Hey guys. So this is the last of the 'prologue' chapters, or i suppose they are kind of cannon diverging set up chapters? I dont know. Either way Main plot really starts in the next chapter of this fic so for those who have survive through all this reiteration and blah blah blah thank you and i hope you enjoy what is to come.

Reviews welcomed. Encouraged even as they have so far all been so lovely.

It was two days before Valentines day when it happened, Severus Snape had been present for a meeting of the inner circle, an exchanging of information and plans. Nothing terribly important aside from the plans involving Draco to get into the school, Severus admitted that the idiot boy refused his help, wanting to prove his worth himself it seemed. Bellatrix interjected where she thought was appropriate though really she was bored and ready for it to be over. When it was she had been ambushed by Severus.

The Potions Master had been lurking in the shadows and Bellatrix had been eagerly heading to her room so she could write to the little witch she was fast becoming so devoted too. A firm hand curled around her arm and yanked her into an empty guest room, the sound of locks sliding secure and the obvious sound of 'swish' as a silencing charm was cast followed her into the room. Bellatrix turned wand in hand ready to attack only when she saw Severus she heaved a sigh instead of a spell.

"What do you want Severus?" Bellatrix asked frustrated, she had never particularly liked the man.

"I want you to leave Granger alone. I know you've been communicating with her." Severus sneers at her immediately, straight to the point.

"What business is it of yours?" Bellatrix instantly bristled.

"She's my student and she doesn't need you messing with her emotional stability." Severus practically growled.

Bellatrix stepped back and looked at Severus for a moment with wide eyes before they narrowed, in the end she startled him when she started to cackle loudly. She was mumbled and laughing and shaking her head and Severus simply stood there looking completely perplexed by this reaction and didnt know what to do other than sit and wait for the crazed witch to calm and explain herself.

"Me? Mess with her emotional stability?" Bellatrix gave him a look like he was stupid.

"That is what i said..." He drawls trying not to sound confused.

"You're a fool Severus. You should try really looking at that young woman, i mean if you really care. That one has no emotional stability." Bellatrix shook her head and made her way for the door.

"What do you get out of a friendship with her?" Severus asks before she could leave and Bellatrix looked at him over her shoulder.

"She's my sanity." Was the last she said before heading out of the room and ending the conversation, she hoped for good.

Hermione had barely been up a half an hour on Valentines morning when she was cornered by Cormac. For the most part his attempts had been rather tame. Now he had her baled up in the corner of the Gryffindor common room before she could even make it to the portrait to get out and she really wished he would lay off the cologne. Or back up several feet, either would suffice.

"Hermione... was hoping i would catch you. So, you. Me. Hogsmead? What do you think? I'm thinking lunch, maybe a private walk around the village." Cormac begins before Hermione can even get a word in edge ways.

"Uh... Sorry... I have plans." Hermione frowned and tried to step past the over eager lad.

Cormac wouldn't have it though as he moved with her keeping her backed against the wall which she didn't like one little bit. Of course he didnt care as he continued to ramble on about how she didn't need to play hard to get anymore and that he would show her a good time if she would just give in like he knew she wanted to. She tried not to gag which worked thanks to the fools next words.

"Ron already told me that you're just pretending to have a boyfriend so i'll try harder. Baby just go out with me." Cormac says moving closer, she could feel the heat from his body and didn't like it at all.

"Ronald is a comp- Mphf." Hermione was cut off by the sudden oral onslaught by Cormac.

Hermione was just about to push him off and curse or hex him when he stumbled back with a yelp of pain. He gripped at the underside of his chin and frowned. Hermione didn't understand what was happening until the small snake pendant around her neck struck out Cormac again causing him to stumble back. Hermione looked down as the snake, seemingly satisfied, coiled back into its original position and became still again. Cormac looked daggers at the little thing and then glared at Hermione as his face broke out in pimples.

"You could have just said no! Now look at me!" Cormac snapped running his hand over his face as more and more little zits appeared.

"I did!" Hermione shouted after him as he ran off, presumably to try and stop his endless breakout.

Hermione made her escape quickly after her run in with Cormac, she stopped in a bathroom and rinsed her face and mouth and then went down to breakfast. She ate quickly, talking with only Harry and Ginny and blatantly ignoring Ron who really didn't even seem to notice anyway. Once that was done they headed down to the village enjoying the pleasantly mild February day.

They spent most of the morning doing the usual rounds, the Joke Shop and then Honey Dukes before deciding to go back to the Three Broomsticks for butterbeer and lunch. Hermione, feeling the fifth wheel, made her excuses to Harry and Ginny and headed off to Scrivenshafts. She needed more parchment and ink and it was a good excuse to get away from the group. She needed to go to the shrieking shack.

