Bellatrix Druella Black had been sleeping peacefully in her large plush bed enjoying a rather lovely dreamless sleep. She found herself having more dreamless sleeps after retiring from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement a few years back. After her daughters, Cassiopeia and Minerva released all of the magical creatures from the school's reserves and set Hagrid's Hut on fire, she and her wife decided it was time for her to step back from working to spend more time with their daughters. Bella never really needed to work. She had more galleons than she knew what to do with from her own family's vault and the money she inherited after that useless man, Rodolphus was rightly killed during the war. Hermione made a steady and generous wage as the Minister for Magic. Bella had attempted to get her to retire as well but Hermione was only nearing 43 and nowhere near ready to give up her job.

It was a Saturday morning in late August, the family had just got back from a trip to the Canary Islands and they had agreed to sleep in before they had to head to Diagon to pick up school supplies in preparation for the new school year. Cass was 17 years old and heading into her final year and that terrified Bella beyond her wildest imagination. This child she raised was one year away from being a productive member of society. At least, that was the hope. The girl had met her fair share of trouble but she was bright, funny, athletic and as far as her mothers were concerned, she had her whole life ahead of her. She wasn't really bothered with getting top scores on her NEWTS because she wanted to go into professional Quidditch. Bella wouldn't tell her daughters that they couldn't go after their dreams like her father did. Besides, Cass was the best player at Hogwarts and she was certain she would get a lot of offers this year.

Minnie had just turned 16 and was going into her 6th year. She was still waiting for the scores of her OWL examinations to come in the post but she wasn't nervous. Nobody at Hogwarts had put in as much study time and effort into those exams, not even Pandora Potter. Minnie knew she was the smartest witch of her age and didn't need exam scores to prove it though she hadn't been able to stop thinking about them since she took the tests. She made her Aunt Andy text her everyday they were on vacation to let her know if the scores arrived in the post. Minnie was still undecided about what she wanted to do after Hogwarts. Her problem was that she was too interested in everything except Quidditch of course. She's thought about careers at St. Mungos, the Ministry and even teaching at Hogwarts but Hermione often had to remind her daughter that there was still plenty of time to decide and it was even okay for her to try out a few things before settling on any one career.

Hermione was also relishing in the post vacation mindset before she had to go back to work. She made it a point to take time off every summer and forced the family together on some sort of vacation especially after the girls started school. She thought togetherness was the key to a happy family. Though, the family camping trip she had proved less than thrilling for everyone except Bella, Jack and Cass. That was a one time experience that Hermione was happy to never repeat. At least her daughter's fractured ankle healed nicely.

It was still dark in the bedroom when Bella felt a dip in the bed and an extra weight next to her. She assumed that Hermione had just come back from the bathroom and was snuggling in closer but her wife's warm arm never found its way around her stomach. "Pet?" She didn't bother turning over, just reaching behind her for Hermione's arm. "Why aren't you holding me?" She grumbled before locating the arm and pulling it tightly around herself, immediately starting to drift off back to sleep.

"Mum's still asleep," the voice of her eldest daughter whispered from behind her. "I'll hold you if you want," she snuggled into her mother from behind.

Bella's eyes opened, "why are you in our bed?"

"You said we were going to Diagon today. The new broom is being released. I have to get it."

Bella sighed, of course it was about the broom. That's all they bloody heard about on vacation. The newest Thunderbolt was being released and Cass needed to have it for the upcoming term. "What time is it?"

"Just come 6 I think," Cass shrugged.

"The store doesn't open until 10. That's at least two more hours of sleepy time. Leave, please."

"Oh Bella," Hermione's sleepy voice finally chimed in. "She's just excited. Don't you remember ever being too excited about something to sleep?"

Hermione and Cass both looked over to the dark witch who buried her head under her pillow, "no."

"I think she's lying," Cass rolled onto her back and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Of course she is darling. Even mummy gets excited about things," Hermione laughed. "Unfortunately she is right. The store doesn't open up for quite some time and I think your sister is still asleep. You are welcome to stay here and get a little extra sleep if you would like."

"No she's not," a grumble came from underneath the other pillow.

"Oh hush now. Yes she is," Hermione patted Cass on the hand. "You can stay here with your mother or you can come with me and start preparing breakfast." She already knew that any opportunity the girls had to sleep in their bed they took it. There was something magical about their bed and it offered the best sleep in the whole house.

