A/N So sorry for the late update. The weekend snuck up on me before I had a chance to write this chapter but I got it done and I will definitely have the next chapter up on Saturday for you guys.
Hermione braced her hands on her knees, wiping the sweat from her forehead with her forearm. Her breaths came in fast pants and the long grass tickled her legs in the wind. Her hair was pulled up into a messy ponytail, some strands falling loose. the breeze cooled the back of her neck and her muscles screamed in protest. She looked at Bellatrix, waiting for further instructions. Bellatrix stood with her hands on her hips, a slight frown on her face. The moonlight cast silver shadows on her face, making her expression look more severe. The wind pulled at her hair, but she paid it no mind.
"That's enough for tonight," she said, tucking her wand into her sleeve.
"I can go again," Hermione protested, standing up straight.
"I don't care if you can, I said it's enough." Bellatrix took a step toward Hermione, standing directly in front of her. Hermione tilted her head up slightly, chin sticking out defiantly.
"Can't keep up?" she taunted.
"You know very well I can go for longer," she growled, whipping out her wand and pressing it against Hermione's chin. Hermione let the wooden tip dig into her skin, staring into Bellatrix's eyes.
"Prove it," Hermione whispered.
Bellatrix gripped Hermione's arm, yanking her closer and leaning to whisper in her ear, "I don't need to. We're done for tonight."
"I want to go again."
"No."
"I'm not going to break, Bellatrix. I can do it."
"I know you can."
"Then let me."
"No. You've done enough for tonight. Baby steps to get better."
"Fine," Hermione acquiesced, yanking her arm from Bellatrix's grip. Her muscles were stiff from the training Bellatrix had put her through and Bellatrix's grip was tight, but she managed. It had been tough but she had refused to give up or ask for a break. Bellatrix hadn't gone easy on her but she had managed and her dueling skills had improved tremendously, both from war experience and training with Bellatrix. She wanted to do more, to push herself even further, but she knew Bellatrix was right.
Bellatrix allowed Hermione to lead the way back to the cottage. She could see the frustration in the tense line of Hermione's shoulders and the slight clenching of her fists. She understood the drive Hermione had, the desire to be the best and the need to prove herself. She had felt the same under Voldemort after Azkaban. Now, she didn't have anything to prove to anyone. She didn't care what the world thought of her, besides, it was better than being dead.
"You don't have to prove yourself to me. I already know what you're capable of, you don't need to try so hard," Bellatrix said. Hermione turned, slowing her walk as she looked at Bellatrix.
"What makes you think it's for you?"
"I'm the only one that matters to you. You don't care about anyone else, anything else. You can't hide anything from me."
"That's a bit narcissistic, Bellatrix," Hermione said with a slight smile.
"That's my sister's specialty. I call it like I see it, and you are transparent to me."
"Is that so?"
"That's a stupid question."
"Maybe. But I'm not doing it for you. I'm doing it for me." Hermione turned away and continued walking, Bellatrix behind her with a smirk on her face. If Hermione was doing something for herself that meant she was getting better. She looked healthier, acted healthier most of the time, and was showing a wider range of emotions. They weren't necessarily good emotions but that didn't matter. Bellatrix wouldn't be able to use them the same way. Hermione entered the cottage, toeing off her shoes and leaving them beside the door. She made her way to the bath, making sure the water was hot before she got in. Bellatrix lingered on the porch, looking up at the stars. She picked out the constellation with her youngest sister's namesake, glaring at it before entering the house, closing the door with a little more force than necessary. She threw herself onto the couch in the living room, waving her wand to start a fire and staring into the flames. She was torn between forgiving her sister and continuing to be angry. Betraying Voldemort wasn't the problem anymore, Narcissa had betrayed her to save her son. She should have been willing to sacrifice Draco for the war. Her sister had shown weakness and she could not have weakness on her side.
Hermione laid her head on the edge of the tub, the tips on her hair in the water. Steam rose from the surface and the heat relaxed her muscles and made her sleepy. Her arms were stretched out, resting on the sides and her toes poked out of the water. Her eyelids were heavy and she could feel them closing. She pulled herself out of the tub, grabbing a towel and drying off. Hermione discarded the towel in favor of pajamas, exiting the bathroom to find Bellatrix facing the fire. The flickering light made the planes of her face harsh and her eyes dark. Hermione sat next to Bellatrix, watching the dark witch watch the fire. She tucked her legs under herself, leaning against the arm of the couch.
"Are you ready to go back?" Bellatrix asked, lips barely moving and still staring into the fire. Hermione shrugged, unsure of how to answer.
"I'm ready to do what needs to be done."
"You're ready to tell the world what happened during the war?"
"Do you promise you'll be there?"
"Yes."
"Then yes." Hermione turned to stare at the fire, the dancing flames and warmth lulling her to sleep. Bellatrix cast a quick glance at the young witch, taking note of the exhaustion lacing her. She could only guess how little Hermione had slept before she got there. She knew Hermione would have been at their meeting place every night, for a few hours at least. With Bellatrix there, Hermione had slept decently, partly because they had been training a few nights a week. Hermione had asked for Bellatrix to train her and she complied because Hermione would need to be proficient with dueling as her Lieutenant.
The next morning, Hermione was awoken by a knock on the cottage door. She blinked sleepily, rubbing her eyes and casting a glance around the room. Bellatrix was nowhere to be seen. Hermione sat up on the couch, groaning as her muscles protested the movement. She grabbed the blanket that had been draped over her and wrapped it around her shoulders. She padded to the door, opening it and blinking as a ray of sunlight fell directly on her face.
