A/N: Hello, everyone! It has been too long since I've had any muse to write for this story, but I have been working on this chapter for a little while now and I finally feel like it's time to share it with you all. I'm sure you've been eagerly awaiting an update and I truly am sorry for making you wait so long, but I appreciate your support. It keeps me motivated to continue writing this story (and my others).
I hope you enjoy!
Can I get a witness?
'Cause I can hold a grudge like nobody's business
Seein' double vision
Show me what you got and I'll show you what you're missing
-I Can Hold A Grudge Like Nobody's Business, Adam Jensen
"This is a stupid idea," Bellatrix hissed in Hermione's ear. They stood at the boundary of the Malfoy property, waiting for Narcissa to make the trek from the house to the gate. Bellatrix fidgeted restlessly, not keen on the idea of seeing her traitorous sister. Hermione was the complete opposite, standing calmly next to the taller witch. Her eyes scanned the drive for any sight of the blonde witch.
"She wants to see you. We can use her," Hermione hissed back.
Bellatrix snarled, shoving Hermione against the wrought iron gate. "We don't know if we can trust her."
Hermione fixed her with a steady gaze, the lack of fear in her eyes further angering Bellatrix. "We can."
"You don't know that!" Bellatrix emphasized her words by digging her nails into Hermione's arms, ignoring the shudder that went through the brunette witch.
"She's jealous that you claimed me," Hermione whispered, pushing gently on Bellatrix's shoulders as the sound of footsteps grew louder.
The haze of anger cleared from Bellatrix's mind as Hermione's words sunk in. She placed her hands on Hermione's cheeks, gingerly tracing her cheekbones with her nails. The sound of a throat clearing pulled her attention away from Hermione's calm brown eyes and she looked up, meeting the tumultuous blue ones of her sister.
"Hi, Cissy," she purred, grinning wickedly as she pulled Hermione away from the gate to prevent her from falling when it opened.
"Bella," Narcissa breathed, her eyes hardening when they flicked to Hermione, "Hermione."
"Narcissa," Hermione greeted, smirking at the blonde witch.
Both Hermione and Bellatrix saw Narcissa's struggle to keep her expression neutral. They stepped through the now-open gate, Bellatrix clinging possessively to Hermione, ready to leave at a moment's notice. Narcissa's eyes narrowed as they passed her, glaring at messy brown hair.
"I was thinking we could be in the gardens for the day," Narcissa said after the gates closed loudly, easily catching up to the two witches.
"Something you don't want us to see?" Bellatrix asked, coming to a stop and turning to face her sister with a raised brow.
"Of course not, I just thought it would be more comfortable." Narcissa's voice trembled slightly and she hoped the two witches in her presence didn't notice.
"For you or for us?" Bellatrix questioned wickedly, sending her sister a predatory grin.
"Leave her alone, Bellatrix, it's a nice day, anyway," Hermione intervened, pulling on Bellatrix's arm, "The garden is nice."
Bellatrix allowed Hermione to pull her along, smirking at the flash of jealousy in her sister's eyes as she turned to watch where she was walking. She smiled at Hermione, ignoring the gaze of her sister. Hermione smirked back, sending a glance past Bellatrix to Narcissa. The blonde witch smiled tightly at her, maintaining her polite image despite the boiling of her blood.
"What did you want to talk about, Cissy?" Bellatrix's tone was cold in a way Narcissa wasn't used to, and she found herself doing a double-take.
"I know you think I betrayed you," she began quietly.
"I don't think you betrayed me, I know you did," Bellatrix hissed, her eyes flashing dangerously.
Narcissa took a surprised step back, grateful for the first time that Hermione was close with her sister. The hand on Bellatrix's bicep wouldn't physically be able to stop her if she were to do anything, but the fact that it belonged to Hermione served to remind Bellatrix why they were there in the first place. One deep breath later and the storm in Bellatrix's eyes dissipated considerably.
"I want you to forgive me," Narcissa pleaded, "I need you to forgive me."
Bellatrix's shoulders tensed, and she ground out, "Fine."
