AN: Hey guys, so I got this out earlier than I imagined. It's been such a stressful week it's unbelievable and I'm surprised I've gotten anything done let alone managed to update but here you go! I apologise for any mistakes and I don't own Harry Potter! R&R more importantly enjoy! :)
Bellatrix and Hermione sat in silence. From the corner of her eyes, the dark witch could see the unease on her young lover's face. Smiling, she placed a pale hand upon the girl's knee, giving it a firm squeeze to reassure her as well as trying to keep her still.
'Relax sweetheart.' The dark witch whispered.
'I am relaxed.'
Dark eyes found hazel as Bellatrix's eyebrows rose, her knowing look fixed on the brunette.
The two witches were sat in a small waiting room at the Ministry of Magic. Thanks to Minerva McGonagall, Hermione was able to sit her NEWTS early, allowing her to continue life with her qualifications. It was the least the girl deserved after everything she had done for the wizarding world. Unlike the majority of her friends and peers the brunette felt compelled to finish her education properly. Hermione Granger wasn't one to quit or give up and this was no different. The girl wasn't prepared to let 8 years of intellect go to waste. She wanted a job because she was qualified for it, deserved it and worked hard for it; not because she was deemed a war hero.
Bellatrix knew the young witch had nothing to be worried about. She is after all, the brightest witch of her age. There was no doubt in the dark witch's mind that Hermione was going to pass every one of her NEWTS. The two witches had spent the last fortnight revising together to Bella's slight disappointment. She planned on spending every spare second worshipping the woman she loved instead she found herself at the centre of discussions on transfiguration theories, potion techniques and practicing charms. The dark witch knew how much Hermione wanted even needed to do this so she did everything she could to aid the young brunette, setting aside her over active libido the dark witch focused the majority of her energy on revision.
'Hermione Granger.'
Both women looked up at the same time. There was a rather short and portly witch with a clipboard looking in their direction. Bellatrix assumed she must have been Hermione's examiner so looked to her young love and smiled fondly, urging her to go.
'Good luck. Not that you need it H, you'll be brilliant.'
'Thanks.' Hermione muttered quietly before walking away with her examiner.
It was around 2 hours later that Hermione emerged from the room she took her exams in. Bellatrix was still sat in the same place, waiting patiently for the brunette to return. Onyx eyes flicked up at the sound of approaching footsteps and widened, waiting for the brunette to say something.
'It went better than I imagined it would.' Hermione smiled softly and held her hand out for the dark witch.
'Told you so.' Bellatrix smirked and took the offered hand, leading the girl to the nearest Floo.
'Oh shush.' The brunette smiled.
'Come little lion, we're on a tight schedule.'
'Why do we have to this tonight Bella?' The brunette groaned. She longed for some alone time with the dark witch.
'Because it's important I get to know your friends and they get used to me and my family. Lucius has already been warned so don't worry about him.'
Grabbing a handful of powder the dark witch urged her love into the fireplace.
'So how long do you have to wait 'Mione?' Harry Potter sat next to his best friend on one of the sofas in her new home.
'I'll find out at the end of next week.' The brunette replied.
'Wow! That's fast.'
'It's McG's doing, the woman is a miracle worker.' Hermione beamed as her eyes flicked up to her love who was in deep conversation with Luna and Fleur. Green eyes followed were hazel focused and Harry found himself scowling slightly.
'At least she's making an effort for you.' He commented.
'This is her Harry, she isn't making much of an effort. You need to stop seeing her as a psycho.' The brunette smiled sadly. She was glad Harry was sticking by her but she just wished he'd give Bella more of a fair chance.
'If she thinks tonight will go smoothly she is a psycho 'Mione.' Harry stated dryly.
'Just because you don't want to be nice to Malfoy.' Hermione smirked. Before Harry could even formulate a reply the brunette was on her feet. Looking across the room the raven haired boy noticed the flames in the fireplace turn green as one by one Bellatrix's family walked out. Bracing himself he stood making his way to the newcomers.
