend from the class.
"It seems you have yourself quite a little fan club, Professor Granger." A voice said from beside the classroom door.
"Bellatrix. I didn't see you come in. Yes, some of these students are a little overzealous." Hermione said blushing slightly.
"That's an understatement. When those third years come to my class, all they can talk about is lets' see… how do they put it… oh yes how 'cool and pretty and smart' their muggle's studies teacher is." Bellatrix said back with a big grin on her face.
Hermione was blushing ferociously now and couldn't stop it. "They are probably just excited to have someone who isn't ancient teaching them new ideas to integrate into their world." Hermione said trying to curb her blushing.
"Sure that's it. It has nothing to do with and I quote a fifth year girl on this one… 'how she fills out her dresses'. It must be the lessons." Bella winked at Hermione. Hermione was flustered and just looked down shuffling her papers back and forth.
"Was there something you wanted Bellatrix?" Hermione asked with an annoyed tone to her voice.
Bellatrix walked over and took a seat at the desk directly facing Hermione. "Well yes. I was wondering why you haven't come back to finish your parent's story and to get on with the project. I thought we left everything in a good place." Bella said sounding a little unsure of herself.
Hermione smiled softly. "We did. I just got so busy with my own course work and it's time consuming planning all of these classes on top of my own courses. I wanted to work extra to get ahead. I have prepared all of my classes now until the Christmas break and I'm caught up on my own course work."
"Smart thinking… I also have all of my lessons planned until Christmas."
"So I was thinking, it's the first Hogsmeade weekend. Maybe we can get together sometime this weekend to continue our work?" Hermione asked looking hopeful at the older witch.
"Hmm… Maybe you need a chaperone while you are in Hogesmeade so that randy group of 5th years don't hunt you down."
"I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself, thank you." Hermione said rolling her eyes.
"Okay. How about you come to my quarters on Friday night and we can discuss more about your family and what happens next. Maybe you can try some simple mind magic on me."
Hermione didn't respond. She was just looking at Bellatrix like she was trying to come up with an excuse not to go to her living quarters.
Bella sighed. "I'm sure you know where I live. It's only two dungeons away from your quarters. How you ended up in the dungeons is beside me."
"Neville got the Gryffindor room." Hermione said rolling her eyes. "Plus the dungeons aren't that bad. It's usually pretty quiet down there."
"Yes. I like the quiet."
Hermione smiled at Bellatrix and gave her answer. "Okay. I'll come over to your place after dinner on Friday evening."
"Great. And while you are over maybe you can fill me in on what a television is or what that damn internet thing is. It's all my students bloody go on about. If I have to listen to the insufferable little brats talk about it then I at least want to know what they are talking about."
Hermione chuckled and shook her head. "I guess I could give you a little lesson in Muggle culture."
Bellatrix laughed. Hermione noted it was a genuine laugh because she saw how the laugh made its way to Bellatrix's eyes. "Muggle culture. That's a good one." She said as she got up and started making her way out of the room as Hermione's 7th years started coming into the classroom. "Friday at 7. See you then." She called back to Hermione and turned to almost run into Ginny as she was leaving. "Out of the way Red. I have places to be."
"Bye." Hermione replied lamely and gave an awkward wave to Bellatrix. Bella in return just smile and chuckled as she left the room.
Ginny rushed over to Hermione's desk. "Okay I need to know what the hell that was all about."
"I've decided to give her a chance to help me get my parents' memories back. It's not a big deal."
"Not a big deal? Weren't you the one going on about how she has everyone around here fooled?"
"I haven't changed my mind about her or forgiven her. This is purely for my parents. No ulterior motives on either side here, Ginny."
"I need all the details about what happens Friday night when we go to Hogsmeade on Saturday. You are still coming with us right? Or do you have to chaperone?"
"Yes, I'll be there. No worries. Though I was just informed that we may need to be on the look out for some 5th years who might have a thing for me."
"Just finding about that now are you? Ms. Hot Professor." Ginny said with a smirk.
"Oh quiet and take your seat Ms. Weasley. Class is starting." Hermione said with a laugh as she got up to begin her last class of the day.
—
Friday rolled around quicker than usual that week. Hermione would be lying if she said she wasn't nervous about going to spend time with Bellatrix. Some how to Hermione going to her living quarters seemed more intimate than the library. Hermione was dedicated to this cause for her parents though so no amount of awkwardness was going to keep her away. This was strictly professional and she still wasn't even sure she like Bellatrix on a professional level yet let alone a friendly level.
What does one even wear to their Professor/Colleagues room on a Friday night after dinner to try to restore memories? Hermione laughed. It seemed as if this was a unique experience that she wasn't going to be able to wrap her head around anytime soon. She settled on a simple pair of black leggings, an oversized white t-shirt and a pair of black vans. She put a large black zip hoodie over top her t-shirt to complete her comfy look not knowing how hot Bellatrix kept her fire. She threw her hair up in a messy bun leaving a few pieces out framing her face and decided she looked good enough to sit and chat with her Professor. Hermione wasn't exactly sure why she bathed before leaving or took the time to do her makeup and put on some perfume. She just chalked it up to that's how she would naturally behave when going to see anyone. She grabbed her bag with her laptop in it because Bellatrix made a point to ask her to explain the internet. It would be easier with a visual concept.