"Bella," Narcissa pleaded, reaching for her sister's shoulder but never making contact.
"I'll forgive you, Cissy. This time." Bellatrix turned and put her hand on Narcissa's shoulder, squeezing tightly. "Don't let it happen again."
Narcissa winced, her eyes flicking to Hermione and then the ground. "What do you need me to do?"
Bellatrix released Narcissa's shoulder, tracing her fingertips along her cheek. "Give Hermione Black Manor. It is her right. Call it reparations. Oversee the repairs for her."
Narcissa felt herself leaning into the touch, her eyes falling closed. "I will."
"Good." Bellatrix tightened her grip on Narcissa's cheek, digging her nails into the soft skin.
"It's time," Hermione whispered, standing on her tiptoes to reach Bellatrix's ear.
"I'll be back," Bellatrix promised, placing a kiss to Narcissa's forehead.
Narcissa stared at the spot her sister had been, her fingertips tracing the welts on her cheek. A small smile graced her lips as she did so. Shaking herself back to reality, she let her hand drop and strode back to the Manor. She wondered what her sister was planning, but it was not her place to know, only to obey.
Hermione leaned into Bellatrix's front, leaning her head back against her shoulder and looking up. "I think that went rather well."
Bellatrix replied with a grunt, her nails idly tracing along Hermione's hips. Hermione pushed herself up onto her tiptoes, nipping along her sharp jawline.
"Relax," she breathed, "Stress will get you nowhere."
Bellatrix inhaled deeply, rolling her shoulders and tilting her neck from side to side. "I'm ready."
"I know," Hermione mumbled, pulling out of Bellatrix's embrace, "We just need Narcissa to do her part."
"You're quite devious, you know?" Bellatrix asked rhetorically, grabbing Hermione and pulling her roughly back to her.
"I have a great teacher," Hermione whispered against Bellatrix's lips.
Bellatrix hummed, a smirk on her lips at Hermione's admission. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Neither would I." She leaned her head against Bellatrix's shoulder, inhaling deeply.
A hand nestled into Hermione's hair, the grip loose compared to what she was used to from Bellatrix. She pressed a kiss to a pale neck, nuzzling into the space behind Bellatrix's ear.
"I like it when you're gentle," Hermione whispered.
"Do you?" Bellatrix asked absently. She felt Hermione nod against her, the movement causing her hair to tickle the back of her neck. Hermione's sigh fanned out across Bellatrix's neck and she stifled a shiver at the sensation. Bellatrix placed her hands on Hermione's shoulders, pushing against her to detach the brunette from her neck.
Hermione tried to hide the frown on her face as Bellatrix created distance between them. Bellatrix turned away from her, her shoulders stiffening as she forced a slow breath in through her nose. Hermione walked over to the couch in the small room, throwing herself onto it and flicking her wrist to start a fire. She stared into the flames as Bellatrix paced the small room. She yearned to be close to her and fought the desire to be near her when her presence was less than wanted. She heard the window creak open, and by the time she had turned to look, Bellatrix had already flown away. Hermione frowned at the flames, mentally shrugging off the sadness she felt.
Bellatrix flapped her wings, driving herself higher and higher into the air. It was the only way she could process how she felt, especially when a certain brunette was involved. She heaved the equivalent of a sigh, feeling slightly bad about leaving Hermione. She wasn't capable of affection like a normal person, she ran from her feelings when she didn't understand them, and there weren't many emotions she did. Guiltily, she circled back to their room, pulling her wings close to fit through the window.
"I'm not good at this," she rasped as she closed the window.
Hermione startled from her trance, nearly falling off the couch when Bellatrix's voice suddenly sounded through the room. She took a deep breath to calm herself, moving squarely onto the couch to make room for Bellatrix as she approached.
"Good at what?" she whispered, looking up at Bellatrix as she approached.
Bellatrix straddled Hermione's lap, feeling the brunette's breath catch. "Being gentle."
Hermione couldn't decide if she should put her hands on Bellatrix's hips or shoulders, and the indecision almost made Bellatrix smile. "I guess it's my turn to teach you something."
