A/N: Welcome to another chapter!
BlackNo1, I'm so glad you asked. Hermione and Bellatrix didn't just fix Hogwarts with basically a flick of their wands because they want to keep the actual extent of their powers hidden from the public. Not maliciously, of course, but more for their own privacy. If people knew how powerful they actually are, they'd never be left alone. People would live in fear of what they're capable of without even trying (they built an entire building in a day, think of what would happen if they decided to destroy something). Only their family was present and they already know that Hermione and Bellatrix are powerful, and they're all powerful in their own right. Outside of them, nobody has to know that it was done in a day by six people. For all they know, the building was already there or it's been in the works by countless Aurors since Hermione shut down Azkaban. They don't want to be targets of fear because of their power. They want as normal a life as they can.
TL;DR: They want to keep their power on the down-low so people don't go after them out of fear of what they might do.
Enjoy!
Hermione and Bellatrix stayed away for a week, enjoying each other and the waterfall. Neither of them were quite ready to leave but they had to get back to the world. They had a wedding to plan and announcements to make. Their responsibilities and duties of the two witches couldn't be avoided any longer, especially if they wanted to be done. So, they returned to the Manor, parting ways to take care of their responsibilities. Hermione found Tonks in the library, sitting with Andromeda and Aurion.
"Wotcher, 'Mione," Tonks greeted, waving at the young witch.
"Did you enjoy your week away?" Andromeda asked, wiggling her eyebrows.
"Hey, guys. It was wonderful," she said, ignoring the slight heating of her cheeks.
"Mum said you found a spot and built a prison?"
"Yeah. I'll take you if you want to see it. We can start moving everyone today. Aurion, I might need your help. I've never controlled wards before."
"Of course," he said, nodding.
"That sounds good to me. There's only a few Auror teams available to help. I've sent a bunch to speed up Hogwarts repairs. They should be done by the end of the week," Tonks said, standing from the couch.
"That's good. I feel bad about not helping but I have so much else to do. I might pop by later today or tomorrow." Hermione held out her arm to Tonks and Aurion.
"Oh, that reminds me. Minerva stopped by the other day looking for you. I told her you were away for a while but I'd tell you when you got back," Andromeda said.
"Thanks, Andy. I'll owl her when I get home."
"Have fun. I'm gonna find Bella and Cissy."
"Thanks, mum," Tonks said. Aurion and Hermione chuckled as she Apparated them to the prison. Tonks took a step back, turning and craning her neck to look at the large building.
"It is big enough, right?" Hermione asked.
"Hermione, it's huge. I don't think space will be a problem. Mind if I look inside?"
"That's what we're here for."
Hermione and Aurion followed Tonks as she wandered the corridors of the prison. She ran a hand along the wall, walking slowly and taking in every detail. The stones were cool, but not freezing, and kept out the damp and wind much better than Azkaban did. The cells were modestly sized, lining either side of the corridor. It wasn't the most beautiful place, but it was livable. Compared to Azkaban, the new prison was a retreat.
"It's incredible. I mean, I wouldn't want to be here, but it's a huge step up from Azkaban. I can't believe you built it all in a day. No wonder you took a week away," Tonks said.
"It was exhausting, for sure. I almost couldn't believe we did it. Aurion, Cissa, and Andy set the wards while Draco, Bella, and I built it."
"It was an exhausting day, to say the least. If Bellatrix and Hermione didn't have such a close bond, it wouldn't have been possible. They're incredibly powerful, especially when they both pour their magic into one thing," Aurion interjected quietly.
"No kidding," Tonks snorted, her face becoming slightly pig-like.
"So, what's the verdict, Tonks?"
"I think it's about time we started moving everyone. You'll have to make a statement. They haven't exactly been patient."
"Brilliant," Hermione muttered under her breath. Tonks laughed, patting Hermione's shoulder in an attempt to console her.
"You'll be fine. You always are."
"I agree, Hermione. You have a talent for always coming out on top," Aurion said.
"Doesn't make it any more pleasant."
"I suppose not. But someone has to and they want to hear from you."
"Let's get it over with, then." Hermione turned to Aurion. "How do I lower the wards while they're moving everyone?"
"Can you feel them?" he asked, continuing after Hermione nodded, "It's like drawing back a curtain, or opening a cabinet. Picture in your head the wards opening to allow Aurors to Apparate in. Slowly. Very good."
"That felt weird," Tonks said, suppressing a shudder.
"I don't suppose you have a suggestion for a warden?" Hermione asked, turning to the metamorphmagus.
"I mean, the Minister might appoint a new one when they're chosen. You may as well choose me or Moody. We don't actually have to be here, do we?"
"No, the only time you would be needed would be inspections or special transports," Aurion answered.
"I don't mind doing it for now. Moody takes care of most everything at the Ministry, anyway."
"Perfect. How do I?" Hermione began, turning to Aurion.
"You just did," he interrupted. Hermione reached out to the wards, feeling the slight change to it.
