The Death Eater's gathered around the table, Hermione's hand in Bellatrix's lap, the dark witch playing with the young witch's fingers. She had recovered fast with Hermione at her side and with the help of her sisters. There was still a lingering weakness and Hermione had opted to stay close to Bellatrix, even if Narcissa and Andromeda were with her. She worried about the dark witch overexerting herself and wanted to keep an eye on her. They had stayed on the island, sitting in the sand, toes in the water or exploring Hermione's house to pass the time.
"Welcome back, all of you. I am happy to announce that Bellatrix has recovered enough to join us once again. Your mission was a success, despite the unforeseen circumstances. I regret not knowing there was a traitor in my ranks but he has been apprehended and sentenced to death," the Dark Lord announced, looking at Hermione briefly.
"My Lord, I invoke my right to exact retribution," Hermione announced, feeling Bellatrix squeeze her hand, eyes shining with glee.
"Very well. How do you exact the toll?"
"His actions resulted in the severe injury of my soulmate, for that I sentence him to the same spell that hit Bellatrix."
"Accepted. Are there any objections?"
The Death Eaters stayed silent, quietly pleased Hermione demanded recompense. Yaxley had betrayed them all and death was too easy. They wanted him to suffer before he died. His actions had resulted in Bellatrix's injury and they would feel sorry for Yaxley, if he deserved to be pitied. Hermione had been terrifying in her distress and they knew Yaxley would feel her wrath. He hadn't cast the spell but he was the reason it was cast. The Dark Lord was satisfied with Hermione's decision as well. She was one of his Lieutenants, and as such, she needed to be firm in her punishments. The pathetic man was a coward and would get what was coming to him. Bellatrix stroked Hermione's hand with her thumb, excited by Hermione's ferocity. She loved seeing the darker parts of Hermione, it reminded her she wasn't the only one. The Dark Lord stood, robes billowing as he strode out of the room. The Death Eaters stayed seated, awaiting his return. Light chatter filled the room as they talked amongst themselves.
"Are you sure, Hermione?" Bellatrix whispered, looking into hazel eyes. They were clear with a hint of storminess lingering in the depths.
"Yes. Bella, I thought you were going to die. There was blood everywhere. Cissa had to drag me away from you so her and Andy could heal you."
"I'm sorry. I just couldn't see you hurt, not after last time. I didn't even think about how it would affect you."
"All that matters is that you're okay, Bella." Hermione squeezed Bellatrix's hand, leaning toward the dark witch.
The Dark Lord strode into the room, dragging Yaxley behind him by his collar. The ex-Death Eater was begging, struggling against the vice-like grip. His feet scrabbled on the floor for purchase so he could try to run, but the floor was smooth and flat. The Death Eaters watched with cold eyes as their former teammate's pleas fell on deaf ears. The Dark Lord came to a halt, throwing Yaxley to the ground and stunning him as the Death Eaters stood, gathering in a semi-circle around Yaxley.
"Corban Yaxley, you are guilty of betrayal of me and my followers, as well as causing my Lieutenants suffering and distress. For that, Hermione le Fay has demanded retribution, after which, you will be executed by me. Do you understand the charges and sentences?" The Dark Lord spoke, voice echoing in the silent room.
"Please, my Lord, I beg you, please, have mercy," Yaxley begged.
"Do you understand?!" he said, voice rising dangerously. Hermione almost flinched at the sharpness of the Dark Lord's voice, having only heard him speak normally. Yaxley flinched and nodded, eyes shining with unshed tears. Fear was written plainly on his face and his body shook with terror. Hermione stepped forward when the Dark Lord gestured her to. She felt the eyes of the Death Eaters on her as she stared coldly at the cowering man. Bellatrix's presence was reassuring at her back as she twisted her wand through her fingers. She looked at the Dark Lord, turning back to Yaxley when he nodded. Straightening her back, she took a deep breath to steady herself. Raising her wand, she pointed it at the wizard, calling forth the emotion she had felt when Bellatrix had been struck.
