I was confused to how she was here as she was supposed to be in Azkaban and older. I was also slightly confused to why she was being nice. Wasn't she insane? Why didn't I get angry when said 'muddy' though I, for some reason liked it. I remained frozen, just staring in shock. I snapped out of it when Lucian slapped my shoulder and said "I think you two need to talk." I remained were I was, not moving as he left the room and she stepped further into the room. You could feel the tension between us as she stepped closer. I felt my own magic being drawn to hers. Did the room get hotter? Merlin she's even more beautiful up close. I just want to- NO. Find out information first Hermione. I snapped out of my thoughts when she stopped a couple inches away. "Why thank you muddy." Shit, did I say that out loud? She chuckled and heat ran through my body. Oh Merlin help me. I don't even know her and she's already affecting me without even doing anything. "Come, we have a lot to discuss" I followed her without thought and I didn't fight it.

We ended up in the library. She sat herself down on the sofa graciously. How does she even do that?! I carefully sat down on the opposite sofa facing her. I didn't want to risk sitting too close to her. I was at a constant battle with my instincts and dark thoughts that were screaming at me to take her. She almost looked upset but that was gone like it was never there. She just sat there elegantly. I could feel her studying me. I couldn't help but blurt out "How are you here? Aren't you supposed to be insane and lockup?" I slapped my hand over my mouth horrified. I looked up to her face waiting to see hurt for insulting her but only saw mirth and was that adoration in her near black eyes. She chuckled that sent warmth and goosebumps across my body. "That's a front I put on. It's my cover, just like Tom's is Voldemort." I let out a quiet 'oh' and she continued "As for being here, I'm still in Azkaban." I looked at her confuse until she said "Im projecting." I looked at her with wide eyes. "I never heard of that type of magic." She let out a laugh and said "It's an old form of magic that no one uses anymore because it take a lot of magic to use. But since we are mates, our magical power has increased drastically. My form is as solid but I can't feel anything other than pressure." I was slightly saddened by that and couldn't help but let that show. Bellatrix smiled sadly and said "I know but we will meet in person soon." I smiled then said "Were you here when I arrived?" Bella smiled and then was saddened "I was talking to Lucian. I could feel your pain. I'm sorry that I was too late." I shook my head and said "There was nothing you could have done." My voice then deepened and I growled out "it was him that caused it. And I will kill him I'm if it's the last thing I do." My growl shook the walls but I closed my eyes to calm myself down as I didn't want to scare my mate. I felt a warm hand on my forearm and my eyes snapped open to be greeted by worried pools of black which I realized were a dark brown. "Sorry." She just smiled. "Can you tell me?" "Tell you what?" I responded "The real story." She cocked her head to the side in thinking and I couldn't help but think it was adorable. She smiled and replied "only if you tell me everything too muddy." Even though I loathed that word, somehow hearing it from Bellatrix filled me with warmth. "Call me Bella." I smiled "Bella." I grinned as a shiver went through her body. I could smell her arousal and gripped the chair tight to stop myself from launching at her and taking her here and now. Merlin help me.

It had been another 4 months and it was the day before I had to go back to Hogwarts. I was pissed and upset because one, I had to back and pretend that I didn't remember that Dumbledore killed my parents. Two, I had to pretend to be friends with Harry and Ron. Thirdly, I hadn't seen Bella yet. I hadn't seen her all week. Even though she wasn't actually here, her touch still sent tingles and warmth through my body. She said that she could feel the warmth of my hands and body because of my above average body temperature. Normal humans ran at 37°. I ran at 60°. She didn't speak much of being in Azkaban as I got upset. When I explained what happened with Dumbledore I had to restrain her from going on a killing spree, not that she could since she was locked up in prison and didn't have her wand. She then had to calm me down when she told me she was married to Lestrange. She was actually a Black not Lestrange. It was weird how possessive I felt but she loved it. I knew it was also down to my Alpha genes. The urged to claim Bella and mark her mine near overwhelming at times. I didn't like it when someone had what was mine. We were always touching in someway. We hadn't kissed yet and agreed it would be in person. We spent hours whenever we could just talking. I knew everything about her, her family and her past. Same as she knew mine. I was confused to how she knew I was her mate and how she looked so young. I was happy when she told me. She also explained what happened and why she was sent to Azkaban.

