A/N: Welcome back! I have finally finished this chapter I feel like I've been working on it for ages. I know it's been a while (sorry) I've been kind of obsessing over this chapter because I couldn't decide how I wanted things to go, but I finally got it!

So, without further ado, enjoy!

You were broken-hearted and the world was, too

And I was beginning to lose my grip

And I have always held it loosely

But this time I admit

I felt it really start to slip

-June, Florence and the Machine

"Hermione," Ginny began, "I'd like to visit Harry and Ron's graves tomorrow but I'm not allowed to leave the grounds without a Professor, so I was wondering if you would go? I know you missed their funerals and Minerva suggested I ask you first."

"Did she?" Hermione asked rhetorically, barely looking up from the stack of papers on her desk.

"You don't have to, I just thought you might want a chance to see their graves," Ginny said, shifting uncomfortably.

Hermione worried her bottom lip, leaning back in her chair but still avoiding eye contact with Ginny. She wasn't sure how she felt about visiting, wasn't sure if she wanted to. She had accepted that they were always going to die, despite her best efforts, but it was so different to see where they were buried. She had seen their lifeless bodies at the battle, but she was rushed away so quickly and it was so easy to pretend it hadn't been them. It was, though, and she knew that.

"Okay, Ginny. I'll go with you," she finally answered, "We'll leave at half seven tomorrow. You can meet me at the gate."

"Thanks, Hermione," Ginny said, taking the note Hermione hastily wrote so she would have no trouble going to the gate.

Hermione nodded absently, her wandering thoughts holding her attention. Ginny smiled at the expression they had all dubbed "Hermioneing" because of how often it was on the brunette's face. Ginny tucked the note into her pocket as she left the room, making her way slowly back to her Common Room. Hermione ran her hands down her face, leaning her head back to stare at the ceiling. On a whim, she decided to enchant it to show her favorite constellation. Orion appeared for a few moments, long enough for Hermione to locate and admire the star Bellatrix was named after before it faded from view. Hermione sighed, the enchantment never stuck around for long before it wore off. Even with her newfound power, the wards around Hogwarts prevented any such enchantments from lingering for more than a minute or two, and she wasn't about to tap into the ley line just to look at a star when she could just as easily go outside. She let her eyes wander the ceiling until a knock on her door drew her out of her thoughts.

"Enter," she called, letting her eyes fall on the door.

"Professor?" came a familiar- and surprisingly not unwelcome- voice.

"Draco," Hermione said in surprise, "What are you doing here?"

"Is that the warm welcome you give all your frenemies?" Draco asked sheepishly.

"I just wasn't expecting you, and I didn't think you were back at school," Hermione answered, leaning forward in her chair.

"I'm not. Well, not exactly. I really only have Potions and Charms. None of the other Professors were willing to have me, and it's best I keep a low profile, anyway. I heard you were the new DADA professor, so I didn't even bother asking if you'd teach me, but I miss it and I've heard a lot of good things about you," he explained.

"That's a little surprising," Hermione chuckled, "But in all seriousness, Draco, you're welcome to join my seventh-year class. I know we weren't friends in school, but you're intelligent and you work hard, and I know you feel like you have a lot to prove to everyone because of your family's associations during the war. However, if anyone is giving you any serious trouble you bring it right to me and I will handle it. Deal?"

"Deal," Draco said with a smile, relaxing his shoulders, "Thank you."

"War changes people. I think it's changed you for the better and I know you have a lot to offer if you're given the chance. This is your chance, Draco, please don't give me a reason to regret it," Hermione responded.

"I won't," he answered with conviction, "And for what it's worth, I'm sorry for how I treated you when we were in school."

"Water under the bridge. You are starting halfway through the year, so I can't guarantee that I'll let you sit for the OWLs, I just want you to know that going into this."

"I know. I'm behind but I promise to work hard," Draco said, shuffling his feet.

Hermione nodded, saying, "I'll see you on Monday."

"Thank you, again," he called as he left the room, understanding the dismissal.

Hermione pushed herself up from her chair, grabbing her wand but leaving the stack of papers. She exited her office, making sure to lock it behind her and made her way to her room. She wasn't sure what Bellatrix was up to, or if she'd be there, but she figured it wouldn't hurt to check. Hermione meandered through the corridors, taking the long way back. She was in no rush to go anywhere, and she was hoping to give Bellatrix time to get there so they could talk. Hermione waved her wand over the lock, opening the door and shutting it with a barely audible click.

