A/N Good morning to you all! Welcome to another double update! Did you think I forgot? I actually forgot that I mentioned it in Chapter 16 and I was going to put it in another A/N but I decided to make it a surprise. If it's a surprise, wonderful! No A/N for next chapter.
Enjoy and happy one month of this story!
Bellatrix heard a faint knock on the door, recognizing it as her sister. She silently spelled the door open, not wanting to wake the sleeping Hermione by moving. Her sister stepped into the room, closing the door behind her. When she noticed Bellatrix's motion for her to be quiet, she nodded, seeing Hermione tucked into her older sister. A faint smile adorned her face at the sight. They both looked content and she was glad her sister had finally found peace. She perched on the edge of the bed nearest Bellatrix, careful not to wake the young witch.
"I came to see how she was doing. I remember how exhausted you were after your transformation," Narcissa whispered.
"She was asleep before she was out of the bath," Bellatrix whispered back, stroking Hermione's back when she felt the girl fidget.
"And how are you, Bella? We have not talked much since summer started."
"I'm sorry, Cissy. I've never felt better but I haven't meant to neglect you." She placed a hand on her sister's arm.
"You haven't neglected me, Bella. I know you and Hermione needed time for your bond to develop and I have had Draco now that it is summer," she consoled, placing her hand over her sister's.
"Thank you, Cissy. How is Draco? I suppose I should spend more time with him, he is my only nephew after all."
"He has concerns about being prepared for confrontation. He is not a weak duelist, but he lacks experience, and Potter has always been hostile toward him. Other than that, he has been enjoying his summer."
"Would you like me to help hone his skills?"
"Would you?"
"You know that I would, Cissy. He is family."
"Thank you, Bella."
"How have you been, Cissy?"
"Better since Hermione and Draco arrived home. I worry about what is to come but I will do what I can to ease the pressure on them. So much is riding on the success of their task. They are just children, Bella. I wish we could have saved them from this fate but I know they would have it no other way. They would want to share in our troubles to ease the pain" she lamented, glancing at Hermione. She was restless but Bellatrix soothed the girl with soft whispers and gentle caresses. Narcissa observed the loving gesture with a smile on her face.
"I understand how you feel. I would do anything to have saved Hermione from this fate. Nevertheless, I am glad she is by my side. She keeps me from slipping. And when I start to, she pulls me back without hesitating," Bellatrix said, gazing at Hermione, eyes full of love.
"I am glad to see you so happy, Bella. You deserve it after all you've suffered to keep us safe."
"Bella, what time is it?" Hermione mumbled sleepily, barely audible.
"You still have time to sleep, love. I promise to wake you."
"Not tired anymore."
"Would you like to join us in conversation, Hermione?" Narcissa offered.
"Sorry, Cissa, I didn't mean to interrupt your conversation. I'd love to, if it's not a bother," Hermione said, sitting up when she heard Narcissa's voice.
"It's no bother at all."
"You should at least get comfortable, Cissy," Bellatrix said.
Narcissa adjusted her position so she was more fully on the bed, leaving space between herself and the soulmates. Bellatrix sat up as well, wrapping an arm around Hermione who leaned into the dark witch. She reached to the nightstand, pulling a bowl of dried fruit onto her lap and feeding Hermione small pieces. Hermione obliged, opening her mouth and allowing Bellatrix to place it in her mouth. Narcissa smiled at thr interaction of the two witches.
"How are you feeling, Hermione? You did very well for your first transformation."
"Thank you, Cissa. I'm still a bit shaky. I think it's because of all the magic it took to shift. I'll need to register with the Ministry but now that the world knows my affiliation it might be a bit difficult."
"Nonsense. Lucius can get the proper paperwork where it needs to be. You'll be confined to the Manor and your own properties until the end of the war but there's plenty to entertain you." Narcissa glanced pointedly at Bellatrix and Hermione's face flushed a light shade of red.
"No need to be shy, Hermione. Cissy has no illusions about the nature of our relationship. It would have happened sooner or later," Bellatrix soothed.
"Let us hope it does not happen again," Narcissa replied.
"Did you have use for the samples you collected at the castle, Narcissa?" Hermione asked, changing the subject quickly.
"I did. Many of them are rare and some of them were thought to be extinct. Morgana's notes were helpful but I would like to see what I can discover with them. I should like to go back and collect more. Bella told me you found your full prophecy?"
"You are always welcome at any of my properties, you do not need me to accompany you. And I did. Would you like to see?"
"Only if you do not mind."
