Hey folks. Next chapter for you.
I just want to address a couple of comments about my fics. Its been acknowledged that i have a lot of repetitive paragraphs i guess and that this is for filling out word count or what not. I just want to say that this is not intentional, i don't do this to fill out a chapter or what ever and if it bothers you i don't do it to bother you. I tend to write it how i think it and i tend to go over things in my mind as i write. I like detail, as much as possible because i like not to have gaps in my plots to i try to give as much detail as possible about something. I don't like explaining something in a single line.
Anyway on with the chapter. Reviews highly encouraged and its quite possible you may be able to figure out the biological dad here so let me know what your guesses are if you like.
Enjoy. Hopefully.
It wasn't until later that night, after talking with Fleur and Narcissa and filling in Bill on the castle repairs, that Hermione let her emotions in and let them reign for a little while. She wasn't much of a crier even having struggled with her depression for so long, too afraid of being caught and having to explain what was wrong. Tonight though, she couldn't stop the tear that streamed down her face silently and into her pillow. Tears for the dead and tears for the living, tears for the lost friendships that had meant so much to her and tears for the inability to really help the one she most wanted with her in that moment. Tears for the loss of her parents.
What she wanted most was to simply be held, preferably by Bellatrix but her mother would do, either of them in that moment but unfortunately she couldn't have that. She wanted so badly to make things right, after all the war was over and things could finally happen now. Without the threat of war looming over them anymore things were possible now, it was completely reasonable to make plans without them being 'what-ifs' and pipe-dreams. For Hermione though it seemed her hopes and dreams were still airing on the impossible side.
Not having heard from Bellatrix all day was only making things worse for her mood and added to the tears. Tears that continued to spill until she had nothing else left and finally fell into a restless sleep. She over slept the next day but the others didn't seem to mind and when she was up and about it was clear to the others that she was deteriorating. They didn't say anything for fear of making it worse and hoped it was only a one day thing and that she would be better the next day. When she wasn't they weren't sure what to do.
It went on like this for a week, they would split up and go their own ways during the days. Draco and Hermione to the school and Fleur and Narcissa doing... well secret things. The castle was almost back to 100% by the end of the week with just having to repair and clean within the class rooms and recast any wards that had been brought down by the Death Eaters. Small things that let the younger students return to their homes or begin the search for their families while the older ones applied some of the magic they had learned through the years being taught there.
Kingsley Shacklebolt, acting-Minister of Magic, officially appointed Minerva as head of Hogwarts while Horace was confirmed to be returning as Potions Master. A Defence Against the Dark Arts professor had yet to be found but there were still several weeks available for screening potentials. Regardless of all of this it was confirmed as early as one week after the Battle of Hogwarts that the school would be reopening that same year. Hermione was excited by this as she had already been told by Minerva that she was welcome to either take her NEWTS and skip her final year or return to school for her seventh year. Obviously she wanted return to get a proper education.
Draco had made friends with the younger Astoria Greengrass who had, after things were calmed down, visited the castle along with a few other Slytherins who had wanted little to nothing to do with the war. She had offered to help and Draco had reluctantly, after urging from Hermione, paired up with the younger witch to help where ever she was assigned. They had struck up quite the fast friendship and Draco found feelings developing for the pretty blonde witch that he hadn't felt before. As for Astoria she learned very quickly just how charming and kind the young Malfoy could really be.
Hermione how ever had not heard from Bella in a few days and so her mind was mostly on trying not to let the loneliness win. She spoke with anyone who engaged her and on any topic just to keep her mind busy. She went to lunch in Diagon Alley with Draco and Astoria but had received many a dirty look by anyone privy to her relationship with Bellatrix and so hadn't lingered long. Thankfully she had not had any more confrontations, people mostly just ignored her and gave her looks before carrying on. It was particularly frustrating which was why she was glad to find herself invited for lunch at Grimmauld Place a week after the battle had been hard won.
"So Narcissa and Fleur are thick as thieves huh?" Sirius asks amused at Hermione telling of how secretive the two had been in the last week.
"Its driving the three of us mad." Hermione chuckles.
"Talking about three of you where is Draco. You did tell him he was invited too?" Harry asks smiling from where he was sitting with Ginny, who was the only Weasley besides Bill at present who seemed to harbor no ill will toward her.
