AN: Sorry it took so long T.T unfortunately the next chapter after this one will take a while too. school = dead me

November – Saturday

Tonks came over at eleven and let herself in. Teddy barely paid attention, only waving at his mom from the living room, as he and Kiki continued to play.

"Hey." Tonks greeted as she ungracefully sat at the table.

"Hey. How'd it go?"

The look on Tonks' face said it all. Her friend tried to come up with an explanation, waving her hand and starting a word but stopping. Finally, she gave up and laid her head on the table, groaning.

Hermione summed up the problem; "He isn't Lupin."

"Yes." Tonks lifted her head off the table. "And he was nice. I just… Yeah…"

"Unfortunately, I can't really give you any advice." Hermione sat down across from Tonks after peaking at the children and handing her a cup of tea. "Well… Other than, you won't meet another Lupin. But you shouldn't settle for less either. Or… You know… So they say…"

Tonks raised an eyebrow at her. "Yeah, I guess that's the jist of it. I don't think I'll see someone else for a little while. Or maybe… I don't know, I might see him again, if he wants to. I left a little abruptly."

"What's his name?"

"Donovan, Don. He is very loves the outdoors, family oriented, he is an Auror, so he understands the crazy hours. He'd probably be great if I could shake off Lupin's ghost."

Hermione just smiled tightly at her friend not knowing what to say, she has no experience in this and hoped never to exactly understand Tonks' position.

Tonks changed the focus of the conversation; "How about you? No one on the horizon?"

For some odd reason, thoughts of Bellatrix fleetingly passed through her mind, but she shook them off. "No, haven't seen anyone since Ron." She laughed. "And you know how well that went. I swear he is still a child at times."

"Don't you find it lonely?"

"You do?"

"Yes. It took me years to convince Lupin things could work between us. It was worth it, going to bed with him next to me, and waking up with him and just generally having him by my side, was amazing. You get a feeling of wholeness, even if you argue, you know he will still be there."

Tonks quieted and stared at a spot just ahead of her. Hermione gave Tonks a bit of time to finish reminiscing before answering the earlier question;

"I used to get lonely, and think about the mythical 'fullness' you read about in books. Though maybe not so mythical given your account of living with Lupin… I gave up that dream. Then adopted Kiki and you know how it is with children, you don't have much time. Now that Kiki's is a bit older, I have a bit of time, but Bellatrix has been keeping me busy."

Tonks laughed. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, she's over here at all hours. Keeps me on my toes."

"Is she a problem?"

Hermione shook her head. "No. I actually like her visits."

Tonks laughed again. "Now that is something I never thought I would hear. Maybe you could get her to babysit for a bit, test her a tad, while you go out? And I don't mind returning the favour." She added motioning to the living room where the kids were playing.

"Oh, she's already babysat her. Remember the robbery at my store? And now she sometimes picks Kiki up after school." Tonks looked surprised, but also impressed with her aunt. "By the way are you staying for lunch?"

"Why not? Unless the work is too much."

"Nope, just cold cut sandwiches and raw veggies." Hermione went to the fridge and took out some veggies. "Mind cutting these up?"

Tonks took the veggies and Hermione made turkey, ham and beef sandwiches, cutting them up into triangles so people could mix and match. She decided to broach next week while the subject of babysitting was broached;

"I don't remember if I told you or not. But my parents have been found…alive."

Tonks looked at Hermione and smiled; "No you didn't tell me! That's wonderful!"

Hermione couldn't help but smile along. "Yes, it is. I'm going to get them this week."

"I guess that means they don't have their memory back?" Hermione shook her head. "So, what's the plan?"

"Well, I leave Monday morning, it'll be evening over there. I'll find their place then get settled down… Then the next day, I guess, restore their memories. And I suppose the rest of the week I'll bring them up to speed and help them move back to England…. if they want to come back to England…"

"I doubt they won't want to come back, I'm sure they'll still love you no matter what. Still, it's going to be a tough week… I guess no 'Hi mom, hi dad, sorry about wiping your memory, this is your granddaughter, let's go back to England'?"

Hermione sighed; "No. Unfortunately. They will not be happy. And I'm leaving Kiki here."