"Oh, good, you are here," Hermione said as she unwound her scarf.

"Yes, I have relented to my prison," Bellatrix said dramatically from the couch.

"One of those days?" Hermione asked knowingly.

"I'm running out of things to keep me occupied when I don't join you, but class is also soooo boring," Bellatrix whined.

"Well, at least it's the weekend. I'm supervising Ginny's visit to Harry and Ron's graves tomorrow. And Draco is joining the class on Monday."

Bellatrix's eyes narrowed as she hissed, "Why?"

"Ginny asked me to. So did Draco," Hermione responded simply.

"And so you just agreed?"

"I thought about it first, if that helps."

"It doesn't." Bellatrix crossed her arms, turning over to face the back of the couch.

"Didn't think it would. You're in a mood, what do you want?" Hermione asked lightly.

"To hurt." Bellatrix was up in an instant, her curved walnut wand pressed into the hollow of Hermione's throat.

"Do it, then," she smirked, taking a small step forward so the tip of Bellatrix's wand indented her skin.

"Crucio," she whispered, admiring Hermione's ability to fight the curse for about a minute before she gave in and her knees buckled.

Bellatrix chuckled darkly as Hermione writhed on the carpet, lowering herself to her stomach and lying perpendicular to her. She placed her cheek on Hermione's abdomen, letting out a satisfied hum as she felt the spasming muscles. The veins in Hermione's neck bulged, her head locked in place by muscles she couldn't control. She barely registered Bellatrix's change in position, focused only on trying to breathe sufficiently. Hermione never tried to throw off the curse when Bellatrix gave it to her, she wasn't positive that she would ever be able to throw off Bellatrix's, but she was confident she could from another person. Bellatrix cared too much, and so did she. Bellatrix moved again, so she was parallel to Hermione. Gingerly, she pressed her lips to Hermione's sweaty temple and let the curse slowly fade away. Hermione's body burned as she sucked in greedy gulps of air now that her muscles were hers again.

"Better?" she chuckled once she had recovered.

"A little," Bellatrix smirked, smoothing Hermione's damp hair.

Hermione turned slightly so she was facing Bellatrix more fully and whispered, "I would give anything for you."

Bellatrix gave her a smile tinged with sadness, an uncharacteristic expression for Bellatrix. "I know."

Hermione's eyes fluttered closed as she yawned, unable to fight her exhaustion any longer. Bellatrix traced a finger from Hermione's temple to her chin before gathering her into her arms and muttering the usual slew of healing and cleaning charms. Gently, she placed Hermione in their bed, even going so far as to tuck the blanket around her. For a while, she sat next to the bed, staring at Hermione but also past her, lost in her thoughts.

Hermione wrapped her arms around herself as she waited at the gates for Ginny. She was early, as always, and she suspected Ginny would narrowly arrive on time. Bellatrix was perched on her shoulder, doing her best to imitate pouting. She was less than happy Ginny would be there with them, and she was certainly not happy to be visiting the graves of Harry and Ron, the Golden Dunderheads. As predicted, Ginny came running up to the gate a minute before half seven, panting heavily and bracing herself on her knees when she stopped.

"Sorry, Filch stopped me and was convinced my note was fake. It wasn't until I told him to ask you for himself that he let me go. I think he's scared of you," Ginny explained between breaths.

"It's alright, you're on time. Where are they buried?" Hermione asked.

"Godric's Hollow," Ginny answered, placing her hand on Hermione's arm.

They materialized with a crack, slightly disoriented but shaking it off. The slight rain didn't help, fog curling on the ground around them. The sun had yet to pierce the clouds of Godric's Hollow, allowing the melancholy atmosphere to perpetuate and invade their senses. Ginny led the way to the headstones, avoiding the occasional overgrowth. She stopped in front of two headstones, the newest and most well kept in the entire cemetery, but still humble. Hermione wordlessly examined the dark stones, reading the inscription on each.

