Breakfast the next morning was a somber affair. Hermione picked at her food, wishing fervently that it was not Saturday so that she could go to work. Her mother tried to keep the conversation light by talking about potential shopping trips, but neither of her children were very interested. Draco kept casting thoughtful glances at Hermione, and she was keenly aware that he had something on his mind.
"This is your advanced warning." said a gleeful voice in her mind.
Hermione startled, Advanced warning for what?
But her question was answered immediately as Bellatrix burst into the sun room, looking happier than ever in robes of shimmering amethyst. "Hello my darlings!" She exclaimed, dropping into the seat beside Hermione and plucking a piece of bacon from her plate. "Everyone sleep well?"
"You can't be here!" sputtered Draco, dropping his fork with a clatter.
Narcissa looked as if she'd happily strangle her sister, but she nonetheless conjured a plate for her. "Now, now, Draco. The fact that your aunt lacks basic manners does not excuse you from using yours."
His mouth snapped shut, and his cheeks darkened. "May I be excused please, Mother?" he gritted.
Hermione felt her stomach flop miserably.
With a sigh, Narcissa nodded. "Yes, you may leave."
He flung his napkin onto his plate, and after shooting a glare at Bellatrix he stalked off.
"He's a charmer," said Bellatrix good-naturedly, pulling a glass over and filling it from the jug of pumpkin juice. "Father would just adore him."
Hermione watched her mother slowly massage her temples, "Bellatrix, if you are going to barge into my home unannounced, I wish you would at least attempt to get along with my children."
"I get along with one of them just fine," quipped to darker witch, taking a bite from a piece of toast.
Hermione felt her face burn, and she hastily took a drink of water.
There was a jingle as Turnip trotted into the room, smelling of fresh grass and panting happily.
"There he is!" cooed Bellatrix, leaning down to pat him. "Who's a good boy? You are!"
Though Turnip's fur was still tinged a dark blue, he was the picture of adoration as he rubbed against her hand and rolled over so that she could rub his belly.
"I see you haven't lost your love of dogs," drawled Narcissa as she eyed the wubble's antics. "Speaking of which, how is Rodolphus?"
Bellatrix shot her sister a dark look, and Hermione rolled her eyes. "Mother," she said, placing her hand on top of Narcissa's, "please."
Narcissa's eyes softened as she looked at her daughter. "You look tired, darling. Perhaps today you should stay home. I'm sure the dueling practice can wait until Monday."
"No!" said Bellatrix, startling everyone at the table. "She has to go, Cissy. We're not training today. The Dark Lord has a gift."
"A gift?" said Narcissa slowly. She did not look convinced. "What kind of gift?"
"A surprise gift!" snapped Bellatrix, straightening. "Surely you don't intend to say no to the Dark Lord? Cissy, that's-"
"Will Severus be there?"
Bellatrix's irritation prickled beneath Hermione's skin.
"What does it matter? I will be there!"
Her mother hummed, and took a sip of her tea.
Hermione licked her lips, and glanced from Bellatrix's disgusted pout to her mother's impassive expression. "I feel fine, mother, really," she tried to assure her.
Her expression softening, Narcissa took another sip of tea. "Very well then. But I expect you to be home in time for dinner."
Hermione squeezed her hand reassuringly.
After draining the contents of her glass, Bellatrix jumped to her feet, dropping a piece of bacon to the floor for a very delighted Turnip. "Let's go before she changes her mind," she said privately to Hermione. Outwardly, she smirked at her blonde sister. "Don't worry Cissy, I'll let Severus know you were asking after him. Perhaps he'll feel inspired to finally profess the love he's always felt for you!"
Her mother- to her credit- remained coolly impassive. She merely bid Hermione goodbye and returned to her tea.
You shouldn't taunt them like that, Bella, said Hermione gently after she and Bellatrix had apparated to Riddle Manor. The mist was thicker than ever, and she could barely make out the building in front of her.
Bellatrix sighed, "They're entirely ungrateful," she groused. "You would think that after all the liberty we afford them, all the leniency shown to Draco- Do you know that I crucioed a woman last week for denying her son entry into our service? She has since fled the country with the boy, but still…" She kicked a pebble and sent it skittering across the damp stones of the walk.
Hermione tucked a strand of hair behind one ear, and let out a breath, I know you're doing your best… She felt a warm hand slip into her own, and the strange feeling of calm washed over her.