"Who's watching Kiki?"

"Bellatrix."

Tonks put the knife down and looked at Hermione, studying her. "Ok, I know she's been around a lot, and she's babysat for short periods of time, but do you seriously trust enough for a whole week?"

"With Kissara? Absolutely."

"With Kissara?" Her friend prompted.

"I'm still a little weary around her myself. But everything is getting better, I might even call her a friend."

"Huh, who would have thought, not only do you like her visits, but she's a friend. Has she apologised for what she did to you?"

Hermione nodded, "She has."

Tonks got up and distributed the veggies across the four plates on the counter. The kids may have a choice in sandwiches, but not when it comes to their veggies. "Do the Weasley's and extended know?"

"No. They certainly don't know about Bellatrix, they don't even know that she's Kissara's birthmother. They also don't know about her father." Tonks nodded, they had come to set up specialised wards for the elf yesterday. "Although, I'm planning on telling them about him and setting up the wards around Grimmauld and the Burrow today and tomorrow. Oh, and would you mind if I tell them you have Kissara for the week?"

"Of course not. But you can't hide behind me forever, you're going to have to tell them about Aunty Bella. And what about your parents?"

"I know, I know. I'll tell them soon enough, I just want to get the whole 'getting my parents up to speed' thing first."

Tonks patted Hermione's back encouragingly and shouted to the kids. "Teddy! Lunch, and get your cousin."

Tonks watched as Teddy drummed on Kiki's and jumped up, motioning for her to follow. Teddy got to the entrance of the kitchen when his mom scooped him up and playfully kissed his neck.

"Mom!" He complained.

"I didn't get a proper hello!" Playfully she added; "So now you must suffer the consequences!"

Teddy laughed off another round of kisses. "Hi, mommy."

Tonks put her boy down and he ran to the kitchen sink where Kissara had just finished washing her hands.

'And what about you?' Tonks addressed Kiki.

The girl smiled and ran to give her aunt a hug. Then they all sat down for their lunch.

"Did you two have fun?" Tonks asked.

The children proceeded to tell them about their visit as they ate. And heavy topics drifted to the back of their mind. Until an owl starting scratching at the window.

The women looked at each other, but neither recognised the bird. Hermione got up and let it in. She gave the bird some water and took the note on its leg.

"It's for you." She handed the note over to Tonks who looked a little perplexed.

Hermione watched as Tonks' eyebrows shot up and watched her mouth twitch into a smile.

"Its from Don."

"Oh? You seem happier with the concept now than you did earlier."

"Yeah, I guess… Well, he really is nice. Interesting, and maybe interested. It's just I… I need to get used to the fact that I won't find Lupin." Tonks waved the note a bit. "He wants to go out again."

Hermione laughed a bit. "I guess you didn't share your reservations? Do you want to try again?"

"Well…. I guess I can try again."

Tonks' looked a little embarrassed to be happy about the invitation. Hermione hugged her friend and reassured her; "Take your time, and have fun. Oh, and may I recommend talking about what you're worried about in a new relationship."

Tonks sighed. "You're probably right, but that's easier said than done."

They returned to the children, who had lost interest in the adult's conversation early on, and finished their meal.

Teddy hopped down the front steps of the house, they had just said their goodbyes and were heading home.

"Boo!" Teddy laughed as his aunty Bellatrix appeared out of nowhere and gave him a hug.

"Heard you're keeping an eye on Kiki next week?" Her aunt looked at her with widened eyes, as if she feared being rebuked for it. "Let me know if you need any help."

"Oh, of course. Thank you. It's going to be an…adventure."

Tonks laughed; "Parenting is always an adventure. Off for a visit?"

Bellatrix shook her head; "We are going to Potter's place to place wards."

"You are going to Harry's place?"

"Well, Hermione and Kiki are, I'm hiding outside until Hermione comes out to place the wards."

Tonks laughed. "That makes a bit more sense. Oh, by the way, mom wants you to come by for tea. Maybe this week? With your girl?"

Her aunt smiled. "I'll be there. I'll send your mom a letter." Bellatrix got to the porch. "Have a good weekend!"

Bellatrix closed the door behind her and headed immediately to the kitchen where she could hear Hermione putting dishes in their wash box.

