A/N Greetings once again, my dear readers. I fell into Kitchen Nightmares and have officially decided Gordon Ramsey is my man-crush Monday. Not to worry, I wrote three chapters yesterday and I have most of today to do more writing.
I would like to shower you all with love and appreciation for making it through almost 40 chapters. We'll be getting special insight in a few chapters so stay ready.
Enjoy
Bellatrix lounged on the couch in the drawing room, watching Hermione examine the Vanishing Cabinet. A frown marred her beautiful face as she circled the cabinet relentlessly. She had been thoroughly observing the cabinet's damages, trying to determine the best way to fix it. Bellatrix was keeping the young witch company, not wanting to do anything else. She had been lazy since she had returned from her mission, sleeping and reading most of the time.
"Hermione, love, you're making me dizzy. Take a break, you've been walking around that thing for hours," Bellatrix complained.
"It's been maybe an hour, Bella. Don't watch if it's making you dizzy," Hermione responded curtly.
Bellatrix sighed, rolling off the couch and onto her feet. She walked over to the cabinet, wrapping her arms around Hermione's waist, nibbling at the young witch's neck. Hermione let out a frustrated exhale, trying to break the embrace. Bellatrix tightened her grip, firmly holding her against her.
"You need to relax, love. You can't fix it when you're frustrated," Bellatrix whispered, breath ghosting over Hermione's neck. Hermione shivered, giving in and relaxing into Bellatrix, tilting her head to allow the dark witch better access, eyes falling closed. She turned in Bellatrix's arms, placing a soft kiss on ruby lips.
"Thank you, Bella. Let's go do something else. I don't want to look at this thing anymore."
"How about a run through the garden?"
"That sounds lovely."
The two witches exited the Manor, drinking up the sunshine as they shifted to their Animagus forms. Bellatrix pressed her head against Hermione's, tail swishing happily. Hermione stretched, pushing her own head against Bellatrix's before taking off at a run. She could feel Bellatrix just behind her, quickly gaining on her so she poured more energy into her muscles. Bellatrix internally grinned, matching Hermione's pace. She could feel Hermione's enjoyment, the anticipation at being chased by the most feared Death Eater. They dashed through the garden, a pale streak followed by a dark streak as they reached the trees surrounding the Manor. Hermione wove through the trees, allowing her senses to guide her, Bellatrix just behind her. Turning sharply, she nearly lost her footing but regained it just as Bellatrix caught up with her. They ran as fast as they could, remaining side by side no matter how hard they pushed themselves. Their magic mingled in the air around them, fueling their excitement. Hermione felt it rushing through her veins and knew Bellatrix could, too.
Bellatrix steered Hermione back to the garden proper, both of them slowing as they broke through the treeline. They stiffened, immediately sensing something abnormal. They proceeded with caution, shifting back to their human forms, breathing heavily and slightly sweaty. Neither of them drew their wands but they both had spells prepared if necessary. Narcissa opened the door just as they were about to, startling the two tense witches.
"There you are. I was just looking for the two of you. We have guests," Narcissa snipped, leading the two inside, crinkling her nose at their disheveled states. She cast a cleansing charm over Hermione and her sister before continuing to the entryway.
"Thank you, Cissa," Hermione responded for the two of them, dutifully following the blonde witch. She felt Bella grab her hand, playfully tugging her into her side and Hermione laughed, drawing a raised eyebrow from Narcissa. She shook her head, a smile on her face at her sister's antics. She loved seeing the two witches interact, it always lifted her spirits. She had a feeling that the coming interaction would dampen the mood.
The two Aurors stood waiting in the entryway, Draco and Lucius standing with them. Bellatrix stiffened as her eyes landed upon Mad-Eye and another Auror. Hermione placed a hand on her arm to comfort her, but also for herself. She had suspected Dumbledore was planning something like this but she hadn't entirely expected it to happen. Mad-Eye cast a glance at them, taking note of the interaction between the two witches, eyes narrowing.
"What can we do for you, gentlemen?" Hermione asked, speaking for the group.
"We have received a tip that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has established a base of operations in Malfoy Manor. We are following up, just standard procedure," the unknown Auror spoke.
"Feel free to look around. Shall we guide you?" Narcissa asked, her tone polite but forced. She had one of the house elves take the cabinet to Hermione's castle when she had gone to find the two witches, suspecting the Aurors were here to look for traces of the Dark Lord's plans.
"That is preferable. We likely won't find anything but it doesn't hurt to be sure."
"Of course. These are dark times. We understand."
Narcissa led the Aurors through the Manor, waiting patiently as they examined each room. Hermione could feel Mad-Eye's gaze, discomforted by the disturbing wizard's lingering. They were waiting outside the library for the two Aurors to look through it, Hermione tucked into Bellatrix's side when she felt the tingling in her arm. She stiffened and Bellatrix did, too, clearly feeling the same sensation.
