A/N: Soooo. It's been a minute. I've been struggling to write this and I think it's mostly that I don't really want this to be over. A lot of you have been wondering if there will be a sequel and I don't plan to write one. I'm sorry it's taken so long to get an update to you I've been really dragging my feet.
I hope you all enjoy this much-deserved update!
Narcissa walked arm-in-arm with Hermione through the castle newly gifted to Hogwarts, discussing the research they would be conducting. Narcissa was clearly going to focus on the plants she was unfamiliar with, experimenting with their properties and hopefully discovering more effective potions. They gathered samples together, Narcissa's practiced hands patient as she showed Hermione the way she wanted the plants to be collected. Together, they were able to collect all the necessary samples for the moment and were searching for a storeroom they could use. The castle was large and neither witch had spent an extensive amount of time exploring the castle the way the twins had, so it took opening and closing a lot of doors before they found the room they were looking for.
"Perfect," Narcissa breathed, admiring the spacious room with walls of shelves. Vials and bottles were scattered among them, all labeled in a neat script Hermione recognized as Morgana's.
"These must be thousands of years old," Hermione mumbled, cautiously picking up a vial labeled "Emerald Root" and dusting it off to see the contents.
"Fascinating," Narcissa marveled, "There's so much here. I'm going to need help."
"You should ask Neville. He's brilliant at Herbology," Hermione suggested.
"Longbottom?" Narcissa clarified.
"Yeah, he'd love cataloging all the plants and collecting them and experimenting with them. He's good at potions, too, not as good as Herbology, but he works really hard. I couldn't think of anyone better to be your assistant. And you could trust him to oversee any other students you work with." Hermione continued dusting off the bottles, amazed by the unfamiliar contents.
"He sounds perfect," Narcissa said, helping Hermione survey the room.
"I can tell him today if you want. I'm meeting him and Luna and Ginny later," Hermione offered, casting a quick Scourgify to hasten their progress.
"Thank you, Hermione, I'd like that," Narcissa responded, wrapping an arm around the slightly shorter woman's shoulder.
Hermione beamed, winding her arm around Narcissa's waist. "I was thinking about something. I want to do something to spread my wealth. It's weird having so much when other people have so little."
Narcissa chuckled, always surprised by Hermione's generosity no matter how much she experienced it. "That's a wonderful idea. I'll speak with someone at the bank about setting up some funds for people who can't afford necessities."
"Can I go with you? I need to learn how to manage my vault and deal with people at the bank now that I finally have the time to."
"You don't need my permission," Narcissa laughed.
"Oh," Hermione said, her cheeks coloring.
Narcissa squeezed Hermione's shoulders, her light laughter echoing in the nearly empty room. Hermione joined in, the blonde's laughter infectious with its mirth. They left the newly designated storeroom, exploring the castle for a little longer before returning home. They immediately made their way to the library, finding Andromeda and Bellatrix lounging lazily as they knew they would.
"How'd it go?" Andromeda asked, shifting her legs to make room on the couch.
"Wonderfully," Narcissa said, placing herself next to her. Hermione perched on the arm of Bellatrix's chair, feeling a slim arm wind around her waist.
"We found ingredients Morgana collected and stored," she added.
"Incredible," Andromeda gasped, her eyes widening.
"It is," Narcissa agreed, chuckling at her sister's response.
"That's wonderful," Bellatrix said, pressing her cheek to Hermione's arm, "You're going to be late, lion."
"Oh! I almost forgot!" Hermione exclaimed, jumping up from her spot and giving the sisters each a chaste kiss on the cheek.
Hermione rolled her eyes with a smile at the gentle laughter that her forgetfulness elicited. She had been so absorbed in thinking about the room she and Narcissa had found, and being so close to Bellatrix, which always made her body tingle with happiness, that she had completely forgotten about her plans. Hurriedly, she ran up the stairs to her room to change into her Muggle clothes. Turning on her heel, Hermione felt the stomach-churning sensation of Apparition slowly wear off as she appeared in The Leaky Cauldron.
"Sorry I'm late," Hermione greeted with a sheepish grin.
"Oh, please, you aren't even late yet," Ginny said, rolling her eyes.
"Both of you beat me here," Hermione pointed out.
"True, but we agreed to tell you a later time so we wouldn't be late," Luna breathed, staring over Hermione's shoulder.
"That's kind of sweet," Hermione mumbled, sitting between the two witches.
"Yeah we're pretty great," Ginny laughed, nudging Hermione playfully.
Hermione rolled her eyes jokingly. "I can't exactly prove you wrong, so I guess I'll have to concede."
"How are you, Hermione? Now that things are settling down more." Luna asked.
"Much better. I have more time to do things I actually want to do and I don't have to worry about fixing everything. I can finally give my wedding the attention it deserves, though, Narcissa has taken care of most of the planning. How are you guys?"