Almost immediately Hermione felt herself in the embrace of Druella Black.
'How did it all go today?' She queried.
'Merlin mother... You could have at least said hello before pouncing on our little lion.' Narcissa teased as she stepped around her mother to kiss the now blushing brunette's cheek.
Hermione stood aside to let the newcomers through whilst trying to fight her blush from spreading.
'Little Lion?' Bill raised his eyebrows.
Much to her disbelief Hermione's blush deepened and Bellatrix growled at her youngest sister.
'Have you not heard 'Mione's new nickname?' Tonks laughed.
'No. They hadn't.' Bella glared at her niece.
Hermione risked a glance around the room taking in everyone's reactions. Most looked amused whereas some like Harry and the twins looked utterly confused and shocked. Desperate for a change in topic the brunette chose this as the perfect time to show everyone through to the dining room where dinner was to be served momentarily.
The dinner itself seemed to be going well. Much better than either witch expected. There were no unsavoury comments and the awkward silences didn't last long. Hermione was thankful she had such amazing friends who would do so much for her. Both Fleur and Luna seemed to take pity on the brunette and sparked conversation whenever they could, even Fred and George did their best to keep the atmosphere light with talk of their latest range. The Black matriarch was dignified and respectful all evening, even joining in with the twins joking. Andromeda was her usual kind self along with Tonks. Neither Hermione or Bellatrix worried about those two as they already knew and got along with everyone. They were far more worried about the Malfoy's. Narcissa seemed to be a breath of fresh air to everyone. The facade of ice queen was well and truly gone and the true joker she was came out. Constantly finding something to tease the love-birds about or joking along with anyone willing. The Malfoy men kept to themselves. Lucius made no effort to regard anyone and ate in silence. Occasionally Draco would contribute to conversation but he too seemed rather withdrawn.
'What are you thinking of H?' Her love's whisper was barely heard over the chatter and laughter at the table.
'I just feel bad for Draco, he seems so lost and nothing that happened was his fault. He was a child like the rest of us. I tried talking to Harry about it but he's being stubborn.'
'Let me talk to Potter.' The dark witch kissed the brunette's cheek softly.
'That's not a good idea Bella.' Hermione tried to reason.
'Nonsense.'
Before Hermione could react the dark witch was already in deep conversation with her mother and Minerva.
After the table was cleared the guests all returned to the reception room. Bellatrix smiled as she watched everyone mingling and getting along. Everyone except Lucius and Draco who stood awkwardly to the side. Spotting the dark haired boy her lover was so fond of Bella seized her opportunity.
'Potter! A word.' The dark witch left no room for denial or question. She turned and walked into the kitchen with a confused Harry in tow.
'What can I do for you?' Harry tried his best to be polite to the dark witch but he fooled no one. The suspicion was evident in his eyes whenever he looked at the dark witch.
'You don't have to like me Potter, I couldn't care less if you did. You can hate me until your dying breath if that's what you desire but you need to brush up on your acting skills if that's the case.'
Utterly confused Harry stared at the woman.
'I'm not following.'
'Hermione loves you but she also loves me. You need to accept that this isn't some fling that will die out. We're both serious about this and nothing will change that. It's hurting her that you aren't making an effort. You are the only person she needs to approve so do her a favour and put your negativity aside. Talk to Draco, and learn to accept what's going on around you.'
'I uh... I'm sorry I guess. This is weird for me. Everything has changed so fast and she's my best friend. I couldn't bare it if anything happened to her.'
'I know Potter. I won't let anything happen to her I can promise you that.' Bellatrix's voice was laced with sincerity and Harry couldn't help but feel bad.
'Thank you Bellatrix.' The boy smiled slightly before turning to leave.
'Oh and Potter... Forget the Weasley girl. Its painfully obvious the Lovegood girl has it bad for you and she's much nicer.' Bellatrix smirked at the look of utter disbelief on the boy's face.
Before Bellatrix could leave the kitchen she found her path blocked by her youngest sister.