Harry Potter

1980-1998

The Chosen One

Died protecting wizardkind

Ron Weasley

1980-1998

Beloved son, brother, and war hero

Died protecting wizardkind

Ginny conjured two bouquets of flowers, laying one on each grave. Hermione felt awkward watching Ginny mourn the two boys, so she turned away, surveying the rest of the graveyard. Bellatrix hopped onto the headstone in front of Hermione, cocking her head as she watched Ginny pull out some weeds that had grown. Bellatrix idly wondered if she would even have a grave had she actually died in the war. She figured it was unlikely that anyone would even miss her. The little family she did have she had pushed away. Ginny brushed the dirt off her knees as she stood, studying Hermione quietly.

"Did you want some time alone?" Ginny asked.

"I think so," Hermione nodded.

Ginny cast a glance back at Hermione's vague form as she reached the entrance to the graveyard, finding a bench just outside and sitting on it to wait. Bellatrix watched Ginny until she was out of sight, shifting silently into a person and slinging an arm over Hermione's shoulders.

"Better them than you," she whispered, sitting with her back against the gravestone she had just been perched on.

"Yeah," Hermione said numbly, allowing Bellatrix to pull her to the ground.

"Say something," Bellatrix said, gesturing to the graves.

Hermione sighed, chewing on her bottom lip while she thought.

"I spent seven years keeping the two of you alive long enough for you to die when you were supposed to. Sometimes I wish I missed you. Sometimes I wish I hated you. The truth is, I don't really feel anything about you guys. I guess it's sad that you died, but it was always going to happen. We were friends for a long time, and I should miss you, but I don't, and I'm not sorry for it, either. Sometimes I wish I was. No matter what, this is how things were always going to be. You were always going to die, and I was always going to survive. Bellatrix was always going to survive. We were always going to find each other," Hermione finally said, trailing off as if unsure if she was going to continue.

Upon hearing footsteps, she clamped her mouth shut, and Bellatrix shifted back into a raven, hopping onto Hermione's shoulder with a flutter of wings. Ginny approached carefully, fairly certain she had seen two people but chalked it up to her imagination for now. Perhaps it was just a trick of the light and fog, even if those curls were unmistakable. She gave Hermione a small smile, offering a hand to help her up. Hermione took it gratefully, allowing Ginny to pull her into a standing position.

"Thank you for coming with me, Hermione," Ginny whispered, almost afraid to break the silence that settled over the graveyard. It felt disrespectful to speak.

"Thank you for asking me, Ginny. I didn't think I would feel better, but I do," Hermione responded, sparing one last glance at the two headstones. Suddenly, a memory struck her, and she found herself making her way through the graveyard to the final resting place of Lily and James Potter.

"There wasn't room to bury Harry next to them," Ginny said when she caught up with Hermione.

"He'd be happy to be buried in the same cemetery as them." Hermione flicked her wand, the graves clearing themselves and fresh flowers appearing. "When we were on the run we ended up here, I don't remember why exactly, but we found them and Harry was upset at how uncared for their graves were, so I did this for him without thinking about it. It feels right that I do it again."

"He'd appreciate that."

"Draco will be class with you on Monday," Hermione suddenly muttered.

"Are you mental?" Ginny asked, her mouth hanging open.

"Probably," Hermione said, glancing at Ginny, "But I know this is the right decision. I know he's made bad choices but I think he's better than his choices. I think we all are, and he deserves as much a chance as anyone."

"Why are you telling me this?" Ginny glanced away, somewhat ashamed at her reaction.

"I don't want him to have any problems. I'd like to believe everyone is mature enough to handle his presence in a mature manner, but I know sometimes emotions get the best of us. You'll be more prepared for his appearance so you will be able to help everyone deal with it in a rational, adult way."

Ginny scoffed, "You don't want him having problems?"

"Ginny, you of all people should know better than to think like this. Everyone deserves a fresh start, even Draco. You may disagree, but I will not have anyone antagonizing another student, no matter what they've done in the past. He asked me if he could join, I gave him my conditions, and he agreed. It is my choice and you may not agree with it, but please respect it. I told you because you're my friend and I value your input but not if you're going to be so close-minded."

Ginny dug the toe of her shoe into the wet dirt, mumbling, "You're right. I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me, but I didn't even know he was allowed to attend Hogwarts because of what happened. But if you say he's deserving of this chance, then I believe you. You always fight for the underdog, that's why we love you."

"Did you want to stop by the Burrow?" Hermione asked, ignoring the tightening of Bellatrix's grip on her shoulder.

"If you don't mind," Ginny answered.

Hermione shrugged. "I was thinking I'd wait outside."

