A/N I have not abandoned this story, I promise. I kinda struggled with this chapter but I'm finally done with it. I am planning to write a sex scene (when the time is right). As for Minerva, I don't want her to die and I'm trying to figure out a way to not kill her.

"I will not fear, for you are with me and you will never leave me to face my perils alone."

-Thomas Merton

Hermione looked at the stack of essays piled on her desk. As her eyes scanned the pile, she regretted assigning the two papers. It would have been easier if she had just deducted house points. She had always thought it silly, but the other students did better when threatened with the loss of house points. Personally, Hermione thought it was childish, but now she understood it was more for the teachers' benefit. Bellatrix sat in Hermione's chair as the young witch sorted through the essays, separating them into two piles based on the house of the student.

"Just burn them," Bellatrix said, spinning in circles.

"Which ones?" Hermione asked, seriously considering it.

"All of them. It's going to get colder soon. We can use it as kindling for the fireplace in our room."

"We have a fireplace?"

"Yes. It's very nice. Perfect for fire." Bellatrix stopped spinning, facing Hermione. Her eyes moved side to side rapidly, making the room seem to spin.

"I would hope so. I mean, it is a fireplace."

"So are you going to?"

"I'll think about it." Hermione flipped through one of the werewolf essays, making a noise of disgust as she flipped through it. "Merlin, this is horrible. This one is definitely kindling. Next time, I'm just taking away house points."

Bellatrix let out an amused chuckle at Hermione's muttering. "Please let them all be that bad. We'll have a fire for days."

"We're witches, Bellatrix. We don't even need it." Hermione flicked through the essays, a look of boredom on her face.

"Yeah, but it so much more fun this way."

"I suppose that's fair."

"So, when are we going to the Muggle world? I'm absolutely dying in this castle." Bellatrix began spinning again, slower this time.

"I haven't asked Minerva if it's okay."

"Do that."

"Later. I have a class to prepare for. Come on." Hermione reached out, grabbing the chair and stopping the dark witch's spinning.

"Class is so boring, though," she grumbled, slumping in Hermione's chair.

"Not all the time. I'm gonna tell them they wrote an essay for no grade. I'm sure you'll delight in seeing the devastation on their faces at all the work they won't get credit for."

"Tempting. Okay, what the hell."

Hermione tilted her head to the side as Bellatrix settled on her shoulder, moving the stack of kindling to the side. She would be getting more essays today, this time from all of her students. Bellatrix bobbed up and down on her shoulder, already bored and feeling confined. With any luck, they could go over a weekend when there were no classes. She wasn't very ha[[y about Hermione having to ask permission from McGonagall, but she really needed to be somewhere away from Hogwarts grounds. She wasn't sure how long she could remain undiscovered. They were doing fine but all it took was one mistake and everything was ruined. She had barely controlled herself when Greyback had attacked Hermione. Hermione was hers, no one else could have her.

No one was in the classroom when Hermione strode in and she was grateful for the moment of quiet before class. Shortly after she got everything ready, the students started trickling in. She ignored it, sitting on her desk and watching. She wouldn't tell them to stop talking, but they would gradually fall silent at the sight of her piercing hazel gaze. The students stifled a shudder as they tried not to look at her directly.

"I hope you all did your homework," Hermione drawled, rising from her desk as students began rifling through papers to find it. She waited until the person in the front of each row had them all before collecting them. She rifled through them as she walked back to her desk. They were the quality she had expected from Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs.

"Professor, what are we doing today?" one student asked in a small voice.

"Today we'll be discussing Boggarts. We will put into practice what I'm going to teach you, but not today."

All her classes proceeded in similar manners, collecting essays, teaching them about Boggarts. Bellatrix tried to hide her boredom, but Hermione still noticed it. The students were oblivious to the raven's fidgeting throughout the day. Hermione watched out of the corner of her eye, smiling in amusement before returning her full attention back to the class. They would listen with rapt attention or unmasked boredom, but she disregarded it. She knew some students learned better through application, and the time would come for that. It wasn't until the last class of the day that Bellatrix's boredom finally began to ease. This was the class that had been assigned the extra essay. After Hermione collected the homework assignment, she sat partially on her desk, one foot on the floor.

"I looked through your essays. I haven't graded them and I don't plan to. Next time you do not follow my instructions, I will deduct house points. Consider this a free pass," she said.

"You mean we did all that work for nothing?"

"As far as I could tell, none of you put much effort into the essay, so I won't put any effort into grading them."

A chorus of groans emanated from the students. Bellatrix hopped in amusement, earning a quick look from Hermione. She ignored the groans, stroking Bellatrix's feathers absently. "Today we will be learning about Boggarts. Does anyone know what a Boggart is?"

"A creature!"

"Well, yes. Does anyone know the specific nature of Boggarts?" Hermione pressed her index finger and thumb to the bridge of her nose, applying pressure to soothe her growing headache.

"Doesn't it turn into a person's fear?"