"Bella, what do we do?" Hermione whispered through grit teeth. The longer she ignored it the more it hurt.
"Press your index and middle finger against it, let a little magic slip through. It's the signal that it isn't safe for you to see Him," Bellatrix whispered back, subtly doing it to her own Mark. Hermione slid her fingers up her sleeve, resting them over the Mark and letting the magic loose, relaxing when the sensation stopped. Bellatrix wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her back. Hermione gladly returned to her previous position. Feeling Mad-Eyes gaze again, she turned to stare directly at him before facing Bellatrix again, placing a firm kiss to her lips, leaving it short but making her position perfectly clear. Bellatrix smiled at her before looking at Mad-Eye and smirking at him. He glared at them, interrupted by his partner.
"The Manor is clear. We apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your cooperation."
"It is no inconvenience at all. You are just doing your jobs. I will show you out," Narcissa responded icily. She was glad the Dark Lord had relocated to Hermione's island. Leading the Aurors out, she noticed Mad-Eye's controlled anger at not finding the Dark Lord in her home. She had witnessed Hermione's statement and she couldn't help the pride blooming in her chest. She kept the smirk from her face at the Auror's attitude, knowing it could cause trouble and ready for the two men to be out of her home. Bellatrix Apparated herself and Hermione to the Dark Lord, both arriving in a bowed position, hands still clasped between them.
"Apologies, my Lord. Aurors were inspecting Malfoy Manor. We were unable to leave when you called. We came as soon as we could," Bellatrix announced. They waited for his motion to rise, standing side by side.
"Do not fret, I understand. I am glad we had the warning to move the headquarters. I have a mission for you two. You will go to the Burrow and cause chaos. Burn it to the ground if you feel so inclined, but do not harm anyone. Hermione, I understand you have allies within the Weasley family. You may send them a warning. I would like for this to be done tonight, just taunt Potter, do not harm him."
"It will be done, my Lord," they said, bowing to the snakelike wizard.
"Just the two of you. You may go, do whatever you must to prepare. Report to me tomorrow morning."
Hermione took Bellatrix's arm, Apparating to their room in the Manor. She could feel the dark witch's excitement and gave her a chaste kiss before penning a letter to Ginny and the twins informing them of the basics for tonight. As she signed the letter, Bellatrix rested her chin on Hermione's shoulder, watching as the young witch sealed the letter and gave it to Ammy. The two witches watched the bird fly off before turning to each other.
"Are you excited, love?" Bellatrix whispered in her ear.
"You know that I am, Bella," Hermione said, shivering as laughter ghosted over her neck. She leaned into the older witch, body humming with excitement.
"Let's make a plan," Bellatrix said, conjuring a chair to sit next to Hermione, excitement gleaming in her eyes.
They spent the next few hours debating the best way to lure out the family. Hermione had extensive knowledge of the home and land, suggesting they lead Harry on a chase through the nearby field. Hermione would distract the family while Bellatrix taunted Harry. Bellatrix suggested they both taunt Harry, adding to the young man's frustration at his certain doom. Hermione pointed out that they would be susceptible to sneak attacks if they both taunted Harry and Bellatrix reluctantly agreed. In exchange, Hermione would allow Bellatrix to burn the house to the ground. Bellatrix couldn't hide the glee on her face at the prospect of burning down the wayward building.
"It is nearly time. Shall we get ready, love?"
"Absolutely."
They both changed into protective black robes intended to shield them from a few spells, depending on strength. Bellatrix held Hermione's mask in her hands, admiring the fierce beauty of the mask and its witch. She captured Hermione's lips in a passionate but short kiss before donning her mask. She lovingly slid Hermione's into place, stepping back to admire the young witch. The robes hid her figure but she looked dangerous and the mask only added to her allure.
"You're beautiful," she said, voice projecting clearly despite the mask.
"So are you, Bella," Hermione said, squeezing the dark witch's waist. She couldn't help but stare at her soulmate, captivated by the deadly beauty. If she were against the Death Eater, she would likely be terrified but Hermione only found herself incredibly aroused at the sight of Bellatrix. She knew Bellatrix could feel it and she knew she was feeling the dark witch's. Tonight would be incredible. Hermione yearned for action and the prospect of fighting alongside Bellatrix held great promise for an interesting night.
Bellatrix fed off Hermione's emotions, a wolfish grin growing on her face as the time grew closer for them to go. Tonight she could destroy and cause chaos next to her soulmate. She had informed her sister of the coming raid so she would be ready in case they needed healing. They were waiting in the garden, Narcissa standing next to them as they waited for the sky to darken further. Just after sunset would be the best time for them to go, providing enough light for the chase but not so much that they would be easily spotted. Narcissa observed the two, slight concern on her face. She knew they would be fine, but every mission brought worry. There was always the possibility something could go wrong. She watched as the two witches disappeared, a crack the only indication they had ever been there.