"Actually he's been seeing a lot of Astoria Greengrass lately and they went out on their first date tonight. He said to let you know he would promise you guys a raincheck." Hermione explains.
"Oh i like her. She's one of the nice ones." Ginny smiles, it doesnt quite reach her eyes but its genuine.
"Yeah i had lunch with them she seems really nice." Hermione agrees. Its at this point she decides to look through her journal and isnt disappointed.
Wolfie,
Can you by chance send the harpy or her hubby to the shed? Retrieval needed.
Hermione frowned slightly but then penned a reply before looking at her friends as she stood up. She packed her journal in her bag and summoned her jacket.
"I'm sorry i need to go." She apologises.
"That was Bellatrix?" Sirius asks tilting his head.
"Indeed. She asked me to send Fleur or Bill to the meeting spot." Hermione explains not wanting to be rude.
"Hey can you pass on a message?" Sirius asks standing to walk Hermione out.
"Of course." Hermione nods opening the door and stepping out.
"Just tell her that the shaggy dog will put a bowl beside his if she ever wants to catch up." Sirius says smiling.
"You mean that?" Hermione asks rather awed by the mans words.
"You're very smart and if not for you i would be a soulless husk if not dead. You mean a lot to me and if Bellatrix has claimed you family then i will absolutely honor that. If you're serious about helping her somehow not get thrown back in Azkaban then i might as well mend some bridges with my cousin." Sirius smiles gently when he sees the tears in Hermione's eyes. Tears for Bellatrix possibly getting what she deserves out life.
"Thank you." Hermione hugs the man tightly. When they pull apart she smiles and disappears with a soft pop.
Hermione was pacing Shell Cottage alone an hour later, wondering where Bill and Fleur were and what was going on with her lover and many number of other things she could worry about. She hadn't heard a peep a since Bill and Fleur had left and Narcissa was somewhere in Diagon Alley doing god only knows what. As yet the Auror's had yet to come by to speak with the remaining Malfoy's so they had tried to embrace the tentative freedom. Harry had assured Hermione that he had told Kinsgley of how Narcissa had saved his life so they had hope they would remain free, particularly because they both defected.
She was just rounding another lap when the door of the kitchen opened up and Fleur came in with a wind reddened face, behind her was Bill with just as red cheeks though that was harder to tell if it was because he was a Weasley or because of the wind. More surprising was the fact that Nymphadora Tonks came into the kitchen just after Bill. Brown hair and eyes a testament to her still not being well, whether that was physically or emotionally or both was anyones guess. Before Hermione could open her mouth to speak a witch with curly raven hair came barging past the three that had been in front of her and smiled bright when she saw the young brunette.
"Bella..." Hermione breathed relieved simply at the sight of the witch.
"Hermione." Bellatrix smiles happily and the two move forward embracing.
The hug lasts a few long moments before the two lean back, arms still around the other. They looked each other over forgetting about and not really caring about the three people standing aside and watching them curiously. It was the first time these three in particular had seen the two women together and it was striking just how in love they so obviously were. It was even more so when they shared their first kiss in a little over a week, it was a soft slow reaffirmation of love.
"Well i have to apologise..." Tonks says after a moment, breaking the silence and causing the two witches to gently pull apart and look at her.
"I kind of thought it was a crock of shite when Bellatrix told me she was seeing Hermione. Like... how was there ever even time for that and wasn't there like a blood purity issue? But like... It's just so obvious that this isn't a ruse and no love potion could make a person look like that." Tonks explained seriously and Bill nods.
"I was a little dubious too but when i went with Hermione to the shed with the potions. But even such a brief, chaste exchange made it abundantly obvious." Bill nods and Fleur smiles.
"Yeah well don't get too mushy on me." Bellatrix grumbles slightly at the attention. Hermione smiled and kissed her cheek.
"Are you leaving again?" Hermione asks before anyone can speak.
"Not tonight. Dora and thought we might spend the night here. You and i need to talk, darling." Bellatrix says gently rubbing her young loves back.
"You're not like... breaking up with me are you?" Bellatrix snorted at this even though she felt sorry for making the little witch doubt her.
"Not at all. You're mine. But we need to talk about things from here on." Bellatrix reassures the little witch with a soft smile.
