As always I apologise for any mistakes and I do not own Harry Potter. Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, followed, favourited and read. I hope you all enjoy and i would love to see some more reviews, nothing too harsh though I'm still a newbie writer :)

'Well my friends, I think that is quite enough business for this evening. We'll meet again on Thursday at the home of the Weasley's. The Burrow for those of you who intend to Floo. Good night.'

Hermione watched as Dumbledore rose and briefly spoke to each member before they left. He spent more time conversing with Bellatrix and not for the first time that evening Hermione found herself staring at the dark beauty. However, a soft Scottish voice behind her dragged her from her daze.

'Would you like me to show you to your room Hermione?' Minerva kept her voice low to avoid being overheard. She couldn't begin to comprehend how the girl was feeling. She had thought it best to warn the brunette that Bellatrix would be there but as usual Albus got the final word. He thought it best to see how events unfold without their interference.

'No thank you, I know how to get there. Good night Minerva.' Hermione faked a smile before heading for the door. Her mind was reeling, the sooner she left the room the better.

Just as she reached for the handle the door opened. Glancing up to see who had opened it she was met with dark and mysterious eyes. Snapping from her reverie Hermione nodded politely, unsure of whether her voice would betray the ache in her heart.

'Miss McGonagall isn't it? I'm Bellatrix Black, it's a pleasure to meet you.' The dark witch offered her hand to the girl and smiled.

'The pleasure is all mine Miss Black.' Hermione's voice came out like a whisper as she gently held the hand offered. The feel of Bellatrix's soft skin caused a flurry of butterflies in her stomach.

'Please, call me Bella.' Bellatrix's own voice seemed to lack it's usual confidence as the girls skin came into contact with her own. The feeling was indescribable, she wanted nothing more than to desperately cling to the shy girl. Reluctantly, she let the girl have her hand back and immediately regretted it.

'I was wondering if you'd care to join me for a walk on the castle grounds?'

'I'd love to Bella.' Hermione couldn't have stopped herself if she tried. Her Bella was here, alive and she had the opportunity to spend time with her. There was nothing she wanted more.

The two witches strolled casually towards the black lake. It was a warm evening and the sky was clear, the stars visible and the moon bright.

Hermione was listening carefully to the stories of Bellatrix's background and childhood. Obviously she knew practically everything about the woman but still she listened with rapt fascination. Everything about Bellatrix was fascinating and she could listen to her speak for hours on end and not tire.

'So you're good old McG's niece... What's that like?'

Hermione chuckled.

'Exactly the same as being anyone else's niece. It only seems different to you because she taught you transfiguration.'

'I suppose you're right. It's still weird though, did she ever transfigure you when you did something wrong? I can imagine a child coming in late for dinner and being turned into a frog.'

'Nice cliche with witches and frogs but no, she never turned me into anything.' Both witches laughed freely. Sure, they'd only just met in this time but Hermione loved everything about Bella and she had known her a lot longer in her own time.

When the laughter subsided the two found themselves skimming stones across the lake, hoping to catch a glimpse of the giant squid that Bellatrix had just informed Hermione of.

'Something tells me he's not coming out to play.' Bellatrix looked almost sad at the idea and quickly hid her expression when she noticed the hazel eyes upon her and a playful smile on the girls lips.

'Not that it matters I just thought it would be interesting for you. As far as I'm aware there are no giant cephalopod's in the lakes at Beauxbatons.'

'As far as I'm aware there aren't either... It's ok though, you'll just have to show me another time.'

Bellatrix's face lit up. The girl wanted to see her again, surely that was a good sign. Now she was happy the squid hadn't bothered to surface, she would use any excuse to spend more time with Hermione.

Neither woman realised how much time had passed as they lay by the lake. Over time their bodies had become closer, seeking warmth as the night grew colder as well as secretly wanting to be as close as possible. Their fingers automatically entwined and Hermione's head was resting gently on the dark witch's chest. The rise and fall of her breathing along with the steady thump of her heart was calming and Hermione felt the happiest she had in weeks. Bellatrix was glowing with happiness as she wrapped her free arm around the girls back. If ever asked she would say it was to keep warm but truly it was to keep the girl as close as she could. The lay for hours, talking about everything and nothing until they noticed the sky lighten as the sun threatened to rise and end their night.

'Come, I do not want to be on the receiving end of McGonagall's rage if she finds out I kept you out all night. I had enough of that when I was a student.' Bellatrix smirked as she slowly got to her feet and extended her hand to the brunette and lifted her off the floor.

Hermione giggled and looked into the familiar dark eyes.

'Thank you, I had a lovely time.'

'As did I Miss McGonagall. I was... Hoping maybe you'd uh, if you wanted we could... Go to dinner tomorrow night?'

Hermione grinned, not only at the date Bellatrix was offering but at how shy she became when asking. She was the only one who ever saw that side to her Bella. Not even Andromeda and Narcissa had seen the sister fumble over her words and blush like a schoolgirl.

'I could think of nothing better.' The brunette replied.

'Brilliant! I'll let you go and get some sleep Hermione. You can expect my owl at breakfast.'

'Good night Bella.' Hermione slowly leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to the dark witch's cheek before walking back towards the castle. Her heart was beating crazily and her stomach did flips as she walked away. Well aware of the dark eyes that watched her leave.

Safely closing the door to her room Hermione began to giggle and fell onto the bed. A massive smile refusing to leave her face as thoughts of Bellatrix swam through her mind.

Bellatrix Black watched the girl leave. Her heart melted and her hand subconsciously rose to touch the spot the girls lips had been. Her body, mind and soul were elated at the thought of seeing the girl again. Apparating home she headed straight to bed. Her night filled with dreams of soft brown hair and hazel eyes.