The disappointing part of the day came when Hermione made it too the Shrieking Shake and found no sign of Bellatrix, she waited outside for a few minutes before going in. Inside there was sign that she had been there but was no longer in the area. Instead she found a box about the size of a shoe box and on top was a card and a small red rose. Frowning Hermione made her way over and lifted first the rose, as a smile crossed her features, and then the note.

Ma loup,

I am beyond sorry that i could not be there today as i had so wanted. I miss being near you, the sound of your voice and the feel of your warmth. Unfortunately the leader of the apocalypse requested the presence of the inner circle and i had no valid excuse that would have saved me from the Cruciatus. I beg you forgive me my cowardice.

As for the box i must confess the idea was my baby sisters and i hope you do not find it frightening. I personally quite enjoy whats inside but know it is not for everyone. Little Sis how ever insisted on a far more Slytherin gift than the little trinket i had sent. If you do not like this gift LS suggested you give it to the young drake.

I will be waiting eagerly for this evening and do so hope you have a good day and miss me just a little bit.

I adore you,
Mouse

Hermione smiled feeling better already just from getting such a sweet note from the witch she was fast becoming to adore above all others. Smiling still she set the note down and the rose beside it before looking at the box. There were small holes in it and it wasnt wrapped in any sort of paper which would have been odd for Bellatrix so it made sense to Hermione. Reaching out Hermione carefully lifted the lid to the box and gasp softly. She didnt even hesitate to reach in.

Lifting her hand Hermione held within a small gorgeous little ball python. Hermione had always liked snakes, it was another of those things that set her apart from her peers and something she kept solely to herself after learning of the whole Slytherin part of the Wizarding world. Yet she had always liked snakes and read several books when she was younger regarding snake types and their preferred habitats and diets. Never had she owned one though and secret Ball Pythons were a favourite. Looking back into the box she could see a shrunken tank that looked like a fully set up terrarium and in the bottom of the box was another piece of paper.

Hi! My name is Snowflake. (Little Sis named her)

I'm a low-pied Vanilla ball python and i like eating pinkies! (supplied in a shrunken box in the terrarium)

I'm magically tied to you as any other companion or familiar would be.

I should live for a very long time and i dont need to eat again this week.

I hope you love me, little wolf!

Hermione chuckled at the little note and smiled brightly, the snake was very small and likely was only born within the past 6 months. She was a calm little serpent and Hermione couldn't help but stare happily at the small creature, it really was a beautiful animal with its natural pattern being broken up by the pure white spots over its body.

"Well Snowflake... i think i like you very very much." Hermione smiled warmly and the little creature tilted her head looking at her sweetly.

Bellatrix had been delighted to learn that Hermione was actually fond of snakes. Narcissa was both pleasantly surprised and slightly annoyed that Hermione liked the snake so much. Ultimately though things were going well, Severus would Glare at Bellatrix during the meetings but would otherwise not comment or attempt to pull her aside. Albus and Minerva spoke about the worrisome friendship only between themselves but left Hermione too it. They didn't know of the journal or the few times they had managed to be together.

Cormac McLaggen refused to go anywhere near Hermione if she had that 'fowl serpent' around her neck and the only time she didn't wear it was to bed. Ron and Lavender mostly kept to themselves but Hermione continued to enjoy her friendship with Harry. She had worried for Draco when learning Harry had used that stupid spell out of that strange book, only later learning the Half-Blood Prince was Severus Snape. When the attack happened at the school Hermione had been beside herself with fear both for her and her friends and for her Mouse. When Harry had said Bellatrix had left with Draco and Severus she had been relieved only for a short while. Albus Dumbledor was dead and this news was both horribly upsetting and terribly concerning.

Albus Dumbledor's death set things in motion for Hermione and the rest of the world. Hogwarts was no longer safe so there was no doubt Hermione would not be returning the following year, yet she suspected she would have been staying with Harry either way. Most devastating was the only resolution Hermione could come too that would for certain keep her beloved mum and dad safe. She could see no way around it and there for on the morning she was set to leave for the Burrow she regretfully completely removed herself from the lives of her adopted mother and father and planted the memory of wanting to sell the house and move Australia. The Grangers became the Wilkins'.

Being at the Burrow without Harry was only bearable because of the frequent visits from Sirius and presence of Ginny. They no longer started at the sight of Snowflake who would either find somewhere warm to curl up or be wrapped around Hermione's wrist or tucked somewhere closer to her body so as to stay warm. The days dragged on regardless as Molly had them all working on preparing for Bill and Fleur's wedding. Things were dull until the evening of the Order meeting, there was many arguments until finally dates and plans were set to collect Harry. Six volunteers were gathered and seven able bodied fighters with them and they made their way to 4 Privot Drive.

