Hermione looks up when the door to the cabin opens, the messy dark curls of the Captain oddly reassuring. They make her human rather than the monster of the city people's gossip. This is the woman that Rose had come home talking about so excitedly last night, and although the woman has an intimidating presence, Hermione doesn't feel that usual slither of fear she is accustomed to around strangers.
"How are you feeling, Hermione?"
Hermione tries to push herself up into a sitting position, struggling to raise herself from the bed. Captain Black strides forwards to help, wordlessly passing her a folded handkerchief from a pile of them next to the bed. She takes the fabric and wipes her eyes gratefully.
"It hurts," she eventually replies, though she suspects that there is no need for her to mention this. She had caught sight of herself in the mirror before they left this morning, and she suspects it's probably quite obvious just how much pain she is in.
"I'm sure it does," the Captain remarks. "My sister is our healer. I can do the basics, but I think you need a more experienced hand than my own."
Hermione hums, not sure if the Captain is expecting a reply. She watches as the woman removes a wand from the inside pocket of her jacket, and swishes it through the air. A silvery, ethereal puma appears and the Captain talks to it as if it is real.
"Andy, we're gonna need you down here with your kit. I'm in my quarters." As soon as she finishes talking, the puma disappears.
Hermione tilts her head, eyeing the Captain curiously. "You have magic?"
"Yes. We all do. That's not going to be a problem for you, is it? I'd hate to throw you overboard so early in our acquaintance." Her words don't match the twitch of her lips and the way her eyes twinkle, so Hermione relaxes slightly. She's heard many people talking of how brutal the Black sisters can be, but she doesn't think she's actually in any real danger of being dumped into the ocean.
"I'm just surprised, Captain. I've heard the rumours, of course, but I've never met anyone that has magic before."
Bellatrix scoffs. "Of course you have, you just didn't know it. Hardly anyone with magic lives openly in the cities, we are taught to hide it from an early age. Just because it's not legal to discriminate against those with magic, doesn't mean it doesn't happen. And you don't need to call me Captain, my name is Bellatrix."
"But some of the crew called you Captain when I arrived?"
"Yes, but they don't have to. They do it because they choose to."
"Bellatrix," Hermione repeats, the name rolling around her tongue in a pleasing way. "Thank you for helping me."
Bellatrix gives her a small smile. "What happened last night?" she asks gently.
Hermione frowns, a shiver shaking her body violently. "Cormac came home, drunk as usual, and overheard Rose asking me to take her away. He didn't take kindly to the idea."
"Rose implied that this has happened before?"
Hermione nods, and grimaces as the movement causes pain to travel down her neck. The Captain frowns, and then opens a small cupboard next to the bed, pulling out a glass and a small flask. She pours a small measure of the amber liquid and passes it to Hermione. "Drink this. I'm sure Andy will give you a pain relief potion, but this will help for now."
"Thank you," Hermione murmurs, sniffing the glass cautiously. Relieved to find that it's something she recognises, she takes a long slug of the Firewhisky, eyes watering from the burn of it slipping down her throat. The haze of pain quickly clears, and she takes a good look around her for the first time.
"Your ship is made of wood?"
Bellatrix nods proudly, pulling out the chair from under the desk on one side of the room. She sits down, crossing one ankle over her knee. "Yup. This beauty was made at the end of the second millennium. It's protected by several preservation and stasis charms, so it never rots. It's taken a bit of damage over the years, but nothing we couldn't repair."
"I've never seen a wooden ship before," Hermione says simply, blinking slowly as her heavy eyelids begin to close. She covers her mouth with her hand, yawning.
"You're tired?"
"I couldn't sleep afterwards. I spent all night trying to decide what to do. I couldn't risk losing Rose, she deserves better than the life we were living. How long would it be, before Cormac moves on to her?"
"You did the right thing," Bellatrix assures her, pausing thoughtfully. "Cormac? Why do I know that name?"
Hermione averts her eyes, shifting uncomfortably. "It's not uncommon in this city."
She can feel the Captain's eyes on her, but before Bellatrix can question her further, there is a knock at the door.
"Come in," Bellatrix calls out, getting up when her sister enters the room. She has a bowl of water and a compact, red bag with her, that she places down on the desk. "Hermione, this is my sister, Andromeda. Andy, do you need me here? I should probably get back on deck."
"You're leaving?" Hermione blurts out, blushing when she realises how rude she sounds to the other Black sister.
"I don't have to. I promise that you will be quite safe in Andy's capable hands, though."
