A/N Hello again, my dear readers! It is my favorite time of day again. That's right, the best part of my day is bringing all of you a new chapter. I would like to, once again, say how much I love and appreciate all of you. You make this story worth writing and you deserve to know that, damn it. I love waking up and seeing reviews and follows and favorites. I read all reviews before posting the next chapter so I know if there's anything to address. That being said, a few chapters ago someone asked about GinxTonks. It is something I have been considering but have not fully decided on yet. I know I kind of hinted at a possible relationship developing between the two in chapter 15. That was entirely intentional so there would be a basis for which to build their relationship in the event that I decide to.
I love waking up and seeing reviews and follows and favorites. I read all reviews before posting the next chapter so I know if there's anything to address. That being said, a few chapters ago someone asked about GinxTonks. It is something I have been considering but have not fully decided on yet. I know I kind of hinted at a possible relationship developing between the two in chapter 15. That was entirely intentional so there would be a basis for which to build their relationship in the event that I decide to.
Without further ado, I give you Chapter 23! Enjoy!
"Hermione, do you mind if we sit with you?" Harry asked cautiously as he peeked into the compartment. He tried to give Hermione space but found it difficult. He wanted her to forgive him and to come back to the Order. He needed her so he could win, so he could end the war. Dumbledore had also instructed him and Ron to try to convince her to become a spy. He wasn't happy Hermione had refused so insistently. Hermione shrugged, not caring one way or the other. Harry took it as a yes and entered the compartment, Ron behind him with an unpleasant look on his face.
"Are you going to be able to spend time with us this summer? I know you aren't technically part of the Order since you won't be a spy, but that doesn't mean we can't spend time together," Harry said as he sat. They were both across from Hermione, much like the day they had met and Harry couldn't help the feeling of nostalgia at the thought.
"I don't know. I have to visit all of my properties and take note of anything that might need my attention. They've been vacant for thousands of years, I'm not even sure how the Ministry had them cataloged. I have to visit my vault and work out some finances, with the help of Narcissa. And of course, there's the matter of learning the customs of purebloods. I'm not sure how much time it will take," Hermione muttered absently. She was not really paying attention to the conversation, having no intention to spend any of her summer with the two boys. She had a feeling Dumbledore helped coax them into this in the hopes of convincing her to spy. She would not fall for it.
"I don't see why you didn't appoint mum. She would be just as good at helping as Malfoy," Ron grumbled.
"The Malfoy family is one of the most prominent and respected pureblood families, Ron. Your family does not follow customs as they do. I would like to learn more about my heritage. Your mother can't help me with that."
"Bloody hell she can't! 'Mione I'd understand if you were planning on spying for the Order but you aren't!"
"What I do or don't do is none of your business, Ronald, and I don't care if you understand my decisions," Hermione hissed, annoyance lacing her voice like venom.
"Hermione, we just want what's best for you," Harry interjected, trying to diffuse the situation.
"No, you don't, Harry. You want what's best for you. You want me to come back to the Order because you know you need me. You need me to keep you alive so you can try to defeat the Dark Lord. You need me because without me you'd be long dead. You both would have died of Devil's Snare if you could've even gotten past Fluffy! You never would've have figured out how the basilisk was moving around the castle if it hadn't been for me! Sirius would be dead or back in Azkaban if I didn't have the time turner! I even helped with the Triwizard Tournament when I could and all you and Ron did was pull me between the two of you as if I'm something to be won! But I'm going to tell you now, and I'm only going to say it once; you both lose," Hermione seethed, storming out of the compartment. The Malfoy house elves had already taken her luggage to the Manor and she was grateful she didn't have to grab it.
Harry and Ron watched as Hermione left the compartment, looking at each other. They knew they had messed up on their chance to get Hermione back. They didn't follow after her because they were scared. Hermione rarely got as angry as she had been, they had felt the pressure in the air and heard the faint groaning of the window. It had cracked slightly and they were glad they hadn't suffered the same fate. Ron wasn't as upset at Hermione storming out, to him, it only proved that she was evil like her ancestor. Maybe now, Harry would believe him. Harry was slumped in his seat. He had regretted the words as soon as he said them, knowing immediately it was the wrong thing to say. Hermione was right, though. He was mostly looking out for himself by trying to get Hermione to reconsider. He had senselessly thrown them into countless dangers without a thought for how it affected them. They had been closer then, though. After last year, their friendship had changed, now it wasn't friendship anymore. Harry needed Hermione back but knew if he approached her now he would never convince her. He would have to wait and hope that staying with the Malfoys didn't change her sense of morals. He was sure he had one more chance.
Hermione breathed deeply, trying to reign in her temper. It felt good to snap at the boys but she hadn't wanted to give away so much. She shouldn't have just let them sit there but it was too late now. The damage was likely done. Not that she minded them knowing, if they had picked up on her slip. The information would come out sooner or later. She would have her Mark and there would be no disguising her affiliation, not that she intended to. She had just gotten so angry that Harry and Ron were trying to manipulate her into spying for the Order after she had already said she wouldn't. And when Harry had claimed to want what was best for her, as if he would even know, she couldn't take it. They didn't seem to understand that she was capable of making her own decisions and they certainly didn't respect them.
"Hermione. You can sit with me," Draco said, cautiously approaching the visibly angry bookworm. He didn't mind Hermione, in fact, he thought she was rather funny sometimes. Tormenting her had been one of his biggest regrets, the other offering Potter his friendship before they had been sorted.