"Mum would really like to see you. So would everyone else," Ginny tried delicately.

"I can't," Hermione said simply, "I haven't been to the Burrow at all since it happened, Gin, even waiting outside will be difficult but it's time I start trying."

Ginny nodded with a sigh, taking hold of Hermione's arm. A few seconds later, they were standing a few meters away from the Burrow. Hermione felt a tug in her heart at the sight of the familiar wayward building. She gestured with her arm for Ginny to go inside, waiting for a few moments afterward before she turned and entered the field around the house. She walked until she couldn't see the house anymore, conjuring two stools.

"You need to get closer to Arthur, we need him," Bellatrix admonished.

"I know, but I really don't want to be swarmed with questions. I want to seem like I still need space but that I'm trying so that no one suspects me."

Bellatrix threw one leg over the other, examining her nails impassively. She didn't want Hermione to spend more time around the Weasleys than she needed to, lest she decide not to go through with their plan. Hermione's previous ties to the family might cloud her judgment and she might choose to reconnect with them and they would force her to abandon Bellatrix. She trusted Hermione enough, but she didn't trust the Weasleys. The more time they spent around the Weasleys, the more vulnerable they were. Hermione sat in silence, basking in the air and sun, enjoying the privacy they had and allowing Bellatrix to think.

"HERMIONE?!" Came Ginny's call, resounding through the field.

"COMING!" She yelled back, holding out her arm for Bellatrix.

With an irritated sigh, Bellatrix shifted, landing on Hermione's arm and giving her a peck on the hand. She was less than happy with recent events but there wasn't much she could do about them. Rushing the plan would only end in disaster and neither of them could afford that. They would only have one chance, so they would need to tread carefully to avoid suspicion. Hermione emerged from the field but didn't approach the house, waving to the family on the porch but not approaching. Ginny hugged everyone goodbye, taking messages of love for Hermione so she wouldn't feel overwhelmed.

"They said they wished you had come in, but they appreciate you coming with me," Ginny said as she approached, taking Hermione's arm before it was offered.

Hermione waved once more, giving Ginny the chance for one more farewell before Apparating them back to the gates of the school. The two massive wrought-iron gates creaked open upon their arrival, allowing them entrance onto the grounds. They closed with a clang behind them, and Hermione paused and turned around to watch the wards seal again. Ginny continued walking toward the castle, intent on getting to the Great Hall. Hermione veered in the direction of the Forbidden Forest, venturing among the thick, twisted trees to the portion of the Black Lake Sirius had almost died on. Bellatrix hopped off her shoulder and shifted, walking alongside her. They didn't speak until they reached the stone shores, the setting sun casting them in near-darkness.

"Interesting place to choose," Bellatrix commented, sliding off her shoes to feel the worn pebbles beneath her feet.

"I thought you would appreciate the sentimentality of it," Hermione replied, shedding her outer robes.

"Sentimentality?" Bellatrix scoffed, crouching down to scoop up a handful of pebbles.

"In my third-year Sirius almost died here." Hermione watched as Bellatrix examined the pebble in her hand before deeming it acceptable and skipping it across the still water.

"How?" Bellatrix dropped the pebble she was inspecting carelessly.

"Dementors," Hermione whispered, flinching when Bellatrix completely stilled.

"Not even I deserve that," she mumbled, suppressing a shiver. She turned to face Hermione, her dark eyes glistening in the low light.

"It's barbaric," Hermione agreed, moving closer to the dark witch.

Bellatrix cleared her throat suddenly, violently throwing a pebble across the water. They were silent as it skipped once, twice, three times before sinking into the depths. Bellatrix scowled at her handful of pebbles, her attention drawn to Hermione as the young witch sat down. She stared for several moments at the seated witch, her burning gaze met with Hermione's steady one. Bellatrix threw another pebble, without looking, and counted in her head the number of times it skipped over the surface. Six. Scowling, Bellatrix pulled her gaze away from Hermione's, feeling herself getting caught up in the soft brown of her eyes. She didn't want to get lost.

"Are you ready?" Bellatrix asked, turning her back to Hermione.

"Of course," came Hermione's breathy reply.

"Go get the pebbles I threw," she commanded, imagining Hermione's change in expression.

"How will I know they're yours?" she asked, standing and waiting at Bellatrix's side.

Bellatrix turned to her with a smirk, bringing up a hand to cup Hermione's cheek and whispering, "You'll know."

