I'm so sorry this is late. Hope you enjoy!

-xXx-

The sun is quickly descending beneath the horizon, but there is just enough light streaming in through the small porthole for Hermione's breath to be stolen from her lungs. How had she ever doubted Bellatrix's feelings for her? The witch is an open book, surprisingly, and although it might have taken a while to really see under the mask, Bellatrix wears her heart on her sleeve. When you know where to look, her feelings are written all over her face, in the softness of her eyes and the quirk of her lips. It's in the gentle touches meant to reassure and those that are meant to stoke the fire that now burns in Hermione.

Basking in the warmth that radiates from the Captain, Hermione pulls her down into a kiss, sighing with relief when she feels the comforting weight pinning her to the bed.

"You've been driving me crazy for days," Hermione murmurs when they break for air, hands automatically untucking the back of Bellatrix's shirt in search of the soft skin underneath. Goosebumps break out under the pads of her fingers, and she doesn't bother fighting the smile that explodes across her face.

"And you are a minx," Bellatrix accuses playfully. "Just how long have you been planning to seduce me into bed?"

Hermione smiles widely, refusing to answer. "Are you complaining?"

"Not at all."

"I thought so." Hermione runs her hands down over subtle curves covered by denim and cotton. Hindered by the fabric, she tugs the remaining stretch of loose cotton out of the waistband. If Bellatrix doesn't get out of these clothes soon, she's going to-

A startled squawk from the woman above her has Hermione simultaneously laughing and apologising in a rush.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to! I'm nowhere near my wand."

Bellatrix gives her an approving nod, apparently more than comfortable without her clothes. "Neat trick. Any idea where they ended up, Pet?"

Hermione furtively glances to the side, eyes scanning the dimly lit cabin. It quickly becomes apparent that it is devoid of Bellatrix's missing outfit.

The Captain rolls her eyes. "I think we can both agree that's a problem for tomorrow."

Tomorrow is a long way off. Grinning, Hermione flips them, knees straddling the narrow hips of the woman underneath her. She doesn't hide her open admiration of the strong muscles and soft curves, squirming slightly as the heat from Bellatrix's body seeps through the scant piece of red fabric separating them.

"What?" she asks innocently, fluttering long lashes at the now-naked woman beneath her who is looking up at her from under hooded lids.

"Don't get any ideas about who is in control here," Bellatrix growls lightly, onyx eyes impossibly darkening further.

"I'm not some pillow princess," Hermione argues, raising a brow in silent challenge. Her words are teasing, but there is a weighty truth behind them that she really needs the Captain to understand. "If you don't think I'm going to give as good as I get, then you're in for quite a rude awakening." Hermione smirks, laughing when Bellatrix splutters indignantly.

"Don't get too comfortable up there, Love. You're only up there because that's exactly where I want you," Bellatrix informs her, her haughty tone undermined by the twinkle in her eye.

"Of course," Hermione agrees mildly, grinning wickedly as she leans close, lips brushing a pale cheek as she whispers, "Whatever you say."

"Whatever I say?"

Hermione doesn't think twice before replying. "Yes. Anything."

Just like that the atmosphere changes, and the playful nature of their exchange disappears. Bellatrix tugs her down and she welcomes the slow, heated kiss; an insistent tongue delving between her lips.

Breaking apart, Bellatrix looks straight into her eyes, her gaze soft. "Tell me you want this, Hermione. I need to hear you say it."

"I do want you, Bella," Hermione replies sincerely, without a second of hesitation. She rolls her hips none too subtly, tugging her bottom lip between her teeth to stop herself grinning.

Looking down at the Captain, Hermione is completely unprepared for the way that Bellatrix takes control and reverses their positions. She finds herself pinned to the bed, looking up at Bellatrix, who is looking far too pleased with herself. She has no chance to complain, a moan slipping through her lips when Bellatrix's hot mouth descends on to her skin, latching onto her neck and sucking the flesh there.

It's going to leave a mark, and they both know it. Bellatrix is marking her as her own, and there is not a single thing Hermione wants to do about it. She welcomes it, tilting her head in encouragement, twining her fingers into unruly curls and holding her there.

Tempted to drag Bellatrix down to where she needs her, she manages to refrain, her patience rewarded when lips, tongue and teeth make their way down her neck and across her chest, kissing the underside of her breast as if she just knows how sensitive Hermione is there. She makes eye contact with Bellatrix who smirks, leaving Hermione to deduce that Legilimency really does run in the family to some degree. Bellatrix had admitted to some skill in this area, after all, and Hermione can't find it in herself to mind.