Hermione made her way out of her quarters and let Crookshanks out so he could freely walk around the castle that night. Bellatrix only lived a few doors down from Hermione so it took her all of 30 seconds to walk there. She knocked softly on the door and heard Bellatrix say "Come in" from the other side. Hermione pushed the door open and made her way into the living area. Bellatrix was nowhere to be seen so Hermione assumed she was in her bedroom.
"I'll be right out. Make yourself at home." Said a voice coming from the bedroom. Hermione looked around and noticed the room was darker than her own. This room also had a couch, table, desk and kitchen area. She noticed the vials of memories right away. Hermione walked over to them as if they were calling her. She stood looking at the little jars of memories all dated and glowing. Hermione was looking for the particular date from the day at Malfoy Manor but wasn't seeing it.
"It's not there," called a voice from right behind her. Hermione turned around to see the older witch standing closely behind her looking over her shoulder. "That memory isn't one I wanted to keep. The ministry has it." Bellatrix was so close Hermione could feel the other woman's breath as she talked.
"Oh" was all Hermione said as she breathed in the smell from the other woman. Bellatrix smelled of mint, new parchment, pine and fresh tobacco. It was a scent that Hermione would remember for quite some time. It invaded her senses as she took a step back from Bellatrix and made her way over to the couch.
"Your room is lovely. Very Slytherin."
Bellatrix chuckled. "As to be expected. House pride has always been important to me." She sat down on the other end of the couch giving Hermione ample space to feel comfortable and at ease. "I made tea," Bellatrix said pointing to it on the table. "Feel free to help yourself."
"Okay. Thank you. That would be lovely." Hermione said helping herself to a cup of tea. She noticed Bellatrix pull out a bottle of fire whiskey and she added a few splashes into her tea cup. "What's the liquid courage for Professor?" Hermione asked with a smirk.
"You make me nervous, Granger. And it's Friday night. Would you like some?" She asked extending the bottle.
"A splash wouldn't hurt," Hermione responded holding out her cup.
"So you were telling me about how you received your Hogwarts letter and what happened after that…" Bellatrix said to start off the conversation.
"Oh yes. Well my parents were surprised but nowhere near as surprised as when Professor McGonagall came waltzing out of our fireplace moments after receiving the letter. She sat us down and explained how I had been a witch and how I was to come to this school to hone my craft. Honestly it explained a lot considering all the accidental magic I would conjure when I would get upset or frustrated at the muggle school I went to. None of those kids ever seemed up to my standards." Hermione finished with a laugh.
"Sounds like a stubborn Gryffindor if you ask me." Bellatrix said rolling her eyes.
"McGonagall took me and my parents to Diagon Alley for the first time and introduced us to all sorts of strange and magical items we had never seen before. To say I was excited about this new adventure was an under statement…"Hermione continued regaling her stories to Bellatrix who looked at her and studied every word she said.
It seemed like a few hours had passed at that point. The bottle of fire whiskey was decreasing slowly over time. Both of the women guilty of imbibing in the sickly sweet beverage. Long gone was the tea and now they were just drinking the beverage out of whiskey tumblers that at some point Bellatrix had magicked over to the table.
It was getting hot in the room and Hermione wasn't sure if it was the fire or the drinks but she had to remove her hoodie. She saw Bellatrix staring at her. She watched closely as Bellatrix ran her eyes up and down her body. Hermione was sure her face was blushing but she could just pass it off as warmth from the drinks.
"So are you telling me that you and your friends stole a dragon and flew it out of Gringotts all while wearing my corset?" Bellatrix asked.
"Yep." Hermione simply replied.
"Fascinating." Bella said putting her glass on the table. She crooked her finger motioning for Hermione to lean in. Bella whispered "please, tell me what a television is."
Hermione laughed louder than she had in awhile. Hermione grabbed her bag and pulled out her laptop computer. "This is a computer."
"And it's used to compute things?" Bellatrix asked while staring at the machine in question.
"Well yes, but you can also watch videos on it and search things on the internet."
"That was a whole bunch of words that I am unfamiliar with. What are you going to do with it now?"
"Well I don't have a television to show you but it's basically like a series of moving pictures. We can watching muggle movies on this laptop computer. You are familiar with muggle cinema, correct?"
"Of course. I'm not a complete git. Andi used to make us go to the cinema. Moving pictures and what not. So start that thing up. Entertain me Hermione." Bellatrix said settling back in her seat a little closer to Hermione than she had been all night.
Hermione breathed a shaky breath at the closeness and warmth the older witch was providing her in that moment. "Here I have these Friends DVDs. Let's watch this. We can start at the beginning. It's funny I swear. And if you don't like it we can try something else." Hermione said putting the dvd in and pressing play. She relaxed back onto the couch and was conscious of the fact that her shoulder was now brushed up against Bellatrix's shoulder.
The two settled in and began watching the show completely content in the company of the other woman.