"It's just so cozy here," Cass rolled over, her black curls sprawling over Hermione's pillow that she commandeered after her mum sat up.

Hermione shook her head and stood up. She turned to cover Cass up with her covers after the girl cuddled down further into relaxation. She kissed Cass on the forehead and walked to the other side of the bed and lifted the pillow off of her wife's head. "I set an alarm for an hour and half from now," she kissed Bella on the cheek and handed her back her pillow.

The dark witch grumbled again and shoved the pillow under her head, never opening her eyes. When the brunette was leaving the room she called after her, "love you, Hermione."

A sleepy Bella was one of Hermione's favorite versions of her wife, "I love my girls." She closed the door behind her and walked down the hall towards the other wing where the girls' rooms were located and stopped outside of Minerva's room. She quietly opened the door and peeked in on her. She was still sound asleep so Hermione just backed out of the room so as to not disturb her. Hermione also enjoyed her quiet mornings especially when she didn't have to rush into the office. She didn't bother calling on the elves, walking into the kitchen and gathering the supplies to make French toast for her family. Her girls went absolutely mad for French toast. Bella of course would complain if there wasn't a type of sausage available. Jack even got her hooked on American bacon so Hermione would make some of that as well if only to hear the debate between Minnie and Bella about animal cruelty. Minnie wasn't a vegetarian but she had a lot to say on the topic of bacon. She had considered herself an animal activist after their stunt with the magical creatures. Her love went as far as muggle animals as well. Yes, as strange as they were, Hermione considered her family perfect. Their permanent house guest made her way into the kitchen and helped herself to the pot of coffee Hermione had already begun to brew. "Staying for breakfast, Andy?"

"I'd love to but I have to get to work. Not all of us have the luxury of retirement like my dear sister," Andy rolled her eyes.

"If I'm not mistaken, you have quite the vault at Gringotts as well."

"What I have in my vault is no business of yours," Andy scoffed as she helped herself to a tumbler of coffee. "Plus, I'm playing the role of the disinherited/inherited younger sister."

"A role you know all too well," Hermione laughed.

"And I play it famously," Andy winked at Hermione before heading off to work.

The first to shuffle into the kitchen during Hermione's preparations was Minnie. "It smells so good in here, mum," she said as she walked over, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Good morning, darling," Hermione kissed her forehead before turning back to tend to her French toast. "Are you ready to go to Diagon today?"

Minnie rolled her eyes, "Cass is. She's been on about that broom for almost a year now. How long after she gets it do you think we will be hearing about it?"

Hermione tried to stifle her laugh, "I'd say at least another four months, longer if the Quidditch season goes well for Slytherin. Then even longer if she gets signed to a team."

"If?" Minnie looked over her shoulder towards the door, "better not let Cass hear you say if."

"You know what I meant," Hermione sighed. "Of course Cass is going to get a bunch of offers. She's a brilliant flyer."

"Of course I am," Cass entered the kitchen with Bella following behind. "I couldn't have said it better myself, mum." She tried to sneak a bit of sausage out of the pan but Hemrione whacked her lightly with the flipper.

"Breakfast isn't quite done. You and your mother can set the table," she gave the instructions.

"Seriously pet?" Bella walked over, giving her wife a good morning kiss before turning to open the cupboard. "Cass doesn't need her ego boosted anymore. You've inflated her sense of self so much she can probably fly without the broom."

"Oh stop. She gets her ego from you."

"You wound me, pet." Bella cackled, bringing the stack of plates over to the table where Cass was pouring glasses of orange juice.

The family sat around the table enjoying breakfast and easily flowing conversation when there was a knock at the window. Bella looked up from her large plate of bacon, "who sends a bloody owl before ten am? It doesn't look like Cissy's."

"I'm not sure," Hermione went over and opened the window. The owl flew in and dropped a letter in front of Cass and and two in front of Minnie.

"Ew," Cass rolled her eyes, "it's our class list. Books and stuff."

"Perfect," Bella nodded. "We can get everything today and not have to make two trips. Minerva could've sent this shit out earlier." She saw her wife give her a look, "what? You know it's true. Class starts next week. Don't these things usually go out in July?" The Hogwarts letters had been going out later and later as the years went on.

Minnie was quiet as she opened both letters. One was her class schedule and the other of course contained the results of her OWLS examinations. Cass studied her sister's face immediately knowing that something wasn't right with her so she did the only thing an older sister would do and plucked the letter out of Minnie's hands, "Cassiopeia you give that back right now!"