"Diffindo!" She cast the spell with a flick of her wand, watching as the man's side split open. Blood spilled out onto the floor, pooling around the limp man. The force of the spell had sent the wizard sliding across the floor a good distance and into unconsciousness. She stepped back into Bellatrix's arms, the dark witch resting her chin on her shoulder as the Dark Lord waved his wand, reviving the wizard. He screamed in agony, voice breaking and on the verge of unconsciousness once again. Hermione dug her fingers into Bellatrix's arms, waiting for the Killing Curse to be cast. She was afraid Yaxley would bleed out before the curse came and didn't want to be the reason he died, just wanted him to hurt the way Bellatrix did. Bellatrix squeezed her waist reassuringly.
"Avada Kedavra," the Dark Lord hissed, a green jet shooting out of his wand. He had seen Hermione's anxiety over his waiting to cast the curse. She was not ready to be the reason someone died yet, still acclimating to the darker parts of herself. Tonight was a huge step for her but pushing her too far would result in her withdrawal. Hermione relaxed slightly, staring at the limp form of Yaxley. She was not unnerved at having witnessed his death, couldn't find it in herself to care enough. The Dark Lord dismissed his followers with a wave of his hand, leaving the room, dragging Yaxley's corpse so he could dispose of it.
"Can we go home, Bella?" Hermione asked, turning in her soulmate's arms.
"Of course, love. As much as I love it here there are too many people for my liking," Bellatrix said, kissing Hermione's cheek. Hermione Apparated them back to the Manor, appearing in the drawing room in front of the Vanishing Cabinet. Bellatrix smiled at the progress Hermione had made. She hadn't been present while Hermione was fixing it, not wanting to distract the young witch from her work.
"I want to finish fixing the damage today, do you want to stay?"
"Sure, I might take a nap while you work. I'm feeling a tad drained."
Hermione kissed Bellatrix tenderly, coaxing her into a chair. Bellatrix pulled Hermione into her lap, deepening the kiss. Her hands skimmed Hermione's sides before she pulled back, leaning her head against the back of the chair. Her eyes were closed and she stifled a yawn. Hermione slid onto the floor in front of Bellatrix, leaving the dark witch to rest. Closing her eyes, she focused on the cabinet, intent on fixing the large crack running up the side. It was the last of the damage on her end and then she just had to wait for Draco before she could strengthen the magical connection.
Hermione let the magic flow, feeling Bellatrix's behind her and using it as a tether. The magic of the two cabinets had strengthened as the physical damage was repaired and they were able to do more in one sitting. Slowly, the final crack in the vanishing cabinet sealed itself with a gentle cracking sound, magic flaring a bit as the physical damage was fully repaired. Letting the cabinet's magic go, she stroked Bellatrix's magic with her own, feeling the dark witch's magic wrap around hers. Hermione grabbed her notebook, writing a message to Draco letting him know she was finished repairing her cabinet. He was about halfway done with his cabinet the last time he had written her and she was confident he would be finished by Christmas break. She hoped he would, anyway. She wanted to get the master plan set into motion so they could get the war over with. She just wanted to enjoy her life with Bellatrix without the weight of the world on her shoulders.
Smiling, Hermione rose, taking Bellatrix into her arms and carrying the sleeping witch to bed. Sleeping on the chair couldn't be comfortable and Hermione wanted Bellatrix to have a restful sleep. Using her magic to open the door, she strode to their bed, nudging the door closed behind her with her foot. Laying Bellatrix on the bed, Hermione unlaced her signature corset, easing it off and discarding it on the floor. She gently pulled Bellatrix's skirt down, pulling the covers around her before undressing herself and sliding into the opposite side. Wrapping her arms around Bellatrix, she moved as close as she could, pulling the dark witch slightly on top of her. Bellatrix nuzzled her neck, hair tickling Hermione who chuckled quietly. She squeezed Bellatrix's sides lightly, running her hands over the expanse of her back lovingly. Closing her eyes, Hermione's breathing evened out, Bellatrix's heartbeat lulling her to sleep.