"May I?" Bellatrix asks, one finger sliding under the strap of her red bra and tugging gently. She dips her head, tongue running slowly along the edge of the lace.

"Yes," Hermione blurts out, leaning up on one elbow so that she can unclasp it.

"No need, Pet. You're not the only one with a trick or two up their sleeve." Bellatrix pauses, concentration clear on her face as she mumbles under her breath. "Evanesco."

Without the use of a wand, it's an impressive piece of magic, although only a simple vanishing spell that removes Hermione's bra and thong. She feels her face heating up when she is finally, completely bare to the older woman. Bellatrix is beautiful, and although Hermione is toned, she's aware that her body is still too thin. Bellatrix has curves where Hermione is hardened and it's difficult not to feel self-conscious.

"Enough of that," Bellatrix chides gently, apparently aware of where her thoughts have taken her.

"Come here." Hermione tugs her down into a kiss that brings magic to the very surface of her skin, a soft current running between them that hums pleasantly. She pulls back, suddenly aware of her surroundings. "Door?" she asks breathlessly.

"No one will disturb us," Bellatrix promises. "The crew all know, 'when the boat's a'rocking, don't come knocking'."

Hermione snorts. "That doesn't even make sense. The ship is literally always rocking."

Rolling her eyes, Bellatrix picks up her wand, and with an overly-dramatic hand movement, a resounding click echoes through the cabin as the locking mechanism moves into place. "Satisfied?"

"Not yet, but I will be," Hermione murmurs. "Please. Don't make me wait any longer."

"I won't," Bellatrix promises, careful fingertips tracing a line across her collarbones, making her shiver. Hermione's eyes flicker closed, and she sucks in a sharp breath when lips make contact with her stomach, Bellatrix leaving her mark again. She will feel this one for days, a delicious reminder of their first night together.

"Ohhh." She lets out a strangled moan, hands fisting into the sheets by her side as Bellatrix kisses a path lower, nuzzling into the dip of her hip. "Please, Bella."

Dark eyes meet hers and the smirk is back as Bellatrix asks, "What do you want, Princess? Tell me."

-xXx-

"Mouth. I want your mouth."

A delicious thrill ripples through Bellatrix when Hermione doesn't hesitate to ask for exactly what she wants, and judging by the soft pants coming from the younger witch, it's certainly something that she needs.

Only too happy to oblige, Bellatrix lowers her lips once again to the soft planes of Hermione's stomach, flicking gently with her tongue. "Here?" she asks coyly, chuckling when the woman reclining against the pillows twines long fingers into her hair, pushing her lower.

"Do not test me, Bellatrix Black," Hermione growls, and the demand should not be as hot as it is. Taking orders has never been such a turn on for Bellatrix before. Has never made her quite this wet. She grins against warm skin, but does as requested, kissing a path even lower until she reaches neatly trimmed curls.

"Fuck," Bellatrix utters quietly, when she takes her first taste, a moan slipping unbidden through Hermione's parted lips. Determined to tease and make this last, Bellatrix swirls her tongue lightly in a wide circle, just brushing over the small bundle of nerves. She's rewarded with hands tightening their grip in her hair, and smirks as she dips her tongue between slickened lips, gathering the desire and swallowing greedily.

"Fuck, Pet. You taste good." She wastes no further time talking, stroking more firmly until Hermione is writhing, the sound of her breaths filling the small room.

"Merlin, I'm close, Bella."

"Not yet," Bellatrix orders. A whine reaches her ear as she pulls away, replaced with a guttural moan when she slips two fingers into Hermione's sex, sinking into her slick heat. It's enough that Bellatrix nearly comes just from the feeling of warm flesh wrapped around her fingers.

"Please, Bella. I'm so so close," Hermione begs. "I need you." There is a breathless pause and then, "Fuck!"

Bellatrix grins smugly at her reaction to a third finger, even though Hermione can't see her. She pushes in slowly, curling her fingers up as she dips down and takes her into her mouth. She wraps her lips around her clit, sucking lightly as she begins to slowly circle it with her tongue in time with her thrusts. She can feel Hermione pulsing around her fingers, and knows it won't be long now. She thrusts more firmly, deeper, encouraged by the tightening of fingers in her hair, urging her to go faster.