"I will when I'm finished Minerva. I only wish to see your excellence," Cass looked it over and her eyes widened.

"Cass," Bella grabbed the letter from her. "Leave your sister alone. These are her scores," she looked down at the paper and controlled her face. "These are great scores, bean."

Hermione couldn't stop her curiosity from getting the better of her and reached across the table to grab the paper from her wife, looking it over. "These are top mark scores, darling. There is no reason to be upset."

"Bet you are wishing you took Muggle Studies instead of Divination now," Cass shoved another bite into her mouth when both of her mothers glared at her.

"9 Os. That is truly great work, Minnie. We are all very proud of you."

"How can you be proud? I only got an acceptable in Divination. How could I have only gotten an acceptable?"

"Because Sybil is psychotic. I've been saying it for years."

"You probably would've gotten an outstanding in Muggle Studies. I did," Cass knew she wasn't helping but couldn't stop herself.

"Cassiopeia," Hermione gave her the same look she had given Bella earlier, "I think you should go up to your room. Get ready for the day. Leave your class list here."

"How am I going to hear the rest of this if I'm banished to my room?"

"Cass," Bella gave her a serious look, "just go."

No swearing or threatening followed the soft spoken command from her mother which meant to Cass that it was in fact time to leave. She grabbed a couple of pieces of bacon and headed out the room.

"I'm a failure," Minnie slumped against the back of her chair, head falling with a thump. "I just know Pandora got all ten Os. There's no way she didn't."

"Well we don't know that sweetheart," Hermione tucked a strand of hair behind her daughter's ear. "And even if she did, it doesn't matter. You are the smartest witch of your age with or without ten outstandings."

"Too bad she was kicked out of care of magical creatures," Cass shouted from the hallway.

"I'll go take care of her," Bella rolled her eyes. She stopped to give Minnie a kiss on her forehead, "I'm proud of you, Minnie." After a squeeze on her shoulder, Bella exited the kitchen, "Cassiopeia, you are such a little shit, let's go."

"She gave me an A. An A?! Not even an E?! Who am I Victoria Weasley?! I tried really hard on that bloody exam. I think Trelawney has an inherent problem with the Grangers. I'm going to demand the headmistress let me take a retest."

"Darling," Hermione's soft mom voice kicked into overdrive, "do we really think that's for the best?"

"I'm not sure how it could be much worse than an acceptable, mum."

Hermione felt for her daughter. She truly did. She remembered when she got an E on her Defense Against the Dark Arts exam and she thought it was the end of the world that Harry had gotten a better score than her. She knew the only thing that would help her daughter feel better would be to focus on the future. "Well now you can start preparing for your NEWTS."

"Really, mum?"

"I'll talk to the headmistress about a redo of your Dicination exam but I'm not making any promises," the sentence was barely out of her mouth when her daughters arms were thrown tightly around her neck, squeezing with an exuberant force.

"Thank mum!" Minnie left the kitchen without so much as a look behind her.

Bella returned with a grin on her face, "you are going to talk to the headmistress on your daughter's behalf?"

"She gets her manipulative little shit personality of her from your side of the family."

Bella cackled, "oh that is all Narcissa. She should be forced to talk to the headmistress."

"You are positive it's not one of your traits?"

Bella waved her off, "could be. It's hard to remember the specifics at my age."

Hermione smiled, yes her family was perfect.

"Seems we picked a shitty day to come shopping," Bella grumbled as she and Hermione walked to the ice cream store. The streets were crowded and lined with Hogwarts students of various ages and overbearing parents. As soon as they landed the girls spotted James hanging outside of the Weasley shop. Minnie was apprehensive but didn't see Pandora so she joined her sister with their friend. "Stay out of trouble and try to get some supplies besides pranks and a new broom," Hermione had instructed the pair before joining her wife for their usual ice cream date.

"Remember when our girls wouldn't even go into a store until we all had ice cream together? When did they become these little adults?"

Hermione laughed, "I think Cass was always an adult," she leaned her head on Bella's shoulder. "Our girls are getting older."

"And yet," Bella smirked, "I haven't aged a day."

"Not at all," Hermione replied while eating a spoonful of earl gray and lavender ice cream. "Our baby is going into her seventh year."