"Very good. A Boggart is a creature that hides in dark spaces, like cabinets or wardrobes, and takes the form of a person's darkest fear. There is a way to counter it, and I will teach you when I feel that you are ready. For now, you will become familiar with the aspects of Boggarts. If you put the proper amount of effort into your essay, you should be fine."

Hermione observed the students' reactions, drawing her fingers away from Bellatrix when she pecked them. She glared at the bird, receiving what almost looked like a grin. She turned her attention back to the students, watching as they began taking notes from the chapter.

"Professor?"

"Yes?"

"What's your Boggart?"

Hermione blinked, chewing on her lip before answering, "I'm not entirely sure what it would be now."

"What was it?"

"I think that's enough for today. Class is dismissed, enjoy your evening," she said curtly. Her students blinked in surprise, watching as she strode out of the room, her raven not far behind her. They shrugged, excited to have the rest of the evening to themselves. Hermione went back to her office, throwing herself into her chair. Bellatrix pecked at her hand lightly, not drawing blood but making the muscles tighten in pain.

"Hermione?" Ginny called, knocking on the half-open door.

"What is it, Ginny?"

"It's the Fat Lady. She won't let us in."

"Again?"

"Yeah. Sorry to bother you. You didn't change the password, did you?" Ginny shifted her weight awkwardly, sensing Hermione's frustration.

"It should still be 'pixies.' Is it not working?" Hermione stood from her chair, resting a hand on her desk.

"Oh, that's my bad. Sorry, I was using the old one. Everything okay?"

"Are you ever reminded of them?"

"All the time. I wish I could say it gets easier, but I really don't know." She stepped into the room, staying near the door.

"I worked so hard but it didn't even matter. Everything I was afraid of came true." Hermione sat back down in her chair, looking mournfully at Ginny. Bellatrix rubbed her head against Hermione's hand, the gesture oddly cat-like.

"No one could have saved them, Hermione. At least it wasn't all for nothing. Voldemort is gone, the Death Eaters are hardly a threat, we're still here. We have to make the most of it. I have to go, I'm sorry, but I'll talk to you later." It was almost a question and Hermione nodded, gazing past Ginny. The redhead cast a sympathetic look at Hermione as she left, closing the door firmly behind her.

Hermione waited until the sound of footsteps faded before asking Bellatrix, "Do you think she bought it?"

Bellatrix bobbed her head up and down a few times, pecking at Hermione's fingers.

"Alright, fine, I'm going. You're so pushy today."

Bellatrix glared at Hermione as she stood, perching on her shoulder. Hermione huffed, opening the door and heading to Minerva's office. She wasn't sure if the Headmistress would be there this close to dinner, but it was worth a shot. As she strode through the corridors, her mind turned to the essays she had to grade. She felt bad about all the extra work she had put into her assignments. She hadn't realized how much the professors had to grade. Hermione reached the door to Minerva's office, uttering the password and walking up the stairs.

"Hermione, how are you?" Minerva said as Hermione entered her office.

"I'm okay. I wanted to ask you something," Hermione said quietly. Minerva gestured for her to sit across from her and she did, looking at the older witch.

"What is it, Hermione?" Minerva looked at Hermione with concern, observing the young witch's stature.

"Could I maybe go to the Muggle world over a weekend or something? It's a lot harder to be here than I thought and I'd like to start trying to find my parents. I don't know if I can undo the memory charm but it would be nice to know they're safe, at least." Hermione willed her eyes to tear up, gazing at Minerva with a look of despair.

"Of course. I'm sure we can arrange something with Kingsley so you aren't alone."

"Actually, I'd prefer to go by myself, if that's okay. No one in the Muggle world would recognize me and I doubt the Death Eaters would even go there." Hermione tried not to sound too desperate to go alone. If she pushed too hard, Minerva might suspect something.

The Headmistress tapped her finger against her chin, debating an answer. "Okay. I know you value your privacy and I know this is something you have to do for yourself. I do request that you use my personal floo to come and go so I know you're safe. You can go on weekends so long as it doesn't distract you from work."

"Thank you, Minerva. I'll be sure that it doesn't."

"Is there something else on your mind, Hermione?"

"Well, sort of. I-the," Hermione inhaled shakily, "I killed someone."

"The Death Eater. Hermione, he attacked you. You defended yourself and I'm sure you didn't mean to kill him." Minerva put a hand on Hermione's unoccupied shoulder, squeezing in a way she hoped was reassuring.

"I didn't. But, still, I never thought that I would be capable of that." Hermione stared at her hands, imagining blood streaming down them. She shivered, looking up at Minerva. The old witch's eyes shimmered with sadness and Hermione worked to hide her feeling of triumph.

"There is nothing wrong with defending yourself, okay?"

Hermione nodded slowly, biting her lip to keep her expression from changing. Bellatrix sat on her shoulder, studying Minerva closely. As far as she could tell, the Headmaster bought it just like Ginny had. She had been worried the people close to Hermione would have noticed the changes. They hadn't so far and Bellatrix was relieved. If any of them suspected Hermione was hiding her, working with her, lied about her, it would be catastrophic. They had to play it carefully, make the appropriate reactions, act like they were trying to get better. Well, Hermione did, anyway. Bellatrix just had to avoid being seen by anyone but Hermione.