"Bella…" Hermione cries out unreservedly. "Oh, Bella!"

The Captain keeps her pace, eking out every single ounce of pleasure that she can. When Hermione releases her hair, hands flopping tiredly onto the sheets, Bellatrix slows to a stop, lifting up to rest her chin on one elbow, absorbing the beauty of the moment. Hermione's eyes are blissfully closed, a small smile playing on her lips as her chest rises and falls with each heavy breath.

Bellatrix is more than happy to just hold Hermione, to share in this moment of shared euphoria, but of course, Hermione has other ideas. Bellatrix allows herself to be beckoned up the bed, staring down at the boneless women underneath her.

"Come here," Hermione urges desperately, her hands seeking Bellatrix's thighs and pulling her further up. With far more grace than she feels, Bellatrix finds herself straddling the young witch's head, the anticipation of a hot tongue making her gush; her thighs now wet. Hermione hasn't even touched her yet, but she is more ready for her than she could have believed. She doesn't want to waste time. Her skin is on fire, burning in the best possible way, every nerve so sensitive it's a wonder she hasn't come just from watching Hermione fall over the edge.

At Hermione's insistence, she widens her knees, lowering herself down onto a willing mouth. It's never been more clear that Hermione knows what she is doing, and it's an embarrassingly short amount of time before Bellatrix is rocking against her face, unable to stop herself moaning.

"Fuck, Pet," she utters, reaching out to brace herself on the wooden panelling in front of her. "Fuuuck."

Slim fingers work their way inside and she grinds down, moaning loudly when soft lips wrap themselves around her clit. Her thighs shake, white lights dancing in front of her eyes as Hermione drives her to climax, unrelenting when Bellatrix tries to pull away. A second oragsm overtakes her and Hermione helps her ride out her pleasure before finally releasing her grip on Bellatrix. She slides tiredly down the bed, and doesn't resist being pulled into warm arms. Her head on Hermione's shoulder, she can't hold out against the urge to close her eyes.

"I love you, Bellatrix," Hermione's amused voice reaches her, sounding far too pleased with herself.

Too tired for anything else, Bellatrix slaps her stomach with a feeble hand. "I love you, too."

-xXx-

It's not often Bellatrix sleeps all the way through the night. When Andromeda knocks on the door, only just waiting for her to call out before bursting in, she's surprised to realise that it's nearly two hours after sunrise.

"What's wrong? What's going on?" she asks, squinting against the bright sunlight streaming in through the porthole overlooking the bed.

Andromeda smiles apologetically. "It's Tom. Anathema has spotted his ship. He's cloaking, but you know Ana. She has her ways."

"Have we got time to shower?"

"Yes. Probably best you're both fully awake for this," Andromeda replies with a smirk, adding, "Morning, Hermione."

A small grumble is heard and the two sisters grin at each other, before Andromeda heads towards the door. "See you in the common room when you're ready. I'll get Harry to make you both breakfast."

"Thanks, Andy," Hermione pops her head up to say, the draw of food difficult to ignore.

Bellatrix waves her sister off, turning to the witch next to her with an increasing amount of remorse. When she had called Hermione to their meeting in the navigation room, it had been with the intention of talking to her about their strategy for the upcoming battle. All thoughts of what comes next had been swallowed by the revelation that Hermione wants Narcissa to use Legilimency on her once more, however, and they hadn't revisited the topic. Any intention to discuss it once she returned to her cabin had vanished when greeted with the sight of Hermione reclining on the bed in scant red lace. Now, it appears as though they're out of time.

"Spit it out, Bellatrix."

Snapping out of her inward thoughts, Bellatrix offers a sheepish smile. "What?"

"Whatever it is that you're thinking right now," Hermione clarifies. "Just tell me, okay?"

Bellatrix wonders when she became so transparent, but doesn't deny it. "We were meant to discuss strategy yesterday, but the conversation was slightly derailed."

Hermione nods seriously. "I've been thinking about that."

"You have?"

Bellatrix watches fondly as Hermione rolls her eyes. "Of course I have. We can't just let him try and take us unawares. I think… I think I might know what to do."

"Well?" Bellatrix urges when Hermione pauses to pick up her bottle and take a large gulp of water.

"You won't like it," Hermione warns, grimacing slightly. "But hear me out."

Bellatrix sits up and turns to face her, narrowing her eyes at the younger witch. "What are you planning?"