"It's wild," Bella smiled, remembering her childhood fondly. "She came into the world early, almost killing me. Then she turns into this funny, adorable little spitfire obsessed with dragons, flying and her cousin Teddy. She got in loads of trouble including burning down Hagrid's hut." Hermione was about to say something when Bella stopped her, "if you say "like mother like daughter" I will be forced to end our marriage contract. As I was saying, she's grown into an equally passionate and stubborn young lady. I just hope she's ready to take on the world next year."

Hermione didn't say anything for a while and let the impact of her wife's words sink in. "I don't think we have to worry about Cass being ready for the world. Is the world ready for Cassiopeia Bellatrix Black?"

Bella cackled, "is the world ever ready for us Blacks?" She took Hermione's bowl and threw their rubbish in the bin, "come on. Let's go make sure she didn't buy the whole Quidditch store. Our galleons will only go so far."

"Please like money is the issue," Hermione shoved their shoulders together. "You just want to make sure she didn't run into Victoria in the shop."

"My daughter knows inferiority when she sees it. There's nothing wrong with calling a child a wasted layabout. Fucking Gryffindor think she's Godric's gift to Quidditch."

"When everybody knows that title belongs to your own flesh and blood," Hermione stopped outside of the shop, waiting for a response.

"Exactly. You get it," she held the door open and waited for her wife to walk through. She looked around and saw Cass excitedly talking with James beside the cashier. "Ah there you go, pet. Ask Red. She'll confirm."

Ginny Weasley looked up from the new broom display and shook her head, "whatever this is about… I don't want any part of it."

"Too late. I've decided you are a part of it," Bella shrugged, picking up the new broom examining it.

"You can't ask her to participate when one of the subjects is her niece."

Ginny rolled her eyes, "we've had this conversation so many times."

"I'm not asking you to answer this as the spawn's aunt. I'm asking you as the quidditch coach and flying instructor. Who is better? Cass or Victoria?" She said the second name in an overtly mocking tone.

"Don't answer that just because my wife is a bully."

"Please," Ginny rolled her eyes. "I haven't been afraid of Bella for at least three years. Who do I look like, Neville?"

"Answer the question, Red."

Ginny looked over her shoulder to make sure Cass wasn't in earshot, "don't need her head to expand anymore than it already is."

"Well that's her answer," Hermione tried desperately to end the conversation.

"No," Bella shook her head, "I want to hear it."

"Cassiopeia is the one of the most if not the most proficient flyer of her age. I have never met someone as young as her with her skills. If McGonagall would've bent her rule, Cass would've been playing since first year. She is equally amazing in all of the positions and will be an asset to whichever team she signs with. Honestly, between us, Cass flies circled around Victoria and all of the rest of the kids. I think she could also beat all of the girls I played with during my time on the Harpies. She is talented."

Bella felt her heart swell with pride. It was no longer a need to be right but a feeling that this woman whom she came to respect spoke so highly of her daughter, "see, pet. Naturally talented." Bella leaned in closer to Ginny, whispering, "thank you," before she talked off to join her daughter and James. "Well if it isn't the two greatest Slytherin Quidditch players at Hogwarts."

"Mummy," Cass ran over to Bella, "did you see it?" She handed her the broom she was holding. "She's beautiful. Don't you think so?"

"Indeed she is," Bella pretended to examine the broom for the first time. Seeing her daughter's excitement was enough for her to get excited. "I see you don't have any other school stuff."

"Minnie has the stuff. She shrunk it all down. She went to the used book store and asked if I see you to tell you to send mum there."

"Pet," Bella called over her shoulder, "Minnie is waiting for you at your spot." Hermione smiled, nodded and left the Quidditch shop with Ginny in tow.

"Aww, she took Professor Weasley with her," James joined the other two. "I wanted to hear what she thinks about the broom."

"I'm sure you'll hear about it all year," Bella rolled her eyes. "Did you two buy these yet?"

"Not yet, ma'am," no matter how many times he talked to Bella he still blushed when he spoke with her directly.

"Potter," she rolled her eyes, "please don't call me ma'am. Bella is fine. I've told you this how many times?"

"Mummy," Cass swatted her mother. "You know you scare the absolute bullocks out of him."

"Come on you two," Bella grabbed the two brooms from the kids, "let's go buy these."

"Oh I have money, ma'am," he stopped mid sentence, "I mean Bella. I have some galleons."

"It's on me, kid. I like having things to hold over your father's head," she cackled.

