A/N Am I horrible for making you wait until today? I was going to post it last night before I went to bed but I was tweaking some things and promptly fell asleep. But it has the answers I'm sure you've been waiting for since chapter 49. Especially Darkshadow-lord. I can tell it's been killing you and I didn't want to answer because I didn't want to spoil it. I will answer your other questions though. Yes, Minerva was tending to family matters, an ill family member, and subsequent funeral. As far as her new stance on the war, for now, she has only written a letter to Hermione but she hasn't sent it yet so her intentions are still unclear. I don't want to give too much away but I will say she disapproves of both sides and the war in general.
Okay, I have a lot to write today so enjoy this chapter (and the next, it won't have an A/N)!
The Dark Lord was furious. The Order should not have known about the attack on the bridge, shouldn't have gotten there so early, shouldn't have injured one of his Lieutenants. After Lucius told him what had happened, he knew there was a traitor in his ranks. He knew it was not Bellatrix or Hermione, Narcissa had told him of the girl's reaction and how she still hadn't moved from her spot at Bellatrix's side, but he also had no reason to suspect the two, anyway. He had given them space, aware that the bond between them would not allow Hermione to leave Bellatrix's side in her condition. He understood and had been working on finding out who the betrayer was. He knew it was Yaxley after a harrowing interrogation of all his Death Eaters. He was relentless, flinging the Cruciatus at them if he thought it was appropriate. He knew they understood, they had been just as furious to discover there was a traitor. It would not go unpunished, he would make sure of that. He had no doubt Hermione would, too, the drive to protect Bellatrix was too strong, especially now. He didn't know what exactly had occurred but he would be finding out soon. Knocking on the door of his Lieutenants' room, he entered, not waiting for a response. He knew Hermione hadn't heard him knock, he had merely done it out of courtesy.
"My Lord, my sincerest apologies for not reporting to you upon my return," Hermione stammered, clumsily rising and bowing.
"Nonsense, Hermione. I was made aware of the situation through Lucius and Narcissa. I know you cannot leave Bellatrix's side while she is incapacitated. Don't worry, you won't be punished," he said, gesturing her to return to her seat. Her eyes returned to Bellatrix, hand reaching to take her soulmate's. Her eyes were ringed with dark circles and she appeared heavy with weariness. The Dark Lord knew she hadn't slept at all, likely wouldn't until Bellatrix woke up. The past few days had been difficult for them all.
"The Order showed up before we finished destroying the bridge. I don't know how they knew to be there. Bellatrix and I stalled them while the rest of the Death Eaters escaped and we were just about to leave when she-she," Hermione took a deep breath, willing herself to continue, "She took a spell meant for me. I didn't see it coming but she did and moved into the way so it wouldn't hit me. After that, everything is kind of blurry. You can look if you wish, my Lord," Hermione whispered, eyes still resting on Bellatrix's face.
"That will not be necessary, Hermione. I believe I may be able to fill in the gaps. Due to the peculiar nature of your bond with Bellatrix, your magic reacted when she was struck. It lashed out and the haze of it is concealing the rest of the memory. You did destroy the bridge, I suspect it was the magical discharge. It also would have stunned the Order members present, which is why they didn't continue to attack. Even among soulmates, your bond with Bellatrix is incredibly strong. I don't think there has ever been a bond more powerful than yours. She is you, and you are her. You are perfect matches to each other, even more so than normal soulmates. Your very essences are the same, originating from the same source, spread over a gap of a few decades. You are the same person but also not." The Dark Lord remained standing in the center of the room, watching Hermione's reaction. It was minimal, she was still preoccupied with Bellatrix but he did not mind.
"Identical opposites."
"Yes." The Dark Lord blinked in mild surprise. It was uncommon knowledge, he only knew it because he delved into ancient texts when learning to create Horcruxes.
"Kyndet told me. Would you like a chair, my Lord? You are not intruding." Hermione summoned a chair with a flick of her hand, not waiting for a response. The Dark Lord moved his chair next to Hermione's, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder.
"The Order knew because there was a traitor. I have apprehended him and he is being held in the dungeons of the house. He will be punished severely and if you wish for retribution, you can have it. I will wait until Bellatrix has awoken to sentence him."
