A/N Hello again, my dear readers! It is such a wonderful existence where I can bring you a new chapter every day. It gives me something to look forward to and makes the days pass quickly. We are nearing the one month mark of this story and I can't believe it. Thank you all so much for your support, you make it easy to keep posting. We still have a long journey ahead of us and plenty more to discover.
I wish a wonderful day to you all, enjoy!
It was time. The four Death Eaters were ready, Bellatrix and Hermione foregoing masks because that was not the purpose of the night's mission. They would Apparate in pairs, Hermione with Bellatrix and Lucius with Greyback. It would be fast, staying long enough for Hermione to threaten Rita Skeeter and be seen destroying a few buildings with them, then casting the spell that would leave the Dark Lord's Mark in the sky before leaving. They would hurt no one unless their lives were endangered but even still they would not kill or fatally harm. That was not the goal of the night.
"Are you ready, love?" Bellatrix asked, standing behind Hermione, her hands around the young witch's waist.
"Yes," she breathed, her body full of excitement and anticipation. She had practiced destructive spells from the first book but never got to use them outside of that. It would also do her some good to destroy something to get the latent anger out of her system. She had not forgotten Dumbledore's manipulation, Harry cursing her, Ron shunning her for her name. She would use it to strike fear in Rita Skeeter's heart. She would give the reporter something to write about.
Bellatrix gave a quick nod to Lucius and Greyback before Apparating herself and Hermione. They were in front of Rita Skeeter's house, shortly joined by the other two Death Eaters. Drawing her wand, Hermione stepped toward the door of the reporter. She would not hurt the woman, but she wouldn't know that. With a flick, the door blew apart, not even needing a spell. The intention was clear. Stepping casually inside, Hermione glanced about, looking for the woman. Bellatrix was behind her and Lucius and Greyback were watching the houses, looking for empty rooms to destroy while keeping watch.
Rita Skeeter ran into the entryway, freezing when she saw Hermione and Bellatrix standing there so calmly. Her mouth opened and closed, not being able to form words as she processed what she saw. The le Fay heir was in her home and she feared she was not long for this world. Hermione stepped closer, Bellatrix staying where she was, on alert for any threat Hermione might overlook. She circled the woman, twirling her wand between her fingers, occasionally glancing at Bellatrix leaning against the door frame.
"Good to see you again, Rita. How've you been? It's been awhile. I've changed a lot, haven't I? I see you haven't though. I thought we might have a chat. Don't worry, she doesn't bite. Not unless I tell her to," Hermione said, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper at the end.
"Ms. le Fay, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Rita asked shakily, glancing between Hermione and Bellatrix nervously.
"Well, I was enjoying my newfound friends when it came to my attention that you think I'm evil. Why would that be? Are you afraid, Rita?"
"Me? Afraid of you? Some know it all girl with a name she doesn't even understand?" Rita mocked, knowing it was a bad idea when she saw Bellatrix's eyes flash darkly. She looked about to attack the woman but stopped when Hermione held a hand up, indicating she stay where she was.
"Oh, Rita. I should have clarified. You weren't meant to answer. I already know you are. You're wondering why you can't move, can't bring yourself to grab your wand and hex one of us. I'll tell you. It's quite simple, really. The moment you stepped into view you were placed under a Petrificus charm. This isn't a social call," Hermione growled.
"Time to go," Lucius said, interrupting the moment. They were only to give Hermione a few minutes with the reporter.
"Another time then. I look forward to our next encounter," Hermione said, throwing a Reducto into the other room, before turning on her heel and exiting the house, Lucius and Bellatrix on either side of her. Greyback had begun the onslaught of destructive spells on the vacant areas of houses, quickly joined by the other three Death Eaters. They moved as black smoke, laughing and drawing attention to themselves purposefully.
Hermione could feel her magic singing to her as she cast spell after spell. Pure magic was flowing through her veins and she could feel it begging to mix completely with Bella's. As it was, their magic would twine around each other, two distinct forces. Still incredibly powerful, though. Hermione laughed, followed by Bellatrix as brick became dust. She had never felt so alive.
"Easy, love. You're dancing a bit too close," Bellatrix whispered, nibbling Hermione's earlobe and gently running her nails over her stomach. She knew how addictive it was, how easy it was to get lost in the magic. The only way to stay on the cliff was with gentle pain.
