Hermione woke to the sound of a soft buzzing by her head. With a groan she stopped her alarm and begrudgingly got out of bed. She had only slept 3 hours due to her night with Bellatrix and already she wished the day to be over. She quickly changed into her robes and made herself presentable before heading to the great hall.
Walking through the corridors left Hermione feeling nostalgic. She was happy to have graduated and left Hogwarts, her life had blossomed and she spared little thought for the old castle but now, she couldn't help but feel slightly sad. Some of the happiest times were spent within these walls; breaking countless rules, learning everything she could and forming relationships that would last a lifetime. All of the memories she held dear were yet to happen but to see the castle looking exactly the same made Hermione feel uneasy at first.
As she walked she noticed some of the portraits were missing from her time and some that she did not recognise. They all watched her closely as she passed, muttering amongst themselves trying to figure out who the 'newcomer' was. Hermione reached the great hall quickly as to avoid the rush of students making their way to breakfast. Minerva McGonagall was stood by the entrance seemingly waiting for her.
'Good morning dear.' The Scottish woman smiled warmly.
'Is it?' Hermione grunted in response as the two walked towards the staff table.
Minerva chucked slightly as she took a seat and beckoned for Hermione to sit next to her.
'I take it someone had a long night?' She smiled knowingly and nodded to the jug of coffee in the younger witch's hands.
'Yes, I suppose you could say that.'
'I have a free period this morning and I would like you to accompany me to my office so we can have a small chat. The headmaster announced to the school yesterday evening that you were my niece and here as my apprentice for a while.'

Breakfast dragged for Hermione who wanted nothing more than to retreat to her chambers and sleep. She had almost forgotten that Bellatrix had promised to write so struggled to hide her delight as an all black owl delivered a letter from the dark witch.

Hermione,
Last night was truly wonderful. I find it hard to believe that we have only just met, it feels as though I've known you for a lifetime. In terms of dinner, I will Floo by tomorrow night at 8 and I'll arrive in your aunt's office. As much as I want to see you sooner perhaps it is best if we both get a decent amount of sleep tonight. I look forward to seeing you.
Always,
Bellatrix

The letter had been read too many times to count by the time Hermione arrived at Minerva's office. She had cherished every word the dark witch had written and was running through possible replies in her head when Minerva started to speak.
'I assume that is from Miss Black.'
'Yes.' Hermione's voice was shy as she looked the older woman in the eye.
'I can't imagine how difficult this is for you Hermione but I do urge you to be careful. Bellatrix lives a dangerous life in this time.'
'Not only in this time Minerva, she's never been one to shy away from dangerous situations.'
Minerva smiled at the girl.
'I don't suppose she is. She was a bit of a troublemaker, always looking for an adventure and disregarding the rules. That however, is not entirely what I meant. I just want to make sure you understand the seriousness of the situation. She is believed by many to be a Death Eater, one of the most loyal even at her young age. Her parents have ordered her to marry Rodolphus Lestrange, the engagement was announced when she turned sixteen and the wedding is to take place this coming summer. I'm sure you know all about the Black family and its traditions as well as Bella's work for Lord Voldemort, I just want you to be careful. Time travel is dangerous and you have to take into consideration how your actions may alter the timeline. If you get too... Involved with Bellatrix now it may jeopardise her marriage to Rodolphus, changing the future as you know it. Not only that but the Lestranges' are a dangerous family Hermione, very dangerous.' Minerva's voice lost its warmth as she spoke. Now Hermione was looking into fierce green eyes and the stern face she was so used to seeing in her own time.
Part of her knew that Minerva was speaking sense but as Dumbledore said; everything happens for a reason. There is a reason she ended up here. There is a reason Bella is drawn to her and even if she tried, there was no way she could stay away from Bellatrix.
'I do understand what you're saying Minerva its just... There is a reason I ended up here. Merlin knows what that reason is but I have to do something. I know that things may change time drastically and I will be cautious but where the Lestranges' are involved, I could care less.'
'Well all I ask is that you remain cautious throughout your time here.'
With the more pressing issues out of the way Minerva McGonagall was able to relax. She spent a good hour getting know the brunette from the future and couldn't help but adore her. She understood exactly why her future self cared for the girl and found herself thinking that if she had ever been blessed with a daughter, she would have wanted her to be like Hermione.

The rest of the day passed quickly for the brunette witch. Her sleep deprived form collapsed into bed that night and drifted off almost instantly. The next day followed suit and before Hermione could register things it was time for her to go and meet Bellatrix. She had informed Minerva that the other witch would be arriving in her office and Minerva ensured that she would be busy drinking wine with Madame Pomfrey that evening. True to her word, when Hermione arrived at the Scottish woman's office it was deserted and her cabinet lacked a bottle. Hermione smiled before glancing in the mirror while she waited. She wore a simple black dress that finished just above the knee and clung to her figure in all the right places. She looked elegant and let her natural beauty show. Dead on 8 o'clock the fireplace flashed green and Hermione's breath caught in her throat. Bellatrix stepped out gracefully and beamed at the brunette witch waiting for her.
'You look stunning Hermione.' Bellatrix husked as she pressed a small kiss to the other girl's cheek.
'Thank you.' Hermione blushed. 'Words cannot describe how amazing you look.'
It was true. Hermione's brain was in overdrive. She could not string a sentence together that would describe how beautiful the dark witch looked. She had ditched the signature black look and wore a low cut emerald dress that showed just the right amount of cleavage. Similarly to Hermione's it finished at the knee leaving toned, pale legs on show.
Bellatrix chuckled and took the girl's hand in her own, smiling at the contact.
'Shall we.' The dark witch led the other to the fireplace and helped her in then grasped her arm tightly and stated their destination.