"Why don't you have dinner in your chambers tonight? Have some time away and just relax."

"Okay." Hermione's tone was flat, her eyes shining with unshed tears. Minerva retracted her hand and Hermione stood, trudging out of the office and going to her room. It was an effort not to change her pace as she weaved through the crowd of students. Bellatrix held tightly to Hermione's shoulder, glaring at anyone who looked at them for too long.

Hermione closed the door behind her, magically locking it as Bellatrix leaped from her shoulder. She grabbed the plate of food off Hermione's desk, putting it in Hermione's hands and making her sit. Hermione opened her mouth to protest, silenced by Bellatrix's hand over her mouth. She glared at the dark witch, biting the tender flesh between Bellatrix's thumb and index finger. Bellatrix hissed, her eyes narrowing but she didn't move her hand. Hermione flicked her eyes up to Bellatrix, running her tongue over the bite mark. Bellatrix took a controlled breath, eyes flashing violently.

"Eat. We can do this later," she hissed, yanking her hand away from Hermione.

"I'm not hungry," Hermione protested, putting the plate on her desk.

"Eat anyway." Bellatrix turned away from Hermione, jumping onto the bed.

"Fine. Wanna get the fire going?" Hermione held out the stack of essays, waiting for Bellatrix to take it.

"You're too good to me," Bellatrix joked, taking the essays and laying them in the fireplace. Hermione hummed, forcing herself to take small bites. She ate most of her plate, setting the rest aside. Bellatrix nodded approvingly, eating the rest of the food on Hermione's plate.

"Bellatrix."

"Yes?"

"What if we don't frame the Death Eaters? What if we frame the Muggles? I mean, the Death Eaters would be too disorganized to really attack and everyone is on the lookout for them. If we put a Muggle under the Imperious charm, we wouldn't even have to break in."

"Muggles can't get in the Ministry, Hermione."

"No one has to know they're a Muggle. We dress them up as a witch or wizard, maybe Polyjuice them. Easy." Hermione turned her chair to face Bellatrix, watching the fire behind her.

"Polyjuice them as who?" Bellatrix put her hands on either side of Hermione, leaning forward.

"Someone with access to the Ministry, just in case they're seen."

"What if we Polyjuice them as Kingsley? No one would question his presence. If anything, he might be blamed if someone sees him."

"Why would Kingsley blow up the Ministry, though?"

"Why not?"

"I guess." Hermione shrugged, watching Bellatrix, waiting for her to move.

"Do you have a better idea?" Bellatrix husked, leaning close to Hermione.

"The only other person I can think of is Arthur Weasley," Hermione whispered.

"Tempting. We'll think about it, won't we?" Bellatrix rubbed her cheek against Hermione's, hearing her stuttered inhale.

"Yes," Hermione breathed, trying not to squirm.

"You still care for them. You weren't entirely lying."

"What?" Hermione turned her head slightly, grunting when Bellatrix slammed her head against the back of the chair.

"The boys! You still care for the boys!" Bellatrix was frenzied, her eyes gleaming like a wild animal as her nails dug into Hermione's cheeks.

"No!" Hermione didn't try to struggle against Bellatrix's vice-like grip.

"Don't lie."

"Failure. That was my biggest fear, Bellatrix. I was supposed to keep them alive and I couldn't. I care that I failed, not that they're dead." Hermione held Bellatrix's gaze unflinchingly, staring into dark, stormy eyes.

"How is that different?" she growled.

"Because if I fail I don't mean anything. They gave me a reason not to fail and that kept everything away."

"And now?"

"You're the only one I need." Hermione sighed when Bellatrix's eyes calmed slightly. "Do whatever you have to."

Bellatrix growled, baring her teeth and pressing her weight into Hermione. The young witch's eyes were calm, if a bit dark, and looking levelly at Bellatrix. The dark witch searched Hermione for any sense of fear, finding none. With one hand, she reached into Hermione's robes, withdrawing her wand and pressing it lightly against her throat. Bellatrix watched Hermione, waiting for a sign of hesitance.

"Crucio," she whispered, holding Hermione in the chair with her body.

The young witch grit her teeth, trying to keep her breathing steady against the pain. A noise of pain slipped from her throat, ignored by both witches. Bellatrix nodded, pulling her wand away from Hermione's throat and letting her slump in the chair. She sat on the couch, watching the crackling fire. Hermione joined her after a few minutes, muscles quivering. Bellatrix pulled Hermione to her, soothing her muscles by lightly running her hands over Hermione's arms. Hermione let her head fall against Bellatrix's arm, closing her eyes and sighing softly.

"Bellatrix?"

"Yes?"

"Do we always destroy the things we love?"

"Only us. We don't know any other way. It's a...side effect of our insanity. We can't see past the need to hurt." Bellatrix spoke softly, stroking Hermione's bushy hair. Hermione nodded, listening to the sound of the fire as it lulled her to sleep.