At that, Bellatrix couldn't stop the chuckle that passed her lips, leaning her forehead against Hermione's.
"Don't run from me," Hermione whispered, her voice cracking and betraying her vulnerability. She rested her hands on Bellatrix's cheeks, brushing their noses together.
Bellatrix nodded, swallowing hard against the lump in her throat.
"You don't always have to be gentle, either. I can handle myself."
The slight challenge in Hermione's voice brought a smirk to Bellatrix's lips. "Is that so?"
"I like to think it is," Hermione whispered, placing her lips against Bellatrix's.
It was the softest kiss Bellatrix had ever experienced, and she found herself allowing Hermione to control it. She wound her hands in soft brown curls, leaning closer to the young witch as their lips glided against each other. Hermione was about to deepen the kiss when Bellatrix pulled away slowly.
Seeing Hermione's downtrodden expression, Bellatrix quickly said, "Baby steps."
Hermione nodded, laughing affectionately when Bellatrix brushed her nose against hers. Bellatrix moved off Hermione's lap, pulling Hermione against her chest as she leaned back. Hermione melted into Bellatrix's warmth, burying her face into her shoulder. Bellatrix felt Hermione relax as soon as she stopped moving, her breaths turning long and slow. Bellatrix flicked her wrist, the fire going out at the action. She rested her hands on Hermione's lower back, letting her eyes fall closed. A knock sounded throughout the room, startling her out of her relaxation. She shook the napping witch on top of her, ignoring the sounds of protest as another knock sounded. Hermione pushed herself up, allowing Bellatrix room to shift into a raven. Trudging to the door, Hermione rubbed her sleep heavy eyes. She gripped the knob, twisting it and pulling it open to reveal Minerva preparing to knock again.
"Sorry to wake you," Minerva said, "There's a letter for you, marked urgent."
Hermione stifled a yawn, holding her hand out for the letter in Minerva's hand. She placed the letter in Hermione's hand, bidding her goodnight and making her way back to her own chambers. Hermione closed the door, eyeing the letter in her hands. From what she could see, it was from the Ministry, though she couldn't determine which department. Returning to the couch, she slid her finger under the seal to break it. She had almost been expecting a howler but was grateful it wasn't.
"What's it about?" Bellatrix asked, settling onto the couch next to her.
Hermione raised a brow as her eyes scanned the letter. "Your sister certainly works fast."
"I guess she has her uses after all," Bellatrix smirked, reading over Hermione's shoulder, "You did a wonderful job."
A shiver traveled down Hermione's spine at the compliment that was whispered against her skin. She reached back and gripped Bellatrix's curls tightly, silently urging her to drag her teeth across her neck. She sighed, relaxing into Bellatrix as tension melted away. She felt more than heard Bellatrix's chuckle into her neck and it sent another shiver down her spine.
"You know what to do," Bellatrix growled against Hermione's neck.
The dilapidated grounds of Black Manor were appalling to Narcissa and Kingsley, and Hermione mimicked their emotion even though she had already spent copious amounts of time here. Narcissa was pretending almost as much as she was, and they both knew it. Kingsley was the only one there that was truly in awe at the state of the place. The evening light cast strange shadows everywhere, putting them on edge as they explored the ruins.
"Well, it seems you have your work cut out for you, Hermione," he said, rubbing his temple. He noticed the lack of Hermione's raven but chose not to comment on it.
"No kidding," she breathed, surveying the ruined house.
Narcissa watched Hermione out of the corner of her eye as they wandered through the ruined house. "My sister has always thrown the most intense tantrums."
Kingsley looked around with a bewildered expression. "This was the result of a tantrum?"
Narcissa nodded. "A tantrum of epic proportions, but not entirely unwarranted."
Hermione glanced around, running her hand along the crumbling walls.
"I've taken the liberty of making a list of what I would suggest for a home built on the property, along with a list of contractors. If money is an object, I would be more than happy to pay for any repairs," Narcissa said, trying to keep the venom of jealousy out of her tone.