"I'm here, Bella. I think it's about time to go. We've done what we needed," Hermione panted, coming sharply back to reality. It was a dizzying sensation and Hermione dug her fingers into Bellatrix's arm. She hadn't realized how close she was to jumping. It was a good thing Bellatrix was with her and knew how to keep her on the cliff.
"Cast it. I know you want to. I can feel it," she murmured, nibbling Hermione's neck.
Raising her wand, Hermione cast the spell that would put the Mark in the sky. The dark magic coursed through her, igniting her soul and filling her with power. With a crack, the four Death Eaters were back at the Manor. Hermione was trying to calm the magic she still felt, still gripping Bellatrix's arm tightly. She had never felt it so strongly before, practicing was so different from application.
"Breathe, love. Don't hold it in. Let it flow out. I know it's a lot, you're feeling mine, too. That's why it feels more potent. Focus on your breath, let it leave with every exhale," Bellatrix said, firmly grounding Hermione in reality.
Hermione took deep breaths, doing as the dark witch instructed, trying not to hold it in. It was hard to let go, the magic called to her, begging her to let it consume her from the inside out. She could feel Bellatrix keeping her tethered with little bites and scratches, nothing serious, just enough to remind her where the cliff was. The magic dulled everything and Hermione was afraid to close her eyes, worried that the magic would sweep her under and she would be lost forever. She continued to breathe, feeling the last of the excess magic drain out of her and slumping slightly against Bellatrix, loosening her grip on the dark witch's arm. She squeezed her hand, letting the dark witch know she was still on the cliff.
"Thank you, Bella. I think I'd be long gone if it weren't for you," Hermione said as she turned, wrapping her arms around the older witch.
"Well we certainly can't have that," she said with a smile, placing a lingering kiss on Hermione's lips before continuing, "Come, love. We must inform the Dark Lord of our success. I am sure he will be pleased."
Hermione allowed Bellatrix to pull her to the library, willingly following the dark witch, a smile on her face. She could not imagine anything better than being Bellatrix's soulmate. She wasn't always stable but Hermione didn't need her to be. They balanced each other out.
"My Lord, the mission is complete. No one was harmed and I was seen causing chaos. Rita Skeeter will be sure to spread the word of where my loyalties lie," Hermione reported with a bow.
"You have done well, Hermione. I was not expecting you to prepare so quickly, but I should not be surprised. You show great ambition, fitting of your new position in my ranks."
"My Lord?"
"As my other Lieutenant. You are Bellatrix's equal, and it should be reflected by your position. The mission was a test of sorts, but I could not tell you. I hope you understand, but if you knew you might have performed differently. You showed ambition and leadership, solidifying your place among my Death Eaters."
"Thank you, my Lord. I am honored you would consider me for such an important position after such a short time."
"You chose us over the Order and I have no reason to doubt your loyalty to me or Bella. You completed your first and second tasks beautifully. Your rank will be officially announced at the next meeting and you will receive your mask."
"Thank you, my Lord," Hermione said with a bow, recognizing the unstated dismissal. Bellatrix did too, bowing before taking Hermione's hand and exiting the library with her, beaming with pride.
"Bella, Andromeda is here. With our niece," Narcissa said when the two exited the library. She had not wanted to interrupt their meeting so she had waited outside.
"Where is she, Cissy?"
"In the foyer. Don't scare her, Bella."
Narcissa walked with the two witches, keeping an eye on her oldest sister. She was worried about the reaction but was glad Hermione was there to help. Andromeda and Bellatrix had very different opinions as children, but Bella had always protected her anyway. Andromeda had not said why she wanted to speak with the three of them but Narcissa hoped it was good news. Hermione had delivered the letters and the book and even though her sister had not responded, she did not outright reject them.
Andromeda nervously paced the length of the foyer. She had not thought this through at all. Showing up at Narcissa's house had been incredibly rash. She knew her sisters did not despise her but after believing it for so long, she couldn't help her trepidation. Nymphadora watched her mother pace, not as worried. Bellatrix cared for Hermione and would not harm them. She believed her aunts missed their sister and would be happy to have her back. She wished they could have waited longer, but Sirius had been pushing too hard and she had snapped a little bit. Now, she had forced her mother into this situation.
"Andy, is everything alright?" Hermione asked, watching the middle Black pace furiously across the room. Bellatrix stood stiffly at her side, worried her sister would lash out at her for what she had done. Andromeda stopped pacing, glancing at Hermione before staring at Bellatrix, looking for any sign of attack. She said nothing, observing her older sister. She looked calmer than ever at Hermione's side and Andromeda's fear melted.