September 1st came faster than anyone was prepared for. Of course their trunks had been packed for a week and the girls were more than ready to head back to school but Bella wasn't prepared for the extreme feelings she felt when she rolled over at 4am, unable to go back to sleep. It's not like dropping them off at the train was new but this time a feeling of dread settled low in the dark witch's stomach and she couldn't explain it. Maybe it was the fact that it was the last first day of school Cass would have but she felt it was something more and she couldn't put her finger on it. She laid on her back staring up at the dark ceiling for what seemed like hours until she felt her wife stir beside her. Hermione stretched out her limbs, wrapping an arm around Bella's torso, "how long have you been up?"

"Not long," Bella wrapped her arm around Hermione's back pulling her into her neck. "Not long," she repeated because she truly couldn't remember how long she had been laying there. Bella placed a kiss on the top of her head. "Sleep well?"

"On and off," Hermione was tracing patterns on Bella's stomach. "It's like I could feel the girls' excitement or something."

"Something," Bella repeated back but didn't elaborate on her own feelings of unease.

"Should we wake up the girls?"

"You know what they will want," Bella knew Hermione could feel her smirk against the top of her head.

"How did this become a tradition again?"

"Is it our fault that there just happens to be a McDonalds a block from King's Cross? If Hogwarts insists on taking us to Muggle London, you can't expect the Black family to not get something to eat at our favorite place."

"And then the girls always insist on stopping at M in the station for muggle treats because they swear they are better than the selection off the trolley," Hermione continued the retelling of their traditions.

"I can't say I blame them. Muggles know food. I will give them that. Are your parents meeting us at the station this year?"

Hermione shook her head, "they can't make it. Dad has a doctor's appointment that he can't miss. Mum said nothing will stop them from picking the girls up at Christmas though."

Bella, Hermione and the girls were running to Platform 9 as they did every year no matter how early they left. They made their way through the otherside of the hidden wall with five minutes to spare. "Are you sure you girls have everything?" Hermione had enlarged their school trunks that they had shrunk down to go into the restaurant.

"Yes, mum," Minnie answered. "Remember mummy somehow talked Draco into taking our familiars for the summer." She turned and looked at the train, Lyra and Ember were hanging out of the window waving at her. They were holding onto the puffskeins, "see. That's everything."

"You have a fantastic year, my sweet girl. I'll talk to the Headmistress as soon as I have a moment."

"Oh don't worry about that anymore, mum."

"What? Why?"

Minnie let out a little laugh, "it's so stupid but when we were school shopping, James told me that Pandora failed her Ancient Runes OWL. Like actually failed it. It makes my acceptable seem almost that. How embarrassing for her."

"Go tell your mother goodbye. You know she misses you," Minnie gave Hermione a big hug before making her way over to Bella. She watched as Bella pulled their youngest in for a hug, whispering something that caused the girl to laugh. When she pulled away, Minnie kissed her cheek and told her she loved her. Hermione joined her wife watching Minnie get onto the train turning to wave one last time.

"Cass, stop snogging your girlfriend and get over here and say goodbye to your mothers," Bella shouted across the platform.

Cass hurried over to her parents, cheeks red with embarrassment, "we weren't snogging. I was just saying hello."

"With your tongue down her throat?"

"To be fair, Hermione, that's often how you say hello to me."

"Is it possible to actually die from embarrassment?" Cass asked, looking around to see if anyone had been listening to the exchange.

"You are going to have an amazing seventh year, sweetheart," Hermione pulled her into a hug first. "I know you are excited about Quidditch but try not to neglect your studies. They are still important. And do try to cut Professor Slughorn a break."

Cass had to stand on her tiptoes to reach Hermione's cheek to give her a kiss. She never would forgive her younger sister for being taller than her. "I'll try to go easier on Sluggy but he just makes it so easy."

"He always has," Bella laughed and pulled her daughter in for a big hug. She lowered her voice, speaking directly to her daughter, "have an amazing year. Kick everyone's ass on the field. The scouts are going to be lined up with offers for you. Have fun with your girlfriend," she looked past her daughter and gave a little wave to Sam. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

"What would that be?"

"Good point. Don't get expelled. You only have 9 months to go. Try to study. It'll make your mother happy," she kissed her daughter's forehead. "I'm proud of you."

The train horn sounded and all the students rushed to get on board, "I gotta go," she said to both of her mums. "I love you," she called to them as she ran over to the train.

"We love you, too," Bella shouted back. They stood and watched the bittersweet show as the Hogwarts Express pulled out of King's Cross for Cass's last first day of Hogwarts.