"I'll get the Aurors started with moving everyone. The reporters been waiting for you outside the Ministry for the last few days. Do you mind helping, Aurion?"
"Not at all. Good luck, Hermione."
"Thanks," she groaned, turning on her heel.
The outside of the Ministry was packed with reporters trying to get a word from anybody. A few Aurors helped keep them under control, urging the Ministry workers inside before they could say anything. Hermione straightened her robes as she stepped forward, causing the reporters to clamor for her attention. The Aurors moved closer to keep anyone from slipping through but stopped when Hermione signaled them to. Instead, they moved to flank her, their watchful eyes scanning the crowd for any threats.
"If you'll all quiet down, I can answer your questions in an orderly fashion," Hermione spoke, her words sending a hush over the crowd, "Thank you. Now, I'm sure you're all curious about what is happening to the Azkaban prisoners in St. Mungo's. Currently, they are being transported by Auror teams and the prison warden to the new prison. Its location will be kept secret until a new Minister is appointed, and they will make the decision to release its whereabouts. Nymphadora Tonks is the temporary warden and has full control over the wards, as do Bellatrix Black, and myself."
"Ms. Granger, will you be running for Minister?"
"I don't plan to."
"Do you feel you aren't qualified? Is that why you aren't running?"
"My reasons for not running are personal. I'd appreciate if it were left at that," Hermione said curtly.
"Ms. Granger, are you confident in the security of the new prison?"
"For the moment. There will be regular inspections conducted to assess any potential threats."
"Even though you aren't running for Minister, do you plan to still be active in the Ministry?"
"Possibly. If there are no more questions, I'll be taking my leave." Hermione stepped away, allowing the Aurors to fill her place. The reporters began to disperse, finally having answers to their questions. Hermione turned on her heel, Apparating to St. Mungo's to help transport the prisoners.
Bellatrix, Narcissa, and Andromeda lounged in the library, flicking through books absently. They were working on the fine details of Bellatrix's honeymoon plans while Hermione was busy. Progress was slow since they kept getting distracted, but they had time. Bellatrix discarded the book in her hands, placing it gently on the table. She would have tossed it, but Narcissa already scolded her. The blonde witch's eyes flicked up at Bellatrix's movement, closely watching the dark witch.
"Thank you, Bella, for not throwing my book this time," she said.
"I didn't throw it, Cissy. I tossed it," Bellatrix retorted childishly.
Narcissa opened her mouth to say something, but Andromeda cut in before she could. "Cissy, how's your gift to Hermione coming along?"
Sighing, Narcissa tossed her head back dramatically. "I'm thoroughly stuck. Snape and I haven't been able to make any headway in reversing it."
"Aurion has been teaching me some new healing methods. Maybe I could give it a shot?"
"A new approach would be wonderful. Even if it doesn't work, we might be able to come up with something."
Draco chose that moment to open the library door, poking his head in and asking, "Where's Hermione?"
"She's with Tonks and Aurion. They're moving the prisoners to the prison today," Andromeda answered.
"Is it anything we can help you with?" Narcissa asked.
"No, I wanted to ask her about building a Quidditch pitch on one of her properties."
"She hates Quidditch," Bellatrix said, picking up another book.
"I know, but Ginny and I thought if we both ask her there's no way she'll say no. Then we can practice over the summer. Or host tournaments for professional teams." Draco grew more excited as he talked, even though it wasn't the real reason he was looking for Hermione.
"I like the sound of that. If she says no to both of you, let me know. I'm sure I can persuade her," Bellatrix said, looking up from the book she was holding.
"Thanks, Aunt Bella. I'll keep you posted." Draco shut the door, breathing a sigh of relief that he hadn't been caught in his lie. He made his way to the drawing room while he waited for Hermione.
It didn't take long for her to come back. At least, it didn't feel like it, but when Draco looked out the window, it was late in the evening. Hermione sat across from him stretching her legs and waiting for Draco to speak.
"Can we have a Quidditch pitch?" he asked, his eyes flicking to the door.
"Where?" Hermione asked, leaning her head back.
"One of your properties."
"I'll think about it," Hermione said, turning her head to the door.
Draco watched the door, leaning closer to Hermione and whispering, "I made good progress while you were gone."
"Draco, you don't have to work on it by yourself," she whispered.
"I know, but you have a lot going on, I figured I'd do what I could to make it easier."
"Thanks. After today, I'm all done unless something comes up between now and the new Minister taking office. After that, it's not my problem." Hermione smiled tiredly, looking away from the door as Draco leaned back in his chair.
Draco passed the evening talking to Hermione about the Quidditch pitch he wanted to build, trying to wear her down until she gave in. She stubbornly resisted, though he came close to breaking her. If Narcissa hadn't interrupted with a dinner announcement, Draco might have gotten her to say yes. He had plenty of time to convince her, and he had Ginny. If all else failed, he could ask Bellatrix. There was no way Hermione could deny her.