"If we can outrun him, and lure him to the poles, then we might have a chance. Especially if Narcissa can use Legilimency to help me unearth any magical knowledge that I have lost."

Bellatrix feels her lips pulling into a grin. "You really are brave, Little Witch."

"I'm a Princess." Hermione shrugs. "It's not about bravery at all. It's about doing what is best for the people around you. It's honour, not bravery."

"Honour and bravery are closely linked," Bellatrix remarks. "And I don't like your plan, but I will admit that there is some sense in it. Actually, Anathema suggested it yesterday-"

"And let me guess," Hermione cuts in, grinning. "You shot it right down?"

Bellatrix doesn't answer, distracting her with a kiss. The temptation to pull her back down into the sheets and spend the next few hours re-exploring each other's bodies is too great, and she makes a move to topple them, but Hermione pushes her away with a gentle hand placed firmly against her chest, laughing.

"There will be time for that, later. You heard Andy, we're needed in the common room. We could shower together, though?"

Bellatrix grumbles under her breath, but allows herself to be pulled off of the bed; the lure of warm water and a soft body enticing her from the room.

-xXx-

Feeling refreshed and aching in a pleasant reminder of their activities in the shower, Hermione follows Bellatrix into the common room, slipping into the booth next to Ginny. Harry slides a jar of almond milk chia pudding towards her with a side of fruit and she smiles gratefully. He makes his own almond milk on board, and there is nothing she likes better than this to start her day.

"Has everyone been filled in?" Bellatrix asks, cradling her coffee between her palms. Hermione knows by now not to bother trying to coerce the witch into having anything more for breakfast.

"They have," Andromeda confirms. "Now, we just need a plan."

"Any update on Tom?" Bellatrix turns to look at Anathema, who nods.

"He's keeping his distance, but definitely on our tail. There are rumours on the dark web that he has had his boat fitted with ex-military weapons. Completely illegal, of course, but when has Riddle ever cared about that?"

"So his plan is to do what? What is he waiting for?" Ginny interrupts with a frown. "He's not normally someone to hold back, from what I've heard."

"He's not," Bellatrix agrees, looking around the room.

"I believe I may have an idea about that." Narcissa waits for all heads to be turned to her before she continues. "It would appear that Tom is unaware of what really happened to Cormac, or Hermione's involvement-"

"Dead men don't tell tales," Bellatrix chips in with a cackle.

"Quite," Narcissa agrees mildly, but her lips twitch up at the corners. "As I was saying, Tom has no idea what Hermione is really capable of. Overnight, we made a change in direction to take us back to the pole." Narcissa raises a hand to stop Bellatrix from speaking. "I know that you wanted to wait before making a decision so that you could talk to Hermione, but we were faced with avoiding another storm and Port Fulgar are still expecting us. It would look suspicious if we didn't show up, and the last thing we need is further implication that we had anything to do with Cormac's disappearance. Andy and Ana both agree."

Hermione expects Bellatrix to be angry, but instead she just sighs. "You made the right call."

Narcissa nods. "We think that Tom knows that is where we are heading, and is waiting until we are without magic. Of course, he would be handicapped in the same way as us, but with all his weapon upgrades? We would be sitting ducks. Well, with one exception…"

"Hermione," Bellatrix fills in, an unreadable look in her eyes as Hermione watches her from across the table.

"We've talked about it," Hermione reveals, leaning forwards on her elbows. "I was going to make the same suggestion about heading to the poles. I know it's a risk, but I did it once, and maybe I can do it again. Especially now that I have most of my memories back."

"Most?" Ron asks.

"We think that there might be more that has been hidden more deeply," Narcissa explains. "Hermione has so much potential, and although she has been capable of some impressive magic, there is something untapped under the surface just waiting to break free."

"Well, maybe the first thing we do is get those memories back?" Andromeda suggests, offering Hermione a kind smile. "As long as Tom keeps his distance then we are safe for the moment, but we are running out of time. The sooner we do this, the better."

"Hermione? It's your decision," Narcissa prompts, locking eyes across the table. Her lips don't move and yet Hermione hears her voice anyway. "No one will think any less of you if you prefer not to do this."

Hermione smiles gratefully. All three sisters are protective in their own ways and Narcissa's quiet reassurance is comforting. She subtly shakes her head at the blonde witch. "Let's do it. No sense in putting it off, and the longer I have to prepare, the better."