Hermione removed her shoes and socks, tossing them in the direction of her outer robes. She did the same with her inner robes, leaving herself in her undergarments. Bellatrix's eyes raked up her figure, admiring the slim muscles in the low light. Hermione took a step into the water, suppressing the shiver at the unexpected coldness of it. Trying not to think about it, she walked further until she was waist-deep. After a few practice breaths, Hermione took a deep breath and dived into the frigid water, searching for the pebbles Bellatrix had thrown. She wasn't worried about the mer-people, they tended to leave her alone usually, but she knew plenty of spells if she needed to use them. Hermione followed the tugging in her gut, trusting it to lead her to the pebbles Bellatrix had thrown. This part of the lake wasn't as deep as she thought, and before she knew it, Hermione was swimming along the bottom in search of Bellatrix's pebbles.

A faint glow caught Hermione's eye, and she reached for it. As her fingers closed around the smooth pebble, warmth spread through her body, almost making her gasp in surprise. She smiled, continuing her search for the other two pebbles as quickly as she could. Hermione didn't have to be told that she wasn't supposed to come up for air as needed. It wasn't long before Hermione had the second pebble in her grasp. Her lungs were beginning to tighten, yearning to inhale fresh air. She tried to maintain a calm pace, not wanting to waste her air unnecessarily. The cold water made her want to shiver, and it only got colder as she swam further from the shore, but she clenched her teeth together to suppress it. Hermione caught sight of the glow from the last pebble, wondering why it seemed so far away still. Powerfully, she kicked her legs, propelling herself towards her goal with vigor. The tightness in her chest had been increasing, and would soon be unbearable. She overshot the pebble, but managed to catch hold of it as she passed over it.

Hermione turned her body so her feet were planted as firmly as possible against the bottom of the lake, pushing herself toward the surface with all her might. As she had gotten farther from shore, she had expected the depth to gradually increase, but it seemed to level off where she was. As she broke the surface of the water, Hermione took a deep inhale, becoming dizzy as air flooded her lungs so quickly. She paddled back to shore, shivering but holding tightly to the three pebbles she had retrieved. Bellatrix had an amused smile on her face as Hermione swam toward the shore. When her feet were under her, she rushed into Bellatrix's waiting arms, greedily soaking up the dark witch's warmth. Bellatrix wrapped her arms around Hermione's shivering body as the younger witch buried her face in Bellatrix's shoulder.

"I've got you," Bellatrix murmured, laying her hands flat against Hermione's back and letting warmth leak out of her hands.

"I g-g-g-got your p-p-p-p-pebbles," she stuttered, shuddering as her body filled with warmth.

"Do you see what I was talking about?" Bellatrix asked, guiding Hermione to her clothes.

"They glowed," she answered, clutching tightly to Bellatrix.

"You'll always be able to find my trail," she whispered into Hermione's hair.

Hermione pulled away slightly, tilting her head up. Her eyes drifted over Bellatrix's amused face, finally settling on her lips set in a playful smirk. Bellatrix slid her hands to Hermione's waist, pulling her closer by her hips. Hermione draped her arms over Bellatrix's shoulders, swaying gently from side to side while staring longingly at Bellatrix's lips. The dark witch leaned forward slowly, her smirk growing as Hermione's lips parted in anticipation.

"Nice try, but you are being punished," Bellatrix whispered in Hermione's ear, tightening her grip as a shudder tore through Hermione's body.

A whimper stole from Hermione's throat at the cruel denial of what she desired. Bellatrix chuckled darkly, sliding a hand to grip Hermione's thigh.

"You always have enjoyed your punishments, though, haven't you?" She husked, wrapping Hermione's leg around her hip.

"Yes," Hermione breathed, fighting the urge to push into the older witch.

"Good girl," Bellatrix commended, dropping Hermione's leg and pulling away, "Let's go back."

Hermione stifled the tightening in her chest and pulled on her robes and shoes, at least enjoying the warmth they provided. Bellatrix looped her arm through Hermione's, pulling her along through the forest. Hermione's body was still buzzing with energy, desperate for Bellatrix to touch her the way she wanted to be. Bellatrix smiled and hummed as they walked, pretending to be oblivious to Hermione's growing need. In truth, she could taste it on the air, driving her wild as she imagined everything she wanted to do to the younger witch. To taunt Hermione, she manipulated her mark so the raven's wings brushed her hip bones. Bellatrix smirked when Hermione inhaled sharply, relishing in the tightening of her grip.