Once Harry was there things were a little better but the looming war was a damper on most festivities. The wedding was amazing and Hermione had genuinely enjoyed it but she knew it wouldn't last. She knew because Bellatrix had told her, it was the only reason she had everything packed and ready for their quest, so they could leave on a moments notice. Explaining it as Paranoia was simpler than explaining she involved with a woman on the dark side. Living in a tent with two moody teenage boys almost made Hermione wish she could be on the other side of the war.

Yet she planned and they failed but the few small victories they had were enough to keep them on course. Ron had strayed for a short while but returned, redeeming himself by saving Harry from drowning in the frozen pond. They plotted they planned and ended up captured, it was the worst situation Hermione could have thought of and not simply for her but for the woman she so adored. The torture was half hearted but the agony of the act ran deep, when Bellatrix carved her arm she had screamed and wept and refused too look. Only when she was at Shell Cottage, only after learning of Dobby's sacrifice, did Hermione let the hurt out.

It was while Hermione was out of it at Shell Cottage that things slowly started to come to light regarding herself and Bellatrix. She hadn't realise she was doing it but she was deliriously begging Fleur to get her her journal from her bag. As it wasnt something only readable by Hermione it wasn't hard for Fleur to be able to simply open the book an read what was so far unread.

Wolf! Please forgive me. I had to do it but i hated it.

Little Wolf please... please answer me.

Hermione...

Fleur was utterly perplexed and simply set the book aside when the messages had disappeared, the ink absorbed by the pages. Yet Fleur didn't judge as there was so obviously more going on here. Hermione slept for almost a full day before she woke from residual pain coursing through her body, Fleur was at her side mere moments after she woke and having her swallow a concoction of potions. One when she was calm was the journal bought to the little witches attention and Fleur felt sympathetic to see the fear in chocolate eyes.

"Did... did you read it?" Hermione asked weakly as she shakily opened to book. There were several more pleading lines that made her heart ache.

"Oui. She stopped calling you Little Wolf after ze second line." Fleur spoke gently and reached for something on the floor before settling Snowflake on the bed. The snake immediately moved up and curled around Hermiones neck where it was warm and the creature could feel her witches pulse.

"Do you know..." Hermione trailed off looking away ashamed. How could Fleur not know? She wasnt stupid.

"'ow long, 'Ermione? 'Ow long 'as zis... affair been going on?" Fleur's tone remained gentle.

"Since towards the end of my fifth year. We were stuck together in that room in the Department of Mysteries. We saw each others pasts, everything right down to our births. She isnt so bad, not really. Her insanity is the way she copes but she has never enjoyed what she does." Hermione explained, defending her witch.

"She did not know she 'ad any ozzer option. I understand. But 'ow 'as zis been possible? To be togezzer and so... impossibly apart?" Fleurs tone had turned thick with sympathy and it was that that made Hermione look up.

"She understands me. She knows me better than anyone else ever could. She makes me feel not so alone anymore." Hermione was weeping softly now and Fleur drew her wand and summoned in ink and a quill before gently pulling the journal from Hermiones grip.

"A future wiz 'er seems so impossible but... i will 'elp where i can and i 'ope you manage to beat ze odds. Now... what would you like me to write for you?" Fleur's smile was sad but her words were genuine. Hermione sniffled and half sobbed half laughed with relief. Along with Draco she now had Fleur Delacour in her corner.

Using polyjuice to become Bellatrix was odd, not bad really but it had Hermione's mind turning to things she hadn't really thought too much about before. She had read plenty about sex and all those other intimacies but other than a few fumbling explorations here and there but no one before Bella had really made her any more curious than she was before she looked through the book. Purely for learning. Now she was in Bellatrix's skin but was wishing she would get the chance to be in Bellatrix in different ways.

Putting her sexual fantasies aside Hermione didn't managed to pull off being Bellatrix but they did manage to get into the bank and down into the vaults. The poor disfigured dragon tugged and Hermione's heartstrings, it was an easy choice to make to risk herself, and the boys, to save that creature if it also meant saving themselves. Flying was still terrifying but it was also rather liberating considering the past year of their lives.

It was on the shore of the lake they had decided they needed to go back to the castle. Harry was convinced that one of the remaining Horcrux was in the castle though he just didnt know what it was. Hermione was both excited and fearful of going back to the castle, she really wanted to see Minerva, to know that she was safe or at least mostly safe. She was terrified because things were starting to feel final and that had her heart racing with worry and concern. Concern for Bellatrix.