"Don't worry about it, Dove," murmured Bellatrix. "They'll come around, eventually."
Hermione nodded, and tried to push her worries about her mother and brother from her mind.
To her surprise, Bellatrix did not lead her towards the front door, as usual. Instead, she led the younger witch around the back, to a crumbling ruin of a carriage house. As soon as the Dark Lord and Snape came into view Bellatrix dropped her hand, and Hermione immediately missed the comforting warmth.
The Dark Lord, dressed in his usual black robes, smiled benevolently as they neared.
"I have a gift for you, Hermione!" He said, holding his arms open in a welcoming gesture.
"My lord?" she said, confused.
His red eyes glittered with something not quite humor. "Think of it as an early birthday present," he said.
Excitement- both her own and Bellatrix's- bubbled up, and she beamed at him, causing him to chuckle.
"You see, Severus? I told you children adore presents."
Snape looked as expressionless as ever, but he watched her carefully, his eyes never wavering from her face. "You did."
"I wanted to give it to you yesterday, but it did not arrive on time," he curled his lip in disgust for a brief instance, "it would have been a fitting end to our announcement. But as it is…" He clapped his hands briskly, and called out, "Wormtail, bring it out!"
She was aware of Bellatrix bouncing on the tips of her toes as the carriage house doors opened. Wormtail- wearing bandages from his fingers to elbows, puffed as he trotted out, yanking a long lead rope.
She gasped out loud.
Standing regally on the end of Wormtail's generous lead rope was the most beautiful pegasus she had ever seen in her life. It's coat was dapplegrey, his mane several shades darker, and glossy. Dove grey wings were folded tightly to his side, and he ruffled them as he tossed his head up and down.
Shrieking, Wormtail backed up, and Bellatrix burst into laughter at his apparent terror.
Long, slim fingers came to rest on her shoulder. "Do you like him?" asked Voldemort.
Forgetting herself entirely, Hermione flung her arms around him, "I love him!" she gushed, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Ever since she was a small child she had wanted a pegasus. She had always assumed it was a luxury that she would not be afforded until she was older. Though breeders were prevalent in France, their stock was usually the sturdier type more suited to pulling carriages and wagons. Those who bred the finer boned riding pegasi were more private, and foals- when they came- were incredibly expensive. Import taxes and licenses made it even more difficult to keep one in Wizarding Britain.
Suddenly remembering who she was hugging, she jumped back, her cheeks burning scarlet. "I'm sorry, My Lord," she said quickly.
He let out another one of his eerie chuckles, and pushed her forward, "No matter, my dear. Come, let's meet your new mount."
She held out her hand carefully, grinning as the pegasus snuffled her eagerly, and then leaned forward to nibble her sleeve.
"He's beautiful," she breathed.
Bellatrix, who was standing with Snape, added "Gorgeous."
"I'm told his name is Vercingetorix," said Voldemort, making no move to touch the animal. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, and observed through shrewd eyes. "A true warhorse. You will look glorious riding into battle on him."
Her hand, which had been stroking the pegasus' neck, froze. "My lord?"
"Imagine it," he said, smiling placidly, "Our shining warrioress swooping down on your silver steed to defeat the ragged army Dumbledore likes to pretend is our opposition. This is how you will capture their attention."
Her mouth felt dry. All pleasure she had felt moments earlier was draining rapidly.
"Stop it." commanded Bellatrix at once. "Don't think about your brother, or your precious Potter. Instead, think about the thrill of battle. The rush of winning as you lock in combat against those who would underestimate you. You'll never be seen as a porcelain doll after this! No, you will be one of the most iconic figures in the upcoming war. They will worship you, or they will cower with fear at the sight of you."
As Bellatrix spoke inside her head, Hermione felt herself slowly relax. She shoved all thoughts of her family and friends from her mind, until all that remained was Bellatrix, Voldemort, and their shared vision.
Once again, a grin stretched across her face, and she listened eagerly to Voldemort purr promises into her ear.
While the rest of the country was shrouded in mist Hogwarts remained cheerfully sunny that summer. On most days, it was a welcome relief from the crushing gloom.
On this day, Snape hated it. The mild sun and the rippling lake looked too happy to exist on such a day. He plowed forward, stomping through the castle and barging into the Headmaster's office without so much as a knock.
Always one to welcome a surprise, Dumbledore greeted Snape with a hearty "Severus! How good it is to see you! I was just about to ask the kitchens to send up some tea."