"Quickly now, before I change my mind," Bellatrix whispered in Hermione's ear before shifting into a raven and perching on her shoulder.

Hermione inhaled deeply, casting a simple notice-me-not as she quickly walked back to her room. She took every shortcut she could think of, arriving at her room in what felt like no time at all. She panted slightly as she opened the door, shutting it firmly behind her and locking it. Bellatrix had her pinned to the door before she could turn around, pressing their bodies firmly together and brushing Hermione's hair behind her ear. She let her lips brush against Hermione's cheek, her tongue darting out to taste her. Hermione struggled to mutter the warding spells, drawn into Bellatrix.

"Such a good girl," Bellatrix praised, her lips dragging against Hermione's ear.

Hermione gulped, her heart pounding against its bone prison. Bellatrix mumbled incoherently as she trailed a hand from Hermione's hips to her neck. She drew her nails down the soft flesh, leaving neat, red lines to mark the skin. She buried a hand in Hermione's matted brown hair, pulling her head back to an uncomfortable angle. Hermione's breaths came faster, her body desperate for the curse she knew was coming. She wanted it so badly.

"How badly do you want it?" Bellatrix asked, "How badly do you need it?"

Hermione could only whimper, the sound strangled by the angle of her throat. Bellatrix loosened her hold slightly, allowing Hermione's head to come forward just enough for her to speak.

"Please," Hermione whined.

Bellatrix clicked her tongue disapprovingly. "That's not an answer to my question. Try again."

"I want it, need it, more than I need air. Please," Hermione begged, trying not to squirm.

"Much better," she purred, letting go of Hermione's hair completely.

Hermione let her head fall against the door, waiting for Bellatrix's wand to dig into her skin. She held her body completely still, her shuddering breaths the only sound in the room. Swiftly, Bellatrix turned her around, pressing her wand under Hermione's jaw. Hermione's head was forced up, her steady eyes locking on Bellatrix's hungry ones. Bellatrix licked her lips, holding Hermione there.

"Crucio!" She growled, holding Hermione up with the tip of her wand.

Hermione strained to stay up on her own, despite the sensations coursing through her body. Her knees were weak and her body began shaking more noticeably. Bellatrix watched her with pride, an almost smile on her face. She felt her muscles give out, succumbing to the overwhelming stimulation of the curse. Her brain faintly registered that she wasn't on the floor in a useless heap and that a strong arm around her waist was keeping her upright. Bellatrix mumbled something in Hermione's ear, but her mind was too fragmented to process the words. A strange feeling spread through her, forcing a gasp from her throat. It felt like hands everywhere she wanted them, doing everything she wanted. She struggled to comprehend how she could feel anything other than the curse but quickly grew distracted by the feeling.

Bellatrix chuckled against her ear, biting along her neck. Heat coursed through her body as she pushed Hermione to her breaking point but not past it. Hermione's eyes began to roll back and Bellatrix terminated the Crucio, leaving the sensation of hands. When Hermione regained the ability to control her limbs, she grasped for Bellatrix, latching tightly onto her robes. Her head fell onto Bellatrix's shoulder, moaning into her neck. Bellatrix scooped Hermione into her arms, replacing the hands with her own as she laid her on the bed. Hermione continued to grip Bellatrix's robes tightly, even as her own were removed. She squirmed under her hands, yearning for a touch in a specific place. Bellatrix smirked against the skin of Hermione's chest, teasing her until she was whimpering with need before giving in. Her fingers ventured between Hermione's legs, sliding through the pool of wetness easily.

A feral growl rumbled in Bellatrix's chest as a moan slipped through Hermione's lips, her head falling back as Bellatrix's fingers entered her. She thrust her hips sloppily, trying to match Bellatrix's pace even with the limited control of her body. Curling her fingers slightly, she set a fast, hard pace, quickly unraveling Hermione. Hermione's vision went fuzzy as her body tensed and shook, falling further into the mattress as she relaxed. Bellatrix continued to nip at her, an action that was strangely comforting and lulled her to sleep. Growing tired, Bellatrix banished her clothes, stroking Hermione with her fingertips and mumbling healing spells as she fell asleep, her arm slung over Hermione's waist.