A/N Today is the day! Two chapters at once! I am so excited to post these. This is still the longest chapter out of all I have written. I love the tender moments between Bellatrix and Hermione and I decided to take this opportunity to take a small but significant step forward with their relationship. Baby steps, but it's getting there.
Chapter 15 will not have an author's note.
I hope you all enjoy this chapter!
Hermione hated traveling by floo. It was disorienting and she always had to brush the soot off her clothes. Not to mention if you breathed the wrong way you'd end up with a lungful of floo-powder. It was disgusting, but she didn't have another choice. She wasn't certified to Apparate yet, and she wouldn't try it because she was too afraid she'd splinch herself. She would have just used the portkey but she had told everyone she would floo to Diagon, which also meant she had to floo back.
It was nearing the time when the portkey would be active as Hermione stepped out of the Leaky Cauldron. She wasn't worried about being seen, most people were spending time with family in their homes, especially so early in the morning. Idly playing with the necklace, Hermione felt the sudden sensation of traveling by portkey. Draco had been right; 8:00 am on the dot it had activated. Blinking at the abrupt change of light, Hermione was met with the sight of a pacing Bellatrix and a stoic Narcissa.
"Bella. Stop your infernal pacing. We have a guest," the Malfoy matriarch said icily, glancing at Hermione's Muggle clothes disapprovingly. At the command, Bella's lip curled up in distaste but she could not help the smile that worked at her face knowing Hermione had decided to come.
"Glad you could make it, lion. I do so miss our talks," Bellatrix said, turning to face Hermione with a smile. Hermione suspected it would make any other person shake with fear, but she knew Bella would never harm her.
"Hi, Bella. Madame Malfoy. Thank you for having me in your home."
"Nonsense, Hermione. Please, call me Narcissa. No need to be so formal. You are, after all, among friends. I take it you have been enjoying the books?" Narcissa replied, all ice melting from her tone.
"Very much so. I do believe I would not have happened across them in school or a store. Thank you for trusting me with them. I finished the third one. I thought you might like it back and I found it fitting I return it in person so I can properly thank you. I found it very insightful for different methods of healing. I have a question, though. How did you-I mean, why-" Hermione struggled to finish the question she was trying to ask before Bellatrix interrupted her.
"Why did my sister send those books to you, one everyone believes to be a muggleborn?"
"Yes."
"I knew your true heritage. It stands to reason that my sister would as well. I could not send the books because I was in Azkaban, so Cissa sent them in my stead."
"But, how did you know?"
"Well, that is why we're here. I must warn you, there are some rather unsavory characters in my Manor for the time being. Stay close and no harm shall befall you. I'm sure Bella would hex them into oblivion if they so much as look at you wrong," Narcissa said airily, leading them out of the foyer to another, more private room. Hermione was no fool, she knew the unsavory characters Narcissa was referring to were Death Eaters. It was mildly terrifying, knowing she was likely in their base of operations, but she also couldn't help the tingle of excitement that traveled down her spine. She could tell Bella knew what she was experiencing by the wolfish grin and gleaming eyes that would occasionally focus on her.
Narcissa led them to the library and honestly, Hermione didn't think she ever wanted to leave. There were walls of books, some could be found at bookshops but others had to have been passed down within the family. She couldn't help but gape in awe at the sheer number and diversity. Everything she could ever want to know would no doubt be contained within these four walls. Running her fingertips over the spines, Hermione was brought back to the impending conversation by a light touch on her shoulder.
"Do you want to sit down?" Bellatrix asked, gently guiding her away from the books. "You can look later. There are some things we need to discuss." She wasn't forceful in her actions, but she was firm enough that there was no room for argument. Hermione couldn't help but cast a longing gaze at the books as she sat down on a sofa between Narcissa and Bellatrix.
"You have a very wonderful library."
"If you think this one is impressive you should see the Black family library. I'd love to give you an in-depth tour," Bellatrix said with a wink before her sister could respond. Hermione's face turned a light shade of pink at the insinuation, earning a laugh from Bella who in turn, earned a stern look from Narcissa.
"Yes, the Black library is quite impressive, but there is not as much diversity in subjects. That's not what we're here to talk about," Narcissa said, effectively steering the conversation back to the matter at hand.
"What are we here to talk about? Draco didn't tell me much in the letter."