"Thank you, but money isn't an issue." Hermione ignored the glance Narcissa sent her way, trying to project an air of discomfort.
"I think we've seen enough," Kingsley stated, watching Hermione carefully. From what he could tell, she seemed anxious to be here, not that he could blame her. The atmosphere of the property was stifling and even he felt uncomfortable within the ruined walls. He was beginning to feel uneasy at the prospect of staying any longer and wasn't sure how anyone could live here. He bid the two witches farewell, turning on his heel and returning to the Ministry.
"You didn't bring her?" Narcissa asked in a way she hoped was nonchalant as she examined the crumbling pillar at the main entryway.
Hermione smiled, dragging her fingers along the rough stone wall. "She didn't want to come."
Narcissa shot her an annoyed glance, quickly looking away when Hermione caught her. "I can't believe she wants to live here of all places."
"It's her home," Hermione answered, watching Narcissa curiously.
She scoffed. "It was never a home."
"It'll become a home in time," Hermione whispered, sparing a glance at the property and Narcissa as she activated the portkey Minerva had given her.
Hogwarts came into view and Hermione fought the dizziness that overwhelmed her senses. Wizarding travel was so nauseating compared to Muggle means, but she couldn't argue with the immediate results. She tilted her head up, gazing at the ancient school she had called home. It had stopped feeling like home since her year on the run, and now that she had Bellatrix, it didn't matter where she was. For whatever reason, the walk to her room felt much longer than it actually was. She tried not to rush, especially since there were several students milling about the grounds and corridors before curfew. Many students quieted when she passed, but she paid it no mind, continuing her steady walk to her room. Finally, the blessed door was in sight, and she struggled not to break into a run. A sense of calm washed over her when her hand met the knob, and she couldn't stop the grin that split her face as she pushed it open and entered the room. Bellatrix waited patiently until the door was closed and warded to shift from her raven form.
"Finally," she breathed, lounging on the couch and beckoning Hermione to the floor in front of her.
Hermione sat heavily in front of Bellatrix, facing the fireplace and leaning back. "Narcissa has a list of suggested repairs and contractors."
Bellatrix hummed, running her fingers idly through Hermione's hair. "And Kingsley?"
"He's hard to read, but I don't think he suspects me of doing anything nefarious. I played my part," Hermione answered, leaning into Bellatrix's touch.
"That's my girl," Bellatrix breathed, "Narcissa will take care of the repairs to the property, but I have another role for her to play."
Hermione tried to turn her head to look at the other witch, but a sharp tug on her hair made her stop. "What is it?"
Bellatrix grinned wickedly. "Do you still have the invisibility cloak?"
Hermione inhaled sharply. "Yes."
"She's going to follow Arthur and make sure he stays under the Imperious curse until the bombs are detonated."
"Are you sure?" Hermione whispered.
"Do you trust me?" she mumbled into Hermione's hair.
"Of course," Hermione answered firmly, her voice unwavering.
Hermione felt Bellatrix nod against her head, and she leaned back further against the couch. Bellatrix inhaled deeply, her nose tickled by Hermione's hair. She couldn't tell Hermione what she had in mind. Her feelings for the young witch made it hard enough, and she knew Hermione would accept it but she couldn't bear to tell her. Hermione's reaction needed to be genuine. Winding her arms around Hermione's slim shoulders, Bellatrix pulled her closer, squeezing her eyes closed and taking comfort in their proximity. Hermione tilted her head back until Bellatrix's chin rested on her forehead. The contemplative look on the dark witch's face caused the smile to drop from her face, and she reached up to softly stroke a pale cheek. Bellatrix couldn't help but flinch at the soft touch but when Hermione made to pull away, she leaned into the touch and placed her own hand over Hermione's.
"Are you okay?" Hermione whispered softly.
Bellatrix offered a soft smile. "Just thinking."
"Don't think so hard," Hermione said, poking Bellatrix's forehead with her index finger and smiling.
Bellatrix felt a smirk pull at the corners of her lips and she husked, "What would you have me do, then?"
