A/N Happy Wednesday! That means it's almost Thursday, so it's almost Friday, so it's almost the weekend! The weekend means I can actually write my story instead of being a functioning person. Casual greeting aside, I'd like to thank you all for your dedication to this story. I know that reading a story is time-consuming and the events aren't always what you were expecting. I honestly think I would have just let this idea evaporate if I hadn't amassed a following. I am a firm believer that the reader makes a story great, not the writer.

So, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

The Dark Lord sat across from his Lieutenant's waiting to hear what they had discovered. He was glad he had asked Hermione to assist in researching the subject, the young witch was exceptionally talented at piecing things together. He wished for his soul back, had been without it for so long. It had been a mistake to split it into so many pieces, he knew that now. Slughorn had been right about that. Horcruxes were not a natural magic and the price was extreme. A soul is, really, all one truly owns.

"My Lord, Morgana seems to believe that the soul will always return to its host once it has served its purpose. I think the destruction of your Horcruxes actually served to re-bind those parts of your soul. Since it was done over the course of a few years, it would have been unnoticed except by someone who wasn't present while you were gathering your strength," Hermione said, looking to Bellatrix when she finished.

"My Lord, I was not present during the first few years of your recovery. When I returned, our entire goal had changed. You had changed. I think this is because the destruction of the Horcruxes resulted in parts of your soul returning."

"Interesting. I had not noticed any changes, myself, but now I believe I do. By destroying my remaining Horcruxes, that will complete my soul? What of Nagini? I do not wish for her to be destroyed and she is one of them."

"That will take some further research, my Lord but it also takes time for the soul to rebind. If we get started now, perhaps we shall find a solution by then."

"Very well. I shall begin destroying Horcruxes. Potter will be the last part of me to rebind and that cannot be done for some time." The Dark Lord tapped his fingers on the arm of his chair, restlessness invading his body at the prospect of being whole again.

"My Lord, the Vanishing Cabinets are physically repaired. Draco is coming home next week for Christmas and we shall discuss tactics in person. When he returns, we will commence the restoration of the magic," Hermione reported, watching the Dark Lord. She could see the eagerness in the wizard to have a soul again. Bellatrix beamed with pride for her soulmate and nephew. She knew the two were under a lot of pressure to succeed and was glad they were rising to the challenge.

"That is excellent news. It seems everything is proceeding as planned. With any luck, the war will be over sooner rather than later. You may go, thank you for your help."

"Of course my Lord, we are happy to assist you," Bellatrix answered, rising with a slight bow. Hermione repeated the motion, taking Bellatrix's arm as she rose. The dark witch Apparated them to the Manor, quickly whisking them into the garden. Hermione allowed Bellatrix to pull her along, laughing as Bellatrix spun her around.

"Bella, what are you doing?" Hermione asked, following Bellatrix's lead as they danced.

"Just enjoying my soulmate. We've done so much work lately, I want to have fun."

"Well in that case, how about a run?"

"That sounds superb." Bellatrix stepped back, shifting into her Animagus form. Hermione admired the sleek black panther in front of her before she shifted. Bellatrix touched her nose to Hermione's, licking her cheek. Hermione rubbed her head against Bellatrix's, playfully nipping her ear. She pounced, tackling Hermione before taking off at a run. Hermione rolled to her front, chasing after the panther. Bellatrix led her through the garden aimlessly, the two witches enjoying the cold air through their fur, disturbing the light frost. She stopped when she spotted their willow tree, looking behind her for Hermione. She turned, not seeing the leopard that had been right behind her. Hermione circled around Bellatrix, staying quiet and low to the ground. She grinned, preparing to pounce. Bellatrix turned in a circle and Hermione struck, careening toward Bellatrix. She caught the motion out of the corner of her eye and turned right as Hermione collided with her, falling to the ground with Hermione on top of her.

Hermione shifted back, waiting for Bellatrix to do the same before whispering, "Got you."

"You already had me," Bellatrix murmured, staring into Hermione's eyes. They were shining with joy and love, bright and endless.

