Weeks had passed and Hermione was getting more and more depressed. She loved her time at Malfoy Manor but soon she would be going to the Burrow and she wasn't ready for it. Here at Malfoy Manor she was accepted for who she was and while the Weasley's would accept her being muggleborn with no issues, they would not accept the dark magic she was learning.
It was her own fault for agreeing to go to the Burrow in the first place but it was a necessary evil. She'd firmly established herself as one of Harry and Ron's friends. Ron was even warming up to her more, which she found funny.
There were times when she wanted to give up on her plan and go back to being friends with Draco, Theo and Pansy. But she had come this far and she wanted to see it through. She owed it to Bellatrix and the Dark Lord.
There was a knock at Hermione's bedroom door. "Come in," Hermione called, not looking up from her book to see who it was. She was currently lying in bed reading one of her many new books before she eventually went to bed.
The door opened and Bellatrix walked inside. "We need to talk Hermione," Bellatrix told her.
Hermione marked her spot in her book and set it aside. "About what?" Hermione asked nervously. She was worried Bellatrix would tell her she no longer wanted to train Hermione or worse, see her. The very thought of that was devasting.
Bellatrix shut the door behind her. She grabbed the chair at Hermione's desk and moved it over to the bed. "Relax Hermione," Bellatrix said gently. She flicked her wand and copy of the Daily Prophet flew over to them. "Read the heading."
"Sirius Black escapes Azkaban," Hermione read. "I don't understand. Who is Sirius Black and how did he escape?"
"Sirius Black was the best friend of James Potter," Bellatrix answered. "How he escaped, I don't know, but escaping Azkaban is supposed to be impossible. Black was accused of selling out James and Lily Potter to the Dark Lord and killing twelve muggles, along with another wizard, Peter Pettigrew."
Hermione frowned. "Did he do it?" she asked. "Is he a Death Eater?"
"No," Bellatrix replied. "He's been firmly against the Dark Lord since he was in school. Black and Potter were as close as brothers. Black never would have betrayed him."
"Then why did he end up in Azkaban?" Hermione wondered.
Bellatrix shrugged. "Frame job most likely. I'm not entirely sure who, but I'm sure the Dark Lord will know. I do know you're not in danger from Black, nor is Potter. You should still be cautious though."
Hermione nodded. "I'll be careful. I promise. If he's a Black… that means you're related, right?"
"Yes, we are," Bellatrix confirmed. "He's my cousin actually. My father and his mother are siblings." Technically, her father and his father were also related since Orion and Walburga were also cousins, but there was no need to bring up the messiness of the Black family tree right now.
Hermione was surprised Bellatrix gave her that much information. She was planning on looking it up herself but was pleased it wouldn't come to that. It seemed Bellatrix was much more forthcoming with information when it didn't directly involve her.
Hermione had thought about confronting Bellatrix and telling her she already knew who Bellatrix was. But she decided against it. Mostly because she was interested to see how long it would take Bellatrix to come clean. So far it was looking like Bellatrix would never tell her. But that was okay. One day she would confront Bellatrix, but today wasn't the day.
"Why are you warning me about him?" Hermione asked.
"Because Black is Potter's godfather," Bellatrix answered. "It is likely Potter will learn about his relationship with Black and if Potter is anything like his father and godfather, then he is a hot head that prefers to act first and think later. He'll try to hunt down Black and I don't want you dragged into that mess."
Hermione was touched by Bellatrix's concern and unfortunately, she was probably right. Hermione would be dragged into Harry's drama. It was like the stone all over again and there wouldn't be much she could do to avoid it.
"Are you warning me to stay out of it?" Hermione questioned.
Bellatrix laid her hand over Hermione's. "As much as I would love to stay you to stay out of it, I won't, because I know you. You like Potter at least to an extent and you too much of a Gryffindor to not go off and help him, no matter how dangerous it is."
Hermione laughed. "Did you know the hat considered Slytherin and Ravenclaw for me?" Bellatrix stared at her in surprise. "It did. But it warned me I would be lonely in Ravenclaw and Slytherin…well it didn't go into details but I imagine it would have been bad at first."
