"Only the dead have seen the end of war."

-Plato

Hermione stood on the edge of a cliff. The sky was covered in grey clouds and the only light was from an occasional strike of lightning. It wasn't raining, but the wind pulled at her hair and clothes. She could barely stand with the force of it. At the base of a cliff, black water raged and she could see faint shapes at the bottom. Rocks. Hermione felt the wind whipping around her. She nearly lost her balance, teetering on the edge. Her heart pounded in her chest, beating a fierce staccato against her rib cage. She sucked in a breath, the wind almost forcing it out of her. Lightning struck somewhere nearby, illuminating the world for a split second. Crashing came from behind her and she turned, eyes scanning the treeline. Another flash of lightning and she saw it. It was a huge creature, with a gaping maw filled with rows of teeth. Its eyes glittered menacingly and it took a step toward her, the ground shaking slightly. Its back had long, curving spines. Hermione stood her ground, watching the creature approach. She felt no fear of the beast, she knew its name. The creature came to a stop in front of her predatorily. It broke the pause, pouncing at her and sending them both over the precipice. They plummeted to the dark water below, the rocks waiting at the bottom.

"Bellatrix," she gasped, jolting awake, "I had the dream again."

"Tell me." Bellatrix observed the rise and fall of Hermione's chest, the faint shimmer of her skin in the low light, the way her fists bunched into the blanket.

"It's always the same. I'm standing on the cliff and then there's the creature and it jumps on me and we fall. I always wake up before we hit the bottom." Hermione reached for the glass on her nightstand, sipping her water.

"It could mean lots of things. It could mean nothing." Bellatrix stood, beginning to pace the room. A small ball of light hovered in the center of the room, casting deep shadows on their faces.

"The beast is you."

"So you've said. How do you know that, anyway?"

"Because it's different from what usually chases me."

"I do not chase you."

"That's my point."

"What time is it?"

"Since when do you care?" Hermione's eyes followed Bellatrix's movements, coming to an abrupt stop.

"Maybe I don't."

"Then why did you ask?"

"I'm bored."

"Go for a fly. Or walk through the Forbidden Forest."

"Come with me."

"The students arrive tomorrow."

"So?"

"So, I need rest."

"You're such a liar."

"Fine. We'll go for a walk." Hermione swung her legs over the edge of the bed, sliding her feet into her slippers. She transfigured her attire into something more appropriate for a midnight stroll, holding her arm out for Bellatrix. Bellatrix shifted into her animagus form, perching on the young witch's shoulder.

The Forbidden Forest was dark, twisted gray trees reflecting the faint light of the crescent moon. It provided enough shadow that Bellatrix could walk freely without worrying someone would see her. She was next to Hermione, maintaining a respectable distance from the young witch. The young witch walked alongside Bellatrix, allowing the dark witch to lead by a small margin. She stayed silent, leaving Bellatrix to her thoughts. She was content to wander through the trees, silvery moonlight barely illuminating the figure in front of her. Bellatrix was hauntingly beautiful, Hermione had always thought so, but with the moonlight casting dark shadows around them, it had never been truer. They stopped in a clearing, stars twinkling overhead.

"I don't have a plan," Bellatrix whispered, voice breaking their carefully constructed silence, startling Hermione.

"We've been fine this far," Hermione said, staring at the older witch's back. She turned to look at Hermione out of the corner of her eye.

Bellatrix tilted her face to the sky, a silver glow hollowing her cheeks, making her skin shine with moonlight. Her lips barely moved as she whispered, "I suppose."

Hermione let the conversation fall away, both of them more comfortable with no words between them. Bellatrix still stood with her face to the sky and Hermione's eyes studied the profile of her face. Her thoughts wandered, along with her eyes. She wasn't clear on why they were just standing in the clearing but she stood, eyes never leaving the dark witch. Bellatrix looked at the stars, eyes tracing the constellations she remembered from all those years ago. She knew them all. She could feel the ground beneath her feet, the presence of Hermione, the gentle breeze that wound around them lazily.

"Bellatrix? What do you need? Hermione asked, taking a tentative step forward. Dark eyes locked on hers and she stopped, waiting for Bellatrix to make the first move.

"A plan would be nice," she said bitterly.