"Thank Merlin." Hermione mumbled softly.
The rest of the evening desolved into conversation about what had been going on in the last week and what exactly Bellatrix had and hadn't done. Narcissa returned home almost an hour after Bellatrix and Tonks had arrived and was over the moon to see her sister. Tonks found it a little weird as she had grown up thinking these witches had hated her for being born and hated her mother for loving her father. To see them so family oriented and affection was definitely something to get her head around.
Bill and Fleur eventually retired, Draco was no where to be found but Narcissa stopped from worrying when Hermione explained that Draco had been on a date and with who. When it was just the two aunts, their niece and Hermione left in the living room speaking quietly, the conversation changed again. This time it moved to the immediate future, namely the following day. It seemed that Tonks had convinced Bellatrix to see Andromeda but Bellatrix agreed only if Narcissa and Hermione would go with her.
"You just want Hermione to go as a shield." Tonks teases.
"I just want Hermione to go because i want to spend as much time with her as possible. However i don't mind taking advantage of the fact that Andy wont attack her." Bellatrix corrected with a grin making the younger two laugh and her sister roll her eyes. It was at this point Hermione failed to stifle a yawn.
"Have you been sleeping?" Bellatrix narrows her eyes at the little witch.
"Er... not well." Hermione admits with a faint blush.
"Come on then. Lets go to bed." Bellatrix stands and tugs on Hermione's hand which she had refused to relinquish since they had sat down.
"Bella... you cant go to bed with her. How improper." Narcissa gasps playfully scandalised.
"You can bet you bottom galleon i'm going to bed with her. Not letting my witch out of my sight unless she sends me away or i absolutely have to leave again." Bellatrix huffed at the mere idea of being apart from her witch again.
"I don't think you could say anything more appealing to me than that." Hermione spoke before either of the other two women could speak, her tone was playful and flirty. Bellatrix grinned brightly.
Without further word the two got witches headed off to bed, Hermione leading the way. Once in the room they changed, Bellatrix borrowing a shirt of Hermione's and otherwise sleeping in her panties. Hermione herself put on some boxers and a tank top and gladly climbed into the bed with Bellatrix. There was no shyness or awkwardness as they cuddled up together. This was what they wanted, just one another and no expectations, they were content and happy this way. Just the two of them.
Falling asleep with the woman she loved beside her was heavenly and she sleep she had because of it was even better. Hermione wasn't sure the last time she had slept as well as she did, it was deep and restful and she woke feeling good before dawn. When she blinked open her eyes and looked at the witch she was laying half on top of she smiled to see Bellatrix had been watching her. Seeing those gorgeous dark eyes so gentle just watching her made her heart skip a beat.
"I wish you could stay." Hermione whispered surprising Bellatrix with the sad truth of her words.
"So do i but i cannot. Convincing family was easy enough but convincing people that can make a difference?" Bellatrix shook her head and sighed softly. She so dearly wanted to stay with this witch.
"I know. I wish they could all see you the way i do." Hermione says softly reaching out and cupping the witches cheek.
"Well that might get a little weird." Bellatrix teases lightening the mood.
"Indeed. You're mine." Hermione purrs pulling the witch into a kiss.
The kiss was slow, a tender expression of love that seemed to make the world melt away around them and leave them floating with only the other to anchor them. They pulled each other close and held on tight as tongues gently explored and lips caressed tenderly. The two could have stayed there like this for a long time except the knocking on the bedroom door that persisted for a moment before the door gently pushed open. A soft sound that could only be described as apologetic was made by Fleur.
"Je suis. We 'ave visitors. Friendly." Fleur informs softly as the two witches pull apart. Withdrawing from the room slowly Fleur let the two witches have some privacy again.
"Suppose we had best get up." Hermione says a little frustrated.
"Suppose so." Bellatrix agrees with a sigh.
When the two women emerged from the room they were both appropriately dressed though Bellatrix had opted for borrowing some of Hermione's clothes. They were about the same size with Hermione only being slightly smaller than Bellatrix so the clothes fit well. She kept her hair down and curly with it only pulled back at the sides and top. Hermione had found Bellatrix in 'muggle clothes' absolutely adorable and hadn't minded saying so. Bellatrix blushed faintly and then threw herself at the little witch wrestling her. Hermione had lost miserably.