"I'm excited. With Ron, well, not coming back to Hogwarts, there's an open position on the Quidditch team so we'll get to hold tryouts. And things are a lot more calm at home without him instigating fights. Mum and Dad are a bit crushed." Ginny took a sip of her butterbeer after she finished, signaling for two more.
"I have yet to stop the Nargles from continuing to hide my shoes, but the boots you gave us for Christmas are always left alone so at least I have those. It's nice to put this all behind us and maybe even have a normal time at Hogwarts. I imagine it might be a little boring in comparison," Luna breathed airily.
"So, Hermione, I heard some rumors going around that Bellatrix is going to be the new DADA professor and that you will be a research supervisor. Is that true?" Ginny asked, sliding a mug to Hermione.
"I don't think I'm at liberty to say, but if your source is who I think it is, then you already know the answer," Hermione answered coyly.
"I think it'll be interesting to see how someone who's used the dark arts extensively will teach us how to protect ourselves," Luna commented, holding her mug but not drinking.
"It'll be awesome! Hermione, do you think you could get Bellatrix to give me private lessons? I want to be the best Auror the world has ever seen!" Ginny exclaimed.
"You should ask her yourself but first make sure it's really what you want. She shows no mercy," Hermione laughed.
"Man, if she doesn't even show mercy to you it's a wonder any of us are alive," Ginny joked.
"Well, the best part about training with Bella is knowing she'll never cause serious injury. Although, her definition of serious is a bit different from what I was used to," Hermione admitted.
"You're an incredibly talented witch, Ginny," Luna said, sounding as if she was going to say more but trailing off.
"Thanks, Luna," Ginny mumbled, her cheeks a little red at the praise.
"You'll make a great Auror, regardless of whether you have extra training." Hermione pulled out enough to pay for all of their drinks, setting it on the table. "It's been wonderful, but I should get going, I'd like to spend the last few days of summer with Bella before school keeps us too busy to find the time. I'll see you soon."
"Bye," Ginny and Luna chorused, each taking a turn hugging the brunette.
Hermione smiled fondly as she turned on her heel, Apparating to the gates of Malfoy Manor. She walked up the drive toward the house, ignoring the slightly uncomfortable warmth of the air. Before she reached the doors, she veered toward the garden to search for Bellatrix. She found her in their usual spot, laying on her back with her hands behind her head. Her expression was content as Hermione approached and laid with her cheek on her shoulder.
"Hey, lion," Bellatrix greeted fondly.
"Bella," Hermione said, rubbing her nose against Bellatrix's soft neck.
Bellatrix hummed, her eyes falling closed again. Hermione draped an arm over Bellatrix's hips, burying her face in the untamed curls of her soulmate. Bellatrix shifted to wrap an arm around Hermione's shoulders, giving her a tender kiss on her forehead. Hermione admired Bellatrix's profile as the sun grew lower in the sky, casting shadows that made Bellatrix's features more regal.
"We should go soon, love. Cissy will come hunting," Bellatrix mumbled.
"But I'm so comfy," Hermione protested, tightening her grip on her soon-to-be wife.
"Well, if Cissy has to come looking for us, you won't be for long," she reasoned, sliding her arm out from under the younger witch.
Hermione huffed, frowning as she sat up and rubbed her bleary eyes. Bellatrix chuckled, grabbing Hermione's hands and pulling her to her feet with a spin. Hermione couldn't help but smile as she tucked into Bellatrix as they swayed for a moment. Quickly, Hermione pressed a loving kiss to Bellatrix's lips, pulling her arm over her shoulder as they began walking toward the house. Narcissa stood waiting right outside the doors, a disapproving look on her faces.
"It's about time, I thought I would have to come fetch you two. You should know better by now," she mock-scolded, unable to keep the soft smile from her face.
"Sorry, Cissy, someone was comfortable," Bellatrix said, nodding her head in Hermione's direction.
"As if you're completely innocent, Bella," Narcissa responded with a raised eyebrow.
"Never said I was," she grinned.
Narcissa rolled her eyes, ushering them through the doors and to the Dining Room. Reluctantly, Hermione detached from Bellatrix's side, choosing a seat between Narcissa and Bellatrix. They ate in relative silence and Hermione couldn't stop from bouncing her leg up and down. Bellatrix noticed after only a moment, placing her hand on Hermione's knee to soothe her.
"Are you okay, Hermione?" Lucius asked.
"I'm- I think I'm a little anxious about working at Hogwarts," Hermione admitted, "I mean, I never even finished and now I'm going to be in charge of things."
"Hermione, you are not undeserving of this. Minerva chose you because she believes in you. So do we," Narcissa said, placing a hand on Hermione's forearm.
"We're your family, 'Mione, we're always here to support you," Bellatrix reassured, squeezing Hermione's knee.
"I love you all so much. I know there's no reason to worry, especially since you'll be so close," Hermione said, slipping her hand into Narcissa's and giving it a squeeze as she gave everyone a grateful look.