"Okay," Hermione agrees in a small voice.
"I'll come and see you later," Bellatrix promises, slipping out of the door.
Hermione takes a good look at the woman who is now standing next to the bed. She looks almost identical to the Captain except her eyes are a shade lighter, and there is an expression of warmth that was missing on Bellatrix's face. Not that the Captain had been unkind to her. She had actually treated her with a gentleness quite unexpected from the Captain of The Black Serpent.
"Okay, Hermione. Are you happy for me to use my wand on you?"
"What?" Hermione squeaks, eyes wide, staring warily at the length of wood the woman has raised in front of her.
Andromeda chuckles, dropping her wand slightly. "I just need to do a diagnostic spell. It's far less painful and invasive than if I had to examine you physically."
"Oh. Sorry, this is all new to me."
"Magic?"
"Yes. It's fine if you want to use it, though."
When Andromeda raises her wand again, Hermione braces herself, but all she feels is a warmth flowing over her skin. She wonders if she will ever get used to being around witches who whip out their wands so casually. Learning about magic and its existence is different to actually seeing it first hand. There have been hard-fought wars in the past between magic users and muggles. Now, although witches and wizards no longer live a life in the shadows, it's still not something that is flaunted. Magic is still feared in the cities and the only magic users who live in the open are paid well by those in charge to use it for control and corruption.
Andromeda lowers her wand. "I don't know how you managed to walk here without passing out," she remarks honestly. "You have a concussion, three broken ribs, a broken wrist and a severe amount of bruising both externally and internally. You're lucky he didn't break your foot, which is deeply bruised. How on earth did he cause that much damage?"
"He stamped on it," Hermione replies. She swallows with difficulty, her mouth parched as she reaches for her drink and takes a grateful sip. "Apparently, it wasn't enough that I was already on the floor, unable to move."
A low growl sounds in Andromeda's throat. "That bastard."
Hermione shrugs, immediately regretting it when the movement brings tears to her eyes.
"Don't worry, you're safe now. We protect our own, and if Bellatrix says you're crew, then you're crew. Now, this might hurt a little, but afterwards I will give you a potion so you can sleep. By the time you wake up, you'll be feeling much better."
"I can't sleep. I need to go and find my daughter."
"Rose is fine. She's with Cissa, asking endless questions about sailing and life at sea."
Hermione feels a small grin pulling up the corners of her lips. "That sounds like her."
"No smiling," Andromeda chides. "You'll open that lip up, again."
Hermione zones out as the woman uses spell after spell to fix the damage that has been done to her body. Andromeda tips a sweet smelling powder into the bowl of warm water, and dips in a cloth to clean the blood from Hermione's face and hair. Hermione barely listens as she explains that she could remove the blood magically, but there are healing herbs in the water that will help her recover.
"There, much better," Andromeda says with a smile. "Can you take your top off?"
"Excuse me?" Hermione replies, wrapping her arms around herself protectively.
"I need to put bruise removal paste on your ribs."
"Oh. Okay."
"You can just lift it up, if you're more comfortable," Andromeda tells her, unscrewing a small tub and scooping paste onto her fingers. She waits patiently for Hermione to lift her top, and then spreads the paste over the worst of the bruising, earning a hiss in protest.
"Right," Andromeda starts, opening up the red bag again and pulling out two potions. "This one is for pain relief and this one's for sleep. Drink them both now, and when you wake up, you'll feel as good as new."
"Where am I sleeping?"
"Here, of course."
"But these are the Captain's quarters."
"And it was the Captain that put you in here. Trust me, it's far more comfortable than the hammocks the rest of the crew sleep in."
"But not you?"
Andromeda shakes her head. "No. Cissa and I have private rooms. Perks of being the Captain's family. Now, no more stalling, Hermione. Drink up."
She does as instructed, surprised at the pleasant taste of both potions. By the time she has finished the second one, she is already feeling sleepy. Andromeda uses her wand to remove her shoes, and helps her into bed; the scent of neroli surrounding her. Instantly comforted by her favourite smell, she lets her head sink heavily into the pillows, fighting to keep her eyes open.
"Don't try to resist it. It's safe to go to sleep," Andromeda says softly, pulling a blanket up to her shoulders to ward off the morning chill.
As if by command, her eyes slip shut and she falls into a dreamless slumber.
-xXx-
Bellatrix heads up on deck, amused when she finds Narcissa standing behind Rose, helping her steer the ship. Draco is a grown man now, and she's often thought her sister misses the more hands-on maternal aspects of being a parent.