"Thank you, Draco. I probably won't be good conversation," she muttered darkly, entering the compartment. She plopped on the seat across from him, glaring out the window. She absently twisted her ring around her pinky, still unglamoured.
"Hermione? Do you want to talk about what happened?" Draco offered after observing the witch for several moments.
"I snapped at Harry and Ron. I think I gave away my allegiance to the Dark Lord on accident. Thank you for letting me sit here, by the way."
"Of course, Hermione. You're family. Don't worry about Potter and Weasley, they wouldn't know what side you were on if you took the shape of the Dark Mark. They probably think they still have time to convince you of our evilness," Draco said, wiggling his fingers in front of him.
"Thank you, Draco. That was actually very helpful," Hermione said, smiling at the blond's parody of evil.
"Are you implying I'm a useless git?"
"Depends. Are you Potter or Weasley?" she teased.
"Well, what if I'm neither?"
"Then I suppose you'd only be a semi-useless git."
"That's comforting," he said with a smile. He was glad he had managed to cheer Hermione up. He knew she didn't think he was useless so he wasn't offended. He had never understood why Hermione had befriended Potter and Weasley. She was never given the credit she deserved for saving Harry and Ron countless times. He only hoped she would be satisfied with her place in the Dark Lord's army. And with his family. She deserved to be appreciated for her skills and abilities. Closing his eyes, Draco was content to ride the rest of the way in silence.
"Draco. Wake up, we're almost there," Hermione said, gently shaking her blonde companion. Opening his eyes, Draco sleepily rubbed his face, stretching slightly. As the train pulled into the station, they were both waiting eagerly for the train to fully stop. Stepping out together, Draco and Hermione scanned the crowd. Seeing his Mother and Father, Draco grabbed Hermione's forearm and pointed. Seeing a smile on her face, he ushered her forward, to family.
"Mister Malfoy, I don't believe we've been properly introduced. Hermione le Fay," Hermione said with a smile as she and Draco came to a stop.
"Please, Hermione, call me Lucius. We may be your guardians, but you are an adult and part of the family. There's no need for formalities between us," Lucius said, bowing slightly.
"You're looking well, Hermione. I should like to make sure you've healed completely when we have a spare moment. Bella and the Dark Lord will likely occupy the rest of your day. Perhaps after dinner we shall have an opportunity," Narcissa said, giving the girl a slight hug.
"I'm feeling much better than I was. It's good to see you again, Narcissa," Hermione said, returning the hug.
"Shall we go then?" Narcissa asked, offering her arm to her companions. Once they were all ready, she Apparated them to the Manor.
"Bella is in the garden. Don't worry about your luggage, the house elves have taken care of it. I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty of getting you a more appropriate wardrobe," Narcissa whispered to Hermione once they had reoriented.
Hermione didn't respond, instead taking off at a near-run, following Bella's magic. She was ecstatic to see her Death Eater and assure her she didn't blame the dark witch for Harry's actions. Once she stepped into the garden, Hermione saw Bellatrix sitting under a tree, seemingly lost in thought. Hermione couldn't help but admire the dark beauty that was Bellatrix. Her pale skin glowed in the sunlight, making her dark curls and ruby lips pop. Despite being in Azkaban for fourteen years, her figure was incredible.
"Bella!" Hermione exclaimed, running the rest of the way to her witch.
"Hermione! I'm so glad to see you," Bella said, picking Hermione up and spinning her. The action earned a laugh from Hermione and Bellatrix couldn't help but smile at the young witch.
"I missed you. I know it hasn't been long but you never left my mind," Hermione muttered against dark curls.
"You never leave my mind either, lion. I'm so glad you're okay. I was so worried," Bella said, placing a kiss on Hermione's forehead.
"It wasn't your fault. Please don't blame yourself."
"Sit with me? The Dark Lord will want to see you soon but we have some time. I will be accompanying you, of course. I'm proud of you. You did so well," Bellatrix said instead, pulling Hermione to sit on the grass with her.
"Narcissa said she wanted to give me a check-up just to be sure I'm healing properly," Hermione whispered, leaning against the Death Eater, head resting on her shoulder.
"I suspected she would. But I agree with her. I wasn't able to make sure there was no lasting physical damage."
"Bella?"
"Yes, love?"
"I'm so glad I have you," Hermione mumbled, intertwining her fingers with Bellatrix's.
"Hermione, you have no idea how much you mean to me."
"If it's anything like how much you mean to me I think I have a pretty good idea."
Bellatrix turned so she was looking at Hermione, a smile on both their faces. Bringing their interlocked hands to her mouth, Bellatrix placed a soft kiss on the back of Hermione's hand. Hermione leaned forward, closing the distance between them. She shivered when Bella's tongue traced her bottom lip and eagerly shifted to give the dark witch better access. Firm hands gripped her waist, pulling her closer until their bodies were pressed together. Hermione was enveloped in what was purely Bella and she would have it no other way. Gently pulling back, Bellatrix smiled brightly at the younger witch. She touched her nose against Hermione's in affection, admiring the flushed cheeks and swollen lips of her lover before disentangling herself.
"Come on, Hermione. The Dark Lord is calling," she said, standing up. Hermione obliged, taking Bellatrix's hand as they walked into the Manor together.