In the living room of the rather crowded Shell cottage stood Sirius, Harry, Bill, Fleur, Draco, Narcissa, Tonks and decidedly flustered Neville Longbottom. Hermione looked most curious at this but didn't speak, Neville wouldn't look away from the floor and Harry looked entirely hassled. Sirius was talking with Narcissa and Bill when the two witches walked in and so he didn't notice his other cousin until Draco had moved over to hug his aunt. The male Black turned to look at Bellatrix and was surprised to see how she was dressed. It seemed to solidify things for him.
"Bella." Sirius greeted after a moment.
"Sirius." Bellatrix returned a little stiffly.
"This is awkward." Harry stage whispered to Draco after a rather pregnant silence.
"Even we weren't this bad." Draco agrees and Hermione cant help the small smile.
"Sorry. We would have waited for you to come to us but Neville has news." Sirius says looking at the Longbottom boy. Bellatrix regards him.
"You are considerably more handsome than your father. Thank Merlin you have your mothers ears." Bellatrix blurt out making Neville look up at her finally.
"Did... did you really stop them from killing me?" Neville asks after a moment.
"Believe it or not i actually like kids. You were very cute and had had enough taken from you already. Besides there was a time i respected Augusta and she didn't deserve to leave her children and grandchild in the same night." Bellatrix shrugs a little and Hermione places her hand on the small of her witches back.
"That just makes all of this worse." Neville groans.
"Makes what worse?" Hermione urges Neville to get on with it.
"Gran. She's completely gone off about all of this. Still convinced that Bellatrix tortured mum and dad. Shes trying to totally discredit you Hermione. She's even pushing for a trial." The others looked just as confused as Hermione did.
"For what?" Fleur asks looking thoroughly annoyed.
"Treason." Neville sighed softly.
"On what grounds?" Bill fair growls at this point.
"Aiding and abetting an escaped criminal known to be on the side of the Lord Voldemort." Neville says as though he was reading a script.
"I see. Well alright. Thanks for the heads up." Hermione says calmly.
The others looked at her as though she were insane and it was almost enough to make her laugh. Almost. The fact that there was a literal witch hunt forming and she was the witch in question was kind of intimidating and so lessened the desire to laugh quite a bit. Yet she wasn't as worried as it appeared her company was as they were all already talking over one another, arguing the same point with different words and getting absolutely no where. Hermione turned and found a seat on a vacant sofa.
It went on and on for several long minutes, too long considering everyone was agreeing with everything everyone else was saying. It was an endless cycle of noise and Hermione started counting the minutes until they realised that everything they were saying was redundant. It about around the 5 minutes 23 second range, when it seemed they were just going to continue Hermione let out an exaggerated groan of frustration. The silence that fell was sudden and absolute as they turned and looked at her.
"So this is the plan. We're going to have breakfast and then we are going to see Nev, Harry and Sirius back to Grimmauld before Tonks and Bella and i go to Andy's place. These people aren't going to convict me. I have done nothing wrong. Now, i'd like to spend what time i can with the woman i love for right now because we all know she cant stay long." Hermione states matter-of-factly.
The expressions varied from impressed and outraged to wonder that Hermione could be so mild mannered about it all. Yet they really couldn't argue, Hermione was possibly the most intelligent person in the room so really none of them had a valid argument right off the bat. Bellatrix smiled a little sadly and made her way over to the little witch and wrapped her arms around her, pulling her close. Hermione kissed her gently and slipped an arm around her contently as they settled on the sofa.
Breakfast had been a little stilted to begin with, no one really knew what to say and things were awkward as not too long ago they had been on opposing sides. Yet eventually things eased and conversation started to flow quite easily, mostly about the future as that was what was new now, the fact any of them had a future. Bella and Hermione stayed mostly quiet, holding hands beneath the table and sharing the odd little smile hear and there. Fleur and Narcissa watched the two witches closely.
They had vague information that might help for getting Hermione and Minerva to have a family together. On top of that they were trying to put together a series of memories that would help in Bellatrix's case with the Ministry. It was clear to them that it would ruin the young brunette possibly, and frighteningly, sending the witch suicidal. They didn't want that, they were invested in Hermione and invested in Hermione's relationship with the eldest Black sister.