"Do I have competition?" she asks dryly, as she hops lightly up onto the quarter deck at the stern of the ship.
Rose beams at her. "I'm learning to sail so I can be a Captain like you."
"Is that right?" Bellatrix asks, smirking. "You know, there is more to being a Captain than standing behind the wheel."
"I know, but this is the fun part. And, I'm doing good, right, Cissa?" Rose turns to the blonde behind her, hope radiating from brown eyes.
Bellatrix watches fondly as her youngest sister smiles indulgently at the young girl. "Yes, Darling. You're doing rather well considering this is your first time on a ship."
Rose turns back to the Captain. "See?" she offers proudly, prompting Bellatrix to roll her eyes.
"Well, let's see how useful you can make yourself this morning. We work hard here, and there are no exceptions. Look around you, Rose." Bellatrix gestures to the rest of the crew, who are moving around the main deck, each doing something different. "They are all doing a specific job to help run the ship."
Rose nods determinedly. "I'll do whatever it takes. How's my Mum?"
"How old are you, Kid?" Bellatrix asks, conflicted about how much she should reveal to the girl.
"I'm ten, and I'm not an idiot," Rose replies with her own miniature roll of her eyes. "I know what happened, Captain Bellatrix."
"Yeah?" Bellatrix asks, flicking a glance at Narcissa who is barely holding back laughter. "What happened then?"
"Dad came home drunk, and overheard us talking. He sent me to bed, and then he did what he does every time he comes home like that. Mum denies it, but I know what he does to her. How bad is it?"
"Your mum is gonna be just fine, I promise. Andy is down with her now, patching her up. She'll sleep for a few hours now. When she wakes up, she'll be good as new."
"She will?" Rose furrows her brow. "But it normally takes weeks."
Bellatrix understands her confusion. Growing up in the city, she is sheltered from these practical uses of magic. "Andy is a healer. She'll use magic and a healing potion to help. You mum will be fine, you'll see."
"Okay," Rose replies simply, her faith in the Captain unwavering. "What should I do?"
"How about I give you a tour of the ship and show you where you will be sleeping?"
Rose nods excitedly. "Yes, please!"
-xXx-
An hour later, Rose is still asking questions. Bellatrix sits her down in the main dining area, and hands her a glass of juice, pouring herself a much needed and well deserved cup of coffee.
They fall into silence, which is a relief, and yet Bellatrix is disturbed to see the growing frown on the girl's face.
"What's up, Kid?"
Rose shrugs. "Is my Mum angry with me?"
"No, of course not. Why would you think that?"
"Because I made her run away."
Bellatrix sighs. "No, you didn't, Rose. Your mum made her own decision."
The girl stubbornly shakes her head. "She didn't want to come, but I made her. I told her I would run away and leave without her. I told her she would never see me again."
"Well, that wasn't the nicest thing you could have done, but it doesn't change anything. She still made her own decision," Bellatrix replies.
"She wouldn't have left if I didn't say that. She was too scared."
"Look at me, Rose," Bellatrix instructs firmly, waiting for the girl to stop staring into her glass of juice. "If your mother didn't want to get away, then she wouldn't have. If you had actually run away, then she would have called down to the harbourmaster and he would have stopped you getting on the ship. So you see, you might have given her the push that she needed, but if she genuinely didn't want to leave, then she would have stayed."
"Oh." Rose's face brightens. "So, I didn't make her?"
"No."
"She wanted to leave?"
"Yeah, Kid. She wanted to leave. Everything is going to be alright now, I promise." Bellatrix stands up. "Are you ready to start earning your keep?"
"Ready, Captain," Rose agrees, jumping up so quickly she nearly knocks over her now empty glass.
Bellatrix rolls her eyes, a quickly forming habit in the company of this child. "It's Bellatrix."
"Ready Captain Bellatrix," Rose replies with a giggle.
Close enough, Bellatrix thinks with a small grin to herself. "Right. We're on maintenance and you've got a lot to learn."
-xXx-
Five hours laters and the girl is noticeably more weary than when they started, but she is gamely trying to keep up with the many demands that the Captain makes of her. They have cleaned the filters in the water desalination tanks, removed all the salt that gathers on the solar panels on the foredeck, and swapped the fuel cells that power the boat when they are not using the sails. Bellatrix finds herself impressed with Rose's willingness to carry the large, solar-charged batteries back and forth across the deck. She discreetly helps her with a charm to make them lighter, but she doesn't tell the girl this.