"We are here to talk about you, Ms. Granger. Unless you are preferring le Fay these days, but I see that as unlikely," Voldemort spoke, seeming to glide into the room before sitting on the seat across from the three witches. Hermione froze, unsure what to do. Her entire body was rigid and screaming at her to run from the dark wizard. Her mind, however, told her to find out what he knew, what Dumbledore would likely never tell her. Bella seemed to sense her distress because she soothingly rested her hand on Hermione's forearm before whispering in her ear.
"If you wish to leave, no one will make you stay. Understand that if you leave now, there will be no guarantee you will have a chance to learn this information should you change your mind. The choice is yours, little lion."
Hermione shivered slightly at the older witch's hand on her arm and breath on her ear. Closing her eyes, she reminded herself that she was indeed a lion and gathered her courage. Taking deep breaths to force herself to relax, Hermione felt Bella move away slightly at the change in her demeanor and quickly grabbed the Death Eater's hand. She was a Gryffindor for a reason, and she would not be afraid. Both Narcissa and Bellatrix promised they would let no harm come to her and she was free to leave if she felt the need to. That didn't mean she had to lose her only sense of comfort.
"I'm not entirely sure how I should address you. I am not your follower, so calling you 'My Lord' does not seem appropriate, but I am not foolish enough as to use your name. What shall I call you?" Hermione spoke, opening her eyes. Voldemort blinked in mild surprise at the young witch in front of him. Truth be told, he had expected the girl to attempt to hex him, or at the very least run. It seemed he did not give her enough credit.
"I have many names Ms. Granger, but you may call me Tom for now."
"Very well, Tom. You may call me Hermione. Granger doesn't feel quite right anymore, but I am still hesitant to take the le Fay name."
"That is understandable, indeed. I'm sure you have a great many questions you wish to have answered. I shall do my best, as will Bellatrix and Narcissa."
"I do have questions, but I'm not entirely certain where I should start."
"I often find that the beginning is as good a place as any. Bella has already told you of Morgana's rise and subsequent fall?"
"Yes. There are still some things I don't quite understand. Snape told me what he knew of the prophecy, but it wasn't much. But how do you know of it? And how did Bella and Narcissa know who I was? Why did Dumbledore not tell me my heritage? I was placed in Gryffindor, but how much does he have to do with that to keep Harry and Ron alive? Or was it just a stupid coincidence? Why-"
"Slow down, little witch. We can only answer so many questions at once," Bellatrix interrupted, giving Hermione's hand a gentle squeeze. She took a deep breath and looked at Tom, waiting for the wizard to reply.
"I know of your prophecy only as it pertains to me and, to an extent, the Black sisters. There is more to it than even I am aware. Make no mistake, Hermione, Dumbledore fears what could happen if you knew your heritage. Personally, I find it rather foolish he hid it from you, instead of allowing you to embrace it. His meddling knows no bounds, so he very well could have influenced your sorting. From what Bella has told me and from what I have seen for myself, however, indicates that you are a lion at heart. Not many would willingly sit with the Dark Lord and his most faithful. There are no stupid coincidences, I believe you were placed where you were meant to be. You may not have the typical senseless Gryffindor bravery, but you are no coward."
"Thank you, Tom. You didn't answer one of my questions, though."
"Well, I do not speak for my people, they are more than capable of speaking for themselves. Bella and Narcissa are likely to give a better explanation than I could anyway," he chuckled. The girl was a sponge to soak up any knowledge she could. He watched as Hermione turned to Bellatrix. He had not failed to notice how easily his most faithful had calmed the girl, and how much calmer she seemed around the girl in return. Bellatrix placed a finger to the young witch's lips, simultaneously shocking and silencing the girl.
"You need not repeat your question. Narcissa and I know of your heritage because part of your prophecy relates to the Black family. Cissa, do you have the book?"
"You are lucky I'm so responsible. You'd lose your head if it weren't attached," Narcissa huffed, placing a black leather book in Hermione's lap, opened to the subject of interest.
The Heir of Morgana shall bring the darkest Black from the edge of insanity
The darkest Black, with magic of dragons
Will keep the Heir from plunging into madness
The youngest Black shall place the first stone in the Bridge a month before the Heir comes of age
The Heir will be the Brightest in a den of Lions
The estranged Black shall place the last stone in the Bridge
The Heir must be the one to cross the Bridge
Once the Heir and darkest Black are united, not even Death shall separate them.
Hermione stared at the passage, reading it several times. She hated Divination but for the most part, she understood what it was saying. She couldn't keep a hold of her emotions any longer, she had bottled them up for too long and they exploded.