Once in the village they were saved by Aberforth and then taken through to the castle. Reunions were had and though Hermione had tried so very hard not to acknowledge Minerva as her mother she knew, under it all, that she couldn't just turn a cold shoulder to it. But her heart did an undeniable flip when she saw the proud Scott. Severus Snape was over thrown and expelled from castle grounds as were the Slytherins. Wards were erected and defences set in place, people were scattered and bridges burned.

Ultimately it was all just a delaying tactic and it didn't last for long enough. Giants and spiders and wolves, oh my. They all invaded and people were killed. Hermione and Ron destroyed the cup with a fang and later the diadem was destroyed by wayward fiendfyre within the Come and Go room. Draco was saved and Hermione and he embraced much to Ron and Harry's confusion. She demanded he find some place to wait it out and with a nod Draco went to do just that. He wasn't a coward but he didn't want to die for this foolish cause.

They made their way to the Shrieking Shack where they witnessed the horrifying murder of Severus Snape, no matter how much of a prick he had been it was still a devastating blow, especially to Hermione who had always maintained his innocence. Still upset they returned to the castle and the battle, splitting up to help where they can. Harry learning of the grief that had twisted Severus Snape, the devotion he had to the right side because of the cruel actions of a mad man and his undying love for Lily Potter.

Ronald had gone to find his brothers and help were he could, he was rightly upset after seeing Lavender mauled to death by Fenrir Greyback. He was even more broken to learn of his brother Fred's death. Nothing could console the Weasley's when they learned of this death, the lose of such a free spirited and mostly honourable part of their family. Yet none were more devastated than George who lost the other half of himself.

Hermione on the other hand had gone to the hall to help the others, she was still trying to help when next she found Harry, now during the reprieve the Dark Lord had granted. He admitted, in their brief moment of mourning, that he had to go to Voldemort, he wasn't sure why but he had to do it. He was obviously killed yet when Narcissa went to check on him be was indeed alive. Lying for him was easy when she learned her son was safe, after all Harry was no different to Draco just a bigger target.

The ensuing battle, after the revelation that Harry wasn't after all dead like Voldemort had boasted, was savage and terrifying not only for the light but the dark as well. People were out for blood and this was the final battle, with Harry and Voldemort fighting against each other so ravenously. It was during this time that Hermione and Bellatrix found themselves duelling though half hearted it was.

It only got serious when Ginny stepped in thinking she was helping. The situation was made worse when an angry Molly stepped in to protect the girls. Molly managed to stun Bellatrix and it was then that Hermione knew she had to intervene, stepping in front of Molly with a fearful look. Molly was shocked, those witnessing this particular battle were all equally shocked, when Bellatrix stumbled and Hermione bolted straight to her, catching her before she could fall. Bellatrix blinked up at her as the affects of her stunner wore off.

"Little Wolf... my Lost Girl." Bellatrix cooed softly, relieved to see Hermione whole after seeing her near broken at her own hand.

"Bella... you have to go. We can kill him now, its no safe for you any more. Please go! Please, Mouse..." Hermione begs gently cupping the witches cheek.

Bellatrix regarded the little witch for a long moment, she had long thought her own life was forfeit, from the things she had done, but she had a reason to live and she was standing here right now. The pleading of the young woman she was hopelessly smitten with tore at any stubbornness she might have felt regarding fleeing this battle. Glancing around she could see they were drawing more and more attention, both Death Eaters and the Light were beginning to wonder at what was happening.

"You have to make sure Cissy lives. Please." Bellatrix begs in response.

"I promise. Now please, go." Hermione assures sincerely.

A moments hesitation.

"I love you, Little Lone Wolf." Bellatrix confesses now because she doesn't know when she might get another chance.

"I love you too, My Mouse. Now go." Hermione says gently and honestly.

Bellatrix leaned in and kissed the little witch, it was soft and sweet and cut all too short when suddenly Bellatrix was replaced by air. She was gone and Hermione hoped that meant she was safe.

I'd love to hear how you all feel about the 'valentines' gifts Bella/Cissa end up giving Hermione. The pendant i thought was a kind of cute idea as obviously it wont react that way for the person who gifted it to the wearer. The little snake though... I personally just love snakes and live in a really terrible state in Australia (Tasmania to be exact) as my state is something of a 'preservation state' and the import of live animals is restricted to only those with a commercial permit to own. ie; zoos and animal sanctuaries and such. I personally would love to have a Ball Python one day.

Thanks for sticking with me!