Flashback

I was holding Bella in my arms as we lay in my bed. Her head was on my chest. I had just asked her how she met Lucian and I was still laughing as it turns out she had hexed him and turned him into a pink poodle. It turns out don't ever scare or try to sneak up on Bella. Turns out Lucian explained to Bella when she was younger and she they had been friends when she was little. "How do you look so young?" She looked up at me and stated "Are you calling me old muddy?" I sputtered until she started laughing. "Relax. It's because your life span is longer than the average human wizard or witch. So my aging has slowed down to match your since were mates." I looked at her and said "So I'm dating a 46 year old woman who looks 20?" She chuckled and said "Yes." *pause* "Are you disgusted?" I looked at her to gobsmacked. I lifted her chin and said "No. I wouldn't care and I don't. Whether you look 20 or 40, I like you for you, even if your insane." She smacked my stomach. It went silent as we stared into each other's eyes. "I really want to kiss you right now." I then realized that I said that out loud and went bright red. She laughed and kissed my forehead. It tingled where she kissed and I had a goofy smile on my face. She rolled her eyes and continued. "I had dreams of you. Just glimpses of your face or your eyes. I wasn't allowed to meet you until your were ready or of age. Then the whole Potter fiasco happened and James and Lily were murdered by that old twat." I giggled at her phrase for Dumbledore. "And I captured after trying to save Lily, who was actually my friend before she was controlled by James. I was thrown in Azkaban for a crime I didn't commit. Dumblecunt had been the one to torture the long bottoms. I had gone to save them but was too late and framed." I was shaking in rage. She rubbed my arms to soothe my anger. "Its ok my pretty." I snarled as I said "Its not! You could have been in my arms if it wasn't for that two-face evil bloody twat!" My British accent thick and deep thanks to my anger. She I sat up and pulled me into her neck. I breathed in her scent. Surprisingly her scent, smelling like the forest and a scent that was just distinctly Bella, carried through in her Projection. "I hate him Bella. I want to tear him limb from limb." She rubbed my lower back soothingly and said "Shh I know Hermione but we have leave him unaware until we get out. Tom has a plan in place. We all have our roles to play. I know it will be hard but you must get through it love." I nodded and stayed wrapped in her arms for the rest of the day.

Flashback end

I had excelled while I was with Lucian. He was extremely happy about how powerful I had come to be. I was in complete control of when I transformed. He was proud of how powerful I am. So was Bella. I became more confident with not only myself but in my magic. I could perform wandless and wordless magic effortlessly. It was scary but amazing how powerful I have become but I don't let it go to my head. I decided to not draw attention to myself until I needed to. had also met some of the protectors which I shouldn't have been surprised but it was Luna. Neville was also part of it but he was busy with his grandma. I was happy about Luna as we became close friends. They also knew about Bella and we're extremely happy for me. I was shocked when Cedric Diggory was aware and the Malfboys and Pansy Pankinson were also apart of the protectors. I was so happy when Fred and George knew. Turns out they were shunned in the family because Fred was gay and well George supported his twin. So many that I thought were 'bad' but they were all lovely. We were all filled in on the plan and I wasn't happy with it but I had no choice. Turns out their families had been serving the Alphas for generations. The twins have planned loads of pranks on Harry and Ron. I was also glad to help. Lucian explained they would help me with decisions and making pacts with other supernaturals.

My fist hit the boxing bag. The chains rattled. My adoptive and birth parents faces flash through my mind. Then Dumbledore's smug and evil grin shot through my mind. I let out an aggravated snarl and spin kicked the bag. The chain snapped and it went flying across the room into the wall with a loud bang. I lowered my head and slowed down my breathing. My heart beat returned to it's normal rhythm and I let out a sigh. I had gotten a lot better at controlling my anger but it was harder when I was stressed. I was worried about going back and the fact that had to fake being friends with everyone that I know I hate. "Feel better?" I spun around and when my eyes connected with black my anger vanished. In a blink I was in front of my mate picking her up and spinning her around. I buried my head in her neck and breathed her scent in. She ran a hand through my short hair. Yes, I cut it. Don't judge me. It now goes just above my shoulders. "I missed you." She squeezed me tighter and said "I know muddy. I missed you too." I gave her a grateful squeeze and stepped back kept my hands on her waist. "It's time." I looked at her sadly. I let out a sad sigh. I headed to my room with Bella following. She sat herself on my bed and I headed to the bathroom. I showered, I opened my drawer and grabbed clothes consisting of shorts and a grey crop top. Not caring that Bella was still in the room, I dropped the towel. I heard a sharp intake of breath and smirked as I got dressed. I was about slip on my top when I felt her hands trace the scars left by Dumbledore. She then got to the bite mark on my waist and traced it with her fingers. Her feather light touch sent shivers down my spine. I shuddered as she continued to trace the different scars. I wasn't ashamed of them. No. They proved that I can be and am strong. That I survived.

I could smell her arousal and I growled lowly saying "Bella…" I felt her shiver. "I know. You don't make it easy muddy when you look like a goddess." I scoffed and turned around to face her and leant my forehead against hers. "If anyone's the goddess it's you. I can't wait until I get to hold you for real. To cuddle you." She laughed and said "oh, so no sexy times." I felt a surge of confidence and my voice lowered an octave as I leant in a nibbled her ear and whispered. "Oh no, they'll be plenty of sexy times." She still shuddered even though she could only feel a slight warmth and pressure. I smirked, proud that could affect he infamous Bellatrix Lestrange though no one other than those closer to her know the real Bella, they only know the insane Bella which I have yet to meet. I stepped back and slipped on my top. Bella pouted and Iaughed. We spent the rest of the day talking and refusing to part unless there was a Dementor. She was gone for 2-3 hours. I felt horrible. There was nothing I like do. Bella blocked the link between us so I couldn't feel her pain, well at least the pain when she did block it. It made me unsettled when couldn't sooth my mate. She always came back exhausted and with hunted eyes. That night I closed my eyes and hoped this year would go smoothly. Of course it didn't.