"What the fuck does all this even mean? I'm the heir of Morgan bloody le Fay and I'm magically bound to Bella! I've been lied to for my entire life by the people I trusted unquestioningly! I have absolutely no idea what the fuck anything means anymore and I can't even say I know who I am because I don't! I thought I understood what was happening and I thought I could handle this in a logical manner but this is bloody ridiculous!"
Hermione was interrupted from her tirade by Bella grabbing her shoulders, stopping the pacing the young witch had unknowingly been doing. Hermione didn't even realize she was no longer sitting or that her tone had risen to shouts.
Letting out an exasperated sigh, Hermione said, "I apologize for my outburst. This information is simply overwhelming as it has all fallen into my lap rather unexpectedly."
"It is understandable, Hermione. Perhaps we should give you a few moments to formally process this information. Should you need anything, call for a house elf. When you are ready to resume our discussion, have them fetch us," Narcissa said sympathetically. She was mildly surprised at the brunette's language, knowing from Draco that the girl rarely ever swore. Narcissa and Tom rose at the same time Bellatrix began to pull away from Hermione.
"Wait, Bella. Will you stay? Please?"
Nodding, Bella looked over to her sister and her Lord as they exited the room. She had never been the best at offering comfort, usually too lost to the world to notice someone else's distress. Aside from her sisters, no one else was important enough for her to care about. But she could feel the quiet calm that settled over her when Hermione's magical signature was present. That's why she was so glad the younger witch had decided to keep writing her after she was found out.
Hermione slumped into the older witch, resting her head on Bella's shoulder, trying to get her thoughts in order before she spoke. Part of her was furious that Bella had been withholding this information. The other part was more rational and knew if Bellatrix had just told her from the very beginning she probably wouldn't have believed her. And it wasn't as if the information hadn't been shared. There was hardly time during their first meeting and it wasn't exactly something you can do through a letter. Hermione took a deep breath, taking comfort in the Death Eater's cinnamon and pine scent. She couldn't deny the pull she felt to the dark witch. Her magic practically sung whenever she felt the older witch's own magic.
"How do I know how much of this is real and how much of what I feel is because of some prophecy?" Hermione finally asked, voice soft and uncertain.
"Why does having a prophecy make it any less real? Wouldn't that just make it that much more real?" Bella calmly responded, her arms around the younger witch.
"I don't know."
"Well, how about you tell me what you do know, that way we can maybe find an answer," Bella softly suggested, gently guiding Hermione back to the sofa and pulling her down onto her lap.
"I don't know what I know. I don't know that I won't wake up at the Burrow and none of this will have been real."
"How about I start, then?"
At Hermione's nod, Bella continued, "I know that when I escaped from Azkaban my sister said she had finally found out who the Heir was, and I had never felt happier in my entire life until I finally met you in the Shrieking Shack. Exchanging letters with you brought me such a sense of calm. When I feel your magic, the insanity stops and I can just be me. I can still feel it, the instability, but it's no longer the only thing there. When you figured out who I was I was terrified you would stop writing me. I thought my only chance at stability had slipped through my fingers and I was frantic. When I finally got your response, I thought you might have given up waiting for me to write you back and I was in a frenzy. But you kept writing to me, despite it all." She could feel her voice thicken with raw emotion. Bellatrix had never been one for voicing her feelings and fears, but she knew Hermione needed to hear it as much as she needed to say it. She struggled to keep her tears from showing. For the first time in years, Bellatrix felt vulnerable.
"Bella. I would never turn you away without knowing the full story. I don't think I could. I don't know what it is exactly, but I need you. We're two sides of the same coin floating in a river of madness with only the other to stay sane. You've never once left my mind and I think that's the only reason I haven't lost myself. Everything is changing so fast and I can barely make sense of it all," Hermione murmured into the Death Eater's neck. She felt the body beneath her shiver slightly and took great satisfaction that she was the cause.
Bellatrix couldn't help the tingle that ran through her with Hermione's admittance of needing her. She needed Hermione just as much, but it felt good to know that her feelings weren't unrequited. She was angry that her lion was so distraught but knew it wouldn't do any good to hex the man responsible for hiding Hermione's heritage. That didn't mean she couldn't do it later. Dumbledore had it coming anyway. He manipulated people like they were pawns on a chessboard. Her Lord always gave people a choice. Sure, he wasn't good, and neither were any of his followers, but they weren't evil. They did not hide who they were like the light did. In truth, both sides were a similar shade of grey.