Bellatrix finds herself being far more patient with Rose, than with any other child she's met. Most children irritate her with the constant way they ask the question 'why'. Why do I have to do this? Why have I got to go there? Why do I have to eat a balanced diet? Not Rose, though. Rose's go-to question is 'what'. What does this do? What would happen if I did this? What would it be like if…? It's refreshing, and she finds herself answering each of the questions thrown her way.
"What's a desalination chamber?"
"A unit that converts sea water into fresh water by process of evaporation."
"Why do we need to clean the solar panels on the foredeck every day?"
"Because the spray that comes off of the sea leaves behind salt deposits that block the UV rays from being converted into power."
"Why do we charge batteries rather than everything having its own solar panel?"
"Because it's a more flexible system. Solar panels would make for a really clunky design if added to every single thing that requires a power source. One set of solar panels can charge many different sizes of battery, which can be used all over the ship."
They make a stop every now and then for water, and the girl is delighted when Bellatrix gifts her a metal water bottle and tells her to write her name on it. She keeps up a stream of amusing chatter, entertaining the Captain endlessly with her thirst for information.
"Time for a break," Bellatrix informs Rose, who immediately sags with relief. The Captain tries unsuccessfully to resist laughing at her, but the girl's pout at the mirth has her laughing even harder. They head down into the dining area, both slumping gratefully into the soft seating around the huge table.
"I know why you're laughing, Captain Bellatrix, but one day I will be the strongest on the ship. You'll see," Rose warns seriously, but her face cracks into a smile and then she is laughing too.
"Will you now?" Bellatrix quirks an eyebrow. "Even stronger than me? There is no one on this ship that can beat me in a battle of strength or endurance."
"That's true, Rose, and you should see her with a sword," Narcissa's voice interrupts, as the blonde walks down the small, steep stairs from the main deck, to join them below.
"Sword?" Rose wrinkles up her nose. "I thought you used magic?
"For the most part," Narcissa agrees, "But when we are sailing around the magnetic poles, magic is at its weakest and unreliable to use. It's always helpful to be prepared."
"People used to have all kinds of weapons, but most of them are banned now," Bellatrix informs her. "Not that everyone pays attention to the rules," she adds, patting the small gun holstered on her belt with a wink.
Rose grins. "You're not meant to be encouraging me to break the law, Captain."
"They're not our laws," Bellatrix denies. "Muggles make all the rules these days, but we're not muggles, we're witches. I'll do as I please, thank you."
Rose looks vaguely impressed with her attitude, and Bellatrix wonders for a moment if she really should be encouraging the girl. Better the girl knows how the world works, though. Especially if she is going to stick around for a while. She's interrupted from her thoughts by yet another question.
"How many crew are there? This table is enormous."
"There were ten of us, before you and your mum joined the crew. You'll meet them all at dinner," Bellatrix assures her. "Now, are you happy to stay here and help Cissa? I'm gonna go and check on your mother. The sleep potion should be wearing off soon."
"Will you tell her I said hi?" Rose asks hopefully.
Bellatrix ruffles her hair as she gets up to leave. "Will do, Kid."
"She'll need something to eat," Narcissa reminds her, sitting down next to Rose, with a mug of coffee.
"Yeah, okay," Bellatrix replies, grateful for the reminder. She heads into the galley, where Harry is already working on dinner for the crew.
"Hey, got anything I can take to our newcomer?"
He nods, gesturing with his knife to a tin plate. On it, there is a sandwich stuffed with various green leaves and what looks to be a slab of cashew-nut cheese. "Thought you might want to take her something. Does she need a canteen?"
Bellatrix shakes her head. "I'll sort her out with one later, but for now, I have water in my cabin she can drink."
He nods, continuing to chop vegetables at a rate that has always amazed her. He's a wizard, and she knows he is capable of the spells that could assist him in the kitchen, but he always insists it tastes better to do it by hand. She leaves him to it. As a man who didn't know he had magic until he was a teenager, she can see why sometimes he holds on to the comforts of his previous life. If this is what makes him happy, then she sees no problem with it. Her crew need to eat, and he always makes sure there is good, nutritionally balanced food on the table. She expects nothing more, and nothing less.
"Thanks, Potter," she calls over her shoulder on the way out of the galley, receiving a distracted grunt in return. She makes her way back through the ship to her quarters, knocking gently on the door. There is no answer, so she lets herself in, rightfully assuming that Hermione is still sleeping. The woman's face already looks so much better, and her expression is slack, almost peaceful in her slumber.