"It's wonderful to be able to have a passing conversation with a family member."

"I take it you bumped into Tonks outside?" Hermione finished loading the dishwasher and straightened out, turning to face Bellatrix.

Bellatrix nodded as her mood went from what might even be called bubbly, to shy.

"Are you ready to go?" She asked.

Hermione let out a short laugh. "We are leaving at 3. You're early. Did you forget when we were meeting?"

Bellatrix faked sheepishness at forgetting. Truth was; she had not forgotten, she just wanted to spend more time with... her family. But what would Hermione think if she voiced this out loud?

"I was just about to do a bit of painting with Kiki, want to join us?"

Bellatrix smiled; "Of course."

She went to get their daughter as Hermione covered the table in newspaper.

Kissara ran ahead as Grimmauld Place came into view, knocking on the door, happy to be seeing her Uncle Harry and her Aunt Ginny. And anxious to play with little James. She had not been told Bellatrix would be hiding in the alleyway nearby, in case the girl decided to go say hi or tell Harry that Star was in the alleyway.

Harry opened the door, James in one arm, and he smiled and hugged Kissara with the other. Kissara motioned to her little cousin, asking Harry to put him down.

Hermione turned Kissara towards her to make sure she understood; 'Remember to be careful with him.'

James started quickly crawling away from Kiki as soon as he's put down, babbling with happiness the familiar game of 'chase' – a baby version of tag. He got raspberries when Kissara caught him, then she let him go and went after him again. She didn't get too far that first round as she was stopped by Ginny for a hello.

"You look like you've slept well." Ginny said to Hermione en lieu of a greeting.

"Yeah, I just had Teddy over last night."

Harry laughed. "I guess the kids tired themselves out?"

"This time, yes."

"Maybe I should start having Kiki over too when I have Teddy during the week." It was how Tonks' managed to keep the crazy hours of an Auror. Harry had Teddy over when she had the nightshifts, usually only one day a week. And Hermione had Teddy when a playdate was needed.

"I don't think that's wise. It's a hit or miss. They either tire themselves out or stay up too late. The latter would not be good on a school day."

"Fair point." Harry conceded.

"Well… Come in, come in." Ginny ushered her in, Hermione barely had time to remove her shoes before she was seated at the kitchen table with a cup of tea in her hands. Ginny would not admit to it, but she was very much like her mother, as a hostess and a fighter.

Harry had gone to fetch the baby and put him in the playpen before the kids got themselves in trouble or got hurt. Hermione managed to quickly snatch a hello with the baby before turning her attention to Ginny. Kissara was slightly disappointed that her playmate was constricted to the small space but made the best of it by picking up some nearby toys for him.

The group started by catching up, Ginny had decided not to go back to play with the Holyhead Harpies after her maternity leave and accept a job offer as Quidditch correspondent. This would mean she needn't juggle time away from her family and time with her family and could be there when Harry needed to work evenings and nights as an Auror. Harry on the other hand was the same old Harry, still a little immature in private but a great father and a responsible team leader of twenty other Aurors. He had recently passed up a chance to be Head of the Office as he still didn't want that much paperwork yet and was still enjoying being in the field.

Once Harry and Ginny finished bringing her up to speed, he asked his old friend; "So what's new?"

Hermione looked at Harry. "Actually, and unfortunately, this isn't just a social call." Hermione put her mug down on the table, her suddenly solemn face made her friends worry. "Kissara's father has showed up."

"What do you mean?" Harry prompted.

"He's showed up, and threatened Kissara."

Harry turned red from anger and Ginny tensed.

"What?" Ginny almost growled, giving the impression of a lioness protecting her cubs.

Hermione sighed and leaned back, briefly glancing at Kissara, now playing with Teddy's toy snitch as little James had fallen asleep. "A friend… I met through my bookstore." Hermione hesitantly half-lied. "Brought me and Kissara to a non-human Halloween party."

"Was that wise?" Harry cut in. Unfortunately, Harry, had started to grow weary of non-humans, like most of the wizarding world, and the standard position of Aurors.