"There's a slight problem. We may have accidentally given away our alliance with Hermione," Andromeda said as she relaxed slightly when her sisters made no move to harm her. She had not entirely expected them to but she had still worried.
"What happened?" Bellatrix asked, no trace of insanity in her voice.
"Sirius may have been a bit of a raving dog about Hermione being undoubtedly evil and with the Dark Lord. He's been going on about it for days and I finally had enough. I may have hexed him while loudly proclaiming that Hermione wasn't evil and anyone who thought so was a stupid git and could eat a jinx," Nymphadora said sheepishly.
Bellatrix smiled in amusement at her niece's actions. She had Black blood for sure, the temper was legendary. She stifled a laugh at Narcissa's disapproving look for condoning such actions. Hermione was shaking with silent laughter beside her, doing her best to hide it. Neither witch could keep it in for very long, both chuckling at the image of Tonks putting Sirius in his place. Narcissa shook her head, a small smile on her face as she turned to her sister and niece. They were both watching Bellatrix and Hermione, confusion on their faces.
"You'll have to excuse them. They're still a bit giddy from their raid earlier tonight," Narcissa explained, leading Andromeda and Tonks to the drawing room so they could sit. Bellatrix and Hermione followed, laughter subsiding. The situation truly wasn't funny but they couldn't help themselves. Andromeda and Tonks sat on the couch, Narcissa in one chair and Hermione on Bellatrix's lap in the other across from the two Order members.
"Sorry about that. We couldn't help it. Do you need somewhere to stay?" Hermione asked, more serious but with a hint of laughter.
"I'm not sure it's entirely necessary yet. Dumbledore didn't say anything about it but if anyone connects it, we'll need a place to stay. My home is protected but the Order knows where it is," Andromeda said.
"If you need somewhere to stay, my house is open to you. Squil is my house elf and he already has instructions to allow you there. The wards should also be set to allow you to Apparate."
"You may also stay here, but it is occasionally filled with Death Eaters," Narcissa offered.
"Andy, you could always stay at Black Manor. After mother and father died I changed the wards. The house won't reject you or Tonks," Bellatrix spoke up, her chin on Hermione's shoulder.
"Thank you, it is nice to know we have options. We'll be more careful going forward. We just wanted you to be aware of the situation, Hermione. We'll tell the others your castle is safe should they need it. I don't know how much longer Ginny or the twins can put up with Sirius."
"Thank you for telling me. I'm not sure how any of you have managed to deal with him this long, I'd have hexed him long ago," Hermione said.
"You did hex him at Christmas," Tonks pointed out, "Thanks for that, by the way."
"Technically, he hexed himself. All I did was cast a Protego. You're family, it's what we do."
"We should be going before the Order becomes suspicious. I told them I was taking Nymph for a walk because she had too much energy."
Hermione stood with them, intent on seeing them out. Narcissa and Bellatrix joined them, talking with Andromeda. Hermione walked next to Tonks, smiling at the interaction of the three sisters. They had all been nervous to see each other again, but they had nothing to worry about.
"You know, I never did find out what happened to make Sirius so angry with you."
"You still don't know? I thought someone would have told you by now."
"Nope. I was too busy being evil."
"Fair enough. Harry and Sirius were in the room with the tapestry and Dumbledore had asked me to fetch them so we could all sit, so I did. But I must have interrupted a private conversation even though the door was open. I didn't hear what they were talking about but I did tell them it was time to sit at the table for the meeting and Sirius got really mad. He must've been in the middle of saying something when I spoke and thought I was interrupting him. I guess he also thought I was ordering him around. I don't really know. He's such a pureblood male I wouldn't be surprised if he was angry because I exist. Anyway, he started telling me my proper place and I started arguing with him because I thought he was being stupid and then things escalated to the point where we were in the hallway and mum stepped in. You pretty much know the rest."
Hermione nodded, not entirely surprised at Sirius's behavior. They had reached the door several minutes ago but Hermione had wanted to hear the rest of the story.
"That sounds like typical Sirius behavior. He was like that when he was a teenager, too. He was the sweetest little kid but father definitely corrupted him," Bellatrix said, having listened to the story. Her cousin was a lunatic, moreso than she was. Bidding the three witches goodnight, Andromeda and Tonks Apparated with a crack. The three witches lingered for a moment before heading to their rooms to sleep for the night. It had been an eventful evening for Bellatrix and Hermione and even though they were buzzing with energy they knew they needed to sleep.