She places the plate of food on the side, catching sight of her hands, and then staring down at her outfit. It's been a long day of labour. The kind that leaves you hot, sweaty and dirty. She'll shower later, but for now, she feels an urgent need to change her clothes into something cooler. The temperature below deck is stifling, and the humidity has been creeping upwards all day. They're heading in the direction of a storm, one that she would rather skirt around if possible, but it doesn't look likely.
With a quick glance at Hermione to confirm she is still sleeping, Bellatrix undoes her boots and slips them off, stripping the shirt from her shoulders and dropping tight black trousers to the floor. She bundles up her clothes, and throws them into the laundry basket that is built into one of her small cupboards. She knows she will need to get her laundry done at some point in the next few days, but for now it's a case of 'out of sight, out of mind'.
She selects a black vest top and a clean pair of cotton black trousers, tapered at the bottom and ending at mid-calf. For now, this will keep her cool, but she's covering the helm overnight for the first watch, so she'll need something warmer then.
Bellatrix feels eyes on her long before she turns back around. Vest top in hand, she pulls it over her head, as she moves to face the bed again. Her eyes lock with Hermione's, the woman watching her through half-closed lids. The young woman blushes, averting her eyes.
"It's okay, I don't mind you taking a good look, Pet," Bellatrix teases, pulling the vest down.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stare," Hermione says awkwardly. "It's just… you're … you're very toned."
Bellatrix grins. She knows interest when she sees it, and she never misses an opportunity to show off her well-earned body. She raises the vest in one hand, trailing the fingers of her other over her well defined abs. "I've worked hard for these," she purrs, gleefully watching the way Hermione's eyes are following her fingers, tracing each one of her muscles. "It would be a shame if they weren't appreciated."
Hermione looks up, and Bellatrix sees her swallow, before she closes her eyes, turning her face to hide in the pillow. Letting out a melodious laugh, Bellatrix takes pity on her, covering herself up again. She picks up the plate and places it on the cabinet next to the bed. "You hungry?" she asks.
"Starving," comes the mumbled reply, before Hermione comes out from hiding. Bellatrix gestures to the sandwich. "Harry made this for you."
-xXx-
Hermione pushes herself into a sitting position, with far more ease than she had earlier. Gingerly, she stretches out her arms, rotating what had been her broken wrist. Startled when she experiences no pain, she presses cautiously on her damaged ribs. "How? I don't understand?"
"Magic is a powerful healing tool, Hermione."
She can see that's true. Apart from the odd, mild ache, she really does feel as good as new. "Thank you."
The Captain shakes her head. "You don't need to keep saying that. You needed help, and we were in a position to give it to you. The next time someone comes to you and needs help, you do the same. Then we're all equal."
Hermione is puzzled by the woman in front of her and can't help but remark on it. "You're very different from what people in the city like to say about you."
"Let me guess. We're just ruthless pirates, fighting our way around the world just for the joy of shedding blood and causing carnage?" the Captain asks with a roll of her eyes.
Hermione feels her cheeks heating up again. "That's what they tell us," she admits. "But then Rose came home and it made me realise that perhaps not everything is as it seems."
"Eat up," Bellatrix prompts, nodding towards the so-far untouched sandwich in front of her. "We hear all kinds of rumours about us, some of it has a measure of truth, but most of it doesn't. That suits us, though."
"You want people to think the worst of you," Hermione asks, finally taking a bite of food, barely chewing before she swallows and tears off another mouthful.
"We're not actually pirates, not in the general term," Belaltrix explains. "Officially we transport cargo, though we do sometimes accept a slightly less legal object on board for the right price, or even accept a payment to retrieve something that has been 'lost'."
"Something stolen, you mean?"
"Yes, and the reason we get paid so handsomely for our efforts is because of our reputation. Most other ships, pirate crews included, stay away from us. So we get the job done, every single time. We have a reputation for being reliable, and if it takes being known as a little bloodthirsty to keep it that way, then so be it."
"I heard you sank an International Navy vessel, just for asking to see your cargo records?" Hermione asks, eyebrow raised.
Bellatrix laughs. "Cargo records? No. The Admiral of the HMS Knockturn was Narcissa's ex-husband. Crooked as they come, he didn't give a fuck what we were carrying. He just wanted his precious little trophy-wife back."
"I assume he didn't succeed?" Hermione asks dryly.
Bellatrix grins proudly. "Cissy told him that if he wouldn't give her a divorce, then he could damn well make her a widow instead."