"Good morning, Hermione. How are you doing?" the deep voice of Kingsley Shacklebolt greeted. Hermione made out a smaller figure next to him, assuming it was Minerva.
"I'm fine. Come in," she said, stepping to the side as they entered. She closed the door firmly behind them, following them to the living room. Minerva and Kingsley sat on the couch and Hermione chose the armchair, draping her legs over one arm. She looked at the witch and wizard, stifling yawns.
"Sorry to wake you, Hermione," Minerva said.
"It's okay. Do you need something?"
"We came to discuss you coming back. People have been wondering where you've been and what happened during the war. If you aren't ready to speak to anyone yet, we'll do our best to keep your return quiet," Kingsley said, placing a foot on his knee and folding his hands on top.
"It's fine. I know everyone wants to know what happened. I don't mind telling them, so long as Polaris can be there, too," Hermione said, catching herself before she said Bellatrix's name.
"Polaris?"
"Hermione's raven. She found it and it took a shine to her," Minerva explained.
"I see. Well, that won't be a problem. And I heard you accepted the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
"I did, yes."
"I must say, I'm a little disappointed you didn't want to work at the Ministry, but Hogwarts will be a good place for you."
"I do still hope to work at the Ministry, someday, but Hogwarts is the place for me right now."
"I understand and when you are ready you'll have a place in whatever department you want."
"Thank you, Kingsley. I'll be sure to give it some thought."
"Excellent. Now, when would you like to come back?"
"I'm not sure. How long until the repairs are done?"
"The school is at the point where it is fully habitable. There are still repairs that need to be done but they don't need to be finished for classes to start. We are waiting two more weeks, just so we can get a little more done," Minerva said.
"I'll come back today but I'd like to have some time before I speak to anyone about what happened. I just want to get used to being around other people."
"That sounds fine, Hermione."
"I'll go pack my stuff." Hermione rose from her chair, the blanket hanging from her shoulders as she walked to the bedroom. She entered the room to find Bellatrix sprawled on the bed, still in her clothes from yesterday. She grabbed her wand from the nightstand, giving it a wave to gather her stuff.
"Bellatrix, wake up. We're leaving. Kingsley and Minerva are here, so be quiet and shift," Hermione whispered, nudging Bellatrix to wake her. She opened one eye, glaring at Hermione for waking her. Hermione quickly changed into clothes, sticking her shrunken belongings in her jeans pocket. Bellatrix huffed, shifting into her animagus form and perching on Hermione's shoulder. She dug her talons into Hermione's shoulder a little too hard, earning a pained hiss from the young witch. Hermione ignored the irate bird, earning a sharp peck on her ear.
"Fine, I'm sorry for waking you up, happy?" she hissed. Bellatrix cawed but didn't loosen her grip on Hermione's shoulder. She exited the bedroom, tucking her wand into her pocket and grabbing Bellatrix's from the dresser. She twirled the wand in her hand, standing in front of Minerva and Kingsley.
"Are we ready?" Kingsley asked, receiving nods from both witches. He stood, along with Minerva and held out his arm for the two to take. When they each had a hand firmly on his forearm, he Apparated them to the grounds of Hogwarts. It was early enough that most of the people helping with repairs hadn't arrived yet. There were some people milling about, mostly ones that were staying at the school, but there were a few that weren't. A few of them cast curious glances their way but kept their distance from the three.
"Thank you, Kingsley. If you'll excuse us, Hermione and I have some paperwork to tend to," Minerva said, nodding to Kingsley. He nodded back, turning on his heel and Apparating to the Ministry. Hermione looked at Minerva, waiting for her to lead the way to her office. Minerva considered her for a moment, eyes resting disapprovingly on the wand Hermione insisted upon using. Hermione glanced at the treeline of the Forbidden Forest, remembering the night she had almost walked into it.
"Do you need my help with repairs?" Hermione asked, tearing her attention from the treeline.
"It's not necessary but you can help if you want. Would you like the same room you had before?"
"Please. I like the smaller space."
"Of course. Are you ready to sign your contract?"
"Yes," Hermione said, following Minerva to her office. Several people stared at her as she passed but she paid them no mind. Bellatrix, on the other hand, puffed out her feathers and spread her wings, trying to make herself bigger to intimidate people. Hermione smiled slightly at Bellatrix's way of showing she cared, chuckling quietly. Minerva was briefly shocked at the quiet sound she heard from Hermione, not used to the sound. She allowed Hermione to enter her office first, the young witch standing in the center of the room.
"Sit down, Hermione, please. I'm not sure how long I can keep the reporters away but I'll do my best."
"That's okay, Minerva. I'd like to answer all the questions at once. I'm sure there's a lot." Hermione sat across from Minerva, looking at the parchment in front of her. She flipped through it quickly, skimming the details. She wasn't concerned with the pay, or minor details, focusing mainly on her responsibilities. They were about what she expected and she grabbed a quill, signing her name on the bottom of the last page.
"When would you like to do it? I can have Kingsley organize it. Maybe that will keep them from bothering you here."
"Next week. Should I announce my position as a professor?"
"If you wish, Hermione."
Hermione felt talons dig slightly into her shoulder, taking the response as a yes. "I think I'll spend today refamiliarizing myself with the grounds. Is that okay?"
"Of course, Hermione. Find me if you need anything," Minerva said as Hermione stood. She left the office, Bellatrix perched on her shoulder. She planned to wander around the castle to find secluded areas to spend time when she needed to be alone. Alone with Bellatrix.