"You have already decided, haven't you, my Lord?"
"Indeed, but the formal decision has not been announced."
"Who was it?"
"Yaxley. The Death Eaters were not kind to him when they found out."
"Good. He deserves what's coming to him," Hermione said darkly. The Dark Lord felt the gentle push of Hermione's magic into the room, deadly and dangerous.
"If you wish to be the one, I will not deny you the right. His actions have affected you and Bella directly."
"Thank you, my Lord. The cabinet at the Manor is nearly repaired. One more time should see it complete. Draco has been working on his, as well. His progress is slower but once mine is repaired it will not be much longer before his is. Once Bella is awake I can resume working on it."
"I am proud of your progress, Hermione. While Draco is working on his cabinet I have a project for you. The nature of the prophecy indicates that Potter and I must be equals, but with my possession of Horcruxes, that is not possible. I would prefer to have the remaining ones rebound to me but if this is not possible then I will destroy them. I have been doing research but have not found anything promising. I would like your assistance."
"What about the part of you that's in Potter?"
"The magic that allowed him to live was incredibly peculiar. Not only was a part of me placed in him, but a part of him was placed in me. It is unnecessary for it to be recovered before the final battle. Not even Dumbledore knows, otherwise he would push Potter to exploit it."
"Dumbledore doesn't even know Harry is a Horcrux. He thinks the connection is because of his scar."
"The old codger doesn't know?" The Dark Lord was surprised. Dumbledore was supposed to be one of the most intelligent and powerful wizards but he seemed to be declining in his old age. Even by their standards, the wizard was old.
"Nope," Hermione popped the 'p' before continuing, "He's too busy trying to keep the two idiots alive. Before, he was hiding things from me so I would do it for him. Then I turned evil and now he has to do it and deal with a shrinking Order," Hermione said lightheartedly. The Dark Lord laughed, a chilling sound, had it not been genuine.
"Indeed, it seems you really threw a monkey wrench through his window." Hermione snorted at his words, the two descending into fits of laughter.
"It's what I do best," she said between fits of laughter. The Dark Lord chuckled, glad the young witch was in a better mood. He could see the stress and worry plaguing Hermione and was relieved to see it leave her, even if it was only for a few moments. They descended into silence, both looking at Bellatrix, the Dark Lord's hand still resting on Hermione's shoulder in an odd, comforting gesture. Hermione gripped Bellatrix's hand, the presence of the Dark Lord easing the weight on her shoulders.
Bellatrix's eyes fluttered open slowly, and Hermione leaned forward, the Dark Lord removing his hand from her shoulder. She clutched Bellatrix's hand between her own, holding it tightly to her chest. Bellatrix's eyes rested on Hermione, a smile appearing on her face.
"Bella," Hermione whispered, eyes full of tears and putting her head next to Bellatrix's, "I'm so sorry."
"Don't be, love. I'd do it all over again," she whispered, patting Hermione's head.
"Don't you dare." Hermione squeezed Bellatrix's hand, smiling when she squeezed back. Bellatrix's eyes fell on the Dark Lord, widening as she struggled to sit up. He was smiling gently, motioning for her to remain laying down.
"It's okay, Bella. I am here in an informal capacity. Please, do not strain yourself."
"My Lord, I apologize," she said, letting herself fall back on the bed.
"Nonsense, Bella. As I said, I am here in an informal capacity. Yaxley betrayed us, revealing the plan to the Order. He is being held in the dungeons, awaiting punishment. When you are better we can talk. Ladies," he said, standing and giving them both a gentlemanly bow before leaving the room.
"Come here, love," Bellatrix said, scooting to make room for her soulmate. Hermione gratefully crawled into bed, banishing their clothes as she tucked into Bellatrix's uninjured side. Arms wrapped around her waist and Hermione greedily accepted the warmth of her witch. Bellatrix pulled Hermione to her, resting her chin on Hermione's hair, inhaling the walnut and rain. She felt her soulmate relax, quickly falling asleep. Bellatrix placed a kiss on Hermione's head, settling on the bed after pulling the covers over them. She could tell Hermione hadn't slept for a few days and she was still tired.