"Well, now you're extra mine," Hermione said, nuzzling into Bellatrix's neck.

"I love you, Hermione." Bellatrix draped her arms around Hermione's waist. The ground was cool beneath her and Hermione was warm on top of her.

"I love you, too, Bella."

Narcissa and Andromeda stumbled across the two witches, catching the end of their exchange. They had been strolling through the garden when Bellatrix and Hermione had run past them. They had continued at their pace, following behind them slowly.

"The two of you had better not be destroying my garden," Narcissa playfully chided. Hermione and Bellatrix looked at her, grinning.

"Of course not, Cissy. We would never do such a thing," Bellatrix said, nudging Hermione. They rose, standing in front of Andromeda and Narcissa.

"You had better not. You know how Cissy is about her garden," Andromeda teased, squeezing Narcissa's arm gently. The blonde smiled, enjoying the light banter. She was excited for Draco to be returning home for Christmas and was ready to have her family whole.

"What have you been up to?" Hermione asked, winding her arm around Bellatrix's waist. She tucked into the warmth of the dark witch to fight the chill in the air.

"Just passing time until Tonks gets here. She's having dinner with us tonight. The twins have demanded the Castle be vacant of us for most of the day. I didn't ask what they were doing," Andromeda said.

"That's a smart decision," Hermione laughed, subtly guiding the sisters inside. She would rather be inside as the sky darkened, it wasn't as cold. She wasn't wearing the warmest attire. Tonks appeared in the entryway at the same time they did, unwrapping her scarf from her neck.

"Wotcher, all. How's it going?"

"It's been nice, how was work?"

"Fine. Mad-Eye is about to have a stroke. The man can't stand having to listen to me. I've been putting him on all the lame cases. Figure he'll be retiring soon what with him hitting Aunt Bella with the hex."

Hermione tensed, squeezing Bellatrix's waist as she hissed, "What?"

"Oh, I thought mum would've told you. Sorry, 'Mione."

Bellatrix leaned to whisper in Hermione's ear, squeezing her shoulders comfortingly. Hermione's jaw clenched and unclenched several times as she forced herself to calm.

I'm going to kill him. Bellatrix nodded, kissing Hermione's temple as she moved to stand behind her.

"It's fine," Hermione finally said, watching as Tonks visibly relaxed. She hadn't noticed the pressure in the room building until it was gone.

"Are we ready for dinner?" Narcissa asked, changing the topic. Certain things could not be talked about and that night was still one of them. She had always been the mediator and would continue her role until it was no longer necessary. An owl flew through the open door, landing on the table next to Tonks. She reached for the parchment tied to its leg, snatching her hand back as it pecked at her.

"That's McGonagall's owl. I wonder what he's doing here," Hermione mused. She walked to the owl, carefully extending her fingers, ready to draw them back if he made to peck them. She untied the parchment and flinched as the owl left his perch, flying back out the door, wing nearly clipping Hermione. She unrolled the parchment, eyes flicking across the page.

Hermione,

I have recently been informed by Snape of last year's events. I am sorry I was not there to provide you with guidance I'm sure you needed. I know everything and I wanted to tell you I'm happy for you and also disappointed. I am happy that you have found someone you are so clearly meant for, and that she was one of the best-if more troublesome-students I have ever taught. It is very rare that we find someone so complimentary to our own personality. I am disappointed because of your decision not to return to Hogwarts, though I understand why. I know Bellatrix can teach you more than I can, and so can Narcissa and Andromeda. They are all extraordinary witches in their fields, but even still, I had hoped to have the pleasure of teaching you for another two years. You are like a daughter to me and I will always be here for you to talk to. I do not agree with the war or the reasons behind it, but I can say I hope for a better society.

Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

"What's it say?" Tonks asked, resisting the urge to peer over Hermione's shoulder.

"She said she just found out what happened last year and she's glad I found Bella. But she's disappointed in me for not returning to school. She did say that Bella, Cissa, and Andy can teach me more than she ever could and she's always open to talking to me."

"That's nice. Let's eat, I'm hungry," Andromeda said, ushering the group to the dining room.