Hermione a little rattled with the interruption replied; "Yes, actually, I'm thinking of going back next year. It would have been a great evening, had we not bumped into Kissara's father. He wasn't in the clearing per say, the wards they have are powerful and trustworthy. He somehow recognized her, and he bared his teeth at us." Another little half-lie, she hated having to do this.

"What do you mean somehow recognized her? And bared his teeth?" Harry started to get agitated.

"He's a dark elf."

"What!" Harry exclaimed, jumping up. Hermione shrunk back into her chair and James started crying at the sudden outburst.

"Harry!" Ginny exclaimed.

This seem to snap him out of it and he looked from his meek-looking friend to his son. "I'm sorry 'Mione." He went to grab James out of the crib and rocked him in an effort to quiet him. "I know you didn't plan this. It's just… Not exactly a safe species…" He looked at his 'niece', he knew this wouldn't change the family's opinion of her, and hopefully others would follow suit. "I guess that means she's a half breed elf?"

Hermione nodded. "I was told that may have been how he identified her. Some species can feel the magical signature of others. And 'bared his teeth' means…"

"I know what it means 'Mione, it's not the first time I've heard of a non-human threatening someone, hell I've been threatened like that. Its just crazy… Why on Earth would he even bother with threats?"

"I don't know Harry," Hermione sounded frustrated and scared. "I wasn't sure he would even act on it, but a couple nights ago Kissara was locked out of the house in the middle of the night, she can't reach the lock, so she shouldn't have been able to go outside, let alone lock herself out. Of course, I have no proof that it was him, but it can't be a coincidence, can it?"

She looked at Harry for reassurance, but none was forthcoming. Harry gave James to Ginny for her to feed him and confirmed; "If you don't think she could've gotten out by herself, then it probably was him."

"Do you have some sort of a plan?" Ginny asked.

Hermione sighed and readjusted as Kissara came to sit on her lap, unaware of the subject of conversation. Although she supposed she would need to have another, different, 'stranger danger' talk with her soon. She proceeded to tell her friends about the visit with Vivien and the different wards, where she wants to put them, and how they figured out he was a dark elf. Then added; "Only problem is, I have no idea how to get rid of him."

Harry seemed to be deep in thought whilst Ginny suggested setting a trap. "We could gather a group, set up warning system, then ambush him? Between all of us, he shouldn't stand a chance?"

"But will he come? Does he just want to scare us? Was Thursday just a coincidence? She could have unlocked the door with uncontrollable magic… How do we even defeat a dark elf?"

Hermione's voice had started to crack a bit with panic, but snuggles from her girl and Harry's reassuring voice her calm her down.

"Make sure to have surveillance spells up. If we can positively identify him, we can probably set a trap."

Hermione nodded and riffled through her memory a bit of what books would be available to her to find a strategy to fight the dark elf. Perhaps she should go back to Joelle's non-human bookstore? Or would it just be wiser to consult their new friends?

Her mind actually blanked for a second before she suddenly remembered she would be leaving on Monday. Perhaps she should wait until after he had been dealt with?

"I need an opinion," Hermione started slowly. "I was planning on leaving for a week…"

"With that…monster… still about? Why?"

Hermione was a little annoyed with Harry interruption, again, but continued; "To bring back my parents, they were found a little while back and I've been planning this trip since then, I planned on leaving Kissara with Tonks. But that was before the threats. Should I postpone until her father is dealt with?"

Harry rubbed his stubble and Ginny spoke up as she burped James. "I think you should go, leave Kissara, you've gone long enough without your parents, and you don't really have proof yet that its him. And maybe, with you gone he'll be less cautious and activate the surveillance wards and we can figure out what to do then. Or, you can bring Kissara with you if you're too concerned with her safety. But with your wards and your friends, she should be safe."

"I think… I think this will be a long fight, and I can't let him stop us from living." Hermione hesitantly said.

"Oh, he really will stop you from living if you don't catch him in time." Harry rebuked. "I understand what you're saying, but I think this should be dealt with."

Hermione nodded; "I'll think about it when I put the wards up. Oh, Ginny, do you know if anybody will be at the Burrow tomorrow? I'd like to put wards up there too."

Ginny shook her head. "Mom and dad are gone this weekend. But go ahead and set the wards up, I'll send them and the rest of my family a letter to bring them up to speed. The more people who know about this, the more people can protect Kissara."