"I will always be here to keep you sane, lion," Bellatrix said, placing a kiss to the younger girl's forehead.
"I know. Me too, Bella," Hermione mumbled, putting her lips against the Death Eater's neck.
"Are you ready to continue?"
"Can we just sit here for a little longer?"
"Of course."
Hermione nuzzled into the older witch, relaxing significantly. Bella had known exactly what she needed and had given it to her so freely. Closing her eyes, Hermione began going over all the information she knew. She could feel Bellatrix's hand in her hair and around her waist. Despite the horrible crimes committed, Hermione could never be afraid of the dark beauty holding her so close. It didn't matter if all of this was because of a prophecy. All that mattered was that it was happening.
"Bella. Does Andromeda know about the prophecy?" Hermione asked suddenly, sitting up to look at the older witch. She watched her face as she thought, captivated by how beautiful she was. She couldn't help but place a soft kiss at the corner of Bellatrix's mouth.
"I don't think so. The prophecy would not have appeared in the book until after it was made, and that was after Andy was disowned. Unless there is another copy of this book that she actively checks, she couldn't know," Bellatrix finally said. She had been surprised by the tender kiss Hermione had given her without warning. She was tempted to fully capture her lion's lips but refrained because she wanted Hermione to be the one to take that step.
"I think I'm ready to continue the discussion now. But only if I can stay right here. I'm too comfortable to move."
Bellatrix laughed, calling for an elf to get her sister and Lord. She absently played with Hermione's hair while she thought over the prophecy in the book. It made sense that the estranged Black could be Andromeda, but there were plenty of Blacks burned off the tree. Her train of thought was interrupted by the Dark Lord and her sister entering the library again and taking their seats.
"I'm pleased that you've decided to hear the rest of the story, Hermione. I know that this is all a lot to take in. You are dealing with it better than some adults would, I daresay. What else would you like to know?" Tom spoke, not failing to notice the position the two witches had taken up, but not saying anything because he knew Hermione would need Bellatrix in order to stay grounded.
"I want to know why you took Bella as your Lieutenant."
"Ah, that is not what I was expecting. Well, as I'm sure you know, Bella is an incredibly skilled and powerful witch. She was always talented but lacked proper control. When I first met her, she was prone to fits of anger of momentous proportion. I helped her channel that anger into something more productive. She quickly rose through my ranks and never veered from my teachings. She has shown nothing but loyalty and ambition, and I may be cruel at times, but I reward those that deserve it. Bella has never hesitated to stand at my side and I trust her unconditionally."
"How far does my connection to Bellatrix go?"
"That, I do not know. It depends on the power of the two and how close they are when they are fully united."
Hermione nodded. She knew what being fully united would require and that intimidated her. She had never been with anyone before but Bella had been fully accepting of every part of her so far. There was no reason that things would change. If anything, the two would only improve their relationship going forward.
"I don't have any further questions. Is it alright if I stay and explore the library for a few minutes? I have to be getting back soon but I would like a new book."
"That is perfectly fine with me, Hermione. I am pleased that you were not afraid to learn more of the truth. Not many could sit before me and hold a conversation without being afraid."
"You have given me no reason to think I might come to harm. You have not once raised your wand or your voice. You have been nothing but forthcoming with answers to my questions. If I think of anything else, should I place them in a letter to Bella?"
"That would not be a bad idea. Until a side is formally chosen, I do not think it safe for multiple meetings, especially as you are still 'with' the Order."
"Thank you, Tom. Narcissa, do you have any objections to my taking a new book?"
"Not at all. I have a few picked out I think you might like. I shall fetch them," Narcissa said. She stood, observing her sister and the young witch as Voldemort left the room. They made a stunning pair, both complementing the other beautifully. She did not know Hermione's stance on the war, but she hoped the girl would choose in a way that her sister would not suffer. Inwardly, she was pleased with the physical proximity of the two, it bade well for her sister. After so many years of Bellatrix taking care of her, Narcissa wished for her to find happiness. Bella had already suffered so much.
Hermione moved off Bellatrix's lap to get the most recently borrowed book from her bag. She carefully pulled it out and held it in her lap, still marveling at the beautiful cover. She could feel Bella observing her closely.
"What are you doing?" she asked, turning to face the older witch.
"I'd have thought it obvious. Are you certain you're the brightest witch of your age?" Bellatrix teased with a smile.