The two witches stepped out of a fireplace and into a grand reception room. A young man in a tuxedo came over to welcome them and show them to their table.
'Wow! This place is magnificent Bella.'
Bellatrix smirked in return as she sat opposite the girl.
After they had ordered their food conversation flowed. Hermione listened intently to stories of Bellarix's Hogwarts days and occasionally struggled to look shocked when the other woman stopped talking. Of course knew these stories, she'd heard them countless times and while they were entertaining her it was hard hiding the fact she already knew.
'What about you? You don't say much about yourself, only small things. I want to know everything about you.'
Hermione paused. What was she supposed to say?
'Well I was born on September 19th 1979 so not for another 7 years, I'm from 2000 you see, we are married but you were murdered by the man you're about to marry in this time. You divorced him immediately after the Battle of Hogwarts. My best friend killed Voldemort and we eloped. It was really romantic and we even talked about a family before you died.' No of course she couldn't say that. Bellatrix would take her straight to St. Mungo's and never see her again.
'There's not much to say really. I didn't get up to much at school.' Lies.
'My friends are pretty average people, nothing too interesting.' Lies.
'My life's been pretty boring.' Lies.
'Up until now that is.' Finally she could say something truthful.
'Oh and why's that?' Bellatrix smirked.
'Well I suppose it has a lot to do with the dark and mysterious witch that entered my life a couple of days ago. She's really beautiful and intelligent, witty, hilarious, I just can't get her out of my mind.' It was Hermione's turn to smirk now as she looked into the dark witch's eyes.
Bellatrix beamed at the girls words. Never before had she felt so happy. She reached across and took a soft hand into her own, keeping it there until after their desert.
'I'm not ready for this night to end. How about a walk?' Hermione enquired.
'I'd love to.'

A slight breeze blew as the two witch's walked hand in hand along the riverside. Street lights had illuminated the street and the water, along with the gentle glow of the moon and stars. Bellatrix stopped suddenly which surprised the brunette witch who had attempted to carry on walking. Before she had the chance to turn around she felt arms circle her waist, holding her closely. She felt her back pressed tightly against Bellatrix's front and she sighed contentedly.
'You see that star there.' Bellatrix pointed and waited for Hermione's nod.
'Thats my star, it's a tradition in my family to name a child after a star or constellation. My youngest sister Narcissa is the only exception.'
'I'll always look for it in the night sky to remind me of you.'
'You won't need reminding because I'm not going anywhere Hermione.'
The brunette witch turned round in the strong arms that held her and looked into almost black eyes. Tenderly she reached up and stroked a pale cheek.
'Im glad to hear it.' Bellatrix's breath deepened as she felt the girls whisper on her skin. Unable to resist any longer she slowly leaned in. Brushing her dark lips against pale pink ones. One arm remaining secure around the girl's body the other moving into soft brown curls. Slowly she pressed her lips against the ones in front. All nervousness vanished as she felt the other girl kiss her more firmly. Passion began to build between the two as their kiss deepened. Carefully Bellatrix slid her tongue against the girl's bottom lip, begging for access which was happily granted. Two tongues melted against each other and two moans collided. Both Bellatrix and Hermione felt a surge of electricity through their bodies as their tongues met. It spurred them on. Feeling considerably more confident Bellatrix let her hands explore the body pressed against her own. Breaking apart for air, dark eyes met hazel. In that moment it was as if the were the only two in existence. The world could cease to spin and the two would not care. The gazed lovingly at each other before their lips met again. Two bodies pressed close as if trying to merge into one as their hearts and souls had.

'Its getting late, I should take you back to the castle.' Bellatrix pressed a soft kiss to the girls lips.
'I'll apparate us.'
The brunette could only nod unable to form words or think of anything other than kissing the beauty in front of her again. For a sickening moment they were sucked into darkness and forced into light again as their surroundings changed. Tapping her wand on the gate Bellatrix gained entry and clasped her hand into the brunettes's before walking towards the light of the castle.
'I will see you very soon sweetheart.' Hermione's heart soared.
'Yes, you will.' Slowly and passionately she kissed the dark witch again before heading to her room. Climbing into bed Hermione began to cry. She cried from grief of losing her Bella, cried from happiness of being reunited with her, cried with the pain of having to lie and cried from fear of the future. She loved Bellatrix with all her heart and she was experiencing the feeling of falling in love with her all over again. Unsure of whether that was a gift or a burden the young witch fell asleep. Her dreams filled with the dark beauty she loved endlessly.