Her family gave her reassuring smiles, and they returned to their dessert. Hermione kept a hold of Narcissa's hand, forcing the blonde witch to eat with her left hand. Narcissa handled it gracefully, even as she somewhat struggled not to drop her fork. Hermione felt a twinge of guilt and made to pull her hand away so Narcissa could have hers back, but she just squeezed her hand tighter and continued eating with her left hand. Bellatrix sent her sister a smile, holding onto Hermione's knee.
After finishing dessert, they retreated to the library with a bottle of Elvish Wine. Hermione and Bellatrix leaned against each other on the loveseat, Lucius and Narcissa sat together on the couch, and Draco sat in one of the chairs. With a wave of her wand, Narcissa lit a fire in the fireplace, casting a warm glow around the room. Bellatrix poured them all a glass, distributing one to everyone and pulling Hermione into her side. Hermione slid an arm around Bellatrix's waist, tucking her feet beneath her and pressing her cheek against Bellatrix's shoulder. Bellatrix pressed a kiss to Hermione's temple as she wrapped an arm around Hermione's shoulder. Narcissa draped her legs over Lucius's lap, and Draco swung his legs over the arm of his chair.
It wasn't long before they had finished off the bottle, warmed from the fire and alcohol. Hermione felt sluggish and protested when Bellatrix moved to stand, not wanting to move. Bellatrix chuckled, persevering until she had gathered Hermione into her arms. She bid her family goodnight and, cradling Hermione to her, made her way to their room. Hermione nuzzled into Bellatrix's neck, softly kissing her tattoo. Bellatrix adjusted her grip on Hermione as she fumbled with the door, opening it with magic after a few unsuccessful attempts. She laid Hermione on the bed, pulling off her shoes, and then her own. At Hermione's insistence, she abandoned the laces of her corset and climbed on top of the brunette. Hermione threaded her hands into Bellatrix's curls, raising her head and claiming her lips.
Bellatrix broke the kiss, nuzzling her nose against Hermione's. She traced her fingertips along Hermione's cheeks, sliding them down to her chest. Delicately, she began disrobing Hermione, trailing kisses along newly revealed skin. Hermione sighed contentedly, sinking into the mattress and sliding her hands down Bellatrix's back. Her hands fiddled with Bellatrix's corset laces, too relaxed to get a good grip on them.
"Take it easy, love, let me take care of everything," Bellatrix whispered against Hermione's stomach.
"Bella," Hermione began.
"Nonsense," she chuckled, sliding her hands along Hermione's sides.
"I was going to say thank you," Hermione managed, arching her back slightly.
"You never have to thank me for taking care of you," Bellatrix shushed, placing kisses along Hermione's hips.
Hermione hummed, letting her hands fall onto the bed as Bellatrix finished undressing her. A series of sighs and soft moans crept from Hermione's throat with each touch and kiss from Bellatrix. Bellatrix smiled lovingly at Hermione, her chin resting on a muscular thigh. Her breaths ghosted across the soft skin and she lightly traced the inside of Hermione's thigh with her fingertips. A louder moan escaped Hermione's throat, needier than the previous ones. Bellatrix sucked on Hermione's hip, purpling the skin with gentle teeth. She slid up Hermione's naked body, lowering her mouth to one of Hermione's nipples. She circled it with her tongue, grazing it with her teeth while her hands slid over Hermione's thighs. She repeated the action with her other nipple, her hands drawing closer to where Hermione wanted to be touched.
"Bella," Hermione moaned, her hands gripping the blanket.
Bellatrix looked up at her through her eyelashes, sliding slowly between Hermione's legs. She watched Hermione's chest rise and fall faster in anticipation. Slowly, she placed her mouth over Hermione's clit, pressing her tongue flat against the throbbing bud. A satisfied moan ripped from Hermione's throat, her hips bucking into Bellatrix's mouth. The older witch slipped her hands under Hermione's thighs, holding her hips as she slowly drew her tongue over Hermione's clit. She felt Hermione simultaneously relax and tense, keeping a moderate pace. Hermione shifted beneath Bellatrix, aching for more pressure. Bellatrix hummed against her, causing Hermione to gasp and stiffen as she grew hotter. Before Hermione settled, Bellatrix dipped her tongue lower, sliding it through Hermione's lips. Her gasp quickly turned into a moan, her body melting into Bellatrix's mouth.
A low chuckle barely registered in Hermione's ears as Bellatrix refocused on Hermione's clit. She continued with a slightly quicker pace, dragging Hermione closer to orgasm. She was encouraged by Hermione's breathy moans and restless hips, maintaining her pace even as her jaw grew stiff. Hermione dug her heels into Bellatrix's back, pulling her closer as warmth began to spread through her body. Bellatrix caressed Hermione's hips, humming against her clit to send her over the edge. Hermione's legs tightened around Bellatrix as her whole body tensed and trembled against Bellatrix's mouth. The dark witch disconnected herself from Hermione, stripping herself of her clothes and pulling Hermione on top of her.
"I'm so glad Cissa found me," Hermione mumbled sleepily.
"Me too, lion. Me too."