"Maybe I just want to know what's going through your crazy head," Hermione teased back, placing a hand on the other woman's cheek so she would know it wasn't intended to be hurtful.
"Well, maybe I was just trying to memorize the features of someone I might not see for some time," Bellatrix whispered. Hermione blinked in surprise before placing a kiss on Bella's cheek.
"You might not see me, but I'll always be with you," she said, resting her forehead against the Death Eater's. "I'm right here," she continued, gently touching Bella's chest just over her heart.
"As touching as this moment is, and as much as I love to see my sister so happily in love, I do believe Hermione's time here is almost up," Narcissa said, hating to interrupt the tender moment between her sister and Hermione.
"Cissa-" Bellatrix growled before Hermione place a hand on her bicep.
"It's alright, Bella. I love you too," she said with a light blush. She handed Narcissa the book that was still on her lap before looking at the three on the table. She looked up at Narcissa, waiting for the explanation she knew would come.
"The blue book is a more in-depth exploration of magical theory. I know you enjoyed that part of the first book. Draco told me of a certain Weasley's food turning to ash in his mouth shortly after an angry brunette stormed away. I do believe I've never encountered such a spell. The red book has information on magical essence, something I know you won't be able to find anywhere else. The purple book contains information on all known bonds in the wizarding world."
"Where do all of these come from?"
"They have been in the Black or Malfoy families for generations. There are likely numerous books like these at le Fay Castle."
"A castle? Morgan le Fay had a castle?"
"Yes. Among other things. They are technically yours, but since the Ministry is unaware of your heritage, you will be unable to claim them unless you decide you are ready to embrace your name."
"You don't have to if you aren't ready, lion. It is a big decision and will require some thought. Revealing who you are could jeopardize your friendships. There is no need to make a decision yet."
"Of course. I forget, sometimes, that you are still so young Hermione. Seventeen is hardly an emotionally stable time and you have so much being thrown at you."
"I would like to claim my name sometime, so it is nice to know I have someone to help when I am ready. Thank you, for all that you've done for me, without really knowing me. I think I should like the book on bonds this time around, but I would like to read the magical theory one next. I wish I had more time, but there is an Order meeting tonight. It was announced this morning and I fear I may already be a bit late. But before I go I have something for you, Bella," Hermione rambled, pulling a wrapped package out of her bag. She handed it to Bellatrix who had a confused look on her face.
"Have you never seen a Christmas present before? I'm sorry I don't have one for you, Narcissa, but when I claim my name you may have full access to libraries and anything else you might like."
"That is more than I had hoped for, Hermione. I just want my sister to be happy. I also ask that you give these letters and the Black family book to Andromeda if you get the chance tonight. I shall leave you. You may use the floo when you are finished. Bella will take you to the one in the foyer."
Bellatrix looked at the present in her hand. She had been in prison for fourteen years, and she had not celebrated a proper Christmas in all that time. She was touched that Hermione had thoughtlessly gotten her a present. She marveled at the wrapping, tracing the paper. She was aware of Hermione watching her with a smile on her face and couldn't help but look up at her.
"Am I to open it now? Or do I have to wait for Christmas?"
"Whatever you want, Bella. It's your present."
"I'll open it now. I've never been a patient person. You are, of course, one of the few exceptions."
Hermione watched as Bellatrix gently tore at the wrapping paper as if it would vanish if she wasn't careful. A smile pulled at her mouth at the Death Eater's actions. She hadn't lied when she said she loved Bella. She did, and she was pleased to find that the thought didn't scare her anymore. Things were moving fast, but Bellatrix would never push her for something she wasn't ready for. She could see it on the other witch's face. She was conflicted about which side to choose. They both had their issues, and neither were good or bad.
"Thank you, Hermione. I love them. I haven't had my own personal set of quills in years. I've been borrowing Cissa's but now I can use my own. I just wish I had a present for you," Bellatrix said, bringing Hermione out of her thoughts.
"You've already given me so much more. You gave me answers when no one else would. You're the only present I could ever want," Hermione stated, gently brushing her lips over the dark witch's Azkaban tattoo. Bella's eyes fluttered closed and she sucked in a breath at the pure love Hermione poured into the action.
"You're too good to me. Come on, you've got to get back before people start to get too suspicious."
Before they left, Hermione handed Bella her necklace back. She had not missed the significance of the Death Eater using her anchor as the portkey.