"We'll make one." Hermione took another slow step forward when Bellatrix didn't object, eyes not leaving the dark witch.

Bellatrix stared into Hermione's eyes, searching for some sense of betrayal, of a lie. She found only steadiness, the deep brown of Hermione's eyes were solid. She said nothing, watching as Hermione took another step forward. The silence surrounded them, punctuated only by soft footfalls of Hermione's careful approach. It was several minutes before she was directly in front of Bellatrix. Their eyes were still locked, all the communication they needed. Moonlight reflected off of them, making them appear ethereal. Their breaths met between them, Hermione's face tilted up slightly to look at the dark witch.

"You should get back to bed," Bellatrix whispered.

"If that's what you want."

"What do you want?"

"I always seem to want what I can never have," Hermione whispered. She broke eye contact with Bellatrix, turning to walk back to the castle. She paused, turning back to Bellatrix, seeming to want to say more.

"What?"

"Should I leave the window open for you?"

"That's not what you were going to say."

"No. It wasn't.

"Tell me." This time, Bellatrix approached Hermione, much faster than the younger witch had.

"You look hauntingly beautiful in the moonlight," she whispered.

"I'll come with you," Bellatrix said. Hermione nodded, turning back to continue walking to the school. She didn't catch the small smile on Bellatrix's face as she watched Hermione's back. She shifted, quickly settling on the young witch's shoulder. Hermione walked them back to the castle, silently moving through corridors she had long since memorized. It was easy in the dark, no one around to stare at her and whisper words they thought she couldn't hear. It didn't bother her, but she enjoyed the quiet the dark brought.

Hermione sat at the staff table in the Great Hall with Bellatrix on her shoulder. The other professors were cordial enough, though they were a bit put off by Hermione's stoic attitude. Her voice always seemed flat and her face was like stone. It was disconcerting, especially since so many of them had taught the bright-eyed girl that always seemed so happy. Bellatrix was no help, either. She glared at anyone that looked at Hermione for too long and seemed likely to peck them if they weren't careful. Hermione looked out at the sea of students, recognizing some faces. She could sense stares coming from nearly every direction but she ignored them, face unexpressive. Bellatrix shifted on her shoulder and Hermione turned her head to look at her. Bellatrix tilted her head, eyes glinting mischievously.

"Don't you dare," Hermione whispered so only she could hear. Her words were undermined by the amused smile on her face. Bellatrix fluffed her feathers in response.

The large doors opened, Minerva at the head of a group of first years waiting to be sorted. Hermione watched as they nervously entered, remembering how she had felt when she first saw the large room. A bittersweet feeling washed over her, one she ignored. She glanced at the students, not lingering too long on any of them even though they were all looking at her in awe. Everyone knew who she was. She had never imagined that after the war would be so...dull. She had never wanted to be looked upon as she so often was, never wanted people to whisper about her as she walked past. Hermione had just wanted to survive. Bellatrix shifted again, sensing Hermione's thoughts and gaining her attention. She lightly hopped on the young witch's shoulder, mischievous look still on her face. Hermione shook her head subtly.

The Sorting Ceremony had begun, but Hermione wasn't paying any attention to it. Bellatrix kept distracting her and she knew the dark witch was bored. She didn't clap for any of the students when they were sorted, keeping her face blank when she stared ahead. Snape would be proud of her if he saw. She didn't know why she thought it, but she did, and a wave of sadness washed over her. She had missed everyone's funeral. Not that she would have said anything at the ceremony but it might have been nice to have a proper goodbye. Bellatrix pecked her behind the ear, drawing Hermione's attention back to the happenings in the Great Hall. Minerva was introducing the staff and they were all standing and waving. Hermione didn't want to get up and wave. It was a pointless gesture. Everyone knew who she was and that she was the DADA Professor.

"I'm sure you're all aware of the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Ms. Hermione Granger. She will also be the Head of House for the Gryffindors," Minerva introduced, gesturing to her.

Hermione heard murmuring in the crowd of students but paid it no mind. She briefly stood but did not wave, whispering to Bellatrix, "Now you can do it."