"Thank you," Hermione said sincerely, then sighed. "I guess I should go set up the wards now."

"Do you need any help with the wards?" Harry offered.

"No, but thank you Harry. I need to be able to truly concentrate for this. Although you can keep an eye on her." Hermione transferred Kissara onto her uncle's lap and told her she had a bit of work to do.

Kiki nodded, and she went back to being her bouncy self, wanting to play, when her mother closed the door.

"That took a long time." Bellatrix stated unimpressed.

"Sorry, but they are my friends and I haven't seen them in a little while. I also had to explain what was going on."

Bellatrix looked like she was about to snap back at her, but held it in. Hermione shied away a bit, it was never a good thing to leave Bellatrix alone with her thoughts. The ex-Death Eater looked a little regretful for having snapped at her, but hid it quickly when Hermione tried to appease her;

"Well tomorrow you won't have to wait, the Borrow will be empty."

They started to prepare the materials, then lay down the lines around the Potter home. The sides of the house, being attached, were difficult to protect, and the range of the wards they were capable of producing could not included up to the closest alleys. They figured out the oldest witch, oddly enough, was the nimblest. Hermione's attempt at climbing left her on her bottom, Bellatrix laughing at her small fall. However, Hermione was grateful as it seemed to alleviate the tension within Bellatrix.

As she wiped the dirt from her pants, Hermione jokingly said; "Well I'd like to see you do better!"

She was stunned and pretended to pout as Bellatrix simply made her way up the wall and onto the roof, even with the heels. They finished the sides of the house, Hermione tossing up the ingredients and Bellatrix casting the spells.

Bellatrix was climbing back down the front of the house, when Hermione spotted Harry, Kiki in his arms, through the window. He pointed her out to a sniffling Kiki, likely wanting her mommy. Quickly she motioned for Bellatrix to stop, and she did, just above said window. Thankfully Harry mistook it as her waving to them and made Kissara wave a little bit to her mommy.

Hermione signed; 'I'm almost done, I just need to wait for the wards to kick in.'

Harry gave a thumbs up and headed out of sight.

"They're gone."

Bellatrix dropped the rest of the way. And now they proceeded to wait. A little uncomfortably, Hermione had not been lying, they needed to wait and see if the wards had taken, otherwise they would have to redo it.

Whilst they waited, Hermione decided to broach a subject she had not really wanted to bring up; "There's probably better time for this, but it's been bothering me. How did you miss the whole 'disability' fiasco?"

Bellatrix had a look on her face that pretty clearly said; 'Seriously? Now you ask? Almost a year after we've met.' Bellatrix huffed and looked down, kicking a loose stone.

"Well… As I mentioned before, I didn't know she had a disability… Although, even if I had known, I don't think I would have done anything different, I knew no one who would take her… Or I didn't think anyone I knew who would take her. I suppose Andy or Cissy might have taken her in, but that's easier said now, when I have reconnected with them." Bellatrix turned to Hermione, then looked up at the meager number of stars that could still be seen even with the city lights, crossing her arms awkwardly over herself. "I segregated myself from any society for a long time. As a result, I didn't know there was an actual fight over the disabled's rights to live. When I finally researched the subject after I met you, I was actually surprised that it took this long to protect them within non-aristocratic society." Bellatrix snorted. "You did good." Then she laughed, "Hogwarts will have to be making considerable modifications when Kissara's generation becomes old enough to go to Hogwarts."

Hermione semi-smiled at that thought. She wasn't sure what they were going to do with the whole wheelchair vs staircase problem. Floating wheelchair lifts maybe?

"What time are you leaving tomorrow?" Bellatrix's question derailed her train of thought.

"Early Monday morning. You should probably sleep over tomorrow night to make the transition easier. I've written the coming week's schedule and I will leave it on the fridge."

Bellatrix nodded and looked back down at the ground.

"Nervous?"

Of course not, fucking mudblood!

Hermione noted that Bellatrix's head shake was a little off to be a no. So she followed with; "Remember, you can always ask Tonks, Andromeda or Narcissa for help if you need it."