Yet they didn't have enough to go off of at this point in time. They had contacted the Elf that Kinny had directed them too but it had pulled up nothing, the little elf was too far gone in an alcohol addiction and was too loyal to her former owner to give up anything more than a name. Bertha Jorkins. The disappointing part was that Bertha was dead and they weren't sure if the woman had any other family who she may have talked to about what she may or may not have over heard one fateful day.
What they did know was that this whole thing, Hermione being born and Minerva not remembering a thing about it, it was a whole darker plot than they had first realised. What they really needed to do, more than anything, was confirm that Minerva really did have no memory of what she had been through. If somehow the woman was keeping this a secret then she was doing an extremely good job of it. But the two were quite convinced with what little information they did have that Minerva had been robbed of her daughter just as Hermione been robbed of Minerva.
When Bella, Tonks, Hermione and Neville were set to leave with Sirius and Harry, Narcissa called Sirius and Harry back and decided it was about time to bring them into the loop. Bellatrix looked slightly perplexed at this but ultimately shrugged it off as she had another sister to worry about at the present. They aparated to Grimmaulds top step and then separated, the three women saying bye to Neville as he was off to find Luna. Bella, Tonks and Hermione aparated to Andromeda's small home where she was just cleaning up after having given Teddy his breakfast.
"You ready for this?" Nymphadora asks her aunt who looks decidedly determined.
"Lets face the music." The eldest of the three nods though she was clinging to Hermione's hand like her life may depend on it.
Hermione chuckled softly and headed the charge towards the door. Before she could knock how ever the door was flung open and Andromeda practically ploughed straight into Tonks. The only reason they didn't fall was because Bellatrix had steadied Tonks. Mother and daughter reunited tearfully, Andy crying out of shear happiness to have to daughter back and Tonks crying with immense relief at being home, alive and able to see her son. When they pulled apart Andy didn't even care as she ushered everyone into the cottage to have tea together.
Tea was made and Nymphadora was filled in on Andy's side of everything and they sat and sipped and watched mother and son reunite happily. It was only later when everything seemed to calm down that the mood began to shift. Andromeda turned in her seat and regarded her eldest sister who was not yet aware of the woman looking at her. Andromeda watched as Bellatrix smiled, genuinely smiled, and spoke softly to the little witch beside her. She took in the sight of her sister who once wouldn't be caught dead in the clothes she were in now. It was unnatural and yet for Andy, Bellatrix looked absolutely perfect. Happy and content.
"I'm so sorry." Andy blurts suddenly drawing attention to herself from the others.
"What on earth for?" Bellatrix frowned not sure what had happened, she actually looked at her clothes to be sure Andromeda hadn't some how managed to spill something on her.
"For forgetting all the things you did for me as children. For forgetting you're my sister." Andy says ashamed and Bellatrix tilts her head.
"I didn't give you a whole lot of choice Andy. But just so you know, i never wanted you to leave. It was just easier for all of us if you did, better for you to have the love you wanted than to be arranged into some loveless marriage like Cissy and I." Bellatrix shrugs off the apology and gives a small smile.
"Seriously though. I didn't know... that dad made you marry Rod because of what happened with Rabastan and i." Andromeda looked thoroughly sorry for this.
"I didn't know you knew that." Bellatrix frowns and Andy shakes her head.
"I didn't until the other day when your little champion made me feel like the fool i am." Andromeda gestures Hermione.
"You needed a reminder and i didn't mind giving you one. Bella's always going on about family and she only has you, Cissy, Sirius, Tonks and Teddy and Draco." Hermione shrugs and smiles.
"And you." Bellatrix adds and Hermione's smile brightens.
"Well that's a given yes." Hermione smiles happily for the first time all week and kisses Bella softly on the lips. Bellatrix returns it before they hear a loud sigh.
"I've been so wrong about you." Andromeda says watching the two.
"You haven't. Everyone's been so right about me. Don't get it confused Andy, i have done bad things, i've killed people for awful reasons and tortured them for worse. I did what i thought i had to. I didn't know i had a choice. Not if i wanted to keep you and Cissy safe. So i became... cold and ruthless." Bellatrix shrugged and sighed softly.
"And now you have your fire back." Andromeda smiles softly.