The raven on her shoulder appeared to smile, taking off and swooping over the crowd. She dived at some of them, never actually striking them. A few of them flinched and she cawed, joyful at the surprise and vague terror on the students' faces. Hermione watched with a slight smile on her face. She vanished with a crack, reappearing on the other side of the Great Hall.

"Immobulus!" She cast, stopping Bellatrix mid-flight. The raven glared at her but the young witch ignored it. She strode to the inert bird, holding out her arm and releasing the spell. Bellatrix took up her position on Hermoine's shoulder, looking annoyed.

"Lesson one," Hermione began, walking back to the staff table, "Be prepared for any eventuality." She did not speak loudly, but her voice echoed in the silent room. She took her seat, ignoring the awed looks from the younger students. The older students hid their smirks. It was just like Hermione to show off on the first day back. Minerva took it as a good sign, a sign that Hermione was still making progress with her recovery, which is why she didn't say anything about it. Instead, she hid the small smile on her face and continued her announcements. Hermione watched the ceiling, picking out the visible constellations around the clouds until Minerva finished. She fed small bites of her food to Bellatrix who eventually hopped onto the table and began pecking at her food. She muttered under her breath, earning a peck on her fingers from Bellatrix. She relented, eyes wandering over the students again. She could easily pick out Ginny, Neville, and Luna. There weren't many others she recognized or cared to.

Thankfully, dinner wasn't a terribly long affair and soon Hermione was standing from the table, watching the students file out of the Great Hall. She heard the Prefects calling out to the first years, giving them instructions. Minerva gave them all a nod of dismissal and she weaved through the students deftly. Most of them didn't even notice she had brushed past them until she was already gone. The few that did see her coming moved out of her way.

"Hermione! I mean, Professor!" a familiar voice called. Hermione stopped, turning in the direction of the voice. It was Ginny.

"Hello, Ginny."

"We missed you at the funerals," she said.

"I know. I was in bad shape."

"Well, I'm glad you're back. It's gonna be weird to have you teaching us but I can't think of anyone more suited for DADA."

"Do you need something?"

"Yeah, we tried the password to the Gryffindor Common Room earlier and it didn't work. Can you help us out? The Fat Lady is being a pain."

"Sure." Bellatrix ruffled her feathers irately at Hermione, wanting to return to their room. "Don't mind her, she's just grumpy because of earlier."

"That was awesome by the way. I think you really freaked out some of the younger students." Ginny grabbed Hermione's arm, towing her along to Gryffindor Tower. Bellatrix puffed her feathers in pride. She had always loved to cause panic among the younger students, especially Gryffindors.

"I do know the way," Hermione protested. Ginny was having none of it, though, and dragged her all the way to the Fat Lady's portrait. First years gaped at Ginny's closeness with Hermione, especially the familiar way they had conversed.

"I thought I told you this morning what the password was?" Hermione asked the Fat Lady, annoyance seeping into her voice.

"I forgot and I cannot let just anybody in," the Fat Lady declared. Hermione ground her teeth, feeling Bellatrix bristle.

"I don't know why I bothered restoring your stupid portrait if you were going to be this way," Hermione mumbled, continuing in a clear voice, "The password is 'dittany' and you would do well to remember this time."

"Of course. It won't happen again," she stammered. Hermione scared her sometimes. She had seen some of what the young witch was capable of and didn't want to face her wrath.

"Thanks, Prof," Ginny said, ushering the first years to the side. She ignored Hermione's raised eyebrow and the brunette left, robes billowing behind her.

Hermione navigated through the corridors expertly, avoiding other interactions. She let out a sigh of relief once the door was firmly closed behind her. She slumped against the door, her head tilted upward. Bellatrix stood in front of her, watching with an amused smile on her face.

"You know, I really don't appreciate you using me in your little teaching moment," she said.

"What are you going to do about it?" Hermione asked, eyes falling on Bellatrix.

"I'm not sure. I could ask you to beg for forgiveness, or punish you, or both. But I get the feeling that you would enjoy either of those a little too much."

"Is that a bad thing?" Hermione removed the outer layer of her robes, hanging them on a hook by the door.

"Only when I'm trying to punish you."

"That doesn't mean it isn't effective."

"It does if I'm trying to teach you a lesson. If you enjoy the punishment you'll keep doing it."

