A/N

Ditzy Guest: By other Weasleys do you mean Bill, Charlie, and Percy? I haven't gotten to the point where there are little Bellas and Hermiones running around. Also, I first read your name as "Dizzy Guest" which was highly confusing for a moment. I'm good at words :)

Drippingwithsin: I was going to have McGonagall earlier in the story but decided against it because I feel like the course of events would have been altered. She will be present in later chapters (to what extent, I have no idea).

I'd like to take a moment to thank you all for getting this far. When I first started this story I never imagined that it would be what it is. Not including this chapter it is over 97k words, 243 followers, 128 favorites, and 187 reviews. And I have not forgotten about the unknown number of guests. You all have made this possible. I cannot thank you all enough for being such a wonderful community to write for. I have never so freely shared my writing even though it is something I have always wanted to do. I hope you continue to enjoy this story.

Bellatrix and Narcissa strolled through the garden, heads bent close and arms linked. They had always walked this way when they were alone, lost in their own little world. Hermione had been repairing the cabinet with Kyndet, leaving Bellatrix to grow restless. Narcissa had decided to drag her into the garden, knowing a restless Bellatrix sometimes resulted in destruction. The fresh air was good for both of them, the soft grass tickling the soles of their feet as they walked. It was sunny but not hot and the flowers brushed their legs as they passed.

"Cissy, I'm not sure what to do for Hermione for her birthday. I want it to be special, something no one else can do for her."

"Anything you do will be special, Bella. It's from you. I think that's all that matters to Hermione."

"I know but she did something so amazing for me. I want to do something equally amazing. She deserves nothing less." Bellatrix put her head on Narcissa's shoulder, contemplating what she could do for Hermione.

"Of course. All I can advise you to do is let something come to you. Hermione is your other half, there's no way you won't think of something." Narcissa draped her arms around her sister's shoulders. She could tell her sister was still struggling with feeling so much. For so long it had been anger and hate surrounding her, and Narcissa was grateful for the change. She knew Bellatrix would need help but between herself and Hermione she was confident Bellatrix would adjust.

"I'm not used to this. I don't know how to do this, Cissy. How do I know I'm good enough to be Hermione's soulmate?" Bellatrix whispered, hiding her face in Narcissa's shoulder.

"You are good enough, Bella. Hermione has never given you any reason to think otherwise. You can do this. I'll help however I can. It's my turn to take care of you. Maybe speak to Aurion about Hermione's family customs. That might give you a starting point. I think you should also address your fears with Hermione. You know she won't pry if you don't tell her. She trusts you to tell her when you're ready. It's time to be ready." Narcissa had taken on a motherly tone by the end of her sentence. Bellatrix would need a firm hand if she were to talk to Hermione about this.

"You're right. Of course. I will, Cissy. I think I'll speak to Aurion first. Do you want to go with me?"

"Do you want me to?"

"I'll never say no to your company."

"I know. I think I shall stay in case you are still gone when Hermione finishes for the day. She might want company."

"That's a great idea, Cissy. Thank you." Bellatrix kissed her sister on the cheek before disentangling from the hug. Turning on her heel, she Apparated to le Fay Castle. She appeared in the library, scanning the shelves for anything that might give her an idea. She found nothing but did take note of a few books that seemed interesting for another time. Plopping onto the couch, Bellatrix breathed a weary sigh.

"Aurion," she called, extending her legs on the black leather of the couch. He appeared with a pop. Hermione had told him he could stay in his normal form while on the grounds of the castle but to be cautious when traveling to other places. Aurion sat across from the Death Eater, examining her carefully.

"How can I help you today, Bellatrix?"

"Well, I'm trying to come up with something for Hermione's birthday but I can't think of anything. Are there any traditions regarding birthdays? I know the le Fay line really only consists of Hermione and Morgana but that doesn't mean there aren't any."

"Hmm. The only thing that comes to mind would be a visit to the waterfall. It is not exactly a tradition, but it is the closest to it I can think of." Aurion tapped his chin with his index finger, elbows resting on his knees. His eyebrows were slightly furrowed and a slight frown adorned his face.