'Doing your duty as best friends lover I see.' The blonde remarked.
'Just telling him to grow up a bit. She dotes on him Cissy and he acts like a child half the time.' The dark witch sighed.
'But that's not what's really getting at you is it?'
Bellatrix didn't respond, her eyes suddenly became very interested in her hands.
'I know you Bella, I can see what's bothering you and don't let it.'
'What if in a few years she regrets this? She realises she loves either him or the Weasel... Or anyone else for that matter. What if she leaves?' The dark witch whispered.
'That's not going to happen. Look at everything she has done for you. She practically brought you back to life and fell in love with you twice. You're meant to be together. Anyone can see that. Potter is like her sibling so don't worry about that one. Weasel is pathetic and I can guarantee she thinks everyone else is in comparison to you.'
'Merlin I hope you're right Narcissa.'
'I am.' The blonde smirked before squeezing her sister's hand firmly.
Hermione felt her smile grow as strong arms encircled her waist. Leaning back against her love she sighed.
'Thank you Bella.'
'For what H?' The dark witch muttered while pressing a soft kiss to her neck.
'Everything, including that.' The brunette smiled and nodded to the far corner of the room. Harry was stood talking rather animatedly to Draco, both boys were laughing and smiling together.
'Ahhh it was nothing.' The dark witch smiled and tightened her grip on the brunette.
Both women took the time to look around their home. Lucius had left the moment Harry and Draco began talking. Now the room was filled with happiness and the atmosphere was totally relaxed. Hermione's heart swelled to see everyone she loved and cared about getting along so well. Those that weren't willing to even try and accept her love and life weren't missed in moments like this when everything seemed so right. She was exactly where she wanted to be and couldn't be happier. Turning around in her lovers arms she kissed her soundly.
The witches said goodbye to the last of their guests rather quickly. Both could feel the tiredness creeping up on them after such a long day. Hermione smiled fondly at the dark witch who was absentmindedly playing with her soft brown curls. Leaning in to the touch the brunette sighed happily.
'Bella do me a favour?'
'Anything.' The dark witch replied.
'Stay right here just a moment.'
Bellatrix had no chance to protest as the brunette sped off upstairs in record time. Smiling to herself the dark witch didn't move until her young lover returned.
'Care to explain your madness now?' She teased lovingly.
Hermione's face was serious as she gazed intently into onyx eyes.
'Bella...' Hermione spoke softly, her voice full of emotion. 'I love you, more than I ever thought was possible. This might seem too soon but I have loved you from the moment I first saw you. I would do anything for you, I would return to the 70's if I had too.' The brunette smiled fondly as her eyes began to glisten with unshed tears.
'I guess what I'm trying to say is that I never want to be apart from you. Bellatrix Black, will you marry me?' The brunette finished shyly as she pulled a small box from her pocket. Lifting the case she revealed a white gold ring with an emerald and ruby either side of a diamond in the centre. Hazel eyes sought onyx that were filled with love and devotion as the dark witch beamed.
'Of course I'll marry you!' Bellatrix gushed as she pressed her lips firmly against the brunette's.
Both witch's giggled as they pulled away and Hermione slipped the ring onto Bellatrix's finger.
'I honestly didn't think you were ready for marriage little lion.' The dark witch admitted.
'Neither did I.' Hermione chuckled softly. 'It sort of hit me tonight. I've had the ring forever. I kept it on me at all time from the other time so it was just waiting to be used.'
'I know what ring I want you to have. I've known since the moment our eyes met.' The dark witch smiled as she softly caressed the brunette's cheek.
'Let me guess... Family heirloom, diamond with the Black coat of arms only without the motto.' The brunette smirked.
'Alright cheeky I get it, you already know.' The dark witch winked before kissing the girl again. Tongues collided hungrily as things got more passionate. The dark witch pulled away and led the brunette upstairs to their bedroom. That night Bellatrix couldn't fight the beam that covered her face as she continuously made love to her fiancé.