Just you wait. You will leave, and when you come back, your precious daughter will be nowhere to be found.

Bellatrix's hands flew up to her ears, then her hair pulling strands of it to keep the voices down. She retreated at Hermione's cautious approached, and the concern she saw in the muggleborn's eyes broke her heart a little.

"I'm sorry," She managed to bite out. "I'll see you tomorrow." And with that she disapparated back to her cottage.

Hermione was saddened to see such a strong reappearance of the Voices but chalked it up to Bellatrix's emotions about the week to come. She would have to let the family know to keep an eye on Bellatrix, hopefully it will be unnecessary as the week went on and Bellatrix became more familiar with the routine.

Hermione finally saw the wards brighten, then disappear, a sure sign of them being active and headed towards the main door. She paused right before going in. She hadn't really given that much thought about whether or not she should leave for the week. Yet her mind had not changed, she was going to get her parents, and she felt that Kissara could not be any safer than with her momma looking after her.

They had stayed for supper. That wasn't planned, but Hermione was happy to be among friends. She secretly feared this would be the last time, for a long time, that she would get to enjoy such a carefree evening with them. The shit might just hit the fan once they knew who Kissara's mother was. Yes, they had taken news of Kissara's father well, but Hermione was not trying to bring him into their lives.

Ginny breastfed James over desert and soon he was yawning and falling asleep. Hermione used that as an excuse to get still bouncy Kissara to put her shoes on and out the door. After a long day, Hermione did not feel like running with her little one, so she figured she'd let Kiki chase the fairy toy around the backyard. Thank you, Bellatrix.

She said her goodbyes to Harry and he went upstairs to try and put James down for the night. Ginny stayed with her in the entry way. Kissara left the house in favor of standing on the sidewalk while she waited for her mommy.

Just as Hermione started to leave Ginny took advantage of Harry's absence and asked a question which had been niggling at her all evening.

"How do you know it is Kiki's father? Not just some other dark elf?"

Hermione paused at the door, she supposed this was a good introduction for a latter discussion about Bellatrix; "The friend I mentioned earlier? She is Kissara's birth mother. She identified him."

Ginny is taken aback. "What? She's not like Kiki's father, is she?"

"No, she isn't. And now she wants to be a part of Kissara's life."

Ginny crossed her arms and leaned on the wall. "And how are you faring with that?"

"Surprisingly well."

Ginny's eyebrows shot up. "Really? I'd be afraid she would take my child away."

"I was afraid at first. But we've become, friends? I think you could call it."

Ginny's surprise clearly showed on her face. "So, it's been that long?" Hermione nodded. "Why didn't you tell us earlier?" Ginny looked a little hurt.

"I'm sorry," Hermione apologised, "But I'm not sure you would…be ok with her."

"What do you mean?" Ginny asked suspiciously.

Hermione ran her fingers nervously through her hair; "I promise, I plan on telling you everything after I bring my parents back. Just trust me, please?"

Ginny stared at Hermione for a little bit longer before finally acquiescing. "Alright, but before Christmas, ok?"

Hermione nodded; "It'll be before Kiki's birthday. I'm hoping to have my family as well as her family there, and close friends of course."

Ginny seemed a little bit more satisfied with that answer. "Can I tell Harry about this?"

"As long as he doesn't come to interrogate me before the…reveal. Oh, and if you want to know a bit more about Kiki's birth mother, Kiki calls her." Hermione alternately pointed to the ceiling, the sign for stars.

"Oh." Ginny recognised the sign. She watched Hermione smile tightly at her and went to meet her daughter. Who was waiting for her mommy patiently whilst looking up at the stars. Perhaps it was why Hermione preferred to apparate instead of using the floo, she could let Kissara look at the stars for a little bit. Stars – She had thought 'Star' had been an imaginary friend of Kissara's. This woman didn't seem too bad then, but that was seen through the rose-coloured glasses of a child….

Sunday

It was morning and Bellatrix and Hermione were once again waiting for the wards to fully activate, but this time they were outside the Burrow. The silence was not as awkward this time, Bellatrix had spent the better part of the night meditating, it had been restful. Hermione, however, did not look so rested. She had probably been woken up by nightmares.