"It was never gone. You were her fire. And Cissy and Draco. Even Tonks. She kept it sheltered and away from the oppressing cold but she never lost her fire." Hermione explains seriously and Bellatrix smiles and nods agreeing.
"And now you have it burning brighter than ever." Andromeda grins and Hermione chuckles.
"Seriously. It defies everything i've seen and heard as an Auror. I'll back you Hermione, in everything. Trying to free of reduce Bella's sentence and ill be there if they put you on trial." Tonks says from where she was sitting on the floor with Teddy.
"What trial?" Andromeda frowns.
"Oh i'm the target of a witch hunt." Hermione states matter-of-factly. Bellatrix snorts at this before beginning to explain everything to Andromeda.
Fleur and Narcissa had made Sirius and Harry linger after breakfast and when the dishes were done Bill was back off, today to go to Gringotts and help out the goblins with anything he needed since he was employed by them. Fleur made tea while Narcissa and Sirius chit chatted as it steeped and soon enough they had settled in the living room and everything got serious.
"We need 'elp." Fleur states calmly as everyone fixes their tea to suit them.
"We can do that. With what?" Sirius asks seriously.
"Hermione was adopted by Monica and Wendell." Narcissa explains and Harry frowns.
"No she wasn't. She would have told me that." Harry denies confused.
"'Arry she adores you. Considers you family. But you were dense and you were so caught up in your own life. Ronald even worse. You did not know 'er birthday was the 19th of September until 6th year, oui?" Fleur inquires gently, not wanting to hurt his feelings but needing to get the point across that he didn't know as much as he maybe should. He hung his head in shame.
"Point taken. Go on then." Harry admits defeat easily.
"She and Bellatrix were in a hidden room in the Department of Mysteries where they found a device to show them their complete past. They learned Hermione is adopted..." Narcissa trailed off.
"Minerva McGonagal is 'er birth mother." Fleur finishes only to wear some of the spray from Sirius's spit take.
"You're kidding." Sirius says completely shocked.
"Not at all. Zey both saw it. Minerva birthed 'Ermione." Fleur reiterated for the two stunned men in the room.
"But... wouldn't like... anyone know that? I mean its Minerva McGonagal." Harry points out trying to get his head around it.
"Well actually we have a theory on that. We believe that who ever fathered Hermione stole any memories from Minerva about the whole affair and then took Hermione from Minerva, left the little baby at a muggle orphanage." Narcissa explains.
"Well that's horrible but highly possible. She would have been born during the first war." Sirius contemplates a frown creasing his brow.
"How can we help though?" Harry inquires looking from his god father to the two women.
"We had a lead but its come upon a dead end because Bertha Jorkins was killed by Voldemort. We hoped she would have relatives she might have told but any cousins she had were far younger than her." Narcissa explained with a sigh.
"Can we ask who you think it is?" Sirius asks curiously.
"Non. We do not want to tell anyone before we tell 'Ermione if we can 'elp it." Fleur explains and the men nod.
"Ok. Questions then. Do we know him and is he still alive?" Sirius asked tilting his head at his cousin and the veela.
"Yes you knew him but he was killed a few years ago." Narcissa answers honestly.
"Was he a pure-blood?" Harry asks suddenly.
"Oui." Fleur nodded looking curiously at him.
"Well he would likely have a family vault. We spoke with Griphook at length on the matter. Some of the older vaults were created using blood magic. If Hermione is blood related she should be able to gain access to the vault." Harry explains and the women's eyes light up.
"The problem with that is probably going to be getting Hermione into the old vaults. Like after what we did i mean." Harry adds reluctantly.
"Zat is ok. I will speak wiz Bill. Per'aps 'e can speak wiz ze goblins and get us in zere." Fleur was still smiling.
"Yes. Thank you boys, you have been a big help." Narcissa beamed.
Finally, another lead.
On a completely different note, if any of you reading this have also read and liked my fic One Wolf's Trash If you like it enough that you want to download then please go ahead and do so as i am contemplating deleting it. Me being the sensitive soul that i am i just don't like that i'm still getting negatives reviews of this fic so its likely i will just pull it down.
I understand some of you did actually like the fic so by all means it wont hurt my feelings if you wish to download/save the fic for yourselves.
I will also apologise here again as it seems the fic in question has just upset a lot more people than i ever intended it to.
AM