Bellatrix squeezed her hand. "As much as I hate those reckless Gryffindors, I think you were meant to be there."
"Because of Harry?" Hermione asked.
Bellatrix shook her head. "No, because of you. Potter means very little to me," she admitted. "If it wasn't for the Dark Lord, he would have no importance at all. You are aware that one day the Dark Lord will kill him, right?"
Hermione shrugged. "It means little to me," she echoed. "He's nice and a decent friend but I know it won't last. I also know when it comes down to it, he'll choose Ron over me and that makes it easier. Why hasn't the Dark Lord killed him yet? I can understand not doing it during first year so he could keep his cover."
"A couple of reasons," Bellatrix said leaning back in her seat. "First, he doesn't want people to know he's back and attacking Potter would announce his presence. Second, Potter beat him at one years old. He wants to know why. Until he figures that out, he won't risk trying to kill him just yet."
Hermione nodded in understanding. Her eyes flickered to the book she'd been reading. "Am I keeping you from your reading?" Bellatrix asked amused.
Hermione blushed. "No, of course not," Hermione said and she meant it.
"I have something for you," Bellatrix announced. She withdrew a book she fashioned from her old notes. "You mentioned you were taking Runes this year." She handed over the makeshift book. "It's all of my notes from my third year. It should help you out with the class."
Hermione flipped through the notes in awe. Bellatrix had done a lot of work to prepare this for her. "Thank you," she choked out.
"Of course," Bellatrix said. She pulled out one more set of notes, for History of Magic. These were bound together. It was simply a stack of parchments. "These are the History notes, I know you're going to need."
Hermione laughed. Bellatrix knew her so well. "Thank you, for all of this," Hermione said gratefully. She placed the notes on the night stand for now. She would look over them later. She really wanted to finish this book before she left as she couldn't take it to the Burrow.
"You're going to the Weasley's soon," Bellatrix noted.
"Yeah," Hermione said trying not to sound too upset about it. "I don't want to go," Hermione admitted in a whisper.
She glanced at Bellatrix and saw the older woman had the same expression on her face as when the Dark Lord wanted to duel her for the first time. She looked like she wanted to protest but had to stop herself from saying something that was likely to get her in trouble. "You don't have to go," Bellatrix said slowly.
"I need to go," Hermione disagreed. "I was invited last year and managed to get out of it but I keep refusing, eventually Ron will stop asking. As nice as that sounds, I need to go."
"But?" Bellatrix prodded gently.
"But I don't want to have to hide who I am from them," Hermione confessed. "My knowledge in the Dark Arts would horrify Harry and Ron and that doesn't bother me. I feel comfort in them although I probably shouldn't. I've been trained by you and the Dark Lord himself. But all that has to remain hidden."
"It's not forever," Bellatrix pointed out. "One day the Dark Lord will take over and when that happens, you never have to hide again."
"What about you?" Hermione questioned.
"I won't need to hide either," Bellatrix promised.
"It's still a long way away," Hermione said sadly.
Bellatrix squeezed her hand again. "I know it seems that way. But you're still young. I imagine, by the time you finish at Hogwarts, the Dark Lord will have taken over and you will be beside him as one of his Inner Circle." It hadn't been discussed but Bellatrix was certain that was where Hermione belonged.
"Will I be beside you?" Hermione asked without thinking. She instantly regretted her words and blushed in embarrassment. "You…" she started to say but was cut off.
"I think it is entirely possible you will be by my side," Bellatrix said carefully. She could hardly believe what Hermione was implying. It was possible that Hermione simply didn't realize what she was saying but judging by the blush and her attempt to take back her words, Hermione knew exactly what she was saying. Which meant that Hermione had some type of feelings for her. Considering her age, it was probably a crush, that would only grow in time. It meant Hermione was that much closer to feeling the bond. She wasn't sure if she was happy about that or not. "Is there anything you wish to do before you leave?"