"Maybe I just like to irritate you sometimes." Hermione toed off her shoes, leaving them by the bed. She stood at her full height, slightly shorter than Bellatrix and faced the dark witch fully.

"That's hardly any better."

"Maybe it's my way of asking for pain."

"Well, why didn't you say so?" Bellatrix purred, stepping close enough to Hermione that they could feel the warmth of each other's skin.

"I thought I just did." Hermione's heart jumped at the closeness, breaths coming faster. She saw Bellatrix's pupils dilate, almost shivering at the sight.

Bellatrix leaned forward, swiping her nails diagonally across the young witch's cheek, stopping at the corner of her mouth. Hermione inhaled sharply but didn't flinch. Blood pooled on her cheek and she licked the corner of her mouth. The sweetly metallic taste of blood bloomed on her tongue. Bellatrix looked into Hermione's eyes, dark and consumed by her pupils. Smirking, the dark witch roughly ran a thumb over the cut flesh, collecting blood on the pad of it. She put it in her mouth, turning away from the brunette. Hermione watched Bellatrix stride to the other side of the room. Her heart hammered in her chest and she struggled to take full breaths.

"Satisfied?" Bellatrix asked, throwing a smirk over her shoulder.

"For now," Hermione said, throwing Bellatrix her own smirk. It was all a game to them, one they never got enough of.

Hermione cleaned the blood from her face, fingers lightly tracing the lines on her cheeks. Bellatrix propped open the window, shifting into her animagus form and flying out of the window. She circled around the towers and over the school. The wind rushed through her feathers and she soared easily, a black dot in the sky. She stayed on the grounds, knowing if she left now that the wards were up she wouldn't be able to get back in without Hermione. As she flew by the Forbidden Forest, she saw something lurking in the depths but brushed it off. Plenty of creatures lived in the forest, it was probably a centaur. She heard the rumble of thunder and circled back to the castle, entering Hermione's room from the still open window. Hermoine was reading on the bed, hair still damp from her bath and in her pajamas.

"Do you want me to heal them?" Bellatrix asked, throwing herself onto the bed.

"I could do it myself if I wanted to." Hermione glared at her, setting her book aside.

"You want to keep them, then?"

"If anyone asks I'll just say Polaris got a little too antsy."

"Works for me."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Only because you'd still get the credit."

"Yeah, but I don't see a problem with that."

"We should take out the Ministry. It will leave the government too weak to stop you from taking over."

"Are you suggesting we murder the Minister?" Bellatrix asked, excitement coloring her voice.

"I was thinking something even more devastating. If the Minister dies he'll just be replaced."

"So, we just kill everyone in the Ministry."

"Not exactly. We blow up the Ministry and its outposts. Some of the Death Eaters are still at large. If we play our cards right we should be able to shift the blame to them."

"The Ministry is huge. With just the two of us, we wouldn't be able to make a blast that big."

"I'm still working on that. We don't need to blow up the entire building. If we take out the structural points the building will collapse. We just have to place timed explosives. I don't know how hard they would be to make. I'd need to get the information from the Muggle world."

"You want to use Muggle technology? Surely magic will be just fine." Bellatrix sat up on the bed, glaring at Hermione.

"Think about it. If we use magic they might be able to trace us. Muggle explosives will be deadlier and any protections in place against a magical attack will be useless. They'll also cause fires and we don't have to be in the building to detonate them."

"You make valid points. But the Death Eaters would never use Muggle explosives to blow up a building. Only a mudblood would think of that."

Hermione stroked the scar on her arm absently. Her eyes were unfocused but still, she spoke, "Voldemort was a half-blood. It's possible we could make it seem like his idea and the Death Eaters are still following his orders."

"That might work." Bellatrix chewed her bottom lip thoughtfully.

"I appreciate the confidence you have in me," Hermione said sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

"How do we get what we need?"

"We'll have to go to the Muggle world."

"I will do no such thing," Bellatrix announced.

"It would be suspicious if I didn't have you with me. Besides, once we're in the Muggle world you won't have to be in your animagus form. No one will recognize you."

"It would be nice to explore more than the forest."

"Perfect. It's settled." Hermione picked up her book again, resuming her reading. Bellatrix abandoned her sitting position for a more comfortable one laying next to Hermione.