Bellatrix frowned as she noticed Hermione oddly looking around the property. "Lost something?"

Hermione turned to face her; "I guess that's accurate." Hermione looked around once more and sighed; "I had a half-kneazel. His name was Crookshanks. He wasn't very fond of Kissara. I had hoped it was just because she was young, that he would get use to having a child around the house. But one day he just left, I haven't seen him since."

"Then why are you looking for him?" Bellatrix cocked her head in confusion.

"Because a pet is like family. I miss him." Hermione waved her hand towards the Burrow. "I keep hoping he'll come back here, the Weasleys took care of him during our time on the run."

Bellatrix hummed a little to acknowledge she was listening, but she said nothing. She didn't know what to say, she could barely believe that an animal could be like a family member.

Just then the ward lines brightened and disappeared, they were set. The women packed up their materiel.

"Would you like to take a walk through the woods?"

Hermione looked at Bellatrix, startled. The woman had been distant since the visit at Grimmauld place.

"Shouldn't we be heading back to Kissara?"

"Cissy won't eat her; I promise, the walk will be short."

Hermione nodded, it wouldn't hurt. Bellatrix turned and headed out walking across the field to the edge of the closest woods, which was still relatively far off. Hermione followed behind, apparently too far behind as Bellatrix reached back for her hand. As the soft hand firmly held hers Hermione felt most of the tension leave her body. The nervous energy and stress slowly leaked out in the form of silent tears. Bellatrix made no comment, continuing to walk, but holding Hermione's hand the entire walk through the forest.

They walked in silence until it was definitely time to go back to Kissara. They still needed to tell the girl what was going to happen in the coming week, and Hermione wanted to spend some time with her before leaving. It would be the longest they had been apart since meeting.

Hermione stepped trough the threshold of her home to see something she was not expecting. Narcissa wasn't there anymore, instead Draco was there. He was lying on the floor, lifting Kiki up into the air with his feet, pretending she was flying. He lowered her down when he noticed his cousin's mothers.

"Hi." He said sheepishly. Kissara ran and jumped into her mommy's arms kissed her, then her momma. Bellatrix couldn't help a smile at the greeting.

"Not that I mind," Hermione started as Draco got up, "But what are you doing here?"

"Mother was called to our law firm, something to do with father's affairs. She asked if I could take her place."

"Well, thank you." Hermione said. "You're free to go if you want, or you could stay for tea?"

Draco shook his head; "Thank you, but I promised Astoria I'd meet her this afternoon."

Hermione smiled at him; "Have fun."

She knew Astoria had just come back from a week vacation with her sister and didn't doubt that Draco had missed his wife. She had done wonders for him. He had gone from a sullen man to someone who could walk confidently again, thankfully his arrogance had never returned.

Him and Hermione still didn't get along too well, years of fighting were hard to erase, they they were getting there. He did love his cousin though, through this Hermione had learned, and perhaps Draco had learned too, that he was great with kids. In fact, no one would be surprised if the Malfoys were to have their first child soon.

Draco gave Kissara a hug before leaving and returned his aunt's goodbye smile before vanishing into green flames.

"Bellatrix?" The older witch turned to her. "Would you mind taking the chicken salad out of the fridge? And, maybe, serving everyone?"

Bellatrix nodded, and rolled her eyes at the complaining voices. They were easy to ignore, she was used to them complaining about the 'menial' tasks she had to do now that she had no house elf.

Hermione plopped Kissara down at her usual seat at the kitchen table.

"Things are going to be a little different next week." Hermione both spoke and signed to Kissara, letting Bellatrix catch a portion of the conversation. Kiki looked curious. "Mommy is going to be going to find grandma and grandpa, so Star will be taking care of you for the next few days."

The four-year old crunched her face in concentration, digesting all the new information. 'Grandma? Grandpa?'

"Yes, mommy's parents…" Shit, how do you explain to your child why she's never met her grandparents? She hadn't exactly thought this through very well. Oh well, the more direct route it is. "They've been missing since the war." She continued, it was not the first time she'd mentioned the war to her daughter, she was sure Kissara knew it was something bad, but didn't exactly understand what it was. "Bellatrix found them, and now mommy is going to get them back."