"Prepare for what, exactly?" Draco questions. "Because it sounds to me like you all want to take us to an area where the rest of us are without magic and then leave Hermione to face off against one of the darkest wizards on the seas by herself." He crosses his arms in front of his chest, scowling at his mother and Aunts.

"Tom won't have his magic either, Draco," Bellatrix reminds him. "And do you really think I am happy about this? That I would put Hermione in danger if I felt like I had any other option? Do you really think so little of me?" There is no missing the anger in Bellatrix's voice even though her words are spoken calmly. Measured in a way that is more intimidating than the times she raises her voice.

Draco gulps, shaking his head. "No."

"He's just concerned about Hermione," Harry pipes up in his defence. "We all are."

Bellatrix sighs. "I know, and I don't blame you. But this is Hermione's decision and none of us can make it for her."

"I can do this," Hermione says firmly. "I want to do this."

Anathema gets up from the table. "I'm going to go and check on Tom's location. As long as he is still just following us and not attempting to gain any ground, then my suggestion would be to deal with returning the last of Hermione's memories and see what we find. We don't have to decide anything else until after that. If Hermione wants to go ahead, then we will, but…" Anathema turns to face Hermione now, her face stern but eyes surprisingly soft. "If you decide that you don't want to do this, then we will find another way. There is always another way, Girl."

Hermione's throat closes over then, and she's reminded once again that this is her family, now. They will never be a replacement for what she has lost, but that feeling of unity, of being part of something, is just as strong. There is not a single person on this ship that doesn't have her back. No one on this crew that doesn't want the best for her. "Thank you," she whispers hoarsely.

Anathema nods, once, and then leaves the room, her heels clacking along the wooden floor until they fade into nothing.

"She's right. Are you ready now, Hermione?" Narcissa asks.

Sliding out from the bench, Hermione stands up and nods. "Yes." Voice unwavering, Narcissa accepts her easy agreement, and beckons to the door.

"Would you like company?" Bellatrix asks gently.

Looking around the table at all the unspoken questions she can see on the crew's faces, Hermione shakes her head. "I know you have things to discuss. Cissa will look after me."

"If you're sure, Pet," Bellatrix reluctantly agrees, and Hermione can see the doubt wavering across her features.

"I'll be fine," Hermione promises, blowing her a kiss across the table. "I'll come and find you when I'm done."

"I'll be on deck," Bellatrix reminds her. "It's my shift."

"Okay," Hermione replies, allowing herself to be led from the room.

As they wind through the narrow corridor to Narcissa's cabin, Hermione is greeted by Crookshanks and throws Narcissa a pleading look. As the least outwardly appreciative person of her familiar, she's relieved when Narcissa rolls her eyes. "Fine. The mangy little furball can come too."

Hermione watches gleefully as Narcissa is unable to resist reaching out and languidly scratching the top of his head, loud purrs echoing around them in the small space. It's easy to see that the blonde witch is starting to be swayed, an affectionate glow in her eyes when she pets Crookshanks, that can't be undone by any of her cutting comments about him. Crookshanks for his part seems to adore the youngest Black sister, seeking out her lap whenever he wants a nap and Hermione is not around. Quite a contrast to the hisses and swats he sends in Bellatrix's direction, to the amusement of the entire crew.

Narcissa opens the door to her cabin and Hermione steps inside, heading straight for the bed. Kicking off her shoes, she lowers Crookshanks onto the covers, and pulls her feet up, staring at Narcissa expectantly. "Just like last time?" she queries nervously.

"Just like last time," Narcissa repeats back to her. "Just remember, Hermione. We might find nothing at all, and I don't want you to be disappointed with that. You are an exceptional witch, and perhaps all you need is a little practice to really tame your ancient magic. There is no publicly available information on just how good you became with it, when you were still the Princess."

"My parents kept a lot of secrets in an effort to keep us safe," Hermione explains quietly. "If I did ever learn how to use it, then it wouldn't be the kind of thing they would broadcast."

"I can see that knowledge would be dangerous in the wrong hands," Narcissa agrees. "Though it's common knowledge that you are the last of an ancient magical bloodline, and that in itself comes with some expectations. Let's see what I can find, alright?"

"Yes. I'm ready." Sounding far calmer than she feels, she flinches when Narcissa raises her wand too quickly, and the witch offers her an apologetic smile, taking hold of her hand and squeezing lightly.

"Here we go," Narcissa warns, lifting her wand again, but slowly this time. "Legilimens."