Snape ripped his cloak off and flung it onto his chair as Dumbledore made the request, then sat, and cradled his head in his hands.
"Is something troubling you, my boy?"
A dark laugh forced it's way out of Snape's throat, sounding half crazed amongst the peaceful whirs of Dumbledore's instruments. "We're going to lose her, Albus. We're going to lose her, and it's on your head."
The twinkling blue eyes blinked slowly in surprise, but Dumbledore said nothing as the tray arrived from the kitchens. With one hand, he poured tea for both himself and Snape, and pushed a tray of treacle tart towards the younger man. His ruined hand lay motionless on the table, covered in the salve and bandages that Snape had given him a few days earlier.
"He's grooming her to be an icon for his cause," said Severus miserably, ignoring the tart but lifting his teacup to drink. "I think he is doing it partially as a punishment to Lucius, as he intends to use the girl to make himself look more sympathetic."
"So he's taking a fatherly interest in her?" asked Dumbledore, his white brows knitted.
"Hah!" Snape cradled his cup between his hands, "I wish it were that simple. I think… He gave her a pegasus today Albus."
The white brows lifted in surprise, and Dumbledore set his cup down. "That's an extravagant gift."
"It was under the guise of a birthday gift, but you know him. He has this picture of himself as the budding Emperor. He's always loved the pageantry of the old legends. 'The Knights of Walpurgis', the Eaters of Death, these are all taken out of the Song of Lothar," he said, recounting an old myth about one of Slytherin's sons. The tale had been popular for centuries among elite Pureblood families (particularly those who claimed descendancy from Slytherin) but it had fallen out of popularity a century before Severus had been born. One of the only remaining copies was in the Hogwarts Library. It was the perfect story for a young, muggle-hating boy. Lothar was powerful, vanquishing muggles, defeating foes, and building an Empire in central Europe. "You'll recall that Lothar gave his betrothed a grey pegasus?"
"You don't think-" Dumbledore looked horrified.
A headache was beginning to form between Snape's eyes. Frustrated, he pinched the bridge of his nose. "I don't know what to think anymore. A year ago I would have laughed in your face if you had suggested such a thing. But now he has this deranged picture of himself as a liberator. I think his mind is starting to slip." He took a deep breath, "He is… fond… of Hermione. I think he likes the way she makes him view himself. I wouldn't be surprised if he decided…"
The room collapsed into silence. Dumbledore stared very hard at something on the far wall, and Severus tried to keep himself from shouting that it was all the Headmaster's fault.
Over the years, Snape had come to love the girl as a niece. He had spent countless nights by her side as he treated the symptoms that came from her connection to Bellatrix, and countless days had been spent in the company of the Malfoys, sharing in their successes and their sorrows. He could barely restrain himself when the Dark Lord looked at her with those calculating red eyes. It took all of his training to keep from flinging himself between the two. It was bad enough that Bellatrix-
He swallowed hard. He did not like her relationship with the dark witch either. It was bad enough that the two shared their connection, but when he looked at the fond way the two looked at each other, the way Bellatrix's eyes softened when she spoke about the girl…
"Does he love her?" asked Dumbledore. His eyes were cloudy as he gazed levelly at Severus.
Snape could not stop the scoff. "Of course not! He is incapable of love. I think he enjoys her company the same way he enjoys Naginis, and even he is aware of the way that he is viewed. A twisted…" he took a breath, calming his thoughts. "I think he views her and sees everything he can never have again. Beauty, youth, the strong support of a prestigious family name. He thinks if he can possess her, he can possess what she has. He's always been something of a collector."
"But marriage? Surely he wouldn't dream of pursuing Hermione."
Nausea roiled in his stomach, but he kept his face steady, "Wouldn't he? Has anything ever stopped him from what he wants? He's different from before, Dumbledore. I truly believe he is going mad. And if he sets his sights on Hermione I don't see how anything can be done to stop him. Not without removing her from your little game entirely."
Another long silence stretched between them. The headmaster removed his glasses and sighed.
"I trust her." said Dumbledore slowly.
Shaking himself from his thoughts, Snape peered wearily up at the Headmaster. "Hermione?"
Nodding, Dumbledore traced the feather of his quill with his good hand. "She has always been a good girl, and she's been raised right. I trust that she will make the right decision when it comes down to it."