"I doubt I would ever mind, Cissy. Here." Hermione handed Narcissa her family book. She watched as Narcissa read the prophecy a few times to fully absorb the information.
"Have you shown the Dark Lord, Hermione?"
"Not yet, but he knows I found it. I am taking it to him tonight at the meeting. I was trying to determine what it meant and I think most of it has already transpired."
"Speaking of, I shall take my leave so you may prepare. You are getting your mask tonight, Hermione. It is a grand occasion."
Narcissa left the room, giving the two witches privacy to dress. Hermione detached from Bellatrix's side, looking through her wardrobe for an outfit. She appreciated Narcissa supplying her with robes befitting of her status. Choosing one at random she stripped her pajamas off, not remembering putting them on and assuming Bellatrix had dressed her. After securing her robes, she turned to see Bellatrix in her usual corset and skirts. Smiling, she moved closer to the older witch, pressing a quick kiss to her lips before taking her hand and walking with her to the dining room. They took their spots near the Dark Lord as the rest of the Death Eaters trickled in, none wanting to be late.
"Welcome all. I know this is soon but I have an important announcement to make. As you know, Hermione passed her test with flying colors. I would like to take this moment to officially appoint her to the same position as Bellatrix and award her with her mask." The Dark Lord slid the silver mask to Hermione. It had whorls and patterns formed by dark magic, the eyes surrounded by black silver to contrast her hazel eyes.
"Thank you, my Lord. It is an honor to serve you," Hermione said after admiring the mask. She felt Bellatrix squeeze her knee out of pride and couldn't stop the smile from spreading on her face.
"It is an honor to have you, Hermione. Unfortunately, the world now knows of your affiliation so you must use caution when going out. You have not been charged with any crimes yet, but you are still a Death Eater."
"Yes, my Lord."
The rest of the meeting passed quickly, there was not much to discuss. When the meeting concluded, Hermione lingered.
"My Lord. I have the book with my prophecy." She handed him the book, rising slightly from her seat so he did not have to.
"I shall return it promptly, Hermione. Thank you. You fit in among the other Death Eaters seamlessly."
"Thank you, my Lord. Please, take all the time you need."
At his nod, she exited the dining room. Bellatrix was waiting for her outside the room and she took her hand as the older witch fell in step with her. Their magic curled around them and Hermione smiled at her witch, earning one in return. She could feel the pride coming from the older witch and she could not help the happiness that spread through her. The Death Eaters made her feel so welcome. And Bella and the Malfoys made her feel like family, something she had not entirely experienced with the Order and the Weasleys. She had loved Harry and Ron like brothers, but their friendship had been growing more tenuous as they grew. She was happy Ginny and the twins were still her friends, she cared for them like true siblings. Hermione hated to be the cause of a disagreement among the Weasleys but they always had different opinions. It was only a matter of time before the family split into pieces.
"I've got something I want to show you. Will you come with me?" Bellatrix asked, pulling Hermione to a stop and turning to face her.
"I'd go with you anywhere Bella. What are you going to show me?"
"It's a surprise. Are you ready?"
At Hermione's nod, Bellatrix Apparated them to Black Manor with a crack. Hermione gazed at the imposing structure, the stone as dark as the family name. The building seemed larger than it was and Hermione could feel the wards around the house parting for them.
"The wards will recognize you now. As my soulmate, you'll be able to Apparate here at any time, even without me."
"I'm so glad you don't live here. Malfoy Manor is so much less intimidating."
Bellatrix laughed, gently tugging Hermione's hand to urge her through the gates. They swung open as soundlessly as the ones at her castle and she marveled at the stonework. While her own property had been neat and bright, the Black estate was dark and overgrown. It was clear no one had been to the property in years. She couldn't imagine growing up in a place like this. No wonder everyone thought the Blacks were evil. Their house was the muggle equivalent of the decrepit, spooky house on the corner that was always in the dark no matter how sunny it was.
"Are we here so I can see the library? Narcissa already told me mine is bigger," Hermione teased.
"Are you saying you have no interest in the secrets contained within the four walls of my library?"
"Of course not, Bella. I love all libraries except the ones with Quidditch books."
"We can look at the library but it is not why we are here."
"Bella," Hermione huffed impatiently.
Bellatrix laughed and Hermione marveled at the sound. It wasn't the first time she had heard it, but it was precious all the same. She allowed the dark witch to guide her behind the house. What once was a neatly tended garden was now unkempt and overgrown but that is not what drew Hermione's attention.