Hermione thought about it. They'd made two more trips to Knockturn Alley after the first one. Bellatrix had also taken her to Diagon Alley. Hermione hadn't picked up anything she needed for her third year because she was meeting the Weasley's at Diagon Alley before going home with them.
"No," Hermione decided. As much as she liked Knockturn Alley there wasn't a need to go back until the summer, or the holidays. "I'll be meeting the Weasley's in Diagon Alley. Everything I'll need can be picked up there."
Bellatrix removed a pouch from her corset. She sat it on the nightstand. "Gold for your school things," she explained. "There's plenty of gold there for you for everything, plus extra for your trips to Hogsmeade. Which reminds me…" She removed a scroll from her corset and placed in Hermione's lap. "Your permission slip to visit Hogsmeade."
The permission slip had troubled Bellatrix since it arrived. Only Bellatrix was able to grant Hermione permission to visit, if anyone else signed, the signature would be rejected and erased. The Head's didn't check the signature, they simply confirmed that there was one. But Bellatrix hadn't wanted to risk someone seeing her name on the parchment. So, with the help of some runes, she signed the slip and disguised her signature as Narcissa's. Because Bellatrix and Narcissa shared blood, it made it easier to hide the true signature.
Hermione unrolled the scroll and found Narcissa Malfoy scrolled elegantly on the form.
"Thank you," Hermione said gratefully. She would have to remember to thank Narcissa to.
"Hogsmeade is a rite of passage," Bellatrix said. "It would be criminal to deny you the opportunity to go." Bellatrix stood. "I will leave you to your book."
"Will you be back tonight?" Hermione asked hesitantly.
After three nights of nightmares, Bellatrix had spent most of the summer sharing a bed with Hermione. Hermione slept best with Bellatrix besides her and Bellatrix had to admit, she felt the same. "Do you wish me to return?" Bellatrix asked.
"Yes," Hermione responded.
Bellatrix cupped her cheek. "I'll return in an hour," she promised.
Bellatrix left the room and Hermione returned to her book.
Bellatrix wandered the halls of Malfoy Manor. She wasn't sure where she was going. There was much she needed to do. Lockhart was still in the dungeon. The house elves kept him alive but otherwise no one interacted with him. Bellatrix was still trying to come up with the perfect punishment for the man that tried to obliviate her bonded. Death was simply too easy for him.
Bellatrix grinned. That was it! He had no reservations about obliviating a second year and now… it was only fair to give him a taste of his own medicine. Bellatrix spun around and stormed off to the Dark Lord's office.
She knocked on the door and waited for the Dark Lord to grant her entrance.
"Bellatrix," he greeted. "Ms. Granger leaves in a few days. I wasn't expecting to see you until then."
"I will be returning to Hermione shortly," Bellatrix said. "There is something I wanted to discuss with you regarding Lockhart."
Tom gestured to the seat across from him. Bellatrix sat down while Tom summoned Lucifer to bring some Firewhiskey. The elf returned promptly with a bottle and two glasses. "I recall I told you Lockhart's fate is in your hands."
"Yes," Bellatrix agreed. She took a sip of the Firewhiskey before putting her glass. "I've spent most of the summer trying to determine the best punishment for him. Death would be too kind." Tom sat patiently waiting for her to continue. "The one thing he cares about above all else is himself. I want to take that away from him." Tom leaned forward interested. Personally, he preferred death mixed in with a bit of torture. But Bellatrix was far more creative then him, it was one of the many reasons she was his second. "At first I thought of taking a leaf out of my dear ex-husband's book and breaking his mind. But no, that's not good enough."
"An obliviation," Tom muttered.
"Not just any obliviation," Bellatrix said. "A dark one, a Black speciality. A normal obliviation can be reversed if done correctly. This is permanent," Bellatrix finished with a grin. A grin that would send anyone, minus Tom and Hermione, running.
"Very well," Tom said with a nod. "When do you plan to do it?"
"Before the end of the summer," Bellatrix answered. "I haven't decided on a specific day. But I wish to…display him somewhere to attract attention."