"Down to what?" snapped Snape, "You do realize that there's a very real chance that he will seek an engagement with her, and when that happens there will be no refusal." This was going to kill Lucius, he was certain of it. Perhaps it was a good thing that his friend was in Azkaban, far away from the madness that was brewing.
Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully, and leaned back to take a sip of his tea. "Like I said, I trust Hermione. She will do the right thing. And besides," the twinkling in his eyes had returned with a vengeance, "you do remember that when Lothar fell, it was at the hand of his wife?"
Snape scowled, "You made that up. That's not in the book."
Dumbledore shrugged, "It's not in the book, but before the book was the Song. It was my mother's favorite, and by consequence it was mine as well. Trust her, my boy. She will not betray us."
But, as Snape lay in his bed that night, he could not shake the feeling that they were the ones betraying her.
Hermione had never felt so free in her entire life.
Vercingetorix soared above the countryside, safely hidden by a disillusionment charm. He was smoother than Buckbeak, his muscles rippled beneath her as he swooped higher into the clouds. A gleeful laugh escaped her, and she leaned forward, urging him to go faster.
She had never been comfortable with flying. Broomsticks always made her feel like she was about to fall off, but years of equestrian training at her mother's insistence had made her an expert rider. It also helped to have Bellatrix sitting behind her, directing them towards the Hunting Lodge. It had been decided that Vercingetorix should stay there for the time being, at least until Hermione could talk to her mother about the gift.
Bellatrix laughed in her ear as Vercingetorix took them through a mass of clouds, and a warm feeling entered Hermione's stomach. The other witch was pressed against her back, her arms wrapped around Hermione's waist. Her shoulder tingled from where Bellatrix's chin rested against it.
"Faster," Bellatrix urged, and Hermione grinned, squeezing her legs against Vercingetorix's sleek sides.
He gave a powerful flap of his wings, sending a gust of wind against her face, and lowered his head as he sped through another bank of clouds.. It was incredible! Her heart swelled with joy, and she felt Bellatrix's arms tighten around her, the dark witch muffling a delighted shriek in the brunette's shoulder.
This is amazing! She gushed, her fingers tangled in his mane. I never want to stop!
But all too soon, the lodge was in sight.
Rabastan, lying on his back behind the garden fence, sat up and let out a whoop as he spotted them. His boyish expression one of absolute glee as he ran to meet them.
Vercingetorix landed nimbly on the garden path, and pranced in place as he took in his new surroundings with pricked ears.
Bellatrix laughed, and jumped off, landing in Rabastan's waiting arms.
"This is incredible!" He laughed, Running forward to help Hermione down. "What a beauty! Is he yours, Bells?"
She shook her head, grinning, "He's Hermione's."
"Wow!"
Hermione grinned, and watched Rabastan circle the pegasus.
"Rab, do you think you could take him to the old barn? I prepared the box stall for him this morning."
He looked like Christmas had come early. Hastily, he summoned a halter and lead rope from the 'old barn' (it was a handsome brick structure that looked pretty new to Hermione) and trotted off, taking the pegasus with him.
"That was… I mean... " Hermione grinned breathlessly at Bellatrix, and the older witch grinned back. The wind had pinkened her cheeks and tangled her hair, and Hermione was suddenly struck by how beautiful she was.
"I think the word you're looking for is breathtaking," purred Bellatrix, her chocolate eyes sparkling.
Hermione swallowed hard, and could not remember how to speak. She was suddenly aware of how low Bellatrix's robes were cut, and how plump her bottom lip looked as it curved into a smile.
"Cat got your tongue, Doveling?" asked Bellatrix innocently as she stepped closer.
Hermione could do nothing more than gaze back at her. She was certain that her face must be as red as Ron Weasley's hair.
Bellatrix slowly lifted her fingers, and traced them along the edge of Hermione's jawline. Hermione's breath caught in her throat and she froze as Bellatrix pressed a searing kiss to her cheek.
"Come," whispered Bellatrix huskily as she pulled back. "Let's say goodbye to your new pet before I take you home."
Later that night Hermione lay in her darkened room with a snoring Turnip. She stroked his sky blue-and-pink fur idly, brushing her hand every once in awhile against her cheek.
For once her thoughts were not on the coming war, but on the feeling of Bellatrix's cheek against hers as they soared carelessly over the world.
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you all enjoyed the newest chapter, I thought we were due for a little fluff. I love reading your reviews, they always make my day. Please keep them coming!
Is anyone else super excited for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child? My sister and I are going to the midnight release. It's a tradition after all ;)