"Waterfall?"

"Oh, yes," he sat up straight, "it is not technically part of Hermione's properties but no one knows of its existence. It is in a magically protected clearing under a version of a Secret-Keeper Oath. I am the keeper. I can take you and you will be able to take Hermione. Once she visits she will become a keeper. You might as well, I am not sure. Soulmate magic is complex and I never completely understood all the nuances. Shall I take you?"

"Yes, please. That sounds perfect."

Aurion extended his arm to Bellatrix as she stood, waiting for her to take his arm before Apparating them to the waterfall. It separated two different types of rock and broke onto a mixture of both. On the left was white marble, reflecting the sun and making the spray look like diamonds. On the right side was obsidian, dark and shiny, giving the water a frozen appearance. The two faces extended high into the air, the top barely visible from where they stood. The waterfall cleaved the rock in two from the very top to the very bottom. A large, semi-shallow pool of water collected at the base, crystal clear. Bellatrix could see to the bottom of the pool, the marble and obsidian weaving around each other in intricate patterns. Viewed from a distance, it looked grey but from where she stood it clearly wasn't. There was a clearing around the pool, soft green grass present underfoot. The sky was azure, reflected in the still parts of the pool. Bellatrix could feel the aura of calmness radiating from the area, her nerves settling. This would be the perfect place to bring Hermione for her birthday.

"There is a cave behind the falls. I have never been inside but it is safe. The water has magical properties as well, but I'm not certain of the full range of effects. I know that it is restorative but that is the extent of my knowledge."

"Thank you, Aurion. This is perfect. I didn't even know a place like this existed."

"I am glad I could help. Feel free to stay as long as you wish. I will be returning to the castle to ensure the twins do not blow anything up."

Bellatrix nodded absently as Aurion Disapparated with a pop. She stared at her surroundings, in awe of the natural beauty. She knew Hermione would love it. They could use some time together, just the two of them and the restorative properties of the water would be an added bonus. Turning, Bellatrix noticed the small stone cottage with a chimney sitting on the edge of the clearing. It was in pristine condition and she could only conclude that it had been Morgana's when she stayed here. She approached, taking note of the dark wooden door contrasting the light stone. It was cozy, not much more than a kitchen area and a bedroom. They could spend the entire day away from everyone, just enjoying each other without any distractions. Bellatrix turned on her heel, disappearing with a crack.

Hermione was laying in the shade under the willow tree, arms behind her head as Bellatrix approached. She smiled as she turned her head to her soulmate, extending a hand to the dark witch. Bellatrix took it, lying next to Hermione on the grass, face turned toward the young witch.

"Hello, beautiful. Did you have a good day?" Hermione asked, bringing Bellatrix's hand to her mouth, pressing a kiss to the back of the dark witch's hand.

"I did. How's the cabinet?" Bellatrix smiled at her soulmate, admiring Hermione's features.

"It's getting there. Draco should be starting his repairs soon."

"That's great news."

"Is everything okay, Bella?"

Hermione watched as Bellatrix faced the sky and chewed her bottom lip, fiddling with Hermione's fingers. She waited patiently for Bellatrix to speak, not wanting to rush the dark witch. She gave the older witch's hand a reassuring squeeze, smiling gently when she turned back to her. Dark eyes were filled with fear and doubt and Hermione knew what Bellatrix was worrying about.

"Bella, don't think like that. Of course, you're good enough for me. You're more than good enough."

"I just worry that I might not actually be the right fit for you."

"You are the perfect fit for me. I know you aren't used to this, I'm not either. We'll do it together." Hermione placed her hand on Bellatrix's cheek, leaning forward to place a tender kiss on Bellatrix's cheek. Bellatrix leaned into Hermione's hand.

"Okay," she whispered, nodding, "I should've told you earlier. I'm sorry."

"Don't worry, Bella. What matters is you told me at all. Come on, let's go have dinner. I don't know about you but I'm famished."

"Who needs dinner when I have all I can eat?" Bellatrix teased, pulling Hermione by her waist.

"There's my witch," Hermione said, laughing as she pulled the dark witch to her feet.