"Bella," he warned. "Everyone is looking for Lockhart. It was be suspicious if you display him somewhere. There may be concerns about Ms. Granger's involvement."
Bellatrix deflated. Tom was right and she wouldn't put Hermione in bad position like that. "Perhaps, leaving him in muggle London to wander would be better?" she suggested. "Eventually the Ministry will get involved and by then they may think Lockhart did it to himself."
"That is much for reasonable," he agreed. "Will you tell Ms. Granger?"
"After it is done, yes," Bellatrix replied. She had no desire to lie to her young bonded and she doubted Hermione would be upset regarding his punishment. If she was, well then Bellatrix would have to go and finish the job.
"What of her tutoring? Will you continue it into the school year?" Tom asked.
"Eventually yes," Bellatrix replied. "I plan to give her at least a month, perhaps two, to adjust to her new classes. If she's comfortable with it, then the lessons will be restarted."
"Our last training session, I had her go through the list of spells she knew," Tom started. "I was surprised by the selection. With the exception of Sectumsempra, most of the curses are just borderline dark. I'm sure you can understand my concern, especially when Ms. Granger herself has expressed interest in the Unforgiveables."
Bellatrix swallowed hard. She knew that was going to come back to haunt her. "Yes, My Lord," Bellatrix said. "I have no excuses."
Tom nodded slowly. "Yes, I can see how that might affect your teaching. Teach her the Imperius curse this year," he said firmly. "The Cruciatus curse can wait. I have a feeling she'll have more creative ways to torture. I will be teaching her the killing curse next summer."
"Yes My Lord," Bellatrix said bowing her head. She wanted to ask but she dared not.
"Ask the question I know you're dying to ask," Tom said.
"Why is it you want to teach her the killing curse, my Lord?" Bellatrix asked hesitantly. She braced herself, waiting to be cursed but it never came. He didn't even pull his wand out.
"Tell me Bella," he said. "Are you willing to do whatever it takes for her to learn that spell?"
Bellatrix looked down. "I would teach her to the best of my ability," she said firmly. "But I will admit I am hesitant to teach her some of the darkest spells. I do not wish her to become like I was before you saved me."
Tom frowned. "You've kept in her check, right?" he asked. Bellatrix nodded. "Then there should be nothing to worry about. I am capable of keeping her under control. I did the same for you if you recall." Another nod. "You wish her to remain a child."
"I do," Bellatrix admitted in a whisper. "It's foolish I know but soon the war will be going full force. She wants to fight, for you, and I'm glad but I can't help but wonder what the light side will do when they find out."
"They won't kill her," Tom said confidently. "You know they don't believe in killing. It is why the first war went the way that it did. No, they'll try to save her and perhaps you if they are to learn about the bond."
Bellatrix snorted. There was no saving her. But she wouldn't be surprised if Dumbledore tried. He believed love was the greatest magic of all. The love between soulmates was said to be even stronger. It would be great for the light side… if they weren't dark witches.
"A failsafe to protect her," Bellatrix decided. "I'll teach her the Imperius curse this year and the Cruciatus curse next year or the summer after," she promised.
"Good," Tom said with a nod. He was confident she would follow through on her promise and not just because he would punish her if she didn't. "Go back to her. I won't have need of you until she leaves."
Bellatrix hurried out of Tom's office. She would deal with Lockhart later. For now, her young bonded was more important.
When Bellatrix returned to Hermione's room, she was surprised to find Hermione fast asleep with the book still open in her hands. Normally, Hermione would stay awake until she returned, no matter how late it was.
Bellatrix shut the door behind her and transfigured her clothes into a more appropriate night gown. She walked over to Hermione and gently pried the book from her hands. She marked the page and placed it on the nightstand before crawling into the bed beside her. Even in her sleep Hermione could feel Bellatrix's presence. She automatically shifted closer to the older witch. Bellatrix flicked her wand on last time to extinguish the lights. She wrapped her arms around Hermione and closed her eyes.