'Can I come with you?'

"No sweetie, mommy has to do this alone."

"Do they not like me?"

"Oh sweetheart, they don't even know you exist yet. They went missing before you were born. But I can say for certain that they are going to love you so much."

'Then why can't I come with you?'

"You don't want to spend an entire week with Bellatrix? I thought you would love the change? Do you want to stay with Aunty Tonks instead?"

Unbeknownst to Hermione and Kissara, Bellatrix's eyes teared up when she heard the last comment. Then she rebuked herself, of course Kissara didn't want to stay with her, she wasn't truly her mother. What was she to her? Not really mommy's friend, not really her friend, not really an aunty.

Bellatrix jumped when she felt small arms wrap around her leg. She looked down to see a mess of black curls.

Kissara looked at both her mothers. 'I want to travel.'

That was it! Hermione chided herself and would have chided Bellatrix as well if she could, for jumping to conclusions.

"You can't travel right now, you're in school. We'll take you somewhere this summer I promise."

We'll? Bellatrix thought. Did that include her? Or did she mean the older Grangers? She decided to take a chance and reveal something she had thought of earlier in the month.

"Well, I was thinking of bringing your mommy to the Convent of St Gall for her birthday. Maybe we could go somewhere for you this summer too?"

Hermione's eyes widened a bit. Going to the 1,200-year-old Baroque-style library? For her birthday? That would be wonderful. She shook herself, did Bellatrix just make that up? Or was she actually planning this? If it was planned, she couldn't believe, that out of all her friends, Bellatrix Black, former Death Eater, was the only one to remember her birthday. She hadn't celebrated her birthday since her parents had gone missing…

Hermione finally focused on Kissara's moving hands and caught the tail end of her sentence.

'…forest, please?'

"You want to go to the forest?" Bellatrix picked up the girl and looked at Hermione. "Canada it is then?"

Hermione laughed a bit and nodded. Kiki smiled wide. "So, are you good to stay with Bellatrix this week?" Kissara nodded again. "Good, now wash your hands."

Bellatrix put Kissara down and the girl went to move the step stool in front of the kitchen sink.

"You may not believe it," She addressed Bellatrix, "But she also takes after you."

Monday part 1

Hermione snuck down the stairs, it was 6am, both Kissara and Bellatrix, who had taken the guest bedroom, were still asleep. She was ready to go, mentally going through the items for the third time in her enchanted backpack to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything, though honestly there wasn't much to forget.

"Why are you up so early?"

Hermione spun around to face the still half-asleep witch. In her nervous state she allowed herself to look the older, still very beautiful, woman. She was wearing a silk slip, only really covering the important parts. Momentarily distracted from the situation Hermione trailed her eyes along the pale, scarred, skin, she barely registered the voice in the background.

"You could allow yourself a couple more hours of sleep, even with the time zones you should be able to get there with plenty of time for your plans. Umm…. Hello? Hermione?"

Bellatrix waved her hand in front of the distant woman.

Not really thinking Hermione started; "The schedule is on the fridge, she has speech therapy Tuesday…"

"Yes, yes, you told me all this yesterday. I haven't forgotten. Are you sure you don't want to go back to bed?"

In the darkness, Bellatrix couldn't see the tears in Hermione eyes, but she could see her trembling hands. No, no, no, no! Don't you dare you fucking softy! Bellatrix pushed the voices to the back corner of her mind as she pulled the nervous woman into her arms.

"Hey, hey, hey." She says softly, "It'll be okay."

Hermione tightened her grip on her friend, and yes, by now, she was most definitely was a friend, and let tears fall. When Hermione felt it was no longer appropriate to keep hugging, she pulled away.

"I'm sorry, I'm just…"

"Nervous? Scared?"

Hermione nodded. "I want to go early, so I have time to overthink things…"

Bellatrix tightly smiled, she could picture Hermione doing that. "Good luck."

Hermione double checked her travel visa, needed to get to another country, and held it in the open as she grabbed floo powder and threw it into the fireplace.

"Hermione?" Hermione paused before entering the fireplace. "Just remember, whatever happens, you still have a family here."

Hermione's heart tightened at the words spoken. Bellatrix had come far.