Hermione's gasps. "What happened?"
"She blasted a hole in the side of his ship and cackled while we watched it sink."
It hits home then, exactly who she is here with. For all her kindness, Bellatrix is feared for a reason. She has a reputation because of her deeds and it's not all just based on rumours. The Captain seems to sense her change in mood, and pulls over the chair, sitting close to the bed.
"Don't judge her. Cissa is one of the softest, kindest people I know. Our parents arranged marriages for all of us before we could even walk. Andy ran away when she was sixteen, and I left soon after. Cissa wasn't so lucky though, and ended up married to the git. He treated her the same way that your husband treated you, do you understand what I'm saying?"
Hermione nods thoughtfully. If she had ever been brave enough to ask Cormac for a divorce and he said no, what would she have done? Would she have run away, like she has now? And if he had come after her, with every intention of taking her home again, could she give up her newly-found freedom. Probably not.
"I didn't mean to judge."
"Just remember something when you're walking around this ship, Hermione. Everyone has a story. Everyone chose this life for different reasons, but one thing is true for all of us. We were all looking for an escape. We've all been through a lot and yes, that makes us a little rough around the edges, but we're good people."
"I know," Hermione replies immediately. "I do know."
"Good. Now, when you've eaten that, come up and meet the crew. You can come back here and sleep tonight, if you want, and then tomorrow we'll get you sorted out with your own accommodation."
"Where will you sleep?"
"With you, of course," Bellatrix replies with a straight face, cackling when Hermione swallows dryly. "I'm on first watch, so I won't need to crash until daylight, and I thought you could share with Rose this first night, if you wanted? I know this must all seem very strange to you at the moment."
"That's very kind of you, Bellatrix," Hermione replies, a smile of pure gratitude turning up the corners of her lips. "Do you think I could get a shower?"
"Come upstairs when you are ready. If you look in these drawers here, you should find a shirt and trousers that fit, we're about the same size. I'll show you the laundry room where we keep clean towels etc when you come up."
Bellatrix leaves the room, and Hermione places cool palms against her glowing cheeks. The thought of wearing Bellatrix's clothes leaves her strangely flustered. She's not some innocent schoolgirl, she knows exactly what that fluttery feeling in her stomach means. It's not the first time she's been attracted to someone and she recognises the signs. What to do about it, though?
Realistically, she knows she needs time to heal. Cormac might never have been her choice, just one of the masses of arranged weddings that are so common in the commerce world. She's not ready for anything else, though, she knows. Bellatrix might not even be interested, though she's certain she saw a flicker of something in the Captain's eyes.
Hermione jumps from the bed with far more energy than she could have hoped for, when she had stumbled on board earlier that morning. Opening the top drawer, her mouth drops open when she sees the luxurious lingerie. Lace and satin in blacks, reds and even emerald green. She slams the drawer shut and opens the next one, breathing heavily. Blindly reaching in, she pulls out a vest top much like the one Bellatrix had just changed into. The next drawer down holds pairs of neatly folded trousers and she pulls out a pair made of black denim. It's the kind of outfit she has always wanted to wear, but as the wife of a politician, there were expectations of how she should dress.
Her thoughts turn towards Cormac, wondering if he has realised they are missing yet. Hopefully, running away on a pirate ship is the last thing he will think of. The thought of him coming after her, makes her shudder. He is arrogant enough to try and force her hand, she knows, and as one of the richest men in her home city of Port Solis, she knows he has the resources.
No. She refuses to waste time thinking about him. She's been given a chance and she will do whatever it takes to embrace it. She might have her moments of self-doubt. Moments where her self-worth is so low, that she almost believes Cormac when he tells her she is getting what she deserves. That she had brought it on herself. However, Rose deserves better, and she's going to make sure she gets it.
She holds her new outfit up against her body, inhaling deeply as the scent of neroli fills the air. The full-length mirror hanging on the side of the cabin, reflects a woman she barely recognises.
The door bursts open, and Bellatrix pierces her with a vicious glare. "What the fuck, Hermione?! Tell me your surname is not McClaggen?!"
Her stomach drops violently at the accusation, but there is no denying it as she wilts under Bellatrix's burning gaze.
"Yes. It is," she admits meekly, bile rising to the back of her throat.
"Your husband is the President of Port Solis?"
Hermione nods, mouth too dry to speak.
"Well. Fuck, Pet," Bellatrix curses. "What the fuck are we going to do with you now?"