"Just relax with me," Hermione replied, feeling a shiver work its way down her spine.
Smiling fully, Bellatrix moved to sit on the floor behind Hermione. She pulled the young witch to sit between her legs, resting her arms loosely around her waist. Hermione leaned back into Bellatrix, threading their fingers together after a flick of her wrist cause a gentle fire to roar to life.
"Can I try something?" Hermione whispered, playing with Bellatrix's fingers.
"Okay," Bellatrix breathed.
Hermione took a deep breath, closing her eyes and relaxing against Bellatrix. Slowly, she let her magic flow out, feeling for Bellatrix's magic with her own. She did her best to control her breathing as she felt her magic intertwine with Bellatrix's. Bellatrix fought the urge to jump when she felt Hermione's magic winding around her own. It felt...nice. Bellatrix allowed herself to relax, closing her eyes and leaning her head against the couch. A hum escaped her throat as her every sense was flooded with Hermione. She couldn't tell where she ended and Hermione began as her magic melded with Hermione's. She felt Hermione turn to straddle her and her hands instinctively rested on her waist as hands wound into her hair. Lips moved softly against hers, drawing sighs from the dark witch that Hermione reveled in.
"How do you feel?" Hermione asked, pulling back so just their noses were touching.
"What are you doing to me?" Bellatrix mumbled with a chuckle.
"It's called relaxing," Hermione teased.
Bellatrix hummed, tilting her head up to chase Hermione's lips. "Never heard of it."
A gentle tug on her hair caused Bellatrix to lower her chin as Hermione whispered, "Let me do the work. Just enjoy it."
There was barely time for Bellatrix to inhale before Hermione's lips were on hers again. Hands massaged her scalp as soft lips moved against hers and Bellatrix allowed herself to relax and let Hermione take control. Hermione's magic caressed hers as the kiss deepened and she couldn't help but feel like she was floating outside of her body from the sensations. A low moan escaped her throat as Hermione's tongue slid against hers and she felt her hands tighten on Hermione's hips. She whined when Hermione pulled away, chasing after her lips as she felt their magic becoming two distinct energies once more. A hand on her chest kept her from seeking Hermione's lips and she became aware of the pants escaping her. She felt slightly dizzy as she opened her eyes to see Hermione smiling affectionately at her. Bellatrix let her head fall back, closing her eyes as hands continued to massage her scalp.
"Better?" Hermione asked, placing soft kisses on Bellatrix's cheeks.
"Mhm," Bellatrix nodded.
"I know you're not used to this so we'll take it slow." Hermione removed her hands from dark curls gently, moving off of Bellatrix's lap and to her side.
Hermione," Bellatrix said, placing a hand on Hermione's cheek, "I'm sorry for what I'm going to have to do to you."
Bewilderment flashed through brown eyes and Bellatrix couldn't help the guilt that flooded her system. "What are you talking about, Bellatrix?"
"I can't tell you," came the whispered response.
"Bellatrix," Hermione uttered, trying to meet her eyes.
"Trust me. Please." Bellatrix cursed the pleading tone of her voice, cursed her feelings for the young witch beside her, cursed everything.
"You know I do," Hermione said, reaching for Bellatrix's hands. She had never heard the dark witch sound so vulnerable before and it scared her.
"We'll be okay," the dark witch assured, for her sake or Hermione's, she didn't know.
They fell silent, neither of them certain of what else to say. Bellatrix pulled Hermione into her side, leaning her cheek against the top of Hermione's head. Hermione held Bellatrix's arm over her shoulders, sliding her arm around her waist. Bellatrix's sudden and, as of yet, unwarranted apology worried her, and she couldn't help the sinking feeling in her stomach as she glanced up at her. Dark eyes were focused on the flickering flames in the fireplace and Hermione could tell she was lost in thought. Her brows were slightly pulled together and her lips were pursed in what Hermione could only describe as regret. Her heart dropped as she realized the only thing Bellatrix would